Last Day Thoughts

Anyone could benefit from this class because it allowed us to simply "play" with several different aspects of today's technology. The basic exposure to some of the technologies out there are necessary to keep up with the ever-changing world. There were programs and ideas that teachers could use to enhance their instruction and make it more motivating for students. Many opportunities to differentiate a lesson were offered. If teachers are too nervous to use it themselves, at least it allows them to possess the knowledge that these types of things are available. Most students, if given the opportunity to explore, could probably figure out most of the activities we engaged in with less time and less help. I never felt like the topics or activities that were addressed in class were too advanced for anyone to gain at least a little understanding. Thanks for all the help, Helen!

Valuable Class?

I think this class would be valuable for others to take as it introducing people to the up and coming web tools. There is so much out there that if someone doesn't show you what is out there or you don't take the time, most people will not utilize all the great tech things available, so yes, it is a class that is valuable to all.

The class was great. It was geared for all of us. We all were at different levels yet there was something for all to learn. There's no way to take it all in, but I sure tried. I learned many new things and am almost ready to publish my i-web. The time we had to work was fantastic. I would recommend this class to all and hope that you continue to offer other classes. Thanks so much.

Take this class

This class was extremely beneficial for any teacher to take. The website design was the most exciting for me (including podcasts and powerpoint embedding). I probably won't use wikis, but it was valuable to learn about them and how to create one. It was fun to mess around with the SMART boards and MIMIO. I can easily see how the SMART board would engage students more than using a tablet PC connected to a projector. They both can do the same things, but standing in front of the board and seeing the complete interaction is more engaging to the students. I really enjoyed the class.

Worthwhile Tech Integration II

I think Tech Integration would be a good class to take for anyone who is involved in teaching. Technology is constantly evolving and as a result most students are more up-to-date with what's happening in technology than some teachers are. We need to be presenting information and communicating with parents in ways that are integrating technology, rather than avoiding it. I appreciated receiving the information about how to use different Mac programs and computers, as I am mostly experienced in PC's, however; a lot of schools use Macs primarily. We got a chance to use tools such as Mimeo and Smartboard also in more depth, and I would definitely leap at the opportunity to have and use either in my classroom.

Why Should you take this class?

This class was amazing!! We learned so many neat things that technology has to offer. These new innovative devices can help enhance the learning of all students. This class was geared to all learning styles and all learners. There were kindergarten- high school teacher engaged in technology. We learned about programs that were already on our computers, that we may not have been utilizing such as: iweb, garage band, pod casting. Some other things we learn about in this class were: the difference between blogs and wikis, as well as google docs, clickers, mimeo, and smartboards.

This class was intense and tiring- because we were learning so much, yet the time flew by because we were so busy working and developing.
I would recommend this class to anyone!

There is a real importance for all teachers to take classes about technology. These technologies are what the students will be using in the work place in the future. They can not learn how to use these technologies if only a few teachers are showing them how to use them. All of us have to be using these technologies to give all students a fair change to survive in the future work place. the more the students see and use these things the more mastered the will be. We do not want our students following behind in the real world. I also think this has lite a fire in me to educate myself in these technologies and if the kids can see me being excited, they will be excited.

This class is great for all teachers because it made us aware of what's out there. Not that we have to use it all, but to sort it all out and decide what works best for each person's class. Because I'm in Title and don't have a 'real' classroom, I am somewhat limited due to time and space, but since I'll be doing some team teaching this year, I can share some tidbits of what I've learned.
Thank you for all your time and patience answering all my questions. I'm looking forward to our "collaborations" this year! ;-)

Class

I think this class would be beneficial for anybody/everybody to take because no one knows everything about technology! It is impossible. We are always learning because the world never stands still.
This class builds confidence and that is one of the main ingredients in attempting something new. Technology applies to all teachers, all grade levels, all subjects, etc. etc. So many classes apply to only k-2 teachers etc. This is a class for everyone; even non educators.
Thanks Helen! I learned a lot and will look forward to taking other classes from you.

