I have used ThinkQuest this year in 6th grade reading. This was a wonderful experience for all those involved. I used this online learning platform for a unit on the novel Bridge to Terabithia. Also, it was used for unit on Greek Myths that ended with a toga party! We also utilized the TechSteps modules as well. I have used PhotoStory 3 to make various classroom resources. In addition, my students were fortunate enough to use Windows 7 this year, and we learned and utilized the Snipping Tool in a variety of ways.
Glad to hear you are utilizing ThinkQuest, Chrissy :) One of the technical tools I believe created much engagement and learning capacity in the classroom is credited to digital story telling and mapping. This is a powerful way to let students create and innovate! :)
As a high school librarian, I do not have assigned classes, but teachers schedule the library for research and/or assigned projects. I have used Thinkfinity with the students. They especially like the science and English and being able to work at their own pace. Several of the social studies classes have started using TechSteps with mixed feelings from the students. I don't know if it is considered a technology tool but most of our faculty (at my urging) require our students how to use the EBSCO statewide database for most of their research rather than Google everything. The students have come a long way in learning to evaluate their sources by using this database.
Being Title I, I work with many small groups in many classrooms throughout the day. When I work with small groups in my room, I have the chance to utilize technology. We use RM Easiteach a great deal to build words, manipulate words, sort words, etc. The kids really love to have the chance to manipulate the words on the Smartboard.It has been a great new tool for those intensive kids that work on the same skills over and over.
We also use a lot of interactive games from Thinkfinity. It has been a great way to enhance my instruction and get the kids more excited! Even the kindergarteners have learned to use the Smartboard all on their own!
You all have shared great resources and I look forward to checking them all out!
Two technical tools I have used extensively with my students this year are PowerPoints and Skype. I know PowerPoints sound boring and old compared to new tools, but using it can enhance the students' learning experiences, as long as the project is purposeful. Most of the sixth graders I see have never made a PowerPoint, and are completely clueless when it comes to designing one. I first teach them how to use the PowerPoint features. After they feel comfortable, I give them a small assignment so they can process what they learned, and hopefully retain everything I taught them. Throughout the year, I build up their projects and increase the objectives. At the beginning of the year, I had kids who did not know how to open up PowerPoint; at the end of the year, all of them did research and made a ten page PowerPoint presentation on a famous American. Their slides were beautifully animated with pictures, correct information in the proper format, charts, and bibliographies. We even had a Famous American Fair, and the kids presented their work while dressed up like their American! Skype is also a great tool. The kids love this piece of technology the most. We have used Skype to talk to a history teacher, kids from another school, and an author. By Skyping, my kids were able to obtain background information on the Holocaust, have a discussion with other kids about World War II, and have questions about the novel we read answered by the author. By using PowerPoint and Skype, my kids are having fun while they learn, thus retaining more knowledge. In addition, they will be better prepared for their future jobs.
Wow! I love to hear people say that they have used these tools! As a TIS, that's what I strive for! I have used thinkfinity, techSteps, VoiceThread, audacity, skype, glogster, classchatter, and microsoft office to name a few with students this year. Thinkfinity has great resources for interactives and lesson plans. We have really learned to use techSteps this year to help teach our concepts used in the classroom with technology. VoiceThread is quite an awesome free tool. You can post pictures and have everyone leave a voice or text comment. Audacity is a free download. Kids love to record themselves talking and play it back. It has been a tool that we have used many different ways to help with fluency. We have connected with different classes within the county and throughout the state using skype to discuss different concepts specific to subject materials. Glogster is a free mix between a blog and a poster where voice and video can be added to a virtual poster about a project. Class Chatter is a great free tool where you can have a completely enclosed class blog. There is free blogging, topic blogs, and assignment blogs. It is a great tool for journaling within just the class or with a specific project. We use Microsoft office with our techSteps.
I also like Skype. I have used this for students as well as staff trainings. I did have an issue come up in the last two days. I am having "people" pop up for a skype that have names that are pornographic. The only skype contact I have is someone from the WVDE. Not a good thing!
