tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35419187532992848302024-03-14T06:33:56.933-04:00Technology Coach's Journey Back to the ClassroomMy journey through the educational process.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-48480931574654510312014-01-05T10:04:00.000-05:002014-01-05T10:10:45.568-05:00New Year..New Beginnings...New Pineapple!<b>January 5, 2014</b>~Is it possible..can it be....I am amazed on how "I'll get to it" turns out to be a two year hiatus. It was not my intention but juggling time as a wife, mother, step-mother, aunt, sister, daughter, teacher, friend, co-worker and all the other titles that could be listed here prevented me from my reflections and thoughts. So I find it interesting as we approach 2014 that I begin where I left off.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My Pineapple. </b></div>
It is extremely significant for many reasons.<br />
<ol>
<li>I was teaching sixth grade science to the same group of students that I currently teach 8th grade mathematics. Thereby, I have a special bond with the plant and my students. </li>
<li>The sixth grade class brought in the original pineapple to propagate during our plant reproduction unit. </li>
<li>It is the beginning of 2014 and a time of new beginnings (you see the cold snap killed the original plant) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Pineapple Plant</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Everyone deserves a fresh start: parents, students, teachers, etc</li>
</ol>
<div>
So as I begin again with my pineapple plant, I am reflecting on how I can take this symbolism and use it for 2014.<br />
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<div>
<b>First: </b>Positivity: I have been known to be a positive person, however, lately a lot of things have come in the way of keeping that positive. Keep the positive..there is always a bright-side. I may not see it at the time of occurrence but God has a reason for everything.<br />
<br />
<b>Second:</b> Cherish every moment: Growing up I felt like I always had to be doing something and in that I forgot to savor the experience. Savor the moments with my husband, my three girls, my family, my students and my friends.<br />
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<b>Third:</b> Laugh and Smile: Recently it was shared that a student (that I do not teach) said I was mean and did not smile. While having a stern reputation as a teacher is not a bad thing, I would rather not be known as the "mean teacher". </div>
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So what are your "pineapples" and how are you going to propagate your new beginnings? I know I am going to take this new year, new pineapple and new beginning to work to find balance. Balance to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Pineapple Plant<br />
1/5/14</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-86652758795387329262012-02-22T13:37:00.000-05:002012-02-22T13:37:16.293-05:00Progress with our Pineapple<b>February 22, 2012~ Day 14 of our observations......</b> <br />
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<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz5QP9bH7TOXRhhVWmigN4fRnyVQJ7uDVqR7V596alJADJp4GEcoLBZXMPnPUBjW7RaHX1bjNDEzM65oNO432_dhI7UhtIp9lKCLM_9-ZL6ILzNU_5a7RMdFs2TZqzzWgmJVPS-vqZO8/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz5QP9bH7TOXRhhVWmigN4fRnyVQJ7uDVqR7V596alJADJp4GEcoLBZXMPnPUBjW7RaHX1bjNDEzM65oNO432_dhI7UhtIp9lKCLM_9-ZL6ILzNU_5a7RMdFs2TZqzzWgmJVPS-vqZO8/s200/photo%25287%2529.JPG" width="149" /></a>
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-30513832247905495142012-02-13T09:25:00.000-05:002012-02-13T09:25:50.745-05:00February 13, 2012~Day five of our experiment. Changing the water today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 1 2/8/2012</b></td></tr>
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<b>February 9, 2012~</b>We are in the middle of our plant unit and several students stated they had not experienced vegetative propagation with a pineapple. So begins our experiment...Yesterday a student brought to school a pineapple. I took it home and prepared it for the process and so our experiment begins...<br />
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If you have had success or failures with this in class, please share. I will be posting photos as we go through the experiment.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0Busbee Creative Arts Academy, 501 Bulldog Blvd, Cayce, SC 29033-3705, USA33.9491251 -81.048322333.877925600000005 -81.1650518 34.0203246 -80.93159279999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-61421236282093017772011-07-22T10:51:00.000-04:002011-07-22T10:51:23.913-04:00New Year Approaching....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpnEgTvjAK89C_BEfwDR272CikVOu1C4sSXmrCXDf8DOs-LO9kvK2xySznQDGynGZ0s90ZPatk0k6UpLpBHbEsLXSse76TRGh84wJJwGt4oA8UhuvH-1y4Vi5hFAERHEU0vPoDCt22Fw/s1600/Ice+Breaker+Arctic+Ocean-wlp.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpnEgTvjAK89C_BEfwDR272CikVOu1C4sSXmrCXDf8DOs-LO9kvK2xySznQDGynGZ0s90ZPatk0k6UpLpBHbEsLXSse76TRGh84wJJwGt4oA8UhuvH-1y4Vi5hFAERHEU0vPoDCt22Fw/s200/Ice+Breaker+Arctic+Ocean-wlp.png" width="200" /></a></div><b>July 22, 2011 ~ </b>As a new year approaches (in about 20 days for teachers), I often ponder on what I can do to create a community in my classroom. What to do as ice-breakers and beginning of the year activities that either are "new" (at least to me and the students) and unique to get their attention and stir their internal motivation. I have done some research and come up with some resources.<br />
