Module 4 Assignment 8: "Dropbox"

I certainly hope I've done this correctly.  If I share the link below to my files in Dropbox, I wonder can folks gain access to my original files or just download them?  It is pretty important that I am clear about this!  Regardless of my Dropbox anxieties, below is the link to my folder of Homework sheets from this year.

First grade homework sheets

There is truly no reason why I can't use these new applications (such as Dropbox) more often.  It ultimately saves time and effort, plus the files are always there!  I've mentioned before that Henry County teachers are receiving new laptops soon (perhaps tomorrow!) so I'm excited that I know SO MUCH about technology and can use my new computer to apply my new found knowledge!

Module 4 Assignment 7: "Pinterest"

Well, I have just spent WAY too much time browsing through Pinterest.  Where was Pinterest when I didn't have children and actually had free time???  Seriously, I am enjoying getting to know how Pinterest works and finding fellow teachers to follow.  I really plan to use Pinterest so much more this summer (when I do have free time) to just get rejuvenated about starting anew in the fall with new students, new coworkers, and new programs.

I really like following folks who have their boards set up similar to mine.  It makes repinning much easier and searching for ideas quicker.  I organized my boards by subjects such as math, science, fluency, sight words, etc. Hopefully, this method will make locating certain pins easier.  We'll see...

Click HERE to view Jodie Rakes' "Classroom" board.  Most of her pins are reading related simply because she is a reading specialist.  I hope to find some great ideas from Jodie!

Module 4 Assignment 6: "Google Drive vs. Dropbox"

Whew...what a tricky article to read!  I thought I understood the differences between Google Drive and Dropbox until I read the article.

Currently I use both Google Drive and Dropbox and like them both.  The first grade teachers at my school use Dropbox for those large files that can't be emailed and when we don't want to walk to each other's room with a jump drive.  We also recently used Dropbox since we were issued new laptops and needed to get our old files onto our new computers.  Personally, I like Dropbox because it reminds me quite simply of a "Documents" folder and is easy to navigate and make changes to.

Google Drive, on the other hand, is a little bit less user-friendly than Dropbox but I enjoy using it just the same.  At our school, we use a shared document on Google Drive to sign up for iPad carts.  After county-wide collaboration meetings, we also share teacher-made assessments using Google Drive.

While I am more comfortable with Dropbox, I think the more I utilize Google Drive, the more I will see the practical uses it offers.

Module 4 Assignment 5: "Twitter"

"Why Twitter is a Teacher's Best Tool" is a very informative article.  It addresses teachers using Twitter to stay informed about the latest trends and news in education along with just gathering ideas about topics of interest.  Using Twitter in this fashion reminds me of a more sophisticated "Pinterest."  I have to admit that I see myself as one of those teachers afraid of posting too much for others in cyberspace to view, especially since I'm a teacher in such a small town.  Using an anonymous username or simply not posting negative material would easily solve that problem.

"5 Ways Twitter has Changed Education" offers to readers the role Twitter has played in education since its "birth" in 2006.  I feel as though the first three are the most profound and have inspired me to hopefully begin tweeting about the events in my classroom next fall.

• Bringing the world into the Classroom:  I love to stop what we're doing when a student has a good question that requires a Google search.  Twitter would just provide more ways to discover information about different topics.
• Helps Communication between School and Home:  This point is my favorite since it is my goal to begin using Twitter next year as a means of communication between my parents, students, and myself.
• Gives Educators Real-Time Professional Development:  I definitely plan to search the hashtag #edchat to discover educators to follow.  

Even though I may not have a lot to "tweet" about, I believe I can still use Twitter to learn and develop my knowledge of educational topics.  

Module 4 Assignment 4: "Delicious"

Delicious has certainly been helpful as I collect information for the Web 2.0 project.  I added 5 new websites this evening to Delicious, and they all were about sight word instruction.  This will prove so helpful as I begin my project this weekend.  Having the "add to Delicious" button on my toolbar makes it even easier.