I am a third grade teacher and I have used Thinkfinity, Skype, Voki's, techSteps, spellingcity, as well as many others. Spellingcity.com is a great site where teachers can put in spelling words and the computer makes up games and can even test students. I have my own classroom website at www.mrsfalls.com I use it to communicate with students and direct students to URL's. I use RMeasiteach with my whiteboard daily. This is a wonderful interactive program that allows students to experience interacive lessons.
Thanks to everyone who is posting such wonderful tools. I love to see what everyone else is using!
Currently, I would label myself as an “old school” teacher learning new tricks. I haven’t used very much technology in my instruction the last few years, but I’ve tried a few things this year after receiving an interactive white board and document reader. The program that I used most extensively was Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. This program allowed my students to obtain core content, while also viewing relevant video clips. This helped them to stay motivated, and to understand the “abstract” ideas of science. I also downloaded a Jeopardy template for PowerPoint, and used it during a few review sessions. Students loved this, and would work diligently to “win” the competition.
One other application that I used a few times was Google Earth. My students enjoyed using the program to locate familiar places (homes, schools, hospitals, etc.), as well as unfamiliar ones. This helped them to visualize places they have never seen, as well as some of the cultural differences they have never experienced.
I’ve enjoyed reading the comments on this blog, and look forward to trying out some of these tools with my students next year. Thanks!
This year I taught special needs math classes and a special needs history class. My students have loved to work out of our texts this year so I have used sites such as thinkfinity, ETA Cuisenaire, and several game sites that allowed us to learn about things such as graphing while playing Battleship. For history, along with sites such as thinkfinity, we used PowerPoint for a couple of presentations.
When using these tools, my students were more engaged in the classroom. They would ask if we could do these tech lessons every day instead of working in the book. My school is getting new math books next year that come with new tech programs and I can't wait to see how it works out with my students.
I began using podcasting with my students this year, having them create "shows" in teams at the end of each quarter to demonstrate what they had learned. For techSteps we did the one-minute presentation (power point) and combined each student's slide to make a classroom project. It became the "digital version" of a class book. I am getting a SmartBoard for next school year (YEAAAAAAAAAH!) and would love to use Skype to have my students communicate with another classroom for a project. I have been on Voice Thread's site and hope to utilize that as well.
Last year when I was teaching undergraduate Spanish, I used podcasts with my students. I was just starting to integrate more technology into my classroom. I made podcasts of a sample oral quiz for my students to practice with for the real deal. I used Audacity and Garage Band, which is now defunct, I think. The students who did use them, said they helped them out on oral quiz day. I was planning on having them create podcasts the following year, but we had to move out of state.
I also created a very lengthy webquest for my students to use in order to cover more culture in my Spanish language (grammar based) classes. The students were supposedly on a tour of several Latin American countries. I would have them go to a site from the country, a site on an aspect of the country, or an article, say the official Panama Canal site, and then they had to write a paragraph in Spanish about what they saw "while they were there." It improved their writing skills a lot because they had one country a week, but they did not like the "extra work." Sometimes I had them write poems from a picture and this type of creative assignment was much more appreciated.
The semester before that I brought in popular songs in Spanish and we worked on the lyrics in a type of cloze exercise.
The students did reports on countries which were PowerPoint presentations for the most part as well.
I wish I had done more with technology, but I was just starting to push myself in that direction and then we had to leave.
I was one of the lucky teachers at my school to get a smart board this year. I have found this is a great way to present how to use a graphing calculator. I downloaded an interactive TI calculator and found several tutorials to walk my students through how to use the calculators. There are also several interactive math tools I have found on the internet most of them are through NCTM.
I also participate in a Wiki as a way to communicate and colaborate with other teachers.