This class would be rewarding for educators. I found that I was able to do many more things on the computer than I thought I could. Once you get into the class and start messing around you with the computer you become more comfortable with the various programs. I learned so much about iweb, blogging, smart boards, three things that I really needed to know to communicate with teachers, parents, and students in a technological world. Anyone interested in learning about current programs that are available would greatly enjoy this class, and take with them at least one item that they could apply in their lives.

Great class!

With technology changing the world (which seems like every nano second of our lives) this class would benefit anyone in education. It was very helpful to work on projects in class, share with each other and practice with various tools. I gained so much more that I can use in my classroom, with parents and co-workers from this class than many of the other recert classes that I have taken! Thanks!
Jill

Anyone working with school age students needs this class! Just keeping up with ever changing technology is so important as our students use new technology and will need to know how to use it to enter the working world. Knowing some of the safety issues of technology and considering how to integrate technology and yet keep kids safe has been a valuable part of the class. Finding lots of cool stuff to use in our classrooms has been an added bonus!

Anybody that is wanting to create a web page should take this class. After just the first day I was able to get enough practice to create a web site for my football team. Now at the end of the four days I have 3 web sites. All 3 still need some work but I am well on my way and I expect to have all of them fulling functional by Thanks Giving break depending on how well my football team does in the playoffs. I am no longer a "techno-tard".
Later Chris

This should be a required inservice. This would be time well spent for all teachers. There is so much out there that teachers are unaware of. I learned about things I did not know exist. If all teachers were part of this class they could use technology or at least be aware of it so that if there students are using it they know what it is. In our changing world this is very important to all teachers.

Wednesday

The thing I liked best on Wednesday was google documents. It would be a nice way for students to work on documents at home and at school. It seems it would be a faster way for a teacher to read papers rather than go to the school server and enter each student's name and password. Anything that saves time and adds convenience I am for. Of course, there would be issues to deal with, but it a new possibility.

Exciting?!?

Today, I really enjoyed Google Docs. It was a challenge to get it to work, but once going things went well. Tiffany had trouble connecting at first. I can see how this could be used by the students working in small groups on a research project. I added a little to my blog page and I learned that my webpage's podcast page automatically archives when I add new entries (I was wondering how it worked)

I was very excited when I learned to Skype! Visiting with Sherri in Germany was great fun. She's been offered a job in a school in Germany. I bet she could help me make connections with a classroom in Germany and we could set up a Skype interaction. Hmmmm... the time difference will be a challenge.

I also enjoyed checking out various websites suggested by Helen and the rest of the group. Pete's powerpoint had some great things, including some clipart I want to include in my i-web tomorrow.

The most exciting thing that I learned today was that I am not too old to learn something new!  I feel more confident and more in control of where I'm headed.

I loved being able to do some exploring of websites on my own.  I just don't take the time...too many other interests, demands, etc.

It was fun watching Connie get excited about skype!

The most exciting thing I learned today was how to use the imovie. I really didn't like seeing myself on the screen or watching myself in the video, but I really think my students would enjoy it. They can practice reading books aloud into the camera, or they can practice reader's theater or plays. I am also excited to be able to post these mini movies on my website.

Another exciting thing was being able to make changes to our Title I website and then reposting it easily. It was fast and simple. Lastly, I enjoyed seeing new websites that my students can use. My favorite was voicethread.com. I am uneasy to have my students things posted for others to see, however, what a fantastic tool for publishing their creations. You can choose five different ways to comment, which differenciates and can also help boost students confidence.

Day 3

Today I loaded Skype onto my computer. How cool is that? I'm hoping to call some friends tonight to have them load it so that we can talk. I also spent the afternoon creating my blog page. I still have a lot of work to do on it.

Most exciting for Wednesday class

The most exciting, new thing we saw today for me was the website www.lulu.com. I found the idea of a student actually publishing their writing online and receiving an actual book to be really cool. Younger students along with their families would be excited for the opportunity to see their child have such a cool accomplishment. As an elementary teacher, the idea of duckduckgo.com was great. Most kids are discouraged by internet searches because they don't know how to sort through relevant sites, so this would be a big help.