I think Delicious will continue to be one of many new ideas/websites I've learned about during this class that I will use even after the class is completed.  Henry County teachers are receiving new laptops in a few weeks, so I'm definitely going to be using Delicious to help save all of my favorites!

Module 4 Assignment 3: "iPad Apps"

As a relatively new iPad user, I am still learning about the different apps that are available.  I am pleased to see that in the App Store there is an education section to help me at least find a starting point.

Dragon Dictation is an app that I have already downloaded to my iPad, and I plan to use it beginning in the fall with struggling writers.  I haven't used Facetime or Screen Chomp yet, but I did download Screen Chomp.  My 13-year-old son has used Screen Chomp in class and was able to give me a quick tutorial.

I downloaded a new Sight Word app simply because my project for this Web 2.0 class will be based on sight words.  This app has sight words already loaded into flashcards and games, but any individual can create their own recorded flashcards for any sight word list.  I wanted to use this app more this year, but I wasn't successful.  All first grade teachers plan to use this app beginning next fall.  I love anything that I can customize to meet my needs!

Module 4 Assignment 2: "iPads and Education"

I found this article/blog interesting since so much has evolved with technology since it was written only 3 years ago!  The author states that his 5 ideas are just off the top of his head upon hearing about this new "iPad" from Apple.  However, his thoughts turned out to be good predictions.

iPads are definitely used in our school system as a replacement for textbooks.  The students enjoy having the ease of carrying one item for a library of books.  

I have used laptop carts to have my own mobile "computer lab" and what a headache that is!  Students can't get logged in, they don't know which browser to use, etc.  With a cart of iPads, I can get 20 students on various math applications within minutes and actually catch my breath before there are any problems!

I've never taken iPads on a field trip, but what a good idea!  I have seen teachers at conferences use their iPads to take pictures of workshop slides and other presentations, so I imagine it would be good for students to use as well.

I would like to begin using the iPad for more innovative ways such as collecting data from experiments and math activities.  A practical way to use technology and to save paper!

Personally, I think any art or music teacher not incorporating iPads into their lessons is not aware of the need for technology in every facet of education.  I would love to see students experimenting with various music and drawing apps.  I know my 3 year old daughter loves apps like these!

Lastly, my own "contribution" to this list would be simply using the iPad as a "What do I do now?" tool.  So often teachers say "read a book" when students finish an assignment before others.  While I would never underestimate the power of reading, I believe some students would benefit from free iPad time to learn more about the way an iPad works and to discover new apps.  I know I have been introduced more than once to new useful apps by my 6 and 7 year old students!

Module 4 Assignment 1: "Posting Files on Blogger"

I am becoming a fan of "My Drive" the more I use it!  I like being able to access files easily without having to be on my own computer.  Sharing files, on the other hand, is a little more confusing for me.  I wasn't sure which option to choose when I had to select who could view my document for this assignment.  Since it can only be viewed by someone and not edited, I went ahead and shared it with anyone on the Internet.  Good idea or not?  I'm not sure.  

When I went to view Mrs. Bazak's blog which had a link to a document on Drive, I was not granted access.  So, I didn't want others to have that same problem if they actually wanted to view what I've uploaded.  

I uploaded a SmartBoard file containing some of my first grade class's weekly sight words.  We change the words each week, and use the "ladder" for ABC order, creating sentences, and speed reading.

Click here for the SmartBoard File.

Module 3 Assignment 7: "Big Huge Labs"

I discovered very quickly this evening that using Web 2.0 applications with a DSL internet connection is not fun or practical!  I finally was successful in uploading 4 pictures to "Big Huge Labs." 

 

 

I am enjoying not only learning about new applications for the classroom, but also for my personal use!  As far as using this website educationally, I could easily put pictures of science or social studies concepts into a mosaic and use for vocabulary instruction.