One technology tool that I have used in my class is moviemaker. I had students to create a video commercial using propaganda then put it on moviemaker, which wasn't too successful the first semester, but by the second semester, I had a better handle on what I was doing, making it easier for us all. I think it impacted student learning in a couple of areas. First, they had to collaborate (each student had a specific role to fill) and they were able to draw on each others strengths and weakness. Ultimately, they ended up teaching each other skills. Secondly, because of the collaboration, they were able to research more thoroughly their targeted audience, purpose, propaganda technique, and product. They ended up learning more as a team as opposed to learning independently if I had made it an individual assignment,
Wow, well as my first year as a TIS I must say I have used quite a few web 2.0 tools in the various classes I have been in. To name a few, I have used many Google apps (Earth, docs, sites, sketch-up), Voicethreads, PhotoStory 3, Audacity, Skype, MovieMaker, Studystack, LiveGrades, Wetpaint, Animoto, and Ning very extensively (too bad they are going pay-site only, the kids really liked it I think). I am looking forward to rolling out Moodle and TechSteps next year at the high school. One of the funnest projects I was have been involved with is with a Creative Writing class where we podcasted with Audacity (soon to go up on the school's website) and making documentaries (with full narration and music)on the Crusades in a World History class. The students and I also had lots of fun doing websites (with Google sites) and the storyboards (on Google docs) before shooting PSA videos (produced and edited in FLIP software and Windows MovieMaker) with an HD FLIP camera.
When I have been working with my students in my after school program we have used Google Earth, Google Earth Flight Simulator,PLATO, and a portaportal I created. During our summer learning programs I've even used Webkinz for our youngest students (kindergarten and first grade). We can practice adding with games like Booger Gets an A and typing skills with the game Lunch Letters. Summer learning is always a challenge . Keeping them interested and engaged when they don't "have" to be in school.
As a TIS this year, I have learned & used many web 2.0 resources. I don't know what I would have done without DropBox or Portaportal. I have set up Portaportals for each grade to use with techSteps, and the other TISs & I share our project folders through Dropbox.
Google Earth has been extremely useful - every time we do a videoconference with a school from a different area, we introduce ourselves with Google Earth. I love to "wow" the kids with the street view of our school. We also use it to learn more about the areas we are connecting with.
Animoto, Movie Maker, & Audacity have been important as well. Depending on my goal, I use mainly these tools for helping students create videos.
We've also used Wetpaint & PB wiki with students and teachers - love the collaborative abilities!
Another tool as a classroom teacher that I loved was ClassChatter. It is a gated blogging site, which made me feel better about allowing students to use it in place of written journals.
Some of my favorite technology tools used this year is Photostory, Google Apps., and Voicethreads. I was able to use Photostory as a reward during Techsteps with one of my classes and they absolutely loved the process of downloading an uploading pics. to their shared files. Google Apps., I could not live without! I use it for everthing from documenting my hours to creating presentations and "cheat sheets" for professional development. One of my most used is Voicethreads, this I have found to be so vast thoughout the curriulum and grade levels. My favorite use is through distance learning projects as a daily reflection on the lesson.
Its great to see so many different tools being used, I also have looked at a few of the tools listed and they look great, I can't wait to have a little more time this summer to explore these tools and implement them next year. Currently I use Microsoft Office, photo story3 skype,moviemaker,Adobe indesign, I got a smart board this past year and it is great, I use it almost everyday.I also got a new lab last week and it has pre-installed Google earth and Picasso which load super fast and have loads of resources in them, that I can't wait to start using!
I took this class because I love technology and as sysop and librarian, I'm a resource to the staff. I want to learn new things to bring to our staff. I'm feeling like I have nothing to offer on this blog. Thank goodness for Oprah, because I know what Skype is. When I read the list of 10 2.0 tools, that was about the only one I recognized! I don't know where I've been hiding, but I feel like I'm techno illiterate! My meager list of what I've used includes PowerPoint, TechSteps, google earth, smartboards (lot to learn there), elmos, and responders. I wish I could just be a fly on the wall and soak all this in because I don't feel like I have much to contribute.
