Final Reflection

  

  As a final reflection for this course, I created a Voki.  I did not have a chance to create a Voki this semester but was very interested in giving it a try after viewing some of my classmates. 

Voki

     Entering this class, I had a background with many of the tools this course offered.  Even though I had a background, I did not have much time to spend with the tools in the classroom due to the state requirements that need to be met.  This course allowed me to take a set back and seek creative ways that technology can be incorporated while sticking to the requirements.  I feel I needed a "refresher" on many of the tools, like StoryBird, in order to ensure proper use with my students.  I have also found myself eager to incorporate more activities within my teaching.  My students absolutely loved completing the VoiceThread project and are eager for another.  I have even widen my professional learning community in this course, where I have been able to add many professionals to my Twitter account!

Literacy Project

Literacy Project

 

I created a VoiceThread with my first grade students.  For this VoiceThread students had to research information an animals of choice to support a science unit recently completed.  While researching they were asked to explore Internet sites and at least one informational text.  As series of questions were offered to formulate and organize the information they discovered.  From the information, the students needed to present what they learned being sure to highlight key words and concepts from their literature and science studies. Then students commented on each others projects!  Follow the link and let me know what you think!

Another Digital Story

Below is a link to another digital story I did with Kindergarten students.  We completed an author's study on Eric Carle and then the students choose their favorite book of his to share.  Students worked in pairs for this project.  My main goal was to work on reading comprehension and fluency.  Let me know what you think!
Eric Carle

Pre-K Digital Storytelling Book Example

I really enjoyed this resource.  The students were some cute!  It is great to see, as a first grade teacher, that Preschool teachers are working on sight words.  You can tell that a lot of time was put into this as the students are singing fluently and know how to spell Kindergarten words along with some popular songs.  It was very creative of this teacher to use something most Preschool know, the songs, to teach students the words!  Wonderful resource that I will share with the Preschool Coordinator in my building.  

Google Reader

I love using Google Reader! I have been using Google Reader for two years now and have about 40 subscriptions that I follow.  I view my reader on a daily basis like a newspaper.  I log-on everyone morning to see what is happening, what others are posting.  This is an easy access to other's blogs and posting.  I follow many other blogs.  Below is a list of some blogs I follow.  My recommendations are in bold.  


BLOGCEA
Educdemic
Edutopia RSS
entertainment zone
Free Technology for Teachers
iLearn Technology
Larry Felazzo's Websites of the day
LD OnLine Daily News
RSD6 Elementary Technology Showcase
Saint Joseph College Campus News and Current Events
sites4primary.com
Stump The Teacher
Teacher Reboot Camp
Teaching 2 and 3 year olds
Dairy of a First Grade Teacher
Kindergarten Hoppenings
Ladybug's Teacher Files
RSD6 Math Blog
Tales From a K-1 Classroom
The First Grade Parade

Weebly

I was not aware of Weebly before this course and I am disappointed that I missed the class discussion on this tool.      Since I missed the class, I created a log-in on the website and began exploring examples of websites and the benefits.  Our school offers us websites for us to much like this site offers, however, I found the Weebly site easier to use as it is user friendly and easy to assess for students.  This would be another great place to post information to parents and offer students a place to access work they missed or games and activities they enjoy using in the classroom.  I am hoping to create my own Weebly in the near future to replace my current website.  

Skyping with Mike G. and Students

When skyping with Mike and his students it was interesting to see how important collaboration is.   I have not done much skyping prior to this course so being about to talk with five different people through this site was amazing to me but very educational.  I was great to hear from high school students, getting ready for college, on how they use technology in their lives including the restrictions, boundaries, and problems they are facing in this 21st century world.  This made me wish that I had the same opportunities when I was in high school because I think if I did, I would have a deeper grasp on them now and have more experience under my belt to share with my own students.

Literacy Project

My literacy project is underway and almost complete.  I have one student left to record and then I will have it up to share.  I brought together a Science unit and Literacy unit through this project.  Students were working on animal research projects, where they chose an animal, conducted research by exploring the internet and reading books, and then shared their learning though a VoiceThread.  I focused on reading skills, fluency when recording and comprehension when reading research and in science focused on animal habitats and adaptions, just to name a few.  I have used VoiceThread before and struggled a little with getting my students to speak clearly but I am hoping this time, since they have grown as reader and in their vocabulary, they will be able to present their information successfully.

