Thing #21--Participate in a Webinar
I participated in the Webinar for the Action Research Project on December 1, 2010. It was presented by John Ross and Vickie Allen. It was a neat experience. The software allowed you to see the name of everyone who was participating. Each of us had an opportunity to contibute to the webinar and ask questions by using the chat box.
This webinar defined the Action Research project as a process in which teachers examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully using the techinques of research. Other information presented to us included the five phases of the project:
1) Identify the question
2) Plan your action
3) Implement your plan and collect evidence
4) Analyze the evidence
5) Report your findings
Each of us was also given the opportunity to share some possible questions we thought would be appropriate for this project.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thing #20--Flicker Image
Thing #20--Here is my image from Flicker.Below the picture is a link to the CC license attribution.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
Thing #19--Skype
Thing #19--Skype
My Skype username is Applemen2008 (named after my school mascot and the year my twins graduated from high school). I have discussed using Skype with my TIS mate, Janie, and we thought it would be a good idea to Skype during our BCA class. Both she and I could teach a short lesson from our classrooms.
Another idea I would like to try is to have my nephew, who is a member of the WVU football team, get some of his teammates together, and Skype us next year before one of their big games. I know my students, especially the football players in my class, would live that.
My Skype username is Applemen2008 (named after my school mascot and the year my twins graduated from high school). I have discussed using Skype with my TIS mate, Janie, and we thought it would be a good idea to Skype during our BCA class. Both she and I could teach a short lesson from our classrooms.
Another idea I would like to try is to have my nephew, who is a member of the WVU football team, get some of his teammates together, and Skype us next year before one of their big games. I know my students, especially the football players in my class, would live that.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thing #18--AUP
Thing #18--Berkeley County Schools Acceptable Use Policy
Here is a link to a copy of the Acceptable Use Policy for Berkeley County Schools.
http://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/17691091613512180/lib/17691091613512180/bcs_acceptable_use.pdf
The only date I could find on our policy was a release date of 5/17/2004. I could not find anything that specifically stated what the policy was for Web 2.0 tools; however, the AUP does state that it follows all web publishing policies set forth in the WV Policy 2460 and if any policy must be clarified, it will rely on the content of the State of WV Policy 2460 for clarification.
At the beginning of every school year, each student receives a copy of the Berkeley County Schools handbook which contains the AUP. This policy is discussed in homeroom with all students. Students are then required to bring a take a copy of the AUP agreement home, sign it, and have their parents sign it. When this copy is returned to school, a copy of all students who have returned the form is posted on the school's intranet. Only those students whose name appears on that list are allowed to use technology in the school. It is each teacher's responsibility to check the list before allowing students to use the Internet. If the student's name is not on the list, he/she simply does not have Internet privileges.
Here is a link to a copy of the Acceptable Use Policy for Berkeley County Schools.
http://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/17691091613512180/lib/17691091613512180/bcs_acceptable_use.pdf
The only date I could find on our policy was a release date of 5/17/2004. I could not find anything that specifically stated what the policy was for Web 2.0 tools; however, the AUP does state that it follows all web publishing policies set forth in the WV Policy 2460 and if any policy must be clarified, it will rely on the content of the State of WV Policy 2460 for clarification.
At the beginning of every school year, each student receives a copy of the Berkeley County Schools handbook which contains the AUP. This policy is discussed in homeroom with all students. Students are then required to bring a take a copy of the AUP agreement home, sign it, and have their parents sign it. When this copy is returned to school, a copy of all students who have returned the form is posted on the school's intranet. Only those students whose name appears on that list are allowed to use technology in the school. It is each teacher's responsibility to check the list before allowing students to use the Internet. If the student's name is not on the list, he/she simply does not have Internet privileges.
Thing #17--Using Twitter in the Classroom
Thing #17--Twitter in the Classroom
I actually have two ideas on how to start using Twitter in the classroom. First, I would like to place my bellringers on Twitter in my BCA class and see how students respond to them. They will know what topic we will be starting with each day before they come to class.
I would also like to use Twitter in my Intro. to Business to supplement class discussions. I often have a hard time just getting students to respond or comment on topics. I truly believe this would impact student learning in the following ways:
1. More students would get involved in the discussion
2. This is another way for that one student who is too shy to talk in front of the class get involved in the discussion
3. Twitter also gives more students time to comment when you might not have enough time in class to get around to each student
I actually have two ideas on how to start using Twitter in the classroom. First, I would like to place my bellringers on Twitter in my BCA class and see how students respond to them. They will know what topic we will be starting with each day before they come to class.
