bp6_2009112Web2.0

When looking through Web 2.0 tools, I find it challenging to find something that is educational and appropriate for my kindergartners. Since they come in all different ability levels it is sometimes difficult to find a site that can meet the needs of the lowest to the highest student abilities. Having readers, pre-readers and non-readers presents a challenge when finding an activity that all students can do.

Raylit.com is a fantastic site that addresses the educational needs of all levels of students. Raylit is geared for parents and children however would be great for a struggling student or ELL student. It offers over 750 games, videos and topics.

Topics include analytical skills involving matching, sequencing, colors, and shapes.
English language activities include upper and lower case letter recognition, sounds, blends, sight words, rhyming words, pre-reading skills, and comprehension.
Math activities include number recognition, counting skills, comparison of numbers, more and less, basic addition and subtraction, and writing numbers.
There is a section on general knowledge and science with video clips about animals and insects, marine life, plants and flowers, seasons. It covers places such as beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, rivers and deserts. It has videos about professions such as firefighters, doctors, astronaut, and police officers.

As I think of the uses of this program in my classroom, I see the endless possibilities with students who have limited English. It uses the child’s name, and has a plethora of pre-reading and math activities. During my reading group time, it would be a great activity for an ELL student who is not quite ready for an actual reading lesson.

bp5_2009112_Flickr_Lesson_plan

The lesson plan I found that incorporates Flickr is called, "Five Card Flicker." (http://tr.im/fivecard) The lesson is a writing lesson for 8-15 year olds. The site deals 5 Flickr photos, and the student chooses one, it deals again, and so on until there are 5 photos in the set. Now the student uses the photos to tell a story, the student must find a way to connect the photos in their writing.

As a kindergarten teacher, I would adapt this activity by choosing just one photo. We write about small moments (thngs we know or have experienced). However, during our reading time, we use the strategy of reading the pictures in the book. This allows non-readers the chance to "read" just like the others. Using a photo for writing falls into the same category, we can write about what we see. I would post the photo on my promethean board so it is large enough for all students to see it, and we would write about what we see. All students will see something. More advanced writers will write with greater detail, while beginning writers might just write I see a cat.

bp4_2009112_Social_Networking

We as teachers realize more and more each day the benefits of using the internet as an instructional tool. We must find a way to organize our references, information, and websites that either already use, or want to use. Using a Web-based bookmarking tool as a component of instruction allows teachers to provide visual cues for students and present high interest, meaningful material from the internet (Forbes 2004). Using a bookmarking tool allows the teacher to spend less time running around to each computer typing in urls, and more time on the actual activity.

Using online bookmarking allows you to access your bookmarks from any internet connected computer (Page 2007). Using planning time in your classroom to find and preview sites can then be transferred to computer lab via your online bookmarks.

Social bookmarking tools make it possible to learn and share things more efficiently and allows users to become much more portable – not tied to their desks or even laptops to access their links (Gordon-Murnane 2006). On the whole, using a bookmarking tool allows the teacher to become more concise with their prep time, which in turn allows students to explore sites and activities on the internet.

References:

Forbes, L.S. (2004). Using web-based bookmarks in K-8 settings: linking the
Internet to instruction. The Reading Teacher, 58(2), p148-153.
http://search.ebscohost.com

Gordon-Murnane, L. (2006). Social bookmarking, folksonomies and web 2.0 tools.
Searcher, 14(6) p. 26-38. http://search.ebschohost.com

Page, L. (2007). A ‘del.icio.us’ way to use bookmarks. Information Today. Retrieved
from http://www.infotoday.com/linkup