Digital Story Project

 This digital story fits into my district first grade reading curriculum where we study nonfiction stories for content and exploration of their difference from fiction stories.  This story also fits well in our non-fiction writing unit where students explore, read, and then write their own non-fiction books on a topic of their choice.  

      I have shown my students this story when beginning and have asked my students input along the way to completion.  I will use this project numerous time to enhance student learning of nonfiction books.  This enhances the curriculum because rather than always having students read nonfiction books from the classroom or school library I now have a digital story to share.  I am also hoping that students will use and view this not only in whole group setting to enhance my reading and writing lessons but also during center time when in the i-pad center exploring and reading digital books.   I will also use this to spark students interest to creating their own digital story rather than 'paper' copy of their story for their nonfiction writing piece.  I would like to use this as a guide to exploring other digital story tools, not only in writing but all content areas, to spark student interest on trying some on their own.  My hope is that students will take the initiative to completing one on their own, of course with my guidance!  

Dalmatians

Diigo

I have been using my Diigo account a lot.  I am exploring resources at home for my classroom and putting the links up on Diigo and then going back and accessing them easily at school!  I have found this very useful reversed as well, I find resources at school that I want to revisit later and then access it at home later to spend more time exploring.
Here is a link to my Diigo account. Enjoy!

Diigo- R.Field

VoiceThread

While exploring VoiceThread for an upcoming Science project with my first graders, I came across many ideas on how to use VoiceThread to display the final product of our Animal projects.  Below are a few samples that I have starting showing my students as examples to how this project can be used.  My students are eager to begin.  They are in the process of writing their scripts and some have begun creating their pictures to do with their work.  Let me know what you think of these examples and which one you think would work best with first graders.  There are many great ideas that I am having a hard time deciding which format to use.

 Animal ABC's

Animal Research Projects

Animals

Animal Facts

Google Reader

I have been using Google Reader for over a year now and find it very helpful in reading rather than browsing through multiple websites.  I check my reader every morning like I would read the newspaper.  This is a great way for me to know what is happening in the Education world and hear what is happening in other classrooms.  Currently I am subscribed to over 40 blogs.  Most of the blogs that I am subscribed to are other teachers who teach at the primary level, technology specialists, like Stump the Teacher, and professional organizations.   I completely agree with Krysta's blog post where she stressed how useful the tools was and how it is the central point to checking everyone's blog posts as they are posted rather than looking through their whole blog.  Krysta, I am glad you are enjoying using Google Reader!  Once you start you will be hooked!
Krysta's Blog

Wiki Project and Digital Storytelling

    I am really enjoying this Wiki Project.  It is a wonderful way to collaborate with each other.  I have learned many new things from all of the tabs that could be used in my classroom regularly.  I really enjoy the tab where we can post our digital story projects and classmates can view and offer comments or suggestions.  The comments that I have received so far have been very helpful as I have taken them into consideration while making adjustments to my project.  I also like the tab that was created where we offer our topic five websites off of our Diigo.  That was a great idea.  I have found many more sites that I enjoy and have added to my own Diigo account to use.

    Using the Wiki project I have used recommendations on my Digital Story to make improvements to my project.  I have added more sentences to my story and took Lisa's suggestion of adding more about how to care for a pet dog to my piece.  Originally, I found myself being focused and having a one-track mind on how I want my project to look now I think I have opened up and am beginning to explore more options to make my story better.  I used a wonderful resource- Amalia on Purpose-Storytelling to help organize my ideas and further plan my project.  This also gave me a clearer understanding of what digital storytelling entails and how to move forward.  I feel like this has given me more ideas and guidance.  

Diigo

Her is a link to my Diigo site.  I just figured out last week how to add the bookmarks without adding the Diigo tab to my tool bar so it is a working progress.  I have been trying to add at least on bookmark a day.  I have some many bookmarks on my personal computer and then on my work computer so I am working to put them all into Diigo so that I can access them from both places!  What sites do you find most useful?

Diigo-RField

Digital Storytelling Resources

As I was planning my digital storytelling project format I came across a great resource on the Free Technology for Teachers blog.  Check it out!  There are some great resources to use and people to research for further help for this project!