I would have to say that I have used my whitboard almost daily since getting it a year ago. My whole reading instruction now revolves around interactive lessons. Our school has Scott Foresman Reading Series and several teachers have posted powerpoints on Waltke's Web that follow each story. I save these power points to my computer in a file under each story. Then I go in and add websites and my own power points to complete my story lesson. I know have interactive power point presentations for each reading story. When the Internet isn't working at our school (which is often), I have lessons that I can teach with access to the Internet. I have also used several websites to assist in daily instruction. I like the following websites: Stickyletters, BBC Schools, Pete's Powerpoints, Roys Literacy Site, Carl's Corner, ABCya, Starfall and many others. I have used moviemaker to create DVD's for my students to take home at the end of the year. I take pictures of all our events and special occasions throughout the school year, Putting them into a DVD is a great gift for students to remember their first grade year. Our school also uses Odyssey, Tech Steps and Discovery Reading. I think that it is awesome that students can log onto these programs and use them effectively.
I teach Algebra to ninth graders. I hate to say that I have used little technology. I am comfortable using it, I just don't. I am finishing up my 2nd year of teaching so I am still getting used to everything. I am FINALLY getting my cord for my smart board so I will be using it a lot next year. I love using it to give notes on because you can save them and then when a student is absent you just have to print everything from that day. The kids enjoy interacting with it as well. One thing I do use quite often is my document cam and data projector as well as power point. I have my students complete an graphing assignment where they have to use the internet and Microsoft Excel also. I look forward to finding new ideas on the blog!
I must say that I haven't used technology nearly as much as I should. It's somewhat strange because I love fiddling around with new technologies. I've built computers, designed websites using html, css, and other web standards. I enjoy music technology such as audio/midi recording and notation software. The only device I've used on a consistent basis in the classroom is drill design software from a company called Pyware. If you're not familiar, it is a program for marching band that allows the plotting of individual "performers" on a virtual football field. The performer's movements can be synced with music to give an authentic representation of what the completed drill will look like. Instead of the students wandering around clueless about what they are doing, they can see a graphic representation of their entire performance. It helps to give them a sense of purpose. It also saves hours of editing time as opposed to the old method of pencil, paper, rulers, templates, erasers and excedrine. Editing can be done in a matter of seconds with new sheets printed out and ready to go.
I have tried to find some new tools to use this year as a first year TIS. I have used PowerPoint, techSteps, regularly use the SMARTboard, and recently received a SMART Table (which the students and teachers are beginning to LOVE).
Towards the end of the year, our 3-5 grade classes all began using SpellingCity.com and they love it.
I had the Kindergarten class read sentences that they had created for a techSteps lesson and we did a PowerPoint presentation at their graduation last Friday. I have had several staff tell me how wonderful that presentation was. I'm very proud of myself for putting that together. The students loved to hear themselves back after they read their sentence and it was great to see their faces light up.
I am looking forward to finding and using so many more tools that will help my students in the future.
I am always looking for new tech to use. My students (second grade)love reading and math centers. This is where we use all we have. techSteps,Intelliboard, Spelling City,BBC, Powerpoint, Odyssey, Waltke's Web, Map Quest,ABCteach, and sometimes we pull out Accellerated Reader.I love to watch their eyes light up when they learn how quick they can learn to maneuver all the different programs.I also like Windows Moviemaker,which is so simple to make a wonderful way for the parents to see their child in class, doing what they're best at LEARNING!
Share technical tools you have used with your students and describe how these tools impacted students' learning. I am not comfortable with blogging, but I am willing to learn. This year I have learned how to use skype and the polycom. My students have learned about many areas in the United States without having to go their physically. Our fall activity was the best. Each pair of schools created their own monster, wrote a description to exchange with another, and then build each other's monster. When we met on the polycom, the students noted likenesses and differences. It was a very interesting writing activity. The students really enjoyed the activity.
I have used ThinkQuest this year in 6th grade reading. This was a wonderful experience for all those involved. I used this online learning platform for a unit on the novel Bridge to Terabithia. Also, it was used for unit on Greek Myths that ended with a toga party!