<br />
These are just a few links to hopefully spark some creativity. Please share if you have any thoughts or ideas that have proved useful in your classroom! <br />
<br />
Beginning of the year activities: <br />
<a href="http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/icebreakers.html">10 Great Classroom Icebreakers</a><br />
http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/icebreakers.html <br />
<a href="http://edte.ch/blog/2011/07/11/interesting-ways-to-get-to-know-your-new-class-2/">Interesting Ways to get to know your new Class</a><br />
http://edte.ch/blog/2011/07/11/interesting-ways-to-get-to-know-your-new-class-2/<br />
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<a href="http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/beginning-of-year.html">Back-To-School Activities </a><br />
http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/beginning-of-year.html<br />
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<a href="http://www.mathwire.com/seasonal/school1.html">Back-to-School Activities</a> from Mathwire (for my math friends)<br />
http://www.mathwire.com/seasonal/school1.html<br />
<a href="http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/edres.html">Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators</a> Back to School<br />
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/edres.html<br />
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eThemes~<a href="http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/606">Back-to-School </a><br />
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/606<br />
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Classroom setup ideas:<br />
<a href="http://edte.ch/blog/2008/09/03/pictures-of-my-classroom/">Pictures of my classroom</a><br />
http://edte.ch/blog/2008/09/03/pictures-of-my-classroom/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-84859295695705316372011-06-07T07:29:00.000-04:002011-06-07T07:29:04.805-04:00Links for the Science and Social Studies ClassroomJune 7, 2011~<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.loc.gov/jukebox/">National Jukebox</a> (More for 7th grade but good way to expose all students to music from our past starting about 1900's)</li>
</ul> ( http://www.loc.gov/jukebox/)<br />
The Library of Congress presents the National Jukebox, which makes historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge. The Jukebox includes recordings from the extraordinary collections of the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation and other contributing libraries and archives.<br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://weatherspark.com/#%21graphs;a=USA/SC/Cayce">Weather Sparks</a> (Weather Unit)</li>
</ul> (http://weatherspark.com/#!graphs;a=USA/SC/Cayce)<br />
WeatherSpark is a website dedicated to making in-depth weather information easily accessible.<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://www.fergusonfoundation.org/hbf/classified_information/fishid/index.shtml">Classified Information: Fishin' for a Name</a>(Dichotomous Key)</li>
</ul> (http://www.fergusonfoundation.org/hbf/classified_information/fishid/index.shtml) <br />
Keys are tools that provide a systematic (step-by-step) way to identify plants and animals. A series of choices are made based on the organism's characteristics to discover its identity. This fish key is based on body shape and physical features.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-46731040545654958492011-06-07T07:12:00.000-04:002011-06-07T07:12:47.825-04:00Cohort Planning for 2011-2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfZ33PFAZm52YKvEwPS7MvDTpRCcjXncPrasGUH1rbeUic-E2J5DLz8ykxWifSI6tR-bydXZWUNX9y7FIdoP7yjcr4_8SB9QkDluKfFtAbUNqSvzDDw0q42-Fwd_9UhE5RgkmCw84PzM/s1600/bookbag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfZ33PFAZm52YKvEwPS7MvDTpRCcjXncPrasGUH1rbeUic-E2J5DLz8ykxWifSI6tR-bydXZWUNX9y7FIdoP7yjcr4_8SB9QkDluKfFtAbUNqSvzDDw0q42-Fwd_9UhE5RgkmCw84PzM/s200/bookbag.gif" width="166" /></a></div><b>June 7, 2011~ </b>During the course of the year, my school participates in early release days for students. These six to seven student half days are designed to allow teachers more time for planning. Teachers sign up for a cohort of their choosing and develop their skills. I was asked to facilitate a cohort for the coming year. The course will be entitled "Integrating Technology into the Middle School Curriculum". Training for facilitators will not be until August, however, I wanted to get a "jump" on the technology component prior to training. I have my favorite tools that I would like to share but know the best way to help teachers integrate is to give them choices to allow for ownership of the process. I will be conducting a survey at the first session and have a few that I prefer and they are listed below. <br />