 Free Technology for Teachers blog about Digital Storytelling

Week 6- Student Digital Stories

I watched Shapes Project student digital story.  This was a really cute video that I think woul dcathc the attention of the young children.  I like how it used real pictures and she changed her voice to match characters.  I think this really made it more interesting and catered to the young children.  The other stories were great as well but this was once that stuck in my head.  In the classroom, this could be used in a Preschool or Kindergarten to teach students their shapes but it can also be used across the board with students in math intervention that still need shape reinforcement. 

Week 6- Skype with Alan November

I really enjoyed the Skype time last week with Mr. November.  It really put into perspective the ideas and examples that are explained in his book.  I found it very useful the way he presented information as it showed his desire to help technology continue to grow and conquer some of the challenges that are getting in the way, administrators.  I particularly liked when we said we as the new generation to technology with the fresh ideas need to present and teach those who are resistant to the change.  At first I thought that would be impossible but after thought I think if approached appropriately our ideas can be expressed.  It may not work but I think we all have the new tools that we need to share to express the benefits to learning that they each have.  I think of it as "I am going to teach my administrator, ya right" but really they need to understand the tools and the true benefits to the students since this is 21st century learning.  It is overcoming the fear and going working to help this move further and expand!

I also liked the piece on parent communication.  I think it is very important to get parents involved and the resources and tools he offered to make this happen were great!  Megan also talked about this on her blog.  Find the link below where Megan talks about these concepts as well. 
Megan's blog

Here is also a great link I found about education and parent involvement.

   "In this complex world, it takes more than a good school to educate children. And it takes more than a good home. It takes these two major educational institutions working together."
                                        - Dorothy Rich, Author of Megaskills.

Week 6- GoAnimate

This week I also explored GoAnimate.  This tool was different from Animoto.  I found it more difficult to navigate and create as it required dialog for each character to tell a story.  Here is a link to the video I explored with.  I worked on this with my younger cousin who is 13.  She found it fun and thought it would be important to create a video on the subject of making friends and what good friends do.  I think there is a strong message in this story that can be taught to any grade level.  Enjoy!

New Friends

Week 6- Animoto Video

For my Animoto project I decided to take a poem titled Easy Seasons created by Alan Benjamin and add music and pictures to aid in my instruction of not only the season (science curriculum) but also our up coming writing unit on poems.  I would use this poem to teach poetry as well as the seasons.  I think this tool adds a great touch to the poem and makes it more meaningful and fun for the students.   This tool will enhance literacy as students learn the components of a poem by reading.  Phonics can also be taught through this poem.   I hope you enjoy!

Easy Seasons

Week 5- Wiki

While exploring Wiki's this week I came across a great wiki created by a first/second grade teacher, Kathy Collins.  Collins is a teacher in Canada who does truly amazing things with technology in her classroom.  I follow her website and feed which offers great examples and tools for classroom use.  The wiki that I discovered was titled 1000 Names.  On this wiki she was teaching her students about the number 1000 and what it would look like so she asked views to type their name in the cells provided.  Her goal was to get 1000 names for her students as it connected to her math curriculum.  I think this was a great way for collaboration and the digital community piece.   This blog has 1778 names!  Follow the link to see for yourself!

1000 Names- Kathy Collins

Week 5 Browsing Digital Storytelling Tools

This week when I was browsing the many sites with the digital storytelling tools, I can across some great projects that sparked ideas for my own creations.  Our technology specialist created a digital story using StoryBird about rabbits and shared with my class a few weeks ago during our technology session.  The kids really loved the tool and were eager to create their own stories.  On the StoryBird website, I thought it was great that you could browse through and even search for a topic of interest.  Browsing different examples sparked many ideas that I would like to try.  There were many books about rabbits but they were all unique, creative, and much different which made me realize that the possibilities are endless with these digital storytelling tools.  I look forward to using this tool with my first graders!

