Skype in the Classroom

Skype is a great tool to stay connected with loved ones; business cooperation’s all over the world use Skype for meetings. Skype is also being used in the classroom! Teachers around the world are using Skype to help engage students in learning. When used appropriately Skype can be used as a primary source of information. There are many ways to integrate Skype into the classroom. Below is a list of ways that Skype is being used in the classroom.

·         Cultural Exchange: what better way to learn a new culture than to connect with another classroom around the world. Students learn from one another, so networking with a different classroom will give your students a first- hand perspective.

·         Language Skills: Learning a new language can be difficult, but learning a new language with someone who is a native speaker can be very engaging and affective.

·         Discovery: Questions are what drives learning. Talking with a professional astronaut can be a great resource when learning about outer space and planets. Meteorologists can give students accurate information on how weather works.

 

Teachers spend time looking for new and engaging resources to motivate their students. Skype is a large networking system that connects educators with one another. Teachers can have their classes interact with one another, or teachers can rely on each other for information. As a first year teacher I am open to information that can help me become an effective educator.

Getting started is simple and easy. Skype has created a step by step video tutorial that helps teachers create an account.

Skype is a great resource for the classroom teacher. The video below shows first-hand how students interact with other classrooms, or people around the world. If you are looking for an engaging tool in the classroom; Skype is a great choice!

 

Technology in the Classroom

A few weeks ago I did a blog post about the SMART board. I just started teaching second grade and many of the teachers in the school have a SMART board in their classroom. I was able to see first- hand how students become engaged in the lesson when using a SMART board. My favorite feature was when the teacher was able to print out the class notes that were written on the SMART board. This allowed her to continue with the lesson, and not have to stop to see if students wrote all the vocabulary words down. The second feature that I found interesting was the ability to save a lesson and refer back to it the next day. This does save time, when a teacher does not have to write everything on the whiteboard again.

I don’t have a whiteboard in my classroom; I only have a projector and an ELMO. Both the projector and the ELMO work well in the classroom. I try to incorporate as much interaction with the projector and the whiteboard as possible. For example, I will project worksheets onto the projector using the whiteboard, and we will do it together as a class. I let the students come to the whiteboard and write down the answers. It is apparent that technology is being used in the classroom more and more each year. Students get computer time during specials and as a reading center. Even though, they are not using different software’s on the computer for reading, they are still becoming familiar with a computer and how it works.

I hope to get a SMART board in my classroom soon. They are many ways that a SMART board can be used for student engagement and classroom management. I know I can easily find training for the SMART board online and through other teachers that have the SMART board in their classroom. I got a different perspective from researching the SMART board online than I did witnessing a teacher use it in her classroom. When you are able to see first- hand how the SMART board technology changes learning by engaging students, it is more impacting than reading about it.   

Social Studies

I decided to do my project on the Northeast Native Americans. I just started teaching second grade and I wanted to become familiar with our first social studies lesson. My plan will be to have my student’s research different cultures and present them in class using Prezi. I wanted to show an example of what can be done by tying it into a social studies lesson. This project helped me learn about the Northeast Native Americans before I began the lesson with my students. Many of my students are struggling readers, so I will want to work on reading strategies so they are able to read the research they are collecting. I also want to incorporate this assignment into writing. We are currently showing students how to extend their sentences and provide more detail information. This will help students include the important information in their digital story. I only want to use Prezi as an option for the project. Since I am working with low second graders I do not want to include a lot of software options. I believe that Prezi is easy to use, since it is similar to PowerPoint. I will provide my students with helpful websites that I have included on my Curriculum Page. I want my students to become aware of the different cultures that are found in their community. I want my students to be able to embrace other cultures and see their classroom as a community of learners.

Social Studies on Prezi

Embracing Social Studies

Meclee, (2012). Flag Globe. Retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_globe.gif

Grade: 2

Subject: Social Studies

Learning about different cultures provides students with a different perspective to their outside world. I would like my students to learn about cultures found in the classroom, and cultures around the community. This digital storytelling project will focus on cultures that students are not familiar with. Students can create a digital storytelling project of their own culture as well; however, it is highly encouraged that students go outside of their comfort zone and learn something new. Students will be able to work in groups of 2-3.

 

Digital Storytelling is any story told through a digital medium and for which text is not the only means of presenting information (Bedell, 2011). Digital Storytelling can include pictures, film clips, artwork, music, and narration. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible. Students can use the online version of Prezi for their presentations; they may also use a Microsoft Power Point. To include photographs students can use their own digital cameras, or us a digital camera provided by the school. The same policy will apply to video cameras as well.  