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Technology Options: <br />
<a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a> <br />
<a href="http://museumbox.e2bn.org/">Musuem Box</a><br />
<a href="http://voicethread.com/">Voicethread</a><br />
<a href="http://edu.glogster.com/">Glogster</a><br />
<a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com/">Poll Everywhere</a><br />
<br />
I am looking for suggestions of other integration tools that you may have had success with in your classroom. Please share and give thoughts, ideas and concerns (including classroom management aspects during integration)....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-14158331794574210052011-06-01T15:28:00.001-04:002011-06-01T15:30:34.415-04:00Animoto and iTouch's<b>June 1, 2011~ </b>Whew, the end is near but I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on our Animoto project. Students were assigned a South Carolina Science Curriculum standard for 6th grade. Their assignment was to create an Animoto video that best represents all indicators that are covered under that standard. Students were allowed to choose their standard. Students were shared how to use a storyboard prior to researching pictures and this helped keep them focused and on-task. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few examples:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://animoto.com/play/wm4zWd3sDguKyRpbEqeWjg?utm_content=main_link">Law of Conservation of Energy</a> (created on web-based Animoto)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://animoto.com/play/RA1irJVgXRIdt4AAzXAgyg">Animals </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://animoto.com/play/fZkA52Sd60td0YtMM0VGHw?utm_content=main_link"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://animoto.com/play/AdrGawDE6Wmuu6ZhRxpovw#">Animals</a></div>The how-to's for text on the iTouch version's included using neu.Annotate to create text on a blank PDF that I uploaded to my school webpage. Students downloaded the blank PDF and then added text and saved as an image. It was this image file that was uploaded with all the project pictures into Animoto. <br />
<br />
<u>Items used:</u><br />
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animoto-videos/id300033126?mt=8">Animoto</a> for the iTouch<br />
<a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a> (for those that had iTouch issues and it woudn't work)<br />
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/neu-annotate-pdf/id407107609?mt=8">neu.Annotate</a><br />
PowerPoint saved as a JPEG (for one student) and imported into Animoto<br />
<a href="http://science.bms.lex2.groupfusion.net/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?fid=11994145&gid=2110691&sessionid=911385a46c296a684bf5293061c1e15d">Weekly Work Culminating Project</a><br />
<br />
Some things for me to consider next year include:<br />
<ul><li>more emphasis on music and how it needs to compliment the project</li>
<li>more emphasis on including text features so it is not just a bunch of pictures that the audience doesn't understand the meaning </li>
<li>smaller storyboard template (maybe twice as many squares on one sheet)</li>
</ul>It was fun and nice to see the students excited about the learning process both revisiting standards we had already addresses as well as new technology standards. It was also exciting to see how some students had their "ah-ha" moment about the content. Several stated that doing the project helped them better understand the content and allowed them the time to learn on their own in something they enjoy. I hope to repeat this next year and look forward to expanding to my Social Studies classes.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-57232992300575981842010-12-18T11:16:00.001-05:002010-12-18T11:17:27.368-05:00Classroom Management Carry-Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbzYTyTU1gas4-_s0W3jJ35j2GFVHMxjDweyng4xZFtWluePzzzEhCIgDrO34IyZSEjAdzUYdZyNY764ezqQMYCq5KpEetXJu1Qf8GW7xDeTbAB9n6PlelS39K0m0VFV5aQX8YB4Hbsc/s1600/classroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbzYTyTU1gas4-_s0W3jJ35j2GFVHMxjDweyng4xZFtWluePzzzEhCIgDrO34IyZSEjAdzUYdZyNY764ezqQMYCq5KpEetXJu1Qf8GW7xDeTbAB9n6PlelS39K0m0VFV5aQX8YB4Hbsc/s200/classroom.png" width="200" /></a></div><b>December 18, 2010 ~ </b>Recently, I had to take time out of the classroom to be with my daughter as she underwent a tonsillectomy. I left substitute plans that included the seating chart, strategies for the day, content activities as well as extra activities for those that may have finished early. I was hoping for a report back that the students were good.<br />