Week 5-Digital Storytelling

This year I have been trying to use digital storytelling more with my first graders.  I completed one at the beginning of the year whole group about our class after each student created their own to share a story about themselves.  This was a great way for students to get to know each other and gain a sense of community in our classroom.  Currently we are working on a writing unit, Author's as Mentors, where students are studying three authors to learn their craft of writing and then are trying to write pieces following the style.  Students have been very eager to write each story and I have been thinking of ways that they can publish their pieces digitally.  After exploring the many possibilities of digital storytelling I have been trying to think of ways that I can publish their final pieces using a digital storytelling tool.  I have used StoryBird before and was thinking maybe LittleBirdTales but I am not really sure.  Any suggestions or ideas?

StoryBird

Week 4- Articles

The two article attachments from class 3 triggered me to begin thinking about the use of technology at other grade levels.  For instance, I began to think of how blogging and literacy integration could be utilized at the middle school or high school level since I always find myself thinking about first grade only because that is what I teach.  Does anyone think the same way.. do you only think about the grade you teach rather than the whole range of grade levels?  I started to think about the technology possibilities that I would have available if I taught high school.  I began by thinking back to my own high school years and the technology that was offered.  This was difficult as all I remember for use of technology was the internet on big desktop computers.  Now a days the opportunities are endless.  Many times when I look for SMARTboard program files and other ideas through the internet it is much easier to find resources at the upper levels rather then primary.  Does anyone find the same problems? Just interesting to think.  I know there are many resources out there for the primary grades but I think more work needs to be put into place for more opportunities to utilize.

Week 4- Empowering Students with Technology

Five and six year olds using Ipads and net-books in the classroom!  In the chapters read this week in November's book there are many wonderful technology opportunities offered for students at any age in the classroom.  I think these chapters brought together many of the discussions and articles that we have been focusing on over the past couple of weeks.  This was not only an informational text where definitions and road-maps on to how to use the internet but it was a great resource with examples of how technology can be used effectively.  I was able to make many connections between my own classroom and the information presented.  I evaluated my classroom blog and began to think about how I can connect my blog to increasing the home-school connection for my students.  I thought of ways to improve my blog, not only by using these chapters but also by using points in Bonk's article from week 3.  On page 37 in November's book he talks about the importance of classroom websites as a way to get parents more involved in what is happening inside the classroom. I want to take this a step further and use my blog, since I already have a classroom website through my schools website, to see it I can increase parent involvement.  I have set this as my goal for the next few months to see if an increase is noticed as I am currently having a hard time getting parents involved what is happening in the classroom.  I also like the information presented in this book in regards to Skyping.  As I posted in an earlier post, I have used Skype in my classroom before.  We have Skyped with another first grade class in the district and also Skyped with a farm last year when we studied animal babies as part of our Science unit.  I have a colleague who used Skype to talk with her class when she was on maternity leave.  They student, parent, and teacher feedback was great!  I agree with November that there are endless possibilities when using Skype in the classroom.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home

         

Week 3-Readings

      This weeks articles, Teaching With Authors' Blogs and How Technology Is Changing School, were very interesting.  Both articles focused on blogging.  They explained the importance of blogging focusing on students who are not in school, or as a means to post discussions and reflections of course work in a forum manner.  At the high school level, students who are unable to attend school can use the blog to keep up with work to finish their high school degree.  Non-traditional forms of education can be expressed through blogging.  The importance of 21st century learning is expressed as a way to offer more options to learning and grow intellectually while utilizing technology.  E-Books are explored and viewed as the new age of textbooks.  I began to think about how I would feel about all my textbooks being only online.  I like to highlight a lot in my books so I think it would be difficult.  I have had courses before where my books have been online or I have accessed my book through my Kindle rather than buying it is was very hard for me to get used to it.  I think for college students this may be very beneficial, however for elementary and secondary students it may not always be appropriate.  I have used stories online with my first graders however, I think it is also important for students to hold and manage a book in their hands so I do not think E-Books should only be used.  I am a strong supporter of using both, having a balance.  In my classroom, I use blogging to communicate with parents and show off what students are working on.  This article made me consider posting more work assignments that students can access if they miss school, like spelling lists, so that they have access to work at home if they are on vacation or sick.  In the article, Teaching With Authors' Blogs, authors explain how they use use blogs to teach connections, collaboration, and creativity.  This article was more like an informational article on what blogs can be used for. I enjoyed how this article showed how blogging can connect to literacy, particularly with young children with children's books, and how blogs can be created to be very creative by using videos and podcasts.  These articles gave me any ideas on what I can incorporate into my blog to make it more interesting.