 

 

I'll definitely add this website to "Delicious!" 

Module 3 Assignment 6: "Google Docs Form"

This was a very easy assignment, especially since we practiced it in class last weekend.  Making a form could definitely become a practical way of getting answers from parents about a variety of subjects without having to send home paper copies or email parents individually.  I really like the idea of using the form as a way of surveying students about their likes/dislikes/interests at the beginning of the year.

Take a look at my survey by clicking on the image below:

Module 3 Assignment 4: "Pinterest"

I can understand now why folks are addicted to "Pinterest."  I just spent 45 minutes browsing, pinning, etc. and didn't even realize that much time went by!  That's why I like following people who pin great things...then I don't have to work so hard!

I am now following a new person;  she has to be a teacher.  The board I spent all afternoon viewing was "Classroom Ideas."  While she appears to be a kindergarten or preschool teacher, I am discovering pins that would prove useful in my first grade classroom.

I have also been creating new boards to organize my "finds."  This hopefully will assist me when I need to locate a specific idea.  I can't stand disorganization!  Currently, relating to education, I have boards about "Daily Five Activities," "Sight words," "Fluency," "Classroom Management," and "Science."  I will most definitely be adding more!

My project for this class will be about sight words.  Finding ideas to "pin" on Pinterest is so helpful!

Click the image below to see my boards!

Module 3 Assignment 3: "Twitter"

Finally, a great example of using Twitter in the classroom!  I've been "tweeting" almost daily, and I wasn't quite sure how I could use this facet of Web 2.0 in my classroom.  After reading the article and viewing some tweets from "Room 302," I think I have some clear ideas for next year!

I love the fact that the writing the students are doing is USEFUL and MEANINGFUL.  They are indeed writing for a purpose.  I also am impressed with the ease of parents staying in touch with what's going on in their child's classroom.  As a parent, I would so appreciate a teacher allowing me to know some of the details of my child's day.  No child ever shares all that a mom or dad really wants to know.

I actually think I will add this article to "Delicious" and revisit it this summer as I prepare for the next school year.

Module 3: Assignments 1 and 2 "Photopeach"

I have fallen in love with Photopeach!  It was indeed extremely easy to make a slideshow and share.  I am currently waiting to see if my slideshow was successfully sent.  I received one email from Photopeach that was all in html code, so I'm anxious to see if I can view my slideshow in a future email.

My husband has often made slideshows of our pictures, but the last year he completed was 2007!  This would be a practical way to share special occasions, holidays, and other events that you may not want to post to Facebook or Twitter.

Educationally, I would like to use Photopeach to share pictures of field trips, classroom activities, etc.  Another new technology friend!

Little Doesn't Last! on PhotoPeach

Voice Thread

Liz Motley and I created the following voice thread today!  It is about measuring tools that first graders need to know.

Module 2 Assignment 7 "Pinterest"

Time!  That's all I need to really get into Pinterest!  I am enjoying "pinning" things, especially educational ideas.  Now that's the end of the year is here, I am so busy that any new ideas just get put aside.  With Pinterest, I envision myself pinning things of interest now, and making it "happen" this summer.

I also like being able to take a home project (my little girl's room, for instance) and save ideas to Pinterest.  This is much easier than bookmarking or retyping web addresses.

To see all the ideas I have thus far for my daughter's bedroom, click HERE.

As I find more TIME to explore and use Pinterest, I think I will continue to use it often.

Module 2 Assignment 6 "iPad"

Well, I am getting better at finding educational apps!  I love reading the reviews to see if it's worth my time to download a specific app or not.  I downloaded 3 different apps this evening:  Mad Libs, StoryKit, and Khan Academy.

I found all three to be useful in different ways.  We in Henry County are fortunate that many, many apps have already been downloaded onto our iPads so we don't have to wait for the downloads.  All we truly have to do is open different apps to see if they suit our needs.