<br />
Now, I understand when a sub is in the classroom, in lieu of the regular teacher, students do not always behave the best. I am looking for any strategies that work for you and your students. I am very much a technology infused classroom but when a substitute is there, technology use is not applicable because I am not always guaranteed a person that understands how to use the technology in the classroom.<br />
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-89182903493933613172010-09-29T12:07:00.001-04:002010-09-29T12:08:38.018-04:00Blogging with my Students<b>September 29, 2010~</b> I am in the infancy of blogging with my students. We are using the <a href="http://kidblog.org/">Kidblog</a> platform and iTouches as the vehicle to access our blogs. Students are currently responding to my posts. My next step will be having the students creating their own blogs as a reflection tool for activities, content and learning that is happening in and out of the content classroom. Students are doing remarkably well considering we have used the iTouches to blog only twice (and once was a shortened early release day with weather causing us Internet interruptions).The students and I are excited about the future use of blogging in the classroom. <br />
<br />
If you currently blog with your students, please share some experiences. I am looking to be proactive to any troubleshooting issues, extension to the learning activities or concerns that you may have experienced to better be prepared for my students.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-35730882021764113552010-09-29T11:55:00.001-04:002010-09-29T11:56:42.801-04:00Links for Week of 9/28/2010<b>September 28, 2010~</b><br />
Simple Machines:<br />
<a href="http://www.mcsdk12.org/curr/simple_machines.htm">http://www.mcsdk12.org/curr/simple_machines.htm</a><br />
<br />
Museum of Science and Industries: Simple Machines Game<br />
<a href="http://www.msichicago.org/fileadmin/Activities/Games/simple_machines/index.php">http://www.msichicago.org/fileadmin/Activities/Games/simple_machines/index.php</a><br />
<br />
Science Spot: Physics~Simple Machines<br />
<a href="http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzphysics2.html">http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzphysics2.html</a><br />
<br />
Mesopotamia: Geography Challenge<br />
<a href="http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/geography/challenge/cha_set.html">http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/geography/challenge/cha_set.html</a><br />
<br />
Park Forest Middle School Daily Geography<br />
<a href="http://www.scasd.org/249741102410043/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=50188">http://www.scasd.org/249741102410043/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=50188</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-36676030906042280542010-08-10T08:48:00.000-04:002010-08-10T08:48:06.172-04:00Links for Week of 8/09/10<b>August 10, 2010~ </b><br />
<ul><li><b><a href="http://www.donsmaps.com/indextools.html">Tools from the Stone Age</a> (</b>http://www.donsmaps.com/indextools.html)</li>
<ul><li><b>Tools, clothing, etc of prehistoric people and times</b></li>
</ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.42explore2.com/prehist.htm">Prehistoric People</a> (</b>http://www.42explore2.com/prehist.htm)</li>
<ul><li><b>Hunter Gatherer information and resources</b></li>
</ul>
<li><b><a href="https://www.ed.sc.gov/apps/cso/standards/supdocs_k8.cfm#area_6">6th Grade SC Science Standards</a> </b>(https://www.ed.sc.gov/apps/cso/standards/supdocs_k8.cfm#area_6)</li>
<ul><li><b>Science Standards</b></li>
</ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.s2martsc.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=277&Itemid=348">6th Grade Social Studies Support Document</a> (</b>http://www.s2martsc.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=277&Itemid=348<b>)</b></li>
<ul><li><b>Social Studies support documents</b></li>
</ul><li><b><a href="http://www.suelebeau.com/picturebooks.htm">All About Picture Books</a> (</b>http://www.suelebeau.com/picturebooks.htm)</li>
<ul><li><b>Bibliography of Picture books for content areas</b></li>
</ul></ul><b><br />
</b><br />
<b><a href="feed://feeds.delicious.com/v2/rss/mthtchr2?count=15">Mthtchr2 Delicious RSS Feed</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-58329726903135676792010-07-28T08:42:00.000-04:002010-07-28T08:42:19.814-04:00Polling and Survey Resources<b>July 28, 2010~</b> In pondering how my instruction for fall will go, I have been looking for resources in order to incorporate Hinge Point Questions. <a href="http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/07/flisti-quickly-create-and-share-poll.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Free Technology for Teachers blog</a> shared a relatively quick and easy tool for creating polls and surveys. It is called <a href="http://flisti.com/">Flisti</a>. The nice thing about <a href="http://flisti.com/">Flisti</a> is you just create and go as there is no registration required. <br />
