This summer, several Van Buskirk teachers met in our make-shift computer lab in the multipurpose room to learn about some cool technological tools and how to integrate them into our teaching. One of the first things we tried were Wordles. Check out this example made by Mr. R as a demo. Those wordles were just to get our feet wet. Afterwards, we dove right into blogs.
Most chose to set up accounts with Blogger. Look how far Mr. C's blog has come in just three short days!! He's written three posts, added a photo and a link to his screencast, as well as started a list of useful links for students.
Not content with simply adding text to the blogs, we have been trying out different tools and gadgets to make our blogs more interesting. Mrs. C created her avatar called "Frogstillo" at the BuildYourWildSelf website. Mr. R learned how to make a customized header using a picture of our school. Mrs. R is working on a voki (animated audio) to introduce visitors to her blog. I figured out how to embed a video I made (using Screencast-o-Matic) and uploaded to YouTube.
We're not only exploring online tools, but also becoming familiar with some of the hardware we have available at our school. Mr. B used the Mac's camera and Photo Booth program to take a picture of himself and upload it to his blog. See how closely his avatar matches his photo? :) Our current adventure centers around discovering innovative uses for the SMARTBoard in our classrooms.
Stay tuned to see and read more about the products we create to share with colleagues and students.
I appreciate all comments on this posting, but would especially like to invite the participants in this summer's PD to comment on your experience thus far. What did you enjoy most? What's frustrating you? What would you like to learn more about?
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6 comments:
Thank you so much Jennifer for all your hard work. It's been really fascinating. Even though I am pretty tech savvy, you have opened many doors. I get frustrated when things don't work the way they are supposed to, but life doesn't really work the way it's supposed to either.
I have really enjoyed discovering the many tools that are available to us on the web. It has been exciting to learn and use these new resources that we have available to us. In regards to frustrations having to redo my blog was a little frustrating....but once I started using a new format it was hard to stop.
Thank you Jeniffer for the great lessons that you put together....my hope is that we can keep this going during the school year.
I've enjoyed all of the hands on time I've had these past couple of days for example making wordles and the many ways this tool can be used in my classroom. Also, the unlimited resources there are that I can now use to add to a blog I just created. Who would have thought I would ever attempt anything like that? My girls were impressed that I started one. Not only do I plan to use the blog to communicate and share with my students' families in both languages about what we are learning and doing in the classroom, but for students to use regularly in my classroom. I am very enthusiastic and looking forward in implementing what I am learning now in my classroom in the Fall. :)
This Professional Development experience has both inspired and motivated me be more of a risk taker with technology. I'm excited to begin the adventure while learning and working alongside my colleagues and students with the new technology tools I've learned at Van Buskirk. Blog on Osos!
It was great to do research on blogs and how to use and create them.
It was great to have the chance to research and practice learning about blogs and how to use and create them.
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