Week 3- Digital Storytelling

   Digital storytelling is a wonderful resource that I am looking forward to using in this class.  I used digital storytelling last year with my Kindergartener's as part of our author's study on Eric Carle.  Students each had a part to read of the story The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  We used VoiceThread to tell our story.  Students created pictures through TuxPaint and I imported them into the VoiceThread.  Then students recorded themselves reading their sections of the story.  We finalized our story by putting their pictures together with their reading.  Once completed we viewed and commented on each others reading and shared online with parents.  This project was great for beginning readers.  Students were able to practice sight words, reading behaviors, strategies, and fluency through this project.  This is a great way and fun way to get students interested in reading and motivated at a young age.  My students loved this project so much that when I see them this year they always bring it up and ask if I still have it!
    I found many advantages of using VoiceThread.  I really liked how parents could view the story just by clicking on a link I posted in my blog and then could write a comment that the students could read.  Students were eager to listen to the comments left and it offered students away to digitally share and discuss their work.  Using VoiceThread was easy to create and manage.  I was a little uneasy about letting the students use this site because they were only Kindergarteners but it was very safe and easy for me to monitor their use as there was only one area where the story was that students needed to view.  I would defiantly recommend this website to other teachers at the primary level.  It is not only great from digital storytelling but the use of this site is endless.

                                                                    http://voicethread.com/

Class 3- Free Web Resources for Your Classroom

      I really enjoyed the website, Free Web Resources for Your Classroom.  It suggested many resources that I would like to try in my classroom.  There were resources that I have seen and used before and then there were many that I have did not know that I am eager to try.  I particularly enjoyed the virtual field trips, EarthCam, and Google Earth.  These websites could be used as part of many subjects in our curriculum.  The field trips related directly to our science curriculum.  We will be studying next month the life cycle of butterflies.  On this website I found a virtual field trip that takes students to a butterfly conservatory where students can observe real live butterflies through cameras and exhibits.  There were many resources and activities offered to enhance learning.  The resources and activities also had a literacy base tied to the science curriculum, it covered multiple areas.  Reading was required for some descriptions and captions with also added a literacy component.  Schema and background knowledge would be utilized to help understand come concepts and ideas presented during this field trip.  I think this is a great way for students to get a hands-on approach to learning, literacy and science skills, as well as increase motivation and interest while staying right in the warmth of the classroom.  I would also like to use the EarthCam and Google Earth with my students.  I have used Google Earth with my students once during Social Studies when we learned about maps, directions, and locations, however, I would like to spend some more time using it as a resource in the future.  I found some similarities between EarthCam and Google Earth but personally found Google Earth to be easier to use.  Currently we are studying author's Lobel, Elhert, and Lewis as part of our reader's and writer's workshop.  I would like to use these two websites to allow students to see where the books were written and published as well learn more about the author's particularly where they lived.  I would also like to use the EarthCam in Science when teaching the weather unit as it shows the weather, temperature, and pictures of locations around the whole world.  I think this would add a more universal touch for students and make the world connection which is many times forgotten.
  Overall, I think this website offered many resources that I look forward to using in my classroom.

Go! Animate Video

Check out my digital story.  I created it on Go! Animate.  It was the first time I used this program to create a digital story.  I found the site to be user friendly and will defiantly come back and use it with my first grade students.   Let me know what you think!  ENJOY :)

http://goanimate.com/videos/0AHEDck9TdvQ?utm_source=linkshare

Week Two- Watching Video Segments

                The two video segments were very informational.  The growth and change in technology over the past couple of years is truly amazing.  I remember back when I was in elementary school and the tremendous growth in technology from then until now is remarkable.  I did not have SMART-boards in my classrooms growing up or watch videos to connect to the world around me to enhance my learning.  The advantages that my students have with all the technology opportunities really add a whole new component to the education they are receiving.  I wish I had all of the resources and technology exploration when I was growing up. 

                I found the strategies and key points in the video very clear and easy to apply to how I am using technology in my classroom and answered some questions that I have been wondering as well as reassured what I have been thinking on ways to integrate technology into all content areas throughout the day.  I agree that it is our role as teachers to incorporate technology all though out the school day which is what I currently practice with my students today. 