Here is a sample poll I created:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="flisti-726"><form action="http://flisti.com/726/vote" method="post"><div style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 10px;">What is your favorite season?</div><div><label><input name="answer" type="radio" value="2208" /> winter </label></div><div><label><input name="answer" type="radio" value="2209" /> spring</label></div><div><label><input name="answer" type="radio" value="2210" /> summer</label></div><div><label><input name="answer" type="radio" value="2211" /> fall</label></div><div style="margin-top: 10px;"><input style="margin-bottom: 0px;" type="submit" value="Vote!" /> or <a href="http://flisti.com/726/results">View Results</a></div><div style="font-size: 12px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="http://flisti.com/">Create your own poll at Flisti.com</a></div></form></div><br />
<br />
Below are additional lists of poll and survey tools that I am familiar with using:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com/">Poll Everywhere</a>: There is an app for iPods as well for this one and I have used the app as well as the web-based tool<br />
<a href="http://polldaddy.com/">PollDaddy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">Survey Monkey</a>: Used professionally in teacher workshops but not with students<br />
Google Docs has a survey tool<br />
<br />
Do you have any experience with these tools or any additional suggestions? I welcome the additional resources for my tool kit to use with students....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-79562755464609992262010-07-26T20:59:00.000-04:002010-07-26T20:59:03.269-04:007 Days to a Better EduBlog Mini-Course Reflection<b>July 26, 2010</b> ~ Having just recently participated in the <a href="http://www.ed421.com/?p=1259">7 days to a Better EduBlog Mini-Course</a> allowed me to understand and be mindful of what my students will experience during their blogging endeavors. I particular appreciated the use of exemplar blogs as a way to model the process for each lesson. <br />
I learned:<br />
*pages, trouble-shooting gadget issues, and the variety of post styles<br />
<br />
What I need to work on:<br />
*pages, content and scheduling and reflection<br />
<br />
My next steps: <br />
Utilizing this type of format for classroom useAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-22449787056494072002010-07-23T18:06:00.040-04:002010-07-23T21:13:54.859-04:00Students and Blogging Part 2<strong>July 23, 2010~</strong> Reading through my comments from yesterday led me to a thought on how to introduce blogging to my students. I came across these: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN2I1pWXjXI&feature=fvw">Blogs in Plain English</a> by Common Craft.<br />and below....<br /><object width="200" height="180"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PfJETK3am1M&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PfJETK3am1M&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="200" height="180"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Do you feel these would be helpful for sixth graders beginning their blogging endeavor or is there something else you have used in your classroom?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-83520216678436840872010-07-21T16:46:00.000-04:002010-07-21T16:46:07.696-04:00Students and Blogging<strong>June 21, 2010~</strong> I am interested in having students blog in my science and socials studies classroom this fall. I observed my oldest daughter's ELA teacher use his blog for assignments and then had the students post responses as part of their homework. I have also seen where blogs are used more of a tool for communication with parents. I am wanting to use blogging as an interactive tool for learning. It is with that that I have the following questions and am in need of advice..<br />
<ul><li>What does it look like in your classroom?</li>
<li>How have you used blogging with students?</li>
<li>Do you have any suggestions for evaluating student blog responses?</li>
<li>How do you handle students that may not have access at home?</li>