 

Students can use the following websites to gain more information on their chosen cultures:

·         http://www.everyculture.com/

·         http://www.mythweb.com/

·         http://www.mesoweb.com/

·         http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/recipes-by-cuisine/world-recipes-pg-953529/

·         http://www.youtube.com/

·         http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Travel_g41.html

·         http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Students may use other websites that are not listed above. There are plenty of websites that can be found on the World Wide Web. Students also have the option of interviewing someone.

In order for students to use Prezi and other technical tools to its fullest potential, reference guides will be provided to all students. The importance of safety on the web will be reviewed in class and reference guides will be given to students to take home. Class time will also be set aside for students to work on their project in class, in case students have any questions. Students can use any media tool to present their project. Digital Storytelling projects can be basic or advanced. Students will be present their projects to the whole class, so students can learn about all the cultures researched.

Digitial Storytelling

Digital Storytelling on Prezi

 References:

Robin, B. R (n.d.). The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling. University of Houston. Retrieved at http://digitalliteracyintheclassroom.pbworks.com/f/Educ-Uses-DS.pdf

Bedell, J.T. (2011). Tech for Teachers: Digital Storytelling Meets a Variety of Instructional Needs. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, (7) 6. Retrieved at http://www.ascd.org/about-ascd.aspx

The Tools of Today!

A classroom community consists of diversity. There will be students who will need more assistance than others. Effective teachers adapt to each students need and provide different learning adaptations.  Students with learning disabilities receive help from their teacher, peers, parents, and technology. Assistive Technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or system of products that is used to increase, maintain, or improve, functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (Bridge Multimedia, 2005).

 

There are plenty of assistive devices that students can use based on their disability. It has been estimated that there are over 4,000 assistive technologies that have been designed for students and teachers. It is important that teachers are aware of different technologies that can be used in the classroom for students with disabilities. It is stated that many companies today are turning their research and development to assistive technology (Steele-Carlin, 2011). There are many devices that are used in the classroom. Below is a list of technologies.

 

• Speech/Voice Recognition- This allows a student to control their computer by speaking. This also types student’s spoken words.
• Personal Reading Machines- This allows for a scan printed page to be read aloud.
• Talking Calculators- Recites numbers, symbols, or functions once the key command is pressed. This also reads back answers to problems.
• Video Description- Provides a descriptive narrative track to what is going on in videos for low vision students and students who are blind.
• Large Print/Screen Magnifier- This is a software function that magnifies the words on a screen, making it more viewable for a student to read.
• Captioning Displays- This presents the spoken dialog on a screen into words.
• Hearing Aids- Amplifies the sound in a classroom for students to hear.
• Computer Eye Command- This allows a student to command a computer with the movement of their eyes.

There are plenty of resources that can be found online for assistive technology. It is important that teachers are trained on each device used in their classroom. This allows the device to be used to its full potential. Students should also have training with each device they will be using. The device cannot assist the student, if the student is not aware of its functionality and how to properly use the device. “The devices that help the least, especially in classrooms, are those that teachers [and students] do not understand” (Steele-Carlin, 2011).

 

References:

Bridge Multimedia. (2005). Assistive Technology Helps all Kids Learn. Education World. Retrieved at http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech220.shtml

Steele- Carlin, S. (2011). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Helping Challenged Kids Get the Most from Learning. Education World. Retrieved at http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml

 (2009). What is Assistive Technology. Retrieved from

Magic Touch! The Interactive SMART Board

Active Educator. (2008). http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interactive_whiteboard1.jpg

 

The Interactive SMART board has become popular over the years. According to Marzano (2009) the SMART board will continue to grow exponentially. The SMART board can be controlled with an electronic pen, finger, or any other device. The SMART board is used in grades K- 12^th grade.  Visual and kinesthetic learners; as well as ESOL and ESE students benefit from the SMART board; by manipulating shapes, objects, and colors with only their finger.

The SMART board comes with its own features and software. Teachers can easily download extra software and use it on the SMART board. Below are just a few websites and features that teachers can use with the SMART board. Plenty more can be found on the internet.