Week Two- Exploring Activities

                When exploring the activities and tools I was able to find many that I have used in my classroom as well as some that I have not used.  As previously posted I have used Animoto, StoryBird, and VoiceThread with my first graders.  Even though I have used these tools I took the time to view others created by teachers that were posted as resources.  I enjoy viewing others work because it sparks new ideas that I would like to complete with my own group!  I began to think how I could incorporate the new ideas into my daily curriculum. 

                While exploring I particularly enjoyed viewing the resources on Lesson Plan Resource Sites for K-12 Teachers.  This site offered a lot of great websites and projects to try that I have not thought to try.  I was very intrigued by the virtual field trips and begin to think that it was a great way to take students on a field trip when there is a tight field trip budget in place.  There was a long list of possibilities provided which was great to see.  The opportunities were endless. I was so excited that I shared the information with the other first grade teacher in my building and we started to talk about our field trip possibilities for the Spring.  I also found the digital storytelling links to be very helpful in exploring new ways to use digital storytelling.  I liked how each component of digital storytelling is broken down and different application and programs that you can find each to use are provided.  The online storybooks and storyboard templates were very useful and I will use when I create my digital storytelling project and when I complete the next one with my students.  The Kindergarten Animoto video was also very cute and I was able to notice connections to the activities that I completed with my students when I taught Kindergarten.   

http://littlebirdtales.com/

Has anyone used LittleBirdTales online?  If so, into which content area/s?  I have explored with this storytelling tool but have not had a chance to use it with my students. 

Week Two- Readings

         In this week’s reading, Expanding the New Literacies Conversations, the author made the impact of technology on our education clear.  I enjoyed how it was expressed that the internet is a context in which reading, writing, and communication can occur (265).  This is something that I believe strongly in but know of many reading teachers and specialists that have different beliefs.  Currently in my building I feel as if there is a divide between us.  We have teachers that believe all content areas should incorporated into technology and then there are a group that are stick in traditional teaching that believe they should be separate.  I agree that it needs to be a collaborative approach so that those who believe they should remain separate can learn more about 21^st century classrooms and how beneficial it truly is for the students.  I really like the point the authors made in regards to students have regular access at home to the internet and them many of the times having to come to school and be restricted from using it.  I find in my own classroom that most of my students are able to make create connections when integrating technology and have a lot of background knowledge of the programs I use.  Students also seem to be more motivated with I am using technology from when they are required to just sit and read a book from their book bin or writing in their journals.  I believe there needs to be a balance between using technology and using traditional forms, however, I think most of our time needs to be spent learning new ways to incorporate technology in all content areas so there are numerous opportunities to meet each students individual needs and interests. 

Skype
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/

                In the other readings for this week: The C’s of Change, Digital Storytelling Finds its Place in the Classroom, and the 2011 Horizon Reports, I think the authors answered many questions about integrating technology appropriately and successful as well as explored different ways and programs that could be used.  I really liked watching the Martin Luther King iMovie.  I have been exploring with iMovie and it was great to see an example that connects to something that I just taught.  I think this is a wonderful history lesson that could be modified and used with any grade level.  The reading I enjoyed the most this week was The C’s of Change.  The author did a wonderful job of answering many questions that I know many teachers in my building are curious about.  I liked the points about challenges because it made me think about my own system and what we can offer to staff in order to eliminate some of the hesitation around 21^st century classrooms.  I strongly agree with the C’s: building creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, self-control, and comprehension skills and believe they are very important points to why technology is so important.  I shared this with colleagues in my building and the technology specialist, their response to the article was very positive and it brought up the idea of beginning virtual pen-pals with students in different places of the world!  Since then we have been using Skpye to explore our options. 

                Do you think if professional development is offered to the teachers that are resistant to the change, they may be more acceptable if they know more about the technology tools and how to incorporate them into every day learning?