</ul>I look forward to hearing from you....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-24725508078441615042010-07-20T10:14:00.000-04:002010-07-20T10:14:06.503-04:00iPod Touch for Classroom Use<b>July 20, 2010</b>~I have participated in two mini-sessions on iTouch use in the classroom. Having never used an iTouch, my learning curve was huge. I am enthused about the possibilities. I have always been a proponent of handheld computing. This goes back to the days of when I instituted the use of Zire 72's in the classroom with the help of <a href="http://cio.gsfc.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/k-4/features/F_Good_Things_Small_Packages.html">NASA</a> and <a href="http://sitemaker.umich.edu/hice/home">Highly Interactive Classrooms and Computing in Education</a>. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Some resources I have found for iTouches include:</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">*<a href="http://learninginhand.com/ipodtouch/">Tony Vincent's Learning in Hand (iTouch)</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*<a href="http://goknow.com/">GoKnow Sketchy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*<a href="http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/games-and-apps/">Apple's iTouch Page</a> and iTunes Library</div><div style="text-align: center;">*<a href="http://projects.minot.k12.nd.us/groups/chris/weblog/5ce29/Why_an_iPod_Touch_in_education_.html">Chris Web's Blog</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*<a href="http://www.c4lpt.co.uk/Directory/Tools/mobile.html">Moblile Tools A-Z</a><br />
<br />
I am constantly looking for apps's and resources for the use of the iPod Touch in the classroom and would appreciate any resources that you have found useful. Share in the comments section and I will add to the listing above. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-5311488141776212442010-06-04T08:05:00.001-04:002010-06-04T09:22:48.458-04:00New Journey in Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLDHtQv2imX_yebv1Vc24KE9QgHbliCtDnobX-r3Mf3zInSDJuZeVXXY9Jtm6Dktnv-lQ4Ao57sT2GvRY40Pjm1MBvX9dP7Gr0qKZHzoj0BaWkJSxA1vMyfqUU88bCCaxwJFiPqYgbHU/s1600/060%2520-%2520Blue%2520Sea%2520Horizon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLDHtQv2imX_yebv1Vc24KE9QgHbliCtDnobX-r3Mf3zInSDJuZeVXXY9Jtm6Dktnv-lQ4Ao57sT2GvRY40Pjm1MBvX9dP7Gr0qKZHzoj0BaWkJSxA1vMyfqUU88bCCaxwJFiPqYgbHU/s200/060%2520-%2520Blue%2520Sea%2520Horizon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478888709609614114" /></a> <strong>June 4, 2010</strong>~And so it begins..the first summer in seven years that I will not be facilitating a summer professional development opportunity. I have accepted a classroom position in a neighboring district teaching science and social studies in a middle school. I am excited, thrilled and nervous all at the same time. I am looking forward to spending my summer with my family. I look forward to actually having a summer. Prior to budget cuts I had a 210 contract and worked through June. With budget cuts (and the loss of future EETT funding on the horizon and no grant opportunity to continue my tech coaching position), I am now returning to the classroom on a 190 contract. With my family hosting three young ladies (one already in high school and two beginning their high school careers), I am anticipating a summer full of family cook-outs, pool days and of course soccer. <br /><br />Along these lines my immediate and extended family will be participating in numerous mission trips. My sister-in-law left for Peru yesterday. Thing 2 leaves for a three state mission trip later in June and my husband leaves for Kenya the latter part of June. I will remain at home manning the home front and preparing for a move. Our house should be completed with a closing date in late June as well. <br /><br />I never envisioned so much change in one summer. House, job and all my girls in high school. I have only had two jobs in my adult career; one as a banker for 6 years and then as a teacher/coach for 13 years. My children grew up in that district roaming the halls, attending field trips and helping others during prep days move, make copies and entertaining other teachers' children. I went through a divorce, a second marriage and the death of my mother with my district "family". Leaving was not an easy decision but one my family needed me to do at this time. I am forever grateful for the opportunities afforded me during my tenure and I am touched by each student, teacher, staff, family, and community member that I came in contact with...it is because of them that I am the teacher/educator I am today. <br /><br />I look forward to my new chapter and journey in life but am so blessed the Lord allowed me the opportunity to spend time and grow as a person and educator with that district family. The lyrics to <em>I am Blessed</em> by <a href="http://all-4-one.com/index.html">All 4 One </a>feel very appropriate at this time in my life..<br /><br />"Of all of the places I've been <br />And people that I've met <br />A lifetime of memories I'll never forget <br />I look back with no regrets cuz... <br /><br />I am so blessed <br />Yes I am blessed <br />I am so blessed <br />Yes I am blessed"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-64481372161083427042010-03-31T18:14:00.000-04:002010-03-31T18:18:13.593-04:00Wired Wednesday Mini-Session that flopped..March 31, 2010~ Getting ready to share a mini-session on <a href="http://www.fotobabble.com/">Fotobabble</a> I noticed that the volume didn't work on the desktop I was on..or so I thought. A couple of clicks later I realized it wasn't just my computer, it was all the computers in the lab. Ugh! We couldn't hear the recordings and we couldn't press the record button to record our comments. If you have had this issue and know how to resolve, please share. Nothing like sharing a tool to teachers only to have it not work!!!