I would also like to use Twitter in my Intro. to Business to supplement class discussions. I often have a hard time just getting students to respond or comment on topics. I truly believe this would impact student learning in the following ways:
1. More students would get involved in the discussion
2. This is another way for that one student who is too shy to talk in front of the class get involved in the discussion
3. Twitter also gives more students time to comment when you might not have enough time in class to get around to each student
Thing #15--RSS Feeds
Thing #15--Definition of RSS
An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a service you can subscribe to composed of a family of web-based feed formats used to publish frequently updated works such as blog entries, news, and headlines, audio and video in a standardized format which makes it possible for viewers to review a large amount of online content in a very short time.
An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a service you can subscribe to composed of a family of web-based feed formats used to publish frequently updated works such as blog entries, news, and headlines, audio and video in a standardized format which makes it possible for viewers to review a large amount of online content in a very short time.
Thing #14--100 Inspiring Innovative Blogs for Educators
Thing #14--I looked through all the educational blogs and the one I kept coming back to was the very first one--Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne. I have read some of his materials before, but I found this blog to be filled with so many technology ideas that would be revelant to any K-12 teacher.
The appearance of the blog is visually appealing and makes it easy to navigate. The pictures, links, and graphics allow you to easily and quickly locate items of interest.
The content of the blog is simply amazing. It contains free resources, lesson plans, free downloads, video creation resources, and instructions on how to create blogs, websites, and online hubs.
One section concentrates on how to create different kinds of blogs including blogger blogs, edublogs, and wordpress blogs; and how to put games and RSS feeds on your blog.
There is a video on how to create and edit wikispaces. Ideas on how to create different kinds of word clouds and how to use then as instructional tools in the classroom can also be found. One new feature I would like to explore is how to create quizzes, surveys, and polls using Google forms. I also found a link to show you how to install Drop.io Unload Widget which allows you to collect work from students.
The link to the blog is:
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
One other blog that I liked was Jane's E-Learning Pick of the Day. I plan to visit the website mentioned in her blog called InternetButtons.org and create a more user-friendly screen so my husband can more easily navigate the Internet. Check it out!
The appearance of the blog is visually appealing and makes it easy to navigate. The pictures, links, and graphics allow you to easily and quickly locate items of interest.
The content of the blog is simply amazing. It contains free resources, lesson plans, free downloads, video creation resources, and instructions on how to create blogs, websites, and online hubs.
One section concentrates on how to create different kinds of blogs including blogger blogs, edublogs, and wordpress blogs; and how to put games and RSS feeds on your blog.
There is a video on how to create and edit wikispaces. Ideas on how to create different kinds of word clouds and how to use then as instructional tools in the classroom can also be found. One new feature I would like to explore is how to create quizzes, surveys, and polls using Google forms. I also found a link to show you how to install Drop.io Unload Widget which allows you to collect work from students.
The link to the blog is:
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
One other blog that I liked was Jane's E-Learning Pick of the Day. I plan to visit the website mentioned in her blog called InternetButtons.org and create a more user-friendly screen so my husband can more easily navigate the Internet. Check it out!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thing #13--Mid-Module Reflection
Wow! It seems like it has taken a long time for me to get here. Right now I am working on my TIS projects while I am looking out at the ocean from my Myrtle Beach hotel room. My journey so far has been very interesting. I have already used several of the 23 things in my classroom, and I can't wait to try some more of them. I was amazed at the amount of free Web 2.0 tools available. It would take me forever to learn how to use all of them. One of my favorites I have learned from 23 things is the images website using imagechef and photofunia. I shared these with one of my colleagues who began using them with her web design and desktop classes. Everytime I learn something new in 23 Things, I share that with her.
I enjoy looking at everyone's blog. Janie, your blog is awesome. I loved your illustration of how you had your student take a picture of you and work with it through the image websites in 23 Things. Great job!
I enjoy looking at everyone's blog. Janie, your blog is awesome. I loved your illustration of how you had your student take a picture of you and work with it through the image websites in 23 Things. Great job!