• This website contains free downloads. http://smarttech.com/Support/Browse+Support/Download+Software
• The SMART Notebook is great for creating and organizing interactive lesson plans. http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Software/SMART+Notebook+collaborative+learning+software/SMART+Notebook+collaborative+learning+software
• SMART Exchange allows teachers to share lesson plans and connect with other teachers around the world. http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0
• PBS Kids contains different interactive games that can be used with a SMART board. Each game is indicated by topic, grade level, subject, and description. http://pbskids.org/whiteboard/
• Save option allows you to save information and retrieve it at a later date.
• SMART Response is an interactive response system that incorporates the use of clickers for assessments or interactive game purposes.
• SMART Recorder allows you to record everything you say and write on a SMART board. This software is a great modification for students with visual impairments.   

According to Steven Nalley, the SMART board engages students and increases participation (2012). Students of all sizes can access the SMART board due to its height adjustment lever that allows you to lower or raise the board.  The SMART board can be used for any subject; which makes it convenient to use in elementary, middle, and high school. Teachers can easily access the internet and display information for all students to view. SMART board helps students learn content standards and computer skills, and paired with interactive games can increase a student’s motivation (Schweder, Wissick, & Mounce, 2008).  In my opinion, it won’t be long before standardized testing is done on the computer. It is important that students are introduced to computer skills. An introduction to computer skills will prepare students for college and the work place. Douglas Cruickshank (2007) lists a few benefits to using an interactive whiteboard versus a regular whiteboard. Below are the ones that stood out to me the most.

o   Digital Storytelling

o   Showing streamed or downloaded videos

o   Using online map and satellite images to teach geography

o   Teaching students how to conduct research on the internet

o   Working collaboratively on writing and editing; math lessons, or science experiments

o   Instructing the class on keyboarding and computer skills

 

SMART Technologies has also created the SMART table, which is mainly used in Pre-K. The SMART table is an interactive desk that fits up to four students at a time. It is touch screen just like the SMART board and is filled with interactive games, proper grade level content, and software. Both technologies are part of the 21^st century movement into education. Many classrooms throughout the nation are now using SMART boards; however there are a vast majority of classrooms still waiting to introduce this amazing technology to their students. There are plenty of training tutorials online and even on YouTube. It’s important that teachers are skilled in using the SMART board so they can use it to its fullest potential. As with any technology, it doesn’t replace good teaching; but in the hands of a good teacher it can certainly enhance and extend learning for [all] students (Lockard, 2012).

SMART Technologies. (2012). http://www.smarttech.com/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Early+Education

 

 

References:

Cruickshank, D. (2007). A Clean Slate: Interactive Whiteboard Makes Lessons Snazzy. Edutopia: The George Lucas Educational Foundation. Retrieved at http://www.edutopia.org/whiteboard-classroom

Marzano, R.J. (2009). Teaching with Interactive Whiteboards. Educational Leadership, 67 (3). 80-82. Retrieved at http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov09/vol67/num03/Teaching-with-Interactive-Whiteboards.aspx

Nalley, S. (2012). All Sudduth Homerooms now have SMART boards. Starkville Dailey News: Starkville, MS. Retrieved at http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/node/11087

Raycheva, M. (2010). SMART Tables makes learning fun and games for young students. The Gazette: Gaithersburg. MD. Retrieved at http://ww2.gazette.net/stories/10252010/frednew124846_32541.php

Schweder, W., Wissick, C. A., & Mounce A. B. (2008). Teaching Content with Interactive Whiteboards. Journal of Special Education Technology, 23 (1). 54-58.

SMART Technologies. (2012). SMART Solutions in Early Education. Retrieved at http://www.smarttech.com/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Early+Education



 



Classroom Blogging

Educational technology is becoming more predominant in classrooms today. Blogging is sweeping into classrooms all over the nation. Most blogs are free, so it will not interfere with school budgets. Blogs are easy to include in all subjects. If you want to improve students writing skills, or simply motivate them to write; blogging is the perfect solution. There are many benefits to blogging. Students of all ages can blog their thoughts, class assignments, personal stories, and even artwork. Blogging at an early age prepares students for future college work. I just created my blog this semester, if it wasn’t for Dr. Thompson requiring us to create one I would have never started blogging.

“Students know the technology, what they don’t often know is how it can change them as students.” (as cited by Ramaswami, 2008).

 

Benefits of Blogging:

Motivation

• Students enjoy reading comments from their teacher, parents, family, fellow students, and community. Blogging motivates students to write more beyond their classroom assignments.
• Jon Schwartz from Garrison Elementary School created a blog for his fourth and fifth grade students. Mr. Schwartz has stated that even on weekends his students’ blog (Schwartz, 2008). For more information on Mr. Schwartz class visit http://kidslikeblogs.org
• The amount of motivation that students acquire really encourages them to write, which in turn develops a passion for writing.