Exciting Wednesday

The most exciting part of Wednesday was learning to publish my web site to the server. I was much more comfortable working on my web page today. I also thought the sharing of web sites from teachers and the handout was very informational. I am really learning a lot about the use of technology in education. Although I have a ways to go, this morning I thought I was Twittering and I was actually on the Wiki!
Jill

As we are sitting here, I'm trying to think what we all covered today.  As you can tell, my brain is pretty full.  What I thought was exciting was that Connie skyped  her friend in Germany and to listen to their exchange.  What I will use is a couple of the google things-google docs and google reader.  I subscribed to smart boards and American history topics.  I know there is a lot more, but at least it's a start.  I also want to explore voice thread more.  I liked Kim's idea of using this when her 3rd graders do their biographies.  Thank you for showing us on the copier how to make a pdf to put on our website.  

Something Exciting!!!

Hi Helen!

Today I really got the hang of blogging! I was really exited about the process and how user friendly it is once you work with it. I enjoyed posting my blog and sharing with others. I also love working on the iweb. I find that it is also very user friendly, and that I just want to keep adding more. I know that students, parents, and teachers will find something useful from the site. I would like to add behavior strategies, my calendar of events, and classroom calendar as well. I guess I will just have to keep working away!

Hmm... Most Interesting???

Well, I'm thinking there are 3 main ones that stick out for me today. I really liked the idea of Google Docs... I'm seeing this as an option for my overachievers that like to take their work home with them. It seems like they could use this like a zipdrive. The discussion about it in class today was helpful, too. I hadn't thought of using t like Doug mentioned, to edit/revise/collaborate with his students. I also enjoyed looking through the power points on Pete's Powerpoint Station. I found some that would be perfect to use for my grade level and subject areas. Snaps to you, Gary. I even printed off a few as reminders. Finally, I liked finding out more about how the gadgets work on my blog. My dear friend, Kimmie, helped me out with this. Now I have a class blog started and a family one, too! Whoo-hoo me!

The most exciting thing I learned today was the ability to email from the copy machines. I know I will be able to use this function for both the class room and stats for sports. I have all ready imported my syllabus and clay terms for my ceramics classes web page. I would like to spend some time with Skype. I would like to talk face to face with my sister and friends.Way cool!!

All of it was interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Google Docs will be something that I was use right away in class. I will make sure I can set up account for the kids. Once this is done I will have the students work in group of three and then I will throw out a problem or an opinion. the students will then work together and come up woth answers and put them on the doc. I will then project the immediate answers up on the screen and have more discussion from there. Student will also be able to continue to work from home on the site. Skype was really cool. i hope to use this to find other schools around the world, who have this technology. Then have live discussion together about various topics. I was never to gifted at power points, but I feel very comfortable with it. It will help me with my lesson plans.

I am really excited to try some new things such as Skype (how easy was that!), Lulu and Voice Threads. I found some new sites that I need lots more time to explore such as Pete's Power Points and Wordle. The site spellingcity.com is one I would really like to see all my childrens teachers use as it would be a great way to study spelling lists in a fun way. I also would like to investigate the possibility of publishing websites through an internet service provider.

So many things have been happening the past few days it is hard to remember what was shared today. After some thought I have concluded Google Docs is one thing that I may use this year. This appears to be a great way of having students work on projects at school but also at home. If all students have a Google account and you can get all parents on board this would be a great teaching tool. I also liked the presentation (like powerpoint) possibilities for students to use to present. You also have the ability to check students work with editing. We are going into uncharted waters this year so it should be interesting.

What I Found Most Interesting and Frustrating

Well. . . do you want to know what I found most interesting or what I found most frustrating? Let me start with the positive. I am very excited about using Voice Thread in my classroom for students to publish stories in a different way and record their own reading. Very excited! I also found the "Pete's Power Point Station" as a great resource. Now my frustrations. . .I really don't enjoy the fact that one search engine views your web site fine while the other moves things around. What's up with that? Not cool to me but I can deal with it . . . . .I guess. :)

Tuesday, August 4th. I will use the podcast for students who have difficulty writing essays, short & long answers for tests. The students can record their answers for their teachers to be graded. I am really excited about doing the web page. The iweb is very user friendly for a non tech person like myself.
Jill

Someday

I might use a podcast someday, but then again maybe not. Probably will use a blog or wiki sometime in the future, and most definitely will use the website. So it's all good.