As I continue to become more comfortable with the iPad, I plan to use more specific apps to supplement my instruction.

Module 2 Assignment 5: "Wordle/Tagxedo"

Using Tagxedo proved to be easier than Wordle.  I liked that Tagxedo repeated words to make the image fuller and more interesting.  It was also convenient that I could save a Tagxedo file as a JPEG and copy it where I would like.  Below is one image I made this evening.  Using the names of the family's grandchildren, I created what I think would make a neat gift for my dad, their grandfather.

Of course, I would like to discover ways to use Tagxedo with my students.  Ideas I have include using it with spelling words, science/social studies vocabulary, and math terms.  I think some students could handle typing in their own spelling words to create their own "Wordle."

This was definitely one of the most fun activities simply because I felt like I was "playing a game."  I can't wait to use this in the future!

Module 2 Assignment 4 "Twitter"

I'm still a little in the dark about "Twitter."  Because I'm a fairly private person, "tweeting" about mundane things in my life seems pretty useless.  I enjoyed, however, the videos about how to use "Twitter" in the classroom.  If I were a teacher of middle or high school students, I could definitely see the benefits of using Twitter as a message board.  Students that normally would not speak out in class felt more confident to "tweet" their thoughts and answers.  Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to use Twitter in such a way with first graders.

I do believe that Twitter could be a way for parents, other teachers, and community members to follow the happenings in my classroom.  Could Twitter be used as a mini-blog?  My only reservation continues to be the lack of parents with the technology to follow me and the classroom on Twitter.  I also would want to be sure I had permission to post pictures of the children.  (no names, of course!)  Something to think about as I prepare for next year!

Module 2 Assignment 3 "Blogging Just for Fun"

Taking this "Web 2.0" class has required me to catch up with the latest technology and trends.  Blogging is something I haven't done much except for a few book studies required by our principal.  I am actually enjoying it!  It reminds me of journaling, but I love the "blog" template.

Our instructor told us to blog just for fun; well, below are the reasons I do everything I do!  While I've enjoyed the homework I'm doing, I still miss any time away from my family!  I'm always a wife and mom first!

Module 2 Assignment 2 "Delicious"

Adding websites to Delicious continues to become "second nature" as I do it more often.  I like the convenience of having the "Add to Delicious" choice in my toolbar.  This process is much easier than copying and pasting.  I believe my next step in using Delicious will be to learn how to group my websites together according to their tags.  Folders work well for me, and I like to have things organized and easy to find.  If this task isn't part of a future assignment, I will definitely explore how to do it on my own!

Module 2 Assignment 1 "Adding a Page to My Blog"

This was definitely one of the easiest assignments.  It was very similar to adding a page to my webpage.  I like  the fact that I could add pages at the top about specific topics rather than continually "stack up" entries.  This would be very useful with a classroom blog to make pages about classroom activities, field trips, helpful links, etc.  I hope I can start a classroom blog in the fall!  Blogging seemed more interesting than creating a web page!

Module 1 Assignment 9 "Pinterest"

Pinterest has been mentioned in a lot of conversations during my grade level's planning meetings.  Most of the  "cool" ideas that my colleagues bring to the table are from "Pinterest."  Now I am a part of that!  At first I was a little confused about the difference between Delicious and Pinterest, but I think I now know how I can use both.  

I would use Delicious for specific websites that I don't want to lose...my favorites, or just websites that I need in the future.  I would use Pinterest for specific "parts" of websites I would like to use.  For instance, I have 2 boards on Pinterest, one for "Daily Five" and one for "Ideas for Little Girl Rooms."  I think one benefit of Pinterest is the way I can group my interests into "boards," much easier than having to navigate through a website.  I also like the image coming with your "pin."  That helps as well when looking for a specific idea.

  

Pinterest is also useful in that I can access it on any device, something I can't do if I just save things to "My Favorites."  Plus, "My Favorites" doesn't get full of temporary websites.