Increased Writing Skills and Literacy

• Students’ grammar, punctuation, and spelling improve (Jackson, 2012).
• Students are able to draft, revise, and edit.
• Students become more descriptive and detailed.
• Improvement in the quantity of writing.
• Students write for a purpose
• Increase Vocabulary
• Ability to explore different point of views

Communication/ Collaboration

• Students communicate with other students and teachers around the nation
• Students are able to provide, as well as receive feedback on their blogs
• Blogging increase collaboration within the classroom
• Creates a community of learners
• Students develop an audience

Online Portfolio

• Can be accessed anywhere
• Tracking a student’s improvement throughout the term
• Can be viewed by parents/guardians, family members, and teachers
• Teachers can also use blogs as an online portfolio and professional development tool

Student-Center

• Students blog about any topic
• Students use the internet and different forms of media to research new topics
• Student can pursue their own answers and direct their learning (Davis, & McGrail, 2009)

Safety First!

Students who blog feel more motivated to write. Students invest more of their time when they are writing for an audience. It’s important to establish safety rules and procedures prior to blogging. Parents should be aware of these safety rules when students are blogging from home. Jon Schwartz approves each comment that is added to a student’s page. Teachers should set up passwords to each student’s blog to monitor their posts as well as comments. There are some blogs that are created specifically for the education community. Teachers looking for a student safe educational blog can download blogmeister, a free online blog created by David Warlick.

 

Brain research indicates that growth is enhanced when students move beyond their comfort zone ad into the unknown (as cited by Brooks, & Brooks, 1993). Blogging creates an environment where students can explore a world outside of their classrooms. Students are provided with information that they might not understand. This encourages students to go above and beyond their assignments to research and discovery new answers. Blogging stimulates creative and reflective thinking (Ramaswami, 2008). It’s imperative that educators model the benefits of blogging. As stated by Deb Marciano “we need to learn technology, otherwise, our students won’t. We need to roll up our sleeves and do it as well.” (Marciano, 2008).

Kathleen Morris and Kelly Jordan (2011)

Resources:        

Davis, A.P., & McGrail, E. (2009). The Joy of Blogging. Educational Leadership, 66 (6), 74-77. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/The-Joy-of-Blogging.aspx
Jackson, L. (2012). Blogging? Its Elementary My Dear Watson!. Education World. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech217.shtml
Morris, K., & Jordan, K. (2011). Benefits of Blogging. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTCe9XMFPDk&feature=related
Ramaswami, R., (2008). The Prose of Blogging. T.H.E. Journal, 35, 21-25. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2008/11/01/the-prose-of-blogging-and-a-few-cons-too.aspx
Schwartz, J. (2008). Elementary Student Bloggers Crossing the Digital Divide. Retrieved from http://kidslikeblogs.org/

 

Did you Know?

Did you Know? By Dr. Scott Mcleod

What an amazing video. It is apparent that technology is constantly changing. The educational system is constantly playing as I term “catch up”. Teachers need to be the leaders and find ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. With today’s economy budget is certainly an issue, but teachers need to work together to become creative and find ways around the budget crisis. This action of unity will highly benefit our students for years to come.

Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?

It is the assumption of the community that schools and teachers strive to provide the best for their students. If teachers do what is best for their students, then their students will excel. When teachers find it convenient to do things the traditional way, then students are in my opinion given the short end of the stick. There are many teachers who have become comfortable over the years and don’t see a need for change. They may ask themselves, why change when what I have been doing has been working. Would we want our doctor to stop attending professional seminars and rely on out of date medications. If we demand this need for growth from other professions, then we should demand this for ourselves. We are professionals too.

I do not want to discredit the teachers out there who are trying to put their students first. I just believe that there are not many teachers in the educational system who show this kind of determination for improvement. All my classmates in Dr. Kelvin Thompson technology for educator’s course are here to expand on their knowledge to provide their students or current students with the best. We are all headed in the right direction and look forward to the journey ahead of us. What is it that stops teachers who showed so much passion and a need for change in the beginning, to just become comfortable?

The National Council on Teacher Quality is an organization that promotes the need to increase the amount of effective teachers nationwide. This organization was created when Michelle Rhee the superintendent of Washington D.C. fired low performing educators within her district. This served as a wake- up call that teacher quality is demanded. I encourage you to visit this website http://transfer.sdes.ucf.edu/.  

Let’s stand together and be the voice of our students. Let’s lead by example and encourage others to follow. Marianne Williamson said it best “our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure”.