Definitely Using

The one thing that I will definitely be using this school year will be the webpage (iweb). It incorporates a constrained blog page and podcasts. It doesn't match up well with wikis, but I don't see doing as much direct collaboration with the students. I checked some sample wikis for science, and they looked like student generated textbook /glossary pages.

One thing I know that I will use for sure is the iweb page that I have been developing. I will connect with parents and students through the website. I have incorporated a blog page on this site as well that I will use to publish my newsletter. Students and parents alike will be able to access me if needed through an email link.

blogs and wikis

I got very excited when we learned about blogs today. I plan to create my own school blog and link it to my web page. It seems to be a pretty easy and quick way to keep families informed. I hope to update it on a weekly basis so parents can hear about the things we are doing in class. I also know that I will start a family blog. I am not comfortable with the social networking sites but can't wait to use a blog.

Blogs and wikis

I'm not sure how I am going to use blogs and wikis in my classroom as of yet. I need some time to ponder.......I'll probably start with the podcast on my iweb.
I learned a great deal again today but felt a little less stressed. My daughter said that she is tired of "enabling me to be stuck in the 90's". I think that I will impress her with my knowledge tonight. I am going to show her my iweb and watch her be proud.

I love both the blogs and the podcasts. I feel that I will blog a lot for my class, so the parents can get a feel of how think things are going daily. Usually you talk to parents twice a year at conference time. Having parents able to read my blogs and being able to respond that should be able to convey to my their feeling about their childs education all year long. This should help make changes or continue on the right path if I'm on it. Pod casts is another way students could record homework. Instead of writing reports, they could record their thoughts about things in which I could use as an evaluation for them. i could also use pod casts to record information for students on what to study for tests or info for reports.

I am planning on using pod casting in my class room for demonstrations on the wheel for ceramics class and saftey test for my tech classes. I am also excited about my we site for football and hopefully get that up and running with everything organized and coordinated so fans can get the info and view pictures at their leisure.

My Thoughts on Tuesday

Now that I have changed my new web page for the 4th time - as far as the theme etc - I have a lot more to transfer over from my old web page but will definitely utilize all that I have put into it. I am excited about using blogging in various ways with my students. I am pondering the use of a wiki between my teammates to share ideas, web links, etc. for our new Smartboards. One person on my team has been moved to the other end of the building so maybe using a team wiki and sharing ideas/communicating will be beneficial. I have also done podcasting but will continue to do them w/out an iPod as it seems much easier just to do it on the computer instead of uploading the reading from an iPod. Lots to think about!

Fun with the web page.

I enjoyed posting my web site. This will be a fun, good way of communicating with parents and students. Podcasts is a good way of getting information to the students or the students getting information to me. This is also a interactive way of presenting information. With pictures, sound effects, and voices you can make learning fun. With some getting used to, I will use a Blog and or a Wiki, to get interaction and learning among the students. All of these are fun once you understand them and become comfortable with them.

After thinking about and trying out blogs, I realized my original idea of using a blog to replace my students monthly published newsletter will not work very well. So, I've decided to give my students a daily/weekly job to blog about our homeroom and daily learning. I've made a post today to get myself going. This blog will be used for students and me to share about our days.

I also enjoyed the pod casting mini lesson. I can see myself using Garage Band to make a pod cast of students reading aloud to the class. This will allow parents and families to be a part of their child's presentation even though they aren't there! The plan is to use the page off of iWeb for pod casts. It will be a part of my class web page for all to view/listen to.

I am currently utilizing a web page that I created years ago and change when I have time. I have found that parents utilize my previous webpage a lot for connections to curriculum areas and quick access to online activities to reinforce concepts we have been focusing on in the classroom. An example of that would be my math page that has links to many online math activities connected to various skills/concepts we have been working on. That type of set up is very helpful in the classrom as well because students know to go right to my webpage and gain quick access to links I would like them to focus or work on. I find that a webpage is a great tool for posting photos from the class but find that it was very frustrating using Adobe Go Live uploading photos as it took a long time. iWeb is much easier for this purpose. In the past, I have had my newsletters also posted on my webpage, which I would like to continue doing. I'm still trying to change things over to iweb from Adobe Go Live so I have a lot of work ahead of me. I am trying to balance what I would put on my web page verse what I would post via class blogs. The answer to that question is still formulating in my mind.