VoiceThread

Here is the link to a VoiceThread I created last year with my Kindergarten students.  I apologize ahead of time for the volume control..it was our first time!

voicethread.com/share/1515822/

National Educational Educational Standards for Teachers & Students

                I am familiar with the standards for teachers and students.  Currently in my school with have a technology specialist that works closely with teachers and students on a weekly bases.  She comes into the classroom and teaches ‘tech minutes’ to the students which focused on a domain in the standards.  After she comes in the teachers work closely with her to incorporate and continue to teach the students standards while also working to meet the teaching standards. 

                My overall reaction to the standards, both teacher and student, are that they are very beneficial in the twenty-first century classroom.  Most students are using technology regularly at home and have wonderful things to share and contribute to what is being taught or used in the classroom.  Both standards are very clear and detailed so they are easy to incorporate and understand.  The student standards promote students to gain responsibility and students begin to look at their community to collaborate with others to enhance understanding on educational topics and technology.  The teacher standards are clear and help to facilitate collaboration with others, even with professional development (PLC’s).  I wish examples would be offered on some suggestions on how to teach and help primary grade level students.

                I think there are some standards that are being met regularly and then I think there are some that need to be further evaluated and incorporated.  I notice there are teachers at many different levels.  Some teachers work on incorporating technology on a daily basis, that work closely with the technology specialist to make sure standards are being met, and then there are teachers that incorporate it when it is required or they are being observed and their students are not getting many of the standards.  I think there needs to be more of a focus in our building for all teachers and a monitoring or evaluation form put in place to really see what is being done at each level.  Many times administrators and board members need to be more onboard with the standards and how technology is used in the classroom.

How many other schools have technology specialists that are available to teach lessons and work closely with teachers to make sure standards are being met?  Also, some ideas on how technology use and integration of standards can be evaluated to ensure they are being incorporated into our daily teaching.

Chapter One-New Literacies for New Times

I really enjoyed reading and exploring through this chapter.  There were many connections and information from the IRA website and reinforcement on the importance of integrating technology.  There were some websites that I was familiar with and have used in my classroom and there were others that I have never seen before that I will share with my students.  Below are a few websites that I found to be useful and valuable. 

·         The Math Forum at Drexel- 

I really enjoyed this math site as it offered wonderful continuing education opportunities and professional development course that you could sign up for directly off of the site.  I liked how everything was all in one place and you didn’t need to go off and search for sign up information.  It also offered syllabuses for the courses which is something that I am always interested in seeing first before registering so I can make sure that the course is geared towards further development, since everyone comes with different experiences.  I also thought it was valuable for students because it had grade level activities, lessons, and expectations that were easy to follow and very ‘straight’ to the point. 

·         Starfall- 

I love Starfall!  I used it a lot last year when I taught Kindergarten.  It is a great resource for alphabet learning, phonics, and even reading.  There are many learning opportunities and fun activities that are easy for young children to follow and navigate independently.  I currently use in my first grade classroom as a literacy center occasionally and regular with my reading intervention students to reinforce alphabet recognition and phonics skills.

·         Education World-

I think the games are very beneficial on this site.  They connect closely with many curriculum standards.  They would be great to use whole group as well as individually, and even in centers!  I like how the sites for each game are listed with a description that is clear and easy to understand how it connects to learning.  Each has a grade level, focus areas, even gives the URL.  The availability of the URL is valuable because you can go directly to the site rather than having to navigate and find it.  This is great for teachers as it is all at one place!

·         National Geographic Kids-

Currently, I have a magazine subscription for my class from National Geographic and my students love it!  It connects to most of our science and social studies units.  I have explored this site as a group with my students to support lessons.  This really gives students a hands-on approach and connection to what is happening in the world.  I love how there are facts supported by videos, maps, notes, even quizzes, and e-cards.    I am looking forward to using this site with my students over the next few weeks as we work on our animal projects in science. 

 

   I am wondering if there are any other websites or online resources that connect closely to science curriculum, particularly at the primary grade levels.  I have explored and found a few like Discovery Education and World Book, but it seems like upper grade level resources are easier to find.  Any thoughts or ideas? 

Animoto Videos

Attached are few Animoto videos that I have done.  The first one I created with the two girls I babysit for for their mother's birthday back in December.  The other two are examples my first graders created to show a timeline of their lives.  It went hand-in-hand with our Social Studies curriculum on Growing Up!  Let me know if you have any questions! 

Enjoy:) 

Animoto birthday gift

Animoto Timelines