ReplyDeleteWe also utilized the TechSteps modules as well. I have used PhotoStory 3 to make various classroom resources. In addition, my students were fortunate enough to use Windows 7 this year, and we learned and utilized the Snipping Tool in a variety of ways.
Glad to hear you are utilizing ThinkQuest, Chrissy :) One of the technical tools I believe created much engagement and learning capacity in the classroom is credited to digital story telling and mapping. This is a powerful way to let students create and innovate! :)
ReplyDeleteAs a high school librarian, I do not have assigned classes, but teachers schedule the library for research and/or assigned projects. I have used Thinkfinity with the students. They especially like the science and English and being able to work at their own pace. Several of the social studies classes have started using TechSteps with mixed feelings from the students. I don't know if it is considered a technology tool but most of our faculty (at my urging) require our students how to use the EBSCO statewide database for most of their research rather than Google everything. The students have come a long way in learning to evaluate their sources by using this database.
ReplyDeleteBeing Title I, I work with many small groups in many classrooms throughout the day. When I work with small groups in my room, I have the chance to utilize technology. We use RM Easiteach a great deal to build words, manipulate words, sort words, etc. The kids really love to have the chance to manipulate the words on the Smartboard.It has been a great new tool for those intensive kids that work on the same skills over and over.
ReplyDeleteWe also use a lot of interactive games from Thinkfinity. It has been a great way to enhance my instruction and get the kids more excited! Even the kindergarteners have learned to use the Smartboard all on their own!
You all have shared great resources and I look forward to checking them all out!
Two technical tools I have used extensively with my students this year are PowerPoints and Skype. I know PowerPoints sound boring and old compared to new tools, but using it can enhance the students' learning experiences, as long as the project is purposeful. Most of the sixth graders I see have never made a PowerPoint, and are completely clueless when it comes to designing one. I first teach them how to use the PowerPoint features. After they feel comfortable, I give them a small assignment so they can process what they learned, and hopefully retain everything I taught them. Throughout the year, I build up their projects and increase the objectives. At the beginning of the year, I had kids who did not know how to open up PowerPoint; at the end of the year, all of them did research and made a ten page PowerPoint presentation on a famous American. Their slides were beautifully animated with pictures, correct information in the proper format, charts, and bibliographies. We even had a Famous American Fair, and the kids presented their work while dressed up like their American! Skype is also a great tool. The kids love this piece of technology the most. We have used Skype to talk to a history teacher, kids from another school, and an author. By Skyping, my kids were able to obtain background information on the Holocaust, have a discussion with other kids about World War II, and have questions about the novel we read answered by the author. By using PowerPoint and Skype, my kids are having fun while they learn, thus retaining more knowledge. In addition, they will be better prepared for their future jobs.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love to hear people say that they have used these tools! As a TIS, that's what I strive for! I have used thinkfinity, techSteps, VoiceThread, audacity, skype, glogster, classchatter, and microsoft office to name a few with students this year. Thinkfinity has great resources for interactives and lesson plans. We have really learned to use techSteps this year to help teach our concepts used in the classroom with technology. VoiceThread is quite an awesome free tool. You can post pictures and have everyone leave a voice or text comment. Audacity is a free download. Kids love to record themselves talking and play it back. It has been a tool that we have used many different ways to help with fluency. We have connected with different classes within the county and throughout the state using skype to discuss different concepts specific to subject materials. Glogster is a free mix between a blog and a poster where voice and video can be added to a virtual poster about a project. Class Chatter is a great free tool where you can have a completely enclosed class blog. There is free blogging, topic blogs, and assignment blogs. It is a great tool for journaling within just the class or with a specific project. We use Microsoft office with our techSteps.
ReplyDeleteEric,
ReplyDeleteI also like Skype. I have used this for students as well as staff trainings. I did have an issue come up in the last two days. I am having "people" pop up for a skype that have names that are pornographic. The only skype contact I have is someone from the WVDE. Not a good thing!