When I first learned of iWeb, I was quite thrilled at how much easier it was to work with than Adobe GoLive. It seemed to use most of the same commands as Word. However, I took the beginning class last summer to make my webpage, and I'm just now getting back to it. So, like anything else, I've learned I need to practice and continue to use it or I will for sure "lose it." I'm excited to use my webpage as a place where parents, students, family members, community members, etc. can go to find out some basic information about our classroom, curriculum, interests, a few photos and resources for helpful websites. For some reason, having to publish the webpage each time I update it seems like a hassle. I compare that to starting a blog that I can do from any computer (Mac or Windows) anytime (late at night) anywhere (from home). I continue to struggle with the question, which way is the "best" way to communicate with my students and parents? I guess I need to think which way is best for me and what will be my purpose. No matter what I use, I'm excited for students and families to have alternate methods of getting in touch, learning information and using technology.

A website is very beneficial as I experienced this year.  For both the students and parents, I felt my podcasts and email were the most helpful.  Everyone could get hold of me with both my home and school address.  Parents sometimes don't know how to ask questions from an outline for their student so my podcasts worked well.  For those 8th graders who also don't know how to study for a test, the podcasts were great.  I was amazed at how many kids used it.  When someone did not do well on the test, I asked if he/she used the podcast review.  Guess what most of their answers were?  I quit them at semester because by that time each 8th grader should know what my tests were like.  This year I want to make a page on internet sites to use.

It is certainly easy to see that creating a web page can be very helpful in commuicating with parents. They also can bring a sense of modernity to the classroom. The use of technology certainly serves to capture and keep students attention. They can also aid teacher organization and accountability. Attractive teacher webpages are something I am sure administrators want to see more of. I have to admit I had a frustrating day. Helen is extremely knowledgeable--I am actually somewhat in awe of how easy all of the technology is for her. Technology has never been real easy for me and I tend to be overly cautious with it. I felt like Iwas making some progress on my webpage, albeit slowly, but then something would throw me a curve. Calendar making was the easiest portion of the day for me and while I have great regard for what people can do with modern technology I am going to have to give some thought to coming back tomorrow.

Today's work on websites was very helpful. iweb is a nice, user-friendly program. But even with that there are many questions and we get a lot of help from the instructor and each other. It works out pretty well. Of course, it seems there never is enough time. Computers have a way of doing that. At any rate, I am ready to continue tomorrow.

I feel that by creating a web site for my football team today I will be able to help limit the miscomunication that I have with Athletes and parents. They will be able to view the calendar for the whole season and know exactly what is going on and where. I will develope 2 more web sites for my class room. I have not yet decided if I will have one with both subjects linked together or not. I am looking forward to see how to import video clips to my web page and I beleive that would help with recruiting some of my athletes.

I have been waiting to create my own web page since I have looked at other teachers web pages. This is a excellent way of communicating with parents and students. It is a good tool for the parents at home to understand the class and what is expected by teacher. It can be interactive for the student to help study for tests. Putting a calender on the web page can inform the students and parents to when tests or projects are due. The calender can also be used for coaches for practices and games times. It is a fun thing to do, creating the web page. I look forward to working with it this year and I hope students can use it.

A classroom website would be a great place to have classroom info out there for all parents and students to see. I can see how having classroom calendars, assignments, due dates and information for assignments would be a great asset. No more excuses for "I can't remember what the teacher said!" Having podcasts for reviews would be awesome. Having a link to a classroom blog might be a good place for ongoing conversations about what students are struggling with or problems the teacher might want to publicize in order to get parents involved.