I plan to continue to become acquainted with Pinterest even after this class!

Module 1 Assignment 7 "Using the iPad in the Classroom"

First of all, I truly wish iPad technology was available when I was in high school and college!  The three videos were very informative for a beginner iPad user such as myself.

As a first grade teacher, I am always wanting to be able to apply what is available in educational technology to 6 and 7 year olds.  Some of the apps he describes are wonderful for older students and adults, but it's up to me to find ways to use them with my younger students.  Below are some ideas I thought I could adapt for little ones:

• Dragon Dictation:  This app would be great for helping little words understand concept of word.  They could say a sentence and see it in print.  I would not have them say the punctuation but see if they could figure out where periods would go.  It would be a great tool for my struggling writers.  
• Read aloud books:  Next year, our K-2 classes are beginning the "Daily Five" which is center-based literacy instruction.  One of the centers is "listening" to books.  Some of us still have the old cassette tapes with books, but I would hope to be able to use the iPads for read-alouds.  This would be much easier to use than a cassette player!
• Drawing apps:  I think using a drawing app during a read-aloud story would help keep students on-task and attentive.  For instance, I could stop at a point in a story and have the students draw to predict what would happen next.  Also, I could have the students draw what was their favorite part of the story.
• Music apps:  I'm not a music teacher, but I would love to talk with our music teacher about using the iPads during our music class.  There appears to be some great music apps that would foster more appreciation for the arts!

Dragon Dication screen
Used primarily for business, I believe it could be useful for struggling writers.

Module 1 Assignment 6 "iPad App Evaluation"

In Henry County Schools, teachers are fortunate enough to have access to state of the art technology.  Each grade level at my elementary school has an iPad cart to share.  The students absolutely adore using the iPads.  The app (Math Kid) that I reviewed is actually an app that one of my students discovered.  We've used it in the classroom, but completing the evaluation encouraged me to take a closer look at the settings and options the app has.  Of course, many of the features are not available in the free version, however, the "lite" version did come with useful options for my students and even my 3 year old daughter.

I am continually amazed at what technology has to offer teachers and students.  I only wish I had more time to discover new things!

Module 1 Assignment 5 "Twitter"

Well, I sure am behind the times!  I just joined Twitter last weekend, and while I've "tweeted" daily, I still don't understand it all.  I did enjoy searching for people (both famous and not famous) to follow and have chuckled whenever I received notification someone new was following me.  (Not that it's been that many!)

I look forward to learning more about Twitter and how to use it correctly.  A coworker who is also taking the class "Web 2.0" gave me a laugh when she told me she began to follow "Elizabeth Joyce" on Twitter and how she sure was surprised at all of my profound "tweets."  Little did she know that she had the wrong person.  The picture even looked like me!  We straightened out her error and now she gets to see all of MY profound "tweets."  She might want to go back following the other Elizabeth Joyce!

Module 1 Assignment 4 "Google Docs"

Google Docs, in my opinion, is a great way to share files with others.  It seems easier to use than Dropbox, and I like that changes are saved automatically.  After watching the video on Youtube, I learned how simple it is to download a Google document to Word and to download a Word document to Google Docs.  In our division, administrators often use Google Docs to share documents such as benchmark tests, school improvement plans, and even an iPad checkout form.  

I was not able to open the video about how teachers and students can use Google Docs. (The link did not work.)  However, I feel it would be a good way to for teachers to help upper grade students revise and edit writing assignments.  Google Docs could also be used to share information with parents, and I like the idea of creating a "form," which is like a survey.  The only caveat would be that some parents do not have a Gmail account.  

I do think that the home (Drive) page is a little confusing, and I sometimes have trouble finding my documents.  I think I just need to spend some time organizing and creating folders.  Overall, using Google Docs is easy and practical.  It just makes sense to use it to share documents.  