<br /><br />BTW..it worked yesterday on the same computer...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-68745221696829055452010-03-12T10:47:00.001-05:002010-03-12T10:52:09.950-05:00Caching In On Geography<span style="font-weight:bold;">March 12, 2010~</span> Got an email from Donor's Choose. The time frame on funding my grant proposal is running short. If you know someone or are interesting in working with Donor's Choose to fund our project, see the link below. I am very excited about started a Geocaching club/group at my school but in this time of budget crisis the money is just not available to purchase the supplies needed in order to facilitate geocaching with the students. <br /><a href=http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=331150&utm_campaign=sharethis&utm_medium=page&utm_source=donorschoose&utm_content=project_page>Caching In On Geography</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-43834558255990945332009-10-26T21:16:00.000-04:002009-10-26T21:23:06.067-04:00Resources<span style="font-weight:bold;">October 26, 2009~</span>Came across the following resources across my reader and wanted to share. The first is called <a href="http://soople.com">Soople</a> and there are many faces to <a href="http://soople.com">Soople</a>. There is the search aspect of Souple that streamlines the searching process tremendously. <a href="http://www.google.com/">Google</a> has Advanced Search with is similar but you still have to use the various strategies like plus, minus, etc. There is also the calculator aspect of Soople. This will assist those with an array of mathematical computations and may not have access to a calculator which at a price tag of over $100 can be out of range if not provided). Lastly but definitely not least, is the Translator which will assist in language transitions. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.soople.com/soople_int.php">Soople Search</a><br /><a href="http://www.soople.com/soople_intcalchome.php"><br />Soople Calculator</a><br /><a href="http://www.soople.com/soople_int_translatehome.php"><br />Language Translations</a><br /><br />The second resource is <a href="http://etc.usf.edu/maps/index.htm">Historic Maps for Students and Teachers</a>. If you have ever attempted to teach geography or incorporate into a lesson, finding historic maps has always been a hindrance. Here is a resource from the Florida's Educational Technology Clearing House. It is <a href="http://etc.usf.edu/maps/index.htm">Historic Maps for Students and Teachers. </a> Teachers and students may use up to 25 maps for free without having to gain permission. There are over 5,000 maps to peruse for any subject area. If you have ever used Google Earth and needed maps for an overlay comparison, this would be a great avenue for such an activity. <br /><br /><a href="http://etc.usf.edu/maps/index.htm">Historic Maps</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-10305806530539761522009-09-30T14:47:00.000-04:002009-09-30T15:06:08.919-04:00Marzano's Keynote from CUE 2009<span style="font-weight:bold;">September 30, 2009</span> Perusing my reader today I came across <a href="http://www.drjansblog.typepad.com/dr_jans_blog/">Dr. Jan's Blog</a> in which she shared <a href="http://www.drjansblog.typepad.com/dr_jans_blog/2009/09/marzano-and-interactive-whiteboard-technology-wowee.html">Marzano and Interactive Whiteboard Technology...wowee...</a><br />Hope you find it as interesting and useful as I did.<br /><embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AfW9BYnAJA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-58209628569908103152009-07-23T13:38:00.000-04:002009-09-30T14:46:58.928-04:00Christmas in July??<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJXTp7Cxzq4hwpwE8XCBFB24DyBk_WkKZrjjKIeHjcYxJXpG7KtJt_BN7OFuCk1W2dxbgfClhKj452XUpTdKTe_xjHWJDxSK_qYtr3OZKJVWIAxamIcrtm_2p8xDnD5w3Q9Nar1T2j6I/s1600-h/HPIM0289.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJXTp7Cxzq4hwpwE8XCBFB24DyBk_WkKZrjjKIeHjcYxJXpG7KtJt_BN7OFuCk1W2dxbgfClhKj452XUpTdKTe_xjHWJDxSK_qYtr3OZKJVWIAxamIcrtm_2p8xDnD5w3Q9Nar1T2j6I/s200/HPIM0289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361712276737722546" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">July 23, 2009~</span> Recently, I attended the SC Middle School Associations <a href="http://www.scmsa.org/files/SchoolsToWatch/2009scmsasummerinstituteflyer.pdf">Middle Level Summer Institute</a> focusing on the <a href="http://www.scmsa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=8&Itemid=16">Schools to Watch Model</a> (STW). It was during the Q & A session in which I was struck by how naive I can be sometimes. While my school is contemplating the process as a learning experience and to gain feedback from an outside entity and either validate we are on the right track or assist us in getting