iweb post

I love using iweb! It is a lot easier to use.
Jill

I feel that using a web page will greatly help me a better teacher. The one area that my web page will greatly help is in communication. Having a web page that will be avaliable to all students, parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members should help with breaking down the walls of communication. At any time, any of the above people can access my sire, to see what is going on in my classroom. They can see what is being studied (and what is not). Rumors can be laid to rest. If a parent feels like contacting me about questions and concerns about my class they can do it with a touch of a button. Students will be able to down load their homework, if forgotten at school. Students will be able to follow links to be able to accomplish their homework. Parents can see if the links are appropriate. I will use the site for assignments that parents and students can do together. Surveys can be easily adminstered to the community, which adminstrators and school boards could use to see how the community feels about the education of our youth. I feel that the web site can also be used by parents to get to know about me. This can help with growing a trusting between me and them. i can also be held more accountable with this web page, and this is an importance part of society now a days. If parents see that I'm spending time putting together a web page to help their children it show help them see me as a person who cares for their chidren.

Classroom website application

We could use the website to advise students, parents, and the community of upcoming class projects, assignments, field trips, or even expectations. Perhaps a parent of a member of the community could find a project or unit of study relevant and provide input regarding the project through a linked blog listed on the site. If materials would be required for a project, that information could also be listed on the site. The site could even be linked to the school district website so anyone in the community could provide input when appropriate.

Students and parents will be able to use my website to stay up-to-date with the kindergarten curriculum. Children will be able to participate in a daily math activity that is posted on the monthly math calendar. For literacy, site words and letter notebook assignments are listed. Units and activities are also listed for science and social studies. In handwriting, lessons will be posted as well as ideas for parents to improve their child's handwriting. There is also an internet page that has resources for parents, teachers, and children.

I hope to improve communication with parents, students, and school through the use of a website. I have plans to include calendars, expectations, and homework assignments. I also want to use the website I create as a tool for reviewing concepts, extending learning, and exploration of other math websites. I have learned a lot but am concerned about updating the website as the school year progresses.

Creating  a website for my classroom will greatly enhance communication with parents and students.  I have plans to include parent notes which I currently send weekly.  It will greatly reduce the amount of time that I spend copying papers and putting them in individual mailboxes.  I never have proof that the notes actually reach the parents.  

I think that using iweb will take some time to become familiar with. 

I have learned many new things today but am a bit frustrated and overwhelmed.  It is a Monday in August and my brain isn't working right.

A classroom website would be a great place for students and parents to access classroom info at home. Posting daily events would help keep everyone up to date. Posting review information would be a wonderful way for students to prepare for tests. It would also be a great place to post things like spelling lists, project requirements and parameters for written papers. Having a calendar as a link would be a godsend for parents who struggle with students forgetting to write down assignments or due dates. I could also see setting up links for small group project information for students so they could independently work on projects outside of class.

We use PowerSchool at Beckman for grades. PowerSchool can also be used to send messages and post assignments, but is not very user friendly. Creating a website will make communication between me (the teacher) and the students and their parents a much less painful process. The calendar link will suppliment the assignment notebooks each student has, since not all put down their assignments. It also will provide an easy to navigate tool for parents to keep up with the course in general. With the ability to also include pictures of classroom activities/field trips, the community can also see what the students are doing.

It could be a connection between myself and parents. We could build relationships through the website in terms of the parents, school, and the community being aware of the content that I teach and the duties I perform. They can enhance the skills that I teach by applying the real life skills that I teach in class, and applying them in the home and the community. I would provide tools to use in order to help parents address concerns at home. They would know and understand the language that I use and teach the kids, so that when an issue arises they can use the same vocabulary that we use in school, and when their student talks about what is happening in guidance class they can have some background information to discuss and communicate with their child. Overall, build consistency and a common language.

An important piece of the Title I program is parent communication. Using iweb, Title I Teachers can easily inform parents on reading strategies, practices, and ways to assist with their child's reading at home. We can also inform parents of the Title I Reading Program qualifications and regulations.

Title I

Using the iweb format, I will be able to have constant communication with my student's families through the new and very friendly web site we created. For those families who do not have internet access, I hope to be able to make a print version of each page of the site as a newsletter.
I will continue to develop my personal page and link it to the HW Title page before school starts.

In what ways could your classroom website be a tool for enriching and extending the educational possibilities for your students, parents, and the community?