Module 1 Assignment 3 "Dropbox"

"Dropbox" is my new friend!  Actually, I've been using Dropbox for about a year, and I love its usefulness.  There are three first grade teachers in my school, and we love to share files and collaborate on lesson planning.  Many of the files are "Notebook" files for the SmartBoard and are too large of a file to email.  Thus the necessity of Dropbox!  I also find useful the "check mark" on the icon to inform me everything is up-to-date.  

In addition, all Henry County elementary teachers are awaiting their new laptops.  Having Dropbox will allow me to transfer files easily to my new computer this summer.  I normally save most of my own files on a flash drive, but Dropbox allows me to quickly save important files until I have time to that.

Now that I'm comfortable with Dropbox, I plan to invite folks in my family to begin using it.  Not only would inviting others allow me to share pictures of my two children, but it would also provide me with extra storage on my Dropbox account. 

Module 1 Assignment 2 "Classroom Blogs"

Classroom Blogs

As a teacher in Henry County Public Schools, I am required to maintain a webpage that lists general information about my classroom.  The only thing I change is the weekly homework section.  After reading the article "Ten Ways to Use Your Edublog," I am convinced a classroom blog would be more beneficial than a website.  Out of the ten ideas the article provided, I chose 3 that I believe I would utilize if I had such a blog.  

1.  Replacing my weekly newsletter.  Updating a blog would be faster and much more practical than a newsletter that has to be copied.  (Plus it would save paper!)  I like that a blog is interactive, so that parents and students could respond, comment, and add to what I post.
2. Sharing news, links, downloads, and more.  So many of my parents ask for the websites that we use in the classroom.  If they are all listed on a classroom blog, these websites may be used more frequently!  Also, I would like to be able to share power points, Word files and other data that I use in the classroom.  A classroom blog would make that much easier than sending an email!
3. Getting my students to "blog."  I admit getting first graders to "publish" their writing using technology is quite the challenge.  However, if students knew their writings were going to be read on the classroom blog, I think they would have more motivation to do well.

One classroom blog that I visited that I found to be representative of a "good blog," was Mrs. Levy's blog from California.  This blog is maintained by a first grade teacher and illustrates some of the best reasons to have a classroom blog.  Parents could easily go to the blog and discover what their children did THAT day.  No more asking your child "what did you learn today?" only to be answered with "nothing."  On the side bar were links that parents and students could use--another advantage to classroom blogs. 

The only concern I have is posting all of those student pictures on the blog.  I realize the importance of having parental permission, but I still am leery of anyone being able to view the blog.  Otherwise, I'm all for "blogging" and find myself enjoying the experience!

Module 1 Assignment 1 "Adding Websites to Delicious"

I just added 5 new websites to Delicious.  These are websites that I already use, but after adding them, I enjoyed seeing how many other people have also saved them.  Delicious seems like a fairly easy way to manage your favorites.  With new laptops coming soon for elementary teachers in Henry County (I hope!), using Delicious would be a very simple way to save your favorites and have them ready to transfer to a new computer.  Since I am having to switch back and forth between browsers, I truly am enjoying the practicality of Delicious!

Below are my newest links I just added; simply click on the image of the website:

      

                                        

  

        

 

A Really Good Site for Disney Lovers!

I found this really good website about Disney Resorts.

I saved it to Delicious, but you can also get to it by clicking HERE.

Delicious

I used "Delicious," which is a social bookmarking website in my Web 2.0 class.  I think I will use it to save websites that may not need to be in my permanent "favorites."  I plan to share it with my family to help with finding websites!

Tagxedo

I was really impressed with how easy it was to use Tagxedo.  I think even my first grade students would enjoy using this with their spelling words.  Also, I would use it with science and social studies vocabulary.  I like the fact that we could save the image as a JPEG file.

Here is my first Taxedo picture:

My First Post

I am taking the Web 2.0 class from UVa.  This is my first post on my blog.