Thing #12--Find Something New
Find Something New--Web 2.0 Tools
As I explored the directory of Web 2.0 tools, I found an app called GETT which is a real-time file publishing and sharing service. You can easily and quickly share files such as documents, videos, music, and photos with others. You can also track and see how many people have downloaded or viewed your files. It is easy to set up a free account. I thought this app would be a good one to share with teachers so they can collobarate and share ideas. Here is the link to the app tool:
http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=ge.tt
As I explored the directory of Web 2.0 tools, I found an app called GETT which is a real-time file publishing and sharing service. You can easily and quickly share files such as documents, videos, music, and photos with others. You can also track and see how many people have downloaded or viewed your files. It is easy to set up a free account. I thought this app would be a good one to share with teachers so they can collobarate and share ideas. Here is the link to the app tool:
http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=ge.tt
Thing #11--Learning With Video
I searched for some Teacher Tube videos that I could use in my Intro. to Business class. I found one on insurance. This video contains a class discussion on the purpose of insurance and mainly focuses on vehicle insurance. It emphasizes some good points including the cost of premiums, liability, and types of coverage. I plan to use this video when I teach the unit on insurance. The WV CSO that supports this video is:
BE.O.BNDM.4.10--Research the purpose of vehicle, property, health and life insurance.
BE.O.BNDM.4.10--Research the purpose of vehicle, property, health and life insurance.
Thing #10
Thing #10--I have chosen my lesson on the Internet that I present to my students each fall in order to meet the requirements for Internet training so each one of them can apply for an e-mail address through the state department. I use a chapter from my Business Computer Apps text which includes basic Internet terminology. In the past I presented this lesson to the students and had them type the discussion questions at the end of the unit for a grade. I would then give them a review sheet and give them a written quiz on the terminology.
This fall I plan to make this lesson paperless! I will present the unit to the students through a PowerPoint presentation. We will review the Internet terminology using the Turning Point software which uses clickers (remote student responders). I will then quiz the students using the new test generator provided through Edline. This Edline feature will grade each student's quiz and automatically record their grade in my gradebook.
The BCA CSO for this lesson is:
BE.O.BCA1.8.1--Utilize Internet terminology.
BE.O.BCA1.8.2--Identify netiquette, acceptable use policy, and ethical practices relating to Internet access.
The 21st Century CSO for this lesson is:
RLA.1.10.2.5--Plan and incorporate various note taking skills to organize and sythesize information from print and electronic sources (e. g., Internet research, electronic databases for periodicals, and newspapers, printed reference materials) into an outline for a compostion or research project (introduction, thesis/hypothesis, main points, supporting details/examples, conclusions.
This fall I plan to make this lesson paperless! I will present the unit to the students through a PowerPoint presentation. We will review the Internet terminology using the Turning Point software which uses clickers (remote student responders). I will then quiz the students using the new test generator provided through Edline. This Edline feature will grade each student's quiz and automatically record their grade in my gradebook.
The BCA CSO for this lesson is:
BE.O.BCA1.8.1--Utilize Internet terminology.
BE.O.BCA1.8.2--Identify netiquette, acceptable use policy, and ethical practices relating to Internet access.
The 21st Century CSO for this lesson is:
RLA.1.10.2.5--Plan and incorporate various note taking skills to organize and sythesize information from print and electronic sources (e. g., Internet research, electronic databases for periodicals, and newspapers, printed reference materials) into an outline for a compostion or research project (introduction, thesis/hypothesis, main points, supporting details/examples, conclusions.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thing #6--Voice Thread
Here is a link to a voice thread created by my Intro. to Business Students. We are completing a unit on the banking system and financial institutions. Each student selected a vocab term and created a PowerPoint slide to describe it. One thing we learned is the design themes in PowerPoint don't always turn out to well when you import them into voice thread. http://voicethread.com/share/1950420/
Monday, April 11, 2011
Thing #7--Images
Check our my wave on the sidebar of my blog. That image was posted to my blog from Image Chef. I also used the picture frame feature in ImageChef to create this border around this photo.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thing #5--Wordle
Check out my Wordle made from computer terminology. I included one computer term for each letter of the alphabet. To become familiar with new terminology, I have my students create wordles for vocabulary in Intro to Business and Business Computer Applications.
Thing #4--Wall Wisher
Visit my Wall Wisher and share teaching ideas for Business Computer Applications classes. If you have an innovative lesson for teaching any of the Microsoft Office products, let me know. Here is a link to my wall wisher: http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/dksmith2011
Thing #3--WVTIS Search Topic--D. Smith
When I did a search for a #WVTIS topic, I found a tweet on favorite technology resources for teachers by Richard Byrnes. Since I am just getting ready to create my resource website and have very little knowledge about how to go about creating my own web page, I think I will try creating one using Google sites. I plan to also create a web page for my class to use.
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