Technology Integration: What I have learned

It is so hard to believe that it is the end of the term. I have learned so much this term. I learned to think of technology in a different way. Previously, it was more of a rare occasion, and now after learning how much technology students use away from school I try to make a more conscious effort to use it purposefully in the classroom. I hadn't considered using Blogger as a journal tool, until this semester. I think it is a wonderful way for students to express themselves, and for others to read, and discuss topics. I learned a much easier way to make rubrics thanks to Rubistar! I for the first time in my life created a WebQuest using Google Site! I have to admit, it was quite intimidating at times trying to figure out how to get the site just how I wanted it to. After working on it, and just playing around I figured out what to do. Something else I learned this semester is just how beneficial technology can be when trying to meet the needs of students at various levels in the classroom. There are some programs that level children, and work with them where they are on math skills. This is beneficial for many reasons because with twenty different students it would be hard for me to create individualized problems for each, but the math program does right away. Technology is also a great tool for those Gifted and Talented students that we have. I read an article previously this semester that made the case for how technology allowed these students to truly express themselves, and I couldn't agree more. There are some standards in South Carolina that relate directly to using the internet as a research tool, but I believe that other standards can be met by using technology. I believe that we as educators just have to prepare lessons that incorporate technology by design. I look forward to adding Blogger to my classroom once I am back in the Elementary setting! Thanks for a great semester!

Equal Access to the Digital World!

Hello, again! It is so hard to believe that it is already almost Thanksgiving! I know I spend a lot of time on here discussing the use of technology in the classroom. Today, I would like to focus on making that technology available for all students. Let's face it, we are all different. We all in some way shape or form have needs that are unique to us. So, how as an educator can I be sure that the needs of all students are being met? The truth is that while that is my goal, I am not always sure that I am successful. Sure, technology is GREAT!, but what if I had special needs that weren't being met by the everyday use of technology? Technology use is more than just plopping a computer down in front of a student. It must be purposeful. Thankfully, there are lots of ways that technology can help meet the needs of ALL students. One of those ways is that students could create a Power Point or picture slide show to prove understanding of a topic as opposed to a test. There is software available that will read books to students, software that uses voice recognition and turns that voice into notes. There are all sorts of different types of technology available, and I will do my best to make sure that I am up to date with them as best I can to meet the needs of ALL students in my class. For me, this means I am providing equal access to the digital world. Until next time!
Erin

Social Media!

Hello, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. It is hard to believe that it is almost Thanksgiving. I wanted to share some information with everyone! I have found a tool that allows me to instantly receive updates on topics that I find interesting, to those updates and other news articles literally as fast as I can type. This tool that I am referring to........Twitter! I know, I know that some people have hesitations when it comes to Social Media. I can understand that, but offer this there are some real benefits also! These social media sites allow users to instantly connect to others with similar interests, and to find information instantly. @Thompson1Erin is my Twitter username. Please follow me!

We're going on a WebQuest!

Hello, everyone! This year is really flying by. I just wanted to take a few minutes, and let you know about our upcoming WebQuest. If you aren't familiar with a WebQuest, it introduces a topic, provides activities, and assessments that also go with the topic. The person creating the WebQuest in this case me finds sites on the internet that meet the needs of the audience, and cover the information needed for the lesson in the WebQuest. This is great for our class because we will be using the internet to locate information about Gorillas. Students will also create a flyer encouraging others to join their cause in saving Gorillas. This lesson will cover many state standards, and provides students with an experience that I can't create on my own in the classroom. Soon, I will provide a link to the WebQuest. As always, I am here for any questions or concerns you may have!

Is the classroom ready for Animoto???

Animoto is a pay for service site that allows the user to create videos of pictures that are to music.  After hearing about Animoto, I was a little skeptical that it could be used in a classroom effectively. Technology of this kind has been used for a while with such programs as Microsoft Powerpoint and Movie Maker. After trying the site, I was definitely hooked. The site offers an easy to use interface and wizards that do all of the work for you. I was able to upload a folder of pictures, create captions, and then pick the music I wanted. The site had a large arrange of selections to choice from or you could upload your own. Since the site is a pay for service site, I was only able to create a 30 second video of some gorilla pictures I had, but that is enough for a classroom website. Technology like this is perfect for being able to display student's work or classroom activities. For older students, the curriculum could be changed to include Animoto videos. After reviewing and creating a few videos I am no longer a skeptic about this site. I truly believe that it can be a valuable tool in the classroom.


Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.

Educational Value in Wordle

Hello, everyone! I hope this blog finds you doing well. Tonight, I created my very own Wordle! Wordle is new to me, but I must admit I really like it! I can see it being utilized to enhance learning. First, start off by knowing it is absolutely free to use! With the ever slimming budget, this is good to know. Secondly, it is really, really easy to use. For example, you could have a group of students research a particular topic, and create a Wordle as simple as logging onto the Wordle site, giving a title for your Wordle, typing in the words you want to use, and clicking create! Voila! Your Wordle is done! I think a Wordle would be a great way to review for a test, or map out a character in a novel, create a list of key points. The possibilities are truly endless with this wonderful, FREE piece of technology! Well, that is all for tonight, but I will be back soon with more ideas.