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bp3_2009111_Web2.0_Tools

As I looked through the Web 2.0 tools and websites, I found myself drawn to two different websites. Both websites allowed the user to create a book. The first website, Tikatok allows the user to use illustrations created by the user(or in this case the user’s students) to illustrate a book. I found this website to have limitless possibilities. As a kindergarten teacher we spend time each day writing about our “small moments”. Moments in our lives that we have experienced. We use the small moments to teach the kids to write about what we know. It’s difficult enough to get them comfortable with writing, but to have them have to choose a topic is very frustrating for a beginning writer. Just last week, we created a class book on Halloween safety, using ideas we generated during a brainstorming session. Tikatok would be a fantastic tool to actually publish our class book. For a small fee, just $2.99 for a downloadable ebook, we could turn our writings into books to share with each other. It is possible to turn class writings into hard cover books as well.The second site I looked at, storybird.com was another site dedicated to creating books. However, this site provided illustrations. This would be a great activity to do with the class on the Promethean board (smart board). The pictures are a great starting place for a brainstorming session to create a short story to match the illustrations. During our reading lessons we always take a picture walk of the books we read together, but also as part of something else we do instead of centers, I teach my students to read the pictures of a book. For the students who can’t read yet, reading the pictures really empowers them. This would be something that every student would be able to contribute to.

bp2_2009111_RSS_ Feeds

I have always considered myself fairly advanced for my district in the area of technology. I am always one of the first to join in the new opportunities that are offered to gain new things for my classroom and teaching. However, as I make my way through the classes in EMDT I find myself amazed at just how wrong I've been. From all the activities we've done, to the websites and now blogs, I find myself in uncharted territory.Choosing RSS feeds for my website, was about like ordering from a French menu. I don't speak the language and just couldn't figure it out. After many frustrating moments, quite a few tears and having to put the computer down and walk away many, many times, I think I have it figured out.RSS feeds are simply a much easier way to stay up to date with the websites and information I normally have to "search" for in my "spare" time. Now they are right there ready for me to read, use, etc.I have initially chosen Modern Learning, Free Technology for Teachers, Edutopia, Edublogger, and Elementary Teachers Resources. As you look at the titles, the why's should be self explanatory.All have to do with making my life simpler as a teacher and a student. Modern Learning is filled with many articles that pertain to my life as both a teacher and a student. Several of the articles I've read and reviewed for my classes at Full Sail have come from there. Why not have it at my finger tips. Free Technology for Teachers offers insight into many differentprograms, websites and activites available for teachers. Most school districts do not have unlimited funds available for technology and any way I can find to supplement what I have with no cost to them or me is obviously beneficial. Edutopia offers a variety of articles regarding education today. Edublogger is an avenue to share ideas with others regarding different topics in education today. Elementary Teachers Resource has unlimited lesson plans, activities and ideas to be implemented throughout the school year. They all have unique information that will be beneficial to me as I continue on my journey as a teacher and a student.

bp1_2009111_Blog

In today's digital world, keeping and holding the attention of students can be challenging at best.  Teachers face that challenge each and every day in all grade levels.  Finding tools to enhance engagement, keep focus, and challenge students is every teachers goal in the classroom.The use of Web Logs or blogs can be a tool that teachers can use to do many different things.A classroom blog can be a powerful way to combine the best of education with the best of technology and use both in a creative way to motivate students  (Wells 2006).  Giving students that forum to see their hard work published in a way that others can see, can be a powerful motivator for student achievement.  In a classroom where everyday writing is a focus, a blog can be extremely useful.  Giving students a platform to express themselves, while knowing others can read, see and respond to their ideas can be both motivating and powerful.  It may also give students the added incentive to do their very best so that others can see what they are capable of. Another great side benefit of a classroom blog is parental involvement.  The use of a blog can increase both the communication and participation between the student, teacher, and parent as they navigate through the educational process (Wells 2006).  Parents can be actively engaged participants in their child's reading and writing instruction and learning through the blog.Another great use of the blog can be for the teacher.  The blog has such a user friendly format, even those who are digital immigrants can figure out how to use them.  The possibilities are limitless for the classroom and beyond.  The blog provides a great forum for posting information vital to the current class topic, reinforcing strategies, and even introducing new topics and concepts.  Using a blog is a great way to provide both remedial and enrichment activities to both students and their families.References:Wells, L. (2006). BLOG IT: AN INNOVATIVE WAY TO IMPROVE LITERACY. Reading Today, 24(1), 40. http://search.ebscohost.com