Thing # 7

http://www.blinkx.com/videos/grand+canyon

Both of these videos would fit in the science curriculum that is taught for 4th grade science. Often the hardest thing for students to understand with science is the vocabulary, so these two clips give students visuals to help build the vocabulary needed.

Thing # 6 I touch-Apps

These things are all over the place and often as one article said being used in the correct way by small children. This past year I had so many conferences with parents who wanted to help their child with math facts. One parent took the advice I gave about finding a practial resource and downloaded an app for their i touch.

I think there can be many uses for multiply students to share one i touch. One example is a learning center can be set up for students to use the i touch apps with an open ended response sheet at the end of the time to complete.

Thing # 5

It is hard for me to see how facebook and twitter could be age appropriate for elementary age students when left unattended, but I know there are similar concepts they use. Last year on the way to a field trip students were allowed to bring electronics and some brought a PSP. The whole way students were writting silly messages back and forth to "chat" on the device.

I can see how if we had devices such as these while teaching and students could developmentally write in response to discussions where it appeared for other to view, how it would enhance conversation. I think even those students who might not share answers in a class setting might feel more comfortable sharing in a less threating way. I think it also allows students to have responsiblity and flexiblity in sharing and responding, which are important skills to learn as well.

Thing # 4 You Tube

I love that teacher tube already has so many videos ready to watch and teach with. I can see the benefit to adding your own video in teaching a lesson. One of the most often asked questions from parents is, "How can help my student with homework when I don't even understand it?" By posting a video on teacher tube, a parent could view how the concept is taught and then be better prepared to help their child with homework. The video I created and uploaded to youtube is my introduction video to my class so they can get to know a little about my hobbies.

Thing# 3skype

Skype has been a fast growing application with wide uses. In fact it saved me this summer when I was in Paris, France. I was able to use a friend's skype to call the states for less than the cost of a real phone call.

I have used a video conferencing unit to connect to many schools at one time, but I can see how skype can be used for quick connects with classrooms to discuss projects or information free of cost. I think the only negative side is if the computer does not have a microphone and web camera. It could however be set up as a center with specific tasks to be completed with certain connection points. I think an elementary student could easily be taught how to use the address phone to find the person to connect with and discuss their topic. I can even see how within the campus there could be a connection with grade levels without even leaving the classroom.

Thing #2-Wordle/Wordsift, Voicethread, Voki and the best for last bookr

Using Word sift students are able to find the main idea because of the enlarged font for certain words. They can then use the google search box and the images word sift automatically generates.



I have also used Wordle for science vocabulary and definitions. Students can use either of the applications when beginning a unit of study to become familiar with the vocabulary. It could then later become a study guide.

I am very excited about voicethread and would love to see the district purchase the education version to make it even safer for the elementary students to use. I can see students in my classroom solving a math word problem and then getting feedback about what they could add to the process of solving. I would love for the students to then invite their parent to comment also, so that parents would have access to what their child is doing at school. The Voki is another great way to interact with students verbally. Teachers can post comments on a blog or give directions to students about how to complete an assignment.

Wow~I love bookr. The book I viewed was an assignment with 1st and 5th grade reading buddies. Since we partner with 2nd grade I had already talked with the teacher about adding a writing portion this coming year. Looks like I found how we can publish to celebrate our writing. So cool!

Back to learning...Library 2 Play 2: Thing #1

The art, explanation, and flow of information from the video keeps the viewer entertained while at the same time processing information. The student starts by explaining what the teacher does not use (textbook) and inputs what she does use: a sequenced process of teaching research tools and presentation of applications so the student can begin to take ownership of his own learning. A high honor is paid to the teacher in how the student explains the vital usefulness of the teacher's role with the word choice he uses to describe her teaching style. I love how the video expresses the sequence and use of applications through the small cut outs of their pictures in cartoon manner.