Today I had the students turn in their podcast assignments. As expected several did not have theirs. Those that did were good. The only issue was that some students did theirs in Garage Band. The file is not compatible with the school system. I do not have quick time so I couldn't play them.
I was evaluated when I taught the intro to this lesson. My principal told me this was the first time that she could include technology into the evaluation. I guess my classwork is paying off.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Snow Away
My students spent most of the week eagerly awaiting the snow that was to come on Friday. Only a teenager would think a day off one week after a week long holiday and two weeks before a two week holiday is better than getting out for summer a day early. Logic deficiencies are just one battle I wage each day. I on the other hand do not like snow days. They mess up my plans.
One of the topics I researched for the MTT program is distance learning. When my peers ask me about what I am studying, I always bring up this topic. Most of them know very little about this topic. They look at me like I am crazy when I tell them this is the future and will be a way to be a fiscally responsible alternative.
With distance learning, snow days will be a thing of the past. When I ask my peers to imagine a time where we do not have snow days, their eyes get big and they look for an escape. I stand by this idea. Most of our students have computers and internet. Soon only handful of students will lack this technology. It would take a great deal of planning before hand, but teachers can create distance modules for students on snow day. Students would spend the day completing these modules. As technology increases, video conferencing will be used on snow days as well.
Why should we let snow keep our students from learning? Kids may lose this day they think they are entitled to, but schools need to seize the opportunity to show students that the world doesn't stop for weather, even in Texas.
One of the topics I researched for the MTT program is distance learning. When my peers ask me about what I am studying, I always bring up this topic. Most of them know very little about this topic. They look at me like I am crazy when I tell them this is the future and will be a way to be a fiscally responsible alternative.
With distance learning, snow days will be a thing of the past. When I ask my peers to imagine a time where we do not have snow days, their eyes get big and they look for an escape. I stand by this idea. Most of our students have computers and internet. Soon only handful of students will lack this technology. It would take a great deal of planning before hand, but teachers can create distance modules for students on snow day. Students would spend the day completing these modules. As technology increases, video conferencing will be used on snow days as well.
Why should we let snow keep our students from learning? Kids may lose this day they think they are entitled to, but schools need to seize the opportunity to show students that the world doesn't stop for weather, even in Texas.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Planning for the Future
The last few years I have been engrossed in academic study. While I have learned and discovered strategies to use, I really haven't put all of them into practice. I have been in information overload. With graduation approaching, I will finally have the time to digest the information, and put it into practice. I plan on rereading the Richardson book from the multimedia class. Two things I want to work on incorporating are blogs and wikis.
My students write in their journals everyday. I would like them to have publish some of their work. My plan is still in the initial stages. The basic framework is that students will choose one of their journals, polish it, and use it as a blog. All of this would need to be done by the fourth week of the six weeks. The last two weeks of the six weeks students would need to comment on a classmates blog. I have concerns I need to work through. I will probably need to go to the computer lab for the students to complete their assignments, since they show very little initiative. I also need to devise a system so that every student has someone comment on their blog post. I could have students choose a name. It seems very basic and there should be a better way. Also, too many of my students have long held animosity towards each other. The classroom is a big enough battle zone, I don't need it carrying over to the internet.
The other thing I would like to try is a Wiki for vocabulary. Students need to be held accountable to each other for helping make connections to vocabulary words. My interactive reviews did not go as well as I hoped, so I need someway for students to achieve success. There are 30 vocabulary units in our workbook. We cover two lessons at a time for a total of 15 quizzes. Tentatively, my plan is to assign each class two units to create a wiki for. I would create the first one and everyone would contribute to the last two. I need to practice with using Wikis to grow comfortable including them in class.
I want to my class to use more technology and prepare my students for how their college classes will operate. Blogs and Wikis will help. I know I will need to create a brochure or handout to give students who transfer into my class. One concern I have is that when students move in they already feel lost. Getting them caught up to speed may be a difficult job.
My students write in their journals everyday. I would like them to have publish some of their work. My plan is still in the initial stages. The basic framework is that students will choose one of their journals, polish it, and use it as a blog. All of this would need to be done by the fourth week of the six weeks. The last two weeks of the six weeks students would need to comment on a classmates blog. I have concerns I need to work through. I will probably need to go to the computer lab for the students to complete their assignments, since they show very little initiative. I also need to devise a system so that every student has someone comment on their blog post. I could have students choose a name. It seems very basic and there should be a better way. Also, too many of my students have long held animosity towards each other. The classroom is a big enough battle zone, I don't need it carrying over to the internet.
The other thing I would like to try is a Wiki for vocabulary. Students need to be held accountable to each other for helping make connections to vocabulary words. My interactive reviews did not go as well as I hoped, so I need someway for students to achieve success. There are 30 vocabulary units in our workbook. We cover two lessons at a time for a total of 15 quizzes. Tentatively, my plan is to assign each class two units to create a wiki for. I would create the first one and everyone would contribute to the last two. I need to practice with using Wikis to grow comfortable including them in class.
I want to my class to use more technology and prepare my students for how their college classes will operate. Blogs and Wikis will help. I know I will need to create a brochure or handout to give students who transfer into my class. One concern I have is that when students move in they already feel lost. Getting them caught up to speed may be a difficult job.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cell Phones
As I have mentioned before, cell phones present a huge opportunity in the classroom. Our school policy is that cell phones must be turned off during school hours. This does not prevent students from using their phones. It take diligence to keep students from texting during class. The most common excuse I get is that they are checking the time. Never mind that I have two clocks in my room, and they aren't going anywhere until the bell rings. Cell phones have created a generation of people who can't tell time and don't wear watches.
Even though students aren't supposed to use their cell phones, I have my students use them. I guess I am a bad influence letting my students break the rules. But I think it is important that students learn to use their phones responsibly. I have students place reminders on their phones so they can keep track of tests, quizzes, and due dates.
Cell phones are not the only contraband - ipods and MP3 players are not allowed either. Recently teachers were asked for suggestions on updating the policy. The question teachers need to ask is "Does the motivation for using ipods out weigh the possible distractions ipods might create?" Also, what is acceptable for cell phones? Obviously, we cannot allow students to text at will, but what limits should we place on them? It will be interesting to see what policy the district develops and just how much impact the teachers in the trenches have.
Even though students aren't supposed to use their cell phones, I have my students use them. I guess I am a bad influence letting my students break the rules. But I think it is important that students learn to use their phones responsibly. I have students place reminders on their phones so they can keep track of tests, quizzes, and due dates.
Cell phones are not the only contraband - ipods and MP3 players are not allowed either. Recently teachers were asked for suggestions on updating the policy. The question teachers need to ask is "Does the motivation for using ipods out weigh the possible distractions ipods might create?" Also, what is acceptable for cell phones? Obviously, we cannot allow students to text at will, but what limits should we place on them? It will be interesting to see what policy the district develops and just how much impact the teachers in the trenches have.
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