there, other schools do not see it in that manner. It seemed as though they were looking for another ornament to hang on their "tree". My question to those participants would be...what is your motive and what drives you on a day to day basis? Because I work in a place that is student centered and our driving force is what is in the best interest of the child, what can we as professional educators do to assist that child in becoming the best person they can be regardless of their backgrounds or their socioeconomic status. It is our job to maximize their potential. <br /><br />I look forward to undergoing the <a href="http://www.scmsa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=8&Itemid=16">STW</a> application and reflecting on our process of meeting every child's potential with with high-quality teachers, resources, learning opportunities, and supports.<br /><br />Attribution: Photo Credit by Whitney SalonichAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-56280184243757366992009-06-22T13:19:00.001-04:002009-06-22T13:26:15.387-04:00Web 2.0 in the Classroom<span style="font-weight:bold;">June 22, 2009~</span> Yes, it is June 22, the first Monday of summer and I am at work already planning for professional development for the fall. Budget cuts have forced my 220 contract to be changed to a 190. This removes my days of planning prior to the teachers arriving. So here I am avoiding the 100* heat,getting ahead of the game. For once...rather then waiting until school starts (which is ultimately too late to begin with!)<br /><br />So for those of you still at work or needing a break from the summer fun, I would appreciate any and all comments on my <a href="http://voicethread.com/#u52299.b545216.i2918166">Voicethread</a>!!<br /><br /><br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI*NTY5MDkyMDQzNyZwdD*xMjQ1NjkxMTM2NDU5JnA9MjA2NDIxJmQ9YjU*NTIxNiZuPWJsb2dnZXImZz*yJnQ9Jm89ZjA5MmY4OWEyMDE4NGM5ZWE*YWNkOTgwMWU4ZjRlNjYmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><object width="480" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=545216"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=545216" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="360"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541918753299284830.post-4690047037128018262009-06-16T12:14:00.000-04:002009-06-16T13:06:38.323-04:00Wandering While Writing<div><strong>June 16, 20009~ </strong>I find myself wandering as I attempt to finalize my narrative for my grant. As I organize my data so it can be effectively analyzed for our reporting, I keep getting sidetracked. (Now that is not a bad thing at the moment since I still have a few days until it is due to my supervisor). So let me share what my latest wanderlust is at the moment. It is <a href="http://tweetpsych.com/">TweetPsych</a> created by <a href="http://danzarrella.com/">Dan Zarella</a>. Now, not really sure at this point how I could use this in the classroom but personally can see some items that are interesting. For example, <a href="http://tweetpsych.com/?name=mthtchr2">my score</a> on the cognitive for education is 218. So does this explain why when I am at a social gathering and feel quite comfortable and confident when I have conversations with those in the educational sector but if my conversation partner is a non-education person I often feel stressed at making small talk?<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyReqfkJFup1iE8sjLIqx4B7pN7FHtrbpOp4ySbuvi46ymIFi8fHztt3Wm8klJVi-SvioWPdaD90wljDGj1UZ3F9l_orkycPyw74QVqg0oBbEehDhCMntm5cXt44kAJ_dzSBkwapJzcVI/s1600-h/cog.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347969435255043282" style="WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyReqfkJFup1iE8sjLIqx4B7pN7FHtrbpOp4ySbuvi46ymIFi8fHztt3Wm8klJVi-SvioWPdaD90wljDGj1UZ3F9l_orkycPyw74QVqg0oBbEehDhCMntm5cXt44kAJ_dzSBkwapJzcVI/s200/cog.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />As for the second graphic below, having just come out of a training session in <a href="http://www.allkindsofminds.org/">All Kinds of Minds,</a> I will have to refer to my Glossary of Terms more indepthly to understand about the temporal references and such. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gePzMrHL5c7FhY616GRkVjqsjw9IAdOdKKr2a2Q5WH8W4PEaHVVfbvpDSAdPYZ5uOzbetCKMM8a-PqSFw8Aeg1KkHHOzvXgCcbDp8tHOQaESbyCio2GbQ_CVnvWjc1wUKZaJQjOgGEw/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gePzMrHL5c7FhY616GRkVjqsjw9IAdOdKKr2a2Q5WH8W4PEaHVVfbvpDSAdPYZ5uOzbetCKMM8a-PqSFw8Aeg1KkHHOzvXgCcbDp8tHOQaESbyCio2GbQ_CVnvWjc1wUKZaJQjOgGEw/s200/Slide1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347971238219855186" /></a><br /><br />But for now..this looks like an interesting tool and I look forward to more study as to applications in the classroom or perhaps a tool to understand your fellow educator. Hmm...maybe I will run this on my teenage daughters to better understand them??? Think it will work???Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197595624013288367noreply@blogger.com0