I am a third grade teacher and I have used Thinkfinity, Skype, Voki's, techSteps, spellingcity, as well as many others. Spellingcity.com is a great site where teachers can put in spelling words and the computer makes up games and can even test students. I have my own classroom website at www.mrsfalls.com I use it to communicate with students and direct students to URL's. I use RMeasiteach with my whiteboard daily. This is a wonderful interactive program that allows students to experience interacive lessons.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who is posting such wonderful tools. I love to see what everyone else is using!
Currently, I would label myself as an “old school” teacher learning new tricks. I haven’t used very much technology in my instruction the last few years, but I’ve tried a few things this year after receiving an interactive white board and document reader. The program that I used most extensively was Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. This program allowed my students to obtain core content, while also viewing relevant video clips. This helped them to stay motivated, and to understand the “abstract” ideas of science. I also downloaded a Jeopardy template for PowerPoint, and used it during a few review sessions. Students loved this, and would work diligently to “win” the competition.
ReplyDeleteOne other application that I used a few times was Google Earth. My students enjoyed using the program to locate familiar places (homes, schools, hospitals, etc.), as well as unfamiliar ones. This helped them to visualize places they have never seen, as well as some of the cultural differences they have never experienced.
I’ve enjoyed reading the comments on this blog, and look forward to trying out some of these tools with my students next year. Thanks!
This year I taught special needs math classes and a special needs history class. My students have loved to work out of our texts this year so I have used sites such as thinkfinity, ETA Cuisenaire, and several game sites that allowed us to learn about things such as graphing while playing Battleship. For history, along with sites such as thinkfinity, we used PowerPoint for a couple of presentations.
ReplyDeleteWhen using these tools, my students were more engaged in the classroom. They would ask if we could do these tech lessons every day instead of working in the book. My school is getting new math books next year that come with new tech programs and I can't wait to see how it works out with my students.
I began using podcasting with my students this year, having them create "shows" in teams at the end of each quarter to demonstrate what they had learned. For techSteps we did the one-minute presentation (power point) and combined each student's slide to make a classroom project. It became the "digital version" of a class book. I am getting a SmartBoard for next school year (YEAAAAAAAAAH!) and would love to use Skype to have my students communicate with another classroom for a project. I have been on Voice Thread's site and hope to utilize that as well.
ReplyDeleteLast year when I was teaching undergraduate Spanish, I used podcasts with my students. I was just starting to integrate more technology into my classroom. I made podcasts of a sample oral quiz for my students to practice with for the real deal. I used Audacity and Garage Band, which is now defunct, I think. The students who did use them, said they helped them out on oral quiz day. I was planning on having them create podcasts the following year, but we had to move out of state.
ReplyDeleteI also created a very lengthy webquest for my students to use in order to cover more culture in my Spanish language (grammar based) classes. The students were supposedly on a tour of several Latin American countries. I would have them go to a site from the country, a site on an aspect of the country, or an article, say the official Panama Canal site, and then they had to write a paragraph in Spanish about what they saw "while they were there." It improved their writing skills a lot because they had one country a week, but they did not like the "extra work." Sometimes I had them write poems from a picture and this type of creative assignment was much more appreciated.
The semester before that I brought in popular songs in Spanish and we worked on the lyrics in a type of cloze exercise.
The students did reports on countries which were PowerPoint presentations for the most part as well.
I wish I had done more with technology, but I was just starting to push myself in that direction and then we had to leave.
I was one of the lucky teachers at my school to get a smart board this year. I have found this is a great way to present how to use a graphing calculator. I downloaded an interactive TI calculator and found several tutorials to walk my students through how to use the calculators. There are also several interactive math tools I have found on the internet most of them are through NCTM.
ReplyDeleteI also participate in a Wiki as a way to communicate and colaborate with other teachers.
