Thing 7 - Skype
Although I'm not certain how I would use skype in the classroom I do feel it has value to me.
I have had conversations with my team and with the 21 things class. I have tried to record a conversation but am not certain where to see if it recorded or not. Hopefully after our next class I'll have it uploaded to share. Also, I've used the chat feature and find this quite handy. The key is to have others signed up. That could be a hurdle.
My skype id: kdinsmor
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thing 6 - Wikis
Thing 6 - Wikis
Truth be told, I'm having a difficult time understanding the magnitude of wikis. On the surface wikis seem like a place where people can collaborate on projects, share information, etc. But peeling back the surface of a wiki exposes layers yet to be discovered. What I do know for certain is that a "wiki" is like the simple term "car". There are many definitions of each, with many variations on a theme - and then some. Specifically, I found myself fascinated with the Aristotle Project on Wiki on Education and wondering how I could use a project such as this in my math class. I could also see our math department creating one site where we share information for our students and their parents to access.
Truth be told, I'm having a difficult time understanding the magnitude of wikis. On the surface wikis seem like a place where people can collaborate on projects, share information, etc. But peeling back the surface of a wiki exposes layers yet to be discovered. What I do know for certain is that a "wiki" is like the simple term "car". There are many definitions of each, with many variations on a theme - and then some. Specifically, I found myself fascinated with the Aristotle Project on Wiki on Education and wondering how I could use a project such as this in my math class. I could also see our math department creating one site where we share information for our students and their parents to access.
Thing 5 - Educational Bookmarking/Networking
Thing 5 - Educational Bookmarking/Networking
Educational Bookmarking
Delicious, an internet-based bookmarking site, has the potential to be amazingly helpful to me as an educator. Besides the obvious of allowing me to access my "favorites" from any computer it does several other jobs nicely. First, it can make searching topics more meaningful since it shows how many others have tagged the same idea. Also I can tap into any one individual's bookmarks to see other sites that might be useful to me. Finally, in the classroom I could have students access certain sites through published bookmarks. I would like to spend time "playing" in this site.
Networking
I joined the social network of Ning in Education. It is a forum of individuals interested in education (really?!). Anyway, I have found information about some current research in several different areas and discussions regarding it. I could join different groups within this site that are of interest to me. There were other nings that would be of interest to students however after reading more in my "ning" it was pointed out that nings could not be utilized by students under 13 years of age. This could present a challenge.
I also joined MACUL and took a look around. I still am not certain what this site is all about. I did notice that many of the posts are several months old. This made me wonder how much activity this site saw.
Educational Bookmarking
Delicious, an internet-based bookmarking site, has the potential to be amazingly helpful to me as an educator. Besides the obvious of allowing me to access my "favorites" from any computer it does several other jobs nicely. First, it can make searching topics more meaningful since it shows how many others have tagged the same idea. Also I can tap into any one individual's bookmarks to see other sites that might be useful to me. Finally, in the classroom I could have students access certain sites through published bookmarks. I would like to spend time "playing" in this site.
Networking
I joined the social network of Ning in Education. It is a forum of individuals interested in education (really?!). Anyway, I have found information about some current research in several different areas and discussions regarding it. I could join different groups within this site that are of interest to me. There were other nings that would be of interest to students however after reading more in my "ning" it was pointed out that nings could not be utilized by students under 13 years of age. This could present a challenge.
I also joined MACUL and took a look around. I still am not certain what this site is all about. I did notice that many of the posts are several months old. This made me wonder how much activity this site saw.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thing 3 - blogging my way through the year
As a first time blogger I am really not sure how I will utilize this technology in my classroom. Hmmmmm.....I don't know how comfortable I am with putting it "all" out there.
Anyway, perhaps I will use it to help keep middle school parents in the loop. Many parents still want to be involved but find it difficult to get all the info from their kids. This would be a good way to keep in touch.
Anyway, perhaps I will use it to help keep middle school parents in the loop. Many parents still want to be involved but find it difficult to get all the info from their kids. This would be a good way to keep in touch.
About me
Welcome!
As a Sturgis Public Schools graduate I find it a pleasure and an enormous privilege to be on the opposite side of the desk, so to speak, working with the future graduates of Sturgis Public Schools. This is my 7th year working in this district. While working here I have taught Young 5’s, Kindergarten, 7th and 8th grade science, 6th and 8th grade math and currently 7th grade math.
My role as a teacher has me wearing many hats. I am a facilitator, mentor, coach, and cheerleader, to mention just a few! I want to create a strong working relationship between my students, parents and myself in order to ensure that all of my students have a successful year. With that goal in mind, please feel free to contact me with whatever questions, concerns, and/or comments you might have.
As a Sturgis Public Schools graduate I find it a pleasure and an enormous privilege to be on the opposite side of the desk, so to speak, working with the future graduates of Sturgis Public Schools. This is my 7th year working in this district. While working here I have taught Young 5’s, Kindergarten, 7th and 8th grade science, 6th and 8th grade math and currently 7th grade math.
My role as a teacher has me wearing many hats. I am a facilitator, mentor, coach, and cheerleader, to mention just a few! I want to create a strong working relationship between my students, parents and myself in order to ensure that all of my students have a successful year. With that goal in mind, please feel free to contact me with whatever questions, concerns, and/or comments you might have.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)