3/5/2013

The BULLY Project:   Post 2 of 2

I'm interested to hear what questions you might have for any of the people in this movie.  Please pose 5 potential questions to the person or persons of your choice.

Example:  Bus Driver:  Do you know what is happening in the back of your bus?  If yes, "why would you let that go on?

3/5/2013

The BULLY Project:   Post 1 of 2

Any and all efforts to create a safe and healthy learning environment for all of your students MUST start with adults having a very serious conversation.  "Bully" is an excellent way to facilitate that conversation.  While this may not be an easy conversation, it has to be an honest one that hurts and lets you feel vulnerable.  "Boys being boys!" is not a good enough reason to turn your head blind to a child who is being bullied.  Take the pledge, below!  

The BULLY Project...Take the Pledge!
http://www.thebullyproject.com/

What was your reaction to this movie?

2/26/2013

Post 1 of 2

Resources...resources...resources!

I don't know where to start?  What tools should I use?  How should I use them?  These are frequent statements from teachers just beginning their journey with technology.  As a group, we will collect a list of digital tools and resources on a website called http://www.livebinders.com/.  This way we can learn from each other about the tools we find beneficial for our own classrooms. 

Livebinders is a free, virtual 3-ring binder that can be used to organize resources, tools and websites.   Teachers can use this to create and share web information by topic, subject, or grade-level.

Our Livebinder is called Technology4Learners (to keep it consistent) and you can follow this link to get there... http://tinyurl.com/avvsdes. I have already begun ours with some of the tools I love and others that have been suggested by your peers.  We will continue to update this throughout the semester.  

If you have suggestions of tools, please post them here with a brief statement about what it is and why you like it!

Feel free to start your own, if you'd like to collect your own resources or the ones that are most meaningful to you.  

2/12/2013

Post 2 of 2

Digital Technology skills are essential in today's classroom and I hope you are using the opportunity while in this class to examine all of the tools that are at your finger tips.  This article will provide you with different categories of digital skills.

Please read this article and explore at least one of the technology tools that he has provided in his list.  Feel free to explore a category that is of interest to you or your upcoming project.

33 Digital Skills Every 21st Teacher Should Have. 

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/02/the-22-digital-skills-every-21st.html

2/12/2013

Post 1 of 2

WATCH: Former Green Bay Packers cheerleader fights back against vicious cyber bullying 

Kaitlyn Collins was the target of heartless comments when her picture was uploaded to a Chicago Bears fan page on Facebook. The ex-cheerleader fought back and finally had the picture and nasty posts removed. 

Read more and watch the video at... 
http://tinyurl.com/bkjfges

Please share your reaction.

2/5/2013

Post 3 of 3

Maybe some of you have heard of a little website called Wordle or Tagzedo.  If not, this is worth checking out!  These websites are Word Cloud Generators which allow you to type or paste text  into a generator that creates a cloud of various words.  You can play with the different settings and colors.  This could be something to consider for a project this semester.  

I'd like you to generate a word cloud with one of these two websites and bring it to class next week (February 12, 2013).  Feel free to email a picture of it, if you don't have access to a printer. 

www.wordle.net
www.tagxedo.com 

The content can be anything you'd like!  This could be a great time to try it with your kids or within a classroom setting.  

On the blog, please give me a few examples of how you think a Word Cloud Generator could be used in the classroom setting.  What types of activities could this be used for?

2/5/2013

Post 2 of 3

Identifying the Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship helps us to recognize how Digital Citizenship fits into our lives and the lives of your students.  It shows us how critical these skills are to being successful citizens in a world that is quickly advancing.  Our students are being consumed by social media and technology, teachers and parents alike model good digital technology skills.  The first place to start is looking within your own home, classroom and school.

Please take the Digital Citizenship Audit located on page 44-45 of your textbook. If you can get others in your school (home or workplace) to complete it with you...Fabulous!  After scoring yourself, please explain your findings on the blog.  

2/5/2013

Post 1 of 3

Last week, you were able to explore the world of Student Response Systems by using a website called Socrative.  This a free website that allows you to engage your students with customized educational activities and online quizzes.  There are many wonderful settings and features to this website.  I happen to like the fact that your students can access the quizzes you've created by logging into to an iDevice, Tablet, Laptop, or Computer that has Internet, in order to complete their assignment.

Please use Socrative to create a quiz about the 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship.  We covered most of this material in class last week but you should also have read about this in Chapter 1 and 2 of your textbook.  Please create this quiz as if you were addressing students...be creative with your questions.  Try to use different types of questions (i.e. multiple choice, short answer, true or false).  I will expect to see these next week in class (February 12, 2013).

You will need to create a free, Login with the Getting Started tab.  Make sure to watch the Video on the Home Page to help give you some guidance.  Then you will continue to the Teacher Login and create your quiz.   

www.socrative.com

Please respond to this blog post with your reflection of this assignment.  See the following questions to help guide you.  

What features did you like?  dislike?

Was it user friendly?

How do you see this being used in your classroom?  

Explain why you don't see this as a beneficial tool?

What features would you like to see added?

1/22/2013

Post 2 of 2

"Those who can't do...teach." 

I'm sure most of you have heard or overheard that quote somewhere before. Maybe in a joke, or from a disgruntled student, at a dinner party, or during a parent/teacher meeting. I take this type of "joke" very personally! Teaching has been and will always be a huge responsibility. This profession is one of the few that requires a Masters degree and forces you to continue with professional developments. Admittedly, I have run across educators who I believe were not dedicated to providing the best education to their students. I have come into contact with FAR MORE teachers who are passionate about their work and are eager to make a difference!!! 

In this role, you become a nurturer, confidant, facilitator, coach and most important you begin to help this child shape the type of learner and individual they will continue to be far after high school. I know teachers who have provided food or clean clothing for students when there was none available, given Christmas gifts when Santa wasn't going to make it this year, and shown support to students who were struggling through parental divorce or death. I know teachers who have saved lives by fighting against abuse, and bullying. Overall, teachers fight hard to ensure a safe environment where kids can build relationships, learn from mistakes, dream about their future, and consider the types of citizens they would like to be. 

Check this out: Taylor Mali on "What Teachers Make" 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Do you know a teacher who has gone to great lengths to support one or more of their students?

1/22/2013

Post 1 of 2

Can it wait?

Click on this link http://itcanwait.com, to take the pledge.  Spread the word!

I know that I've been guilty of using my phone while driving and I've taken this pledge very seriously.  I really had to stop and think, "is it really that important for me to answer my phone right now?"  Many of us answer our phones or even text while driving as a natural reaction and do not necessarily think about the consequences of our actions.

Please share your reaction to this pledge!