One technology tool that I have used in my class is moviemaker. I had students to create a video commercial using propaganda then put it on moviemaker, which wasn't too successful the first semester, but by the second semester, I had a better handle on what I was doing, making it easier for us all. I think it impacted student learning in a couple of areas. First, they had to collaborate (each student had a specific role to fill) and they were able to draw on each others strengths and weakness. Ultimately, they ended up teaching each other skills. Secondly, because of the collaboration, they were able to research more thoroughly their targeted audience, purpose, propaganda technique, and product. They ended up learning more as a team as opposed to learning independently if I had made it an individual assignment,
ReplyDeleteWow, well as my first year as a TIS I must say I have used quite a few web 2.0 tools in the various classes I have been in. To name a few, I have used many Google apps (Earth, docs, sites, sketch-up), Voicethreads, PhotoStory 3, Audacity, Skype, MovieMaker, Studystack, LiveGrades, Wetpaint, Animoto, and Ning very extensively (too bad they are going pay-site only, the kids really liked it I think). I am looking forward to rolling out Moodle and TechSteps next year at the high school. One of the funnest projects I was have been involved with is with a Creative Writing class where we podcasted with Audacity (soon to go up on the school's website) and making documentaries (with full narration and music)on the Crusades in a World History class. The students and I also had lots of fun doing websites (with Google sites) and the storyboards (on Google docs) before shooting PSA videos (produced and edited in FLIP software and Windows MovieMaker) with an HD FLIP camera.
ReplyDeleteWhen I have been working with my students in my after school program we have used Google Earth, Google Earth Flight Simulator,PLATO, and a portaportal I created. During our summer learning programs I've even used Webkinz for our youngest students (kindergarten and first grade). We can practice adding with games like Booger Gets an A and typing skills with the game Lunch Letters. Summer learning is always a challenge . Keeping them interested and engaged when they don't "have" to be in school.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs a TIS this year, I have learned & used many web 2.0 resources. I don't know what I would have done without DropBox or Portaportal. I have set up Portaportals for each grade to use with techSteps, and the other TISs & I share our project folders through Dropbox.
ReplyDeleteGoogle Earth has been extremely useful - every time we do a videoconference with a school from a different area, we introduce ourselves with Google Earth. I love to "wow" the kids with the street view of our school. We also use it to learn more about the areas we are connecting with.
Animoto, Movie Maker, & Audacity have been important as well. Depending on my goal, I use mainly these tools for helping students create videos.
We've also used Wetpaint & PB wiki with students and teachers - love the collaborative abilities!
Another tool as a classroom teacher that I loved was ClassChatter. It is a gated blogging site, which made me feel better about allowing students to use it in place of written journals.
(Nan Argabrite)
Some of my favorite technology tools used this year is Photostory, Google Apps., and Voicethreads. I was able to use Photostory as a reward during Techsteps with one of my classes and they absolutely loved the process of downloading an uploading pics. to their shared files. Google Apps., I could not live without! I use it for everthing from documenting my hours to creating presentations and "cheat sheets" for professional development. One of my most used is Voicethreads, this I have found to be so vast thoughout the curriulum and grade levels. My favorite use is through distance learning projects as a daily reflection on the lesson.
ReplyDeleteIts great to see so many different tools being used, I also have looked at a few of the tools listed and they look great, I can't wait to have a little more time this summer to explore these tools and implement them next year. Currently I use Microsoft Office, photo story3 skype,moviemaker,Adobe indesign, I got a smart board this past year and it is great, I use it almost everyday.I also got a new lab last week and it has pre-installed Google earth and Picasso which load super fast and have loads of resources in them, that I can't wait to start using!
ReplyDeleteI took this class because I love technology and as sysop and librarian, I'm a resource to the staff. I want to learn new things to bring to our staff. I'm feeling like I have nothing to offer on this blog. Thank goodness for Oprah, because I know what Skype is. When I read the list of 10 2.0 tools, that was about the only one I recognized! I don't know where I've been hiding, but I feel like I'm techno illiterate! My meager list of what I've used includes PowerPoint, TechSteps, google earth, smartboards (lot to learn there), elmos, and responders. I wish I could just be a fly on the wall and soak all this in because I don't feel like I have much to contribute.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that I have used my whitboard almost daily since getting it a year ago. My whole reading instruction now revolves around interactive lessons. Our school has Scott Foresman Reading Series and several teachers have posted powerpoints on Waltke's Web that follow each story. I save these power points to my computer in a file under each story. Then I go in and add websites and my own power points to complete my story lesson. I know have interactive power point presentations for each reading story. When the Internet isn't working at our school (which is often), I have lessons that I can teach with access to the Internet.
ReplyDeleteI have also used several websites to assist in daily instruction. I like the following websites: Stickyletters, BBC Schools, Pete's Powerpoints, Roys Literacy Site, Carl's Corner, ABCya, Starfall and many others.
I have used moviemaker to create DVD's for my students to take home at the end of the year. I take pictures of all our events and special occasions throughout the school year, Putting them into a DVD is a great gift for students to remember their first grade year.
Our school also uses Odyssey, Tech Steps and Discovery Reading. I think that it is awesome that students can log onto these programs and use them effectively.
I teach Algebra to ninth graders. I hate to say that I have used little technology. I am comfortable using it, I just don't. I am finishing up my 2nd year of teaching so I am still getting used to everything. I am FINALLY getting my cord for my smart board so I will be using it a lot next year. I love using it to give notes on because you can save them and then when a student is absent you just have to print everything from that day. The kids enjoy interacting with it as well. One thing I do use quite often is my document cam and data projector as well as power point. I have my students complete an graphing assignment where they have to use the internet and Microsoft Excel also. I look forward to finding new ideas on the blog!
ReplyDeleteI must say that I haven't used technology nearly as much as I should. It's somewhat strange because I love fiddling around with new technologies. I've built computers, designed websites using html, css, and other web standards. I enjoy music technology such as audio/midi recording and notation software. The only device I've used on a consistent basis in the classroom is drill design software from a company called Pyware. If you're not familiar, it is a program for marching band that allows the plotting of individual "performers" on a virtual football field. The performer's movements can be synced with music to give an authentic representation of what the completed drill will look like. Instead of the students wandering around clueless about what they are doing, they can see a graphic representation of their entire performance. It helps to give them a sense of purpose. It also saves hours of editing time as opposed to the old method of pencil, paper, rulers, templates, erasers and excedrine. Editing can be done in a matter of seconds with new sheets printed out and ready to go.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to find some new tools to use this year as a first year TIS. I have used PowerPoint, techSteps, regularly use the SMARTboard, and recently received a SMART Table (which the students and teachers are beginning to LOVE).
ReplyDeleteTowards the end of the year, our 3-5 grade classes all began using SpellingCity.com and they love it.
I had the Kindergarten class read sentences that they had created for a techSteps lesson and we did a PowerPoint presentation at their graduation last Friday. I have had several staff tell me how wonderful that presentation was. I'm very proud of myself for putting that together. The students loved to hear themselves back after they read their sentence and it was great to see their faces light up.
I am looking forward to finding and using so many more tools that will help my students in the future.
I am always looking for new tech to use. My students (second grade)love reading and math centers. This is where we use all we have. techSteps,Intelliboard, Spelling City,BBC, Powerpoint, Odyssey, Waltke's Web, Map Quest,ABCteach, and sometimes we pull out Accellerated Reader.I love to watch their eyes light up when they learn how quick they can learn to maneuver all the different programs.I also like Windows Moviemaker,which is so simple to make a wonderful way for the parents to see their child in class, doing what they're best at LEARNING!
ReplyDeleteShare technical tools you have used with your students and describe how these tools impacted students' learning.
ReplyDeleteI am not comfortable with blogging, but I am willing to learn. This year I have learned how to use skype and the polycom. My students have learned about many areas in the United States without having to go their physically.
Our fall activity was the best. Each pair of schools created their own monster, wrote a description to exchange with another, and then build each other's monster. When we met on the polycom, the students noted likenesses and differences. It was a very interesting writing activity. The students really enjoyed the activity.