Thing 19

Above is a not so good attempt at a storyboard.  I found several templates on line, many being PDF's and I settled on this for this post.  It is not stellar and I apologize.  I tried looking for a storyboard template on Google Docs and didn't find one that I liked. 

This is the link http://www.frontoftherim.net/videos.html to my video that I created.  I'll be honest, I created this video three years ago as an example of a "summer science" assignment for the beginning of the 2008 school year.  6/7/8 graders were to write about something that they had done in the summer and describe the science behind their summer activity.  It was a writing assignment.  I had surgery in June of the 2008 and I used that experience as my summer science and then I put together a little video w/different pictures and images.  There is music as well, and I narrate the entire slideshow.  This year I assigned the same assignment for the beginning of the school year, and instead of a writing assignment, I assigned a "summer science Glog".

The video, when I did it, received positive comments.  Common comments suggested to improve the quality of the pictures and my narration was a little rough at times.  I had the video posted on my original website and I now I have reposted it on my new website.  I used a Windows Video maker to make the video in 2008 and I uploaded the finished product to Screencast.  I had a lot of difficulty trying to upload the video this time to my new website and I don't know what I was doing to make it so difficult.  When I was in Screencast, in my account, and I would try to copy and paste into my website, the link would take me to my personal Screencast page w/my profile information.  I tried emedding the link and all of the other options before I finally downloaded the video file to my website.  My site is powered by Weebly and I do have the pro account, so I did try to upload the video using their video upload.  It worked, however, the size of the video was almost a thumbnail size and I wasn't sure how to make it bigger to fill the screen.  So, like I said, I just downloaded the file. 

My students, particulary my 7th graders have made and edited their own videos for a rollercoaster PBL that we just finished.  Several of them made their movies  w/the Ipods, Ipads and Iphones.  The final videos were truly wonderful.  I provided them very little instruction and just told them to go for it.  They had some requirements as to the content but they know so much about technology as it is, they there finished products were really neat. 

I do try to use and incorporate technology into all of my units.  My biggest roadblock is being able to use the computer lab as much I would like and not having one/one computing in my classroom.  We were allowing the use of handhelds for awhile this school year and have shut that use down, at least for now.  I am hoping in time we can allow the students to use them again in class, because I felt that the students were much more engaged in the instruction when they were able to post comments in a back channel or some other similar format.  I do miss that interaction and engagment.  Another roadblock is time, the time to use all of the information that I have gained in just the last few months via this class and the Kevin Honeycutt presentation.  Now that this is completed, the next time constraint will be science common core professional development!

B. Sack







Thing 21 - Screencast

Below is a link to a screencast that I used this fall teaching a measurement lesson.  I did a few screencasts at the beginning of the year and I haven't done one since.  This lesson was perfect for a screencast and I did post it to my website for 6/7/8 grade.  The screencast was done using my Smartboard and I love the features of the Smartboard.  I need and want to use screencasting more to be able to post lessons on my website for those students who need the additional help and those who may have been absent.  I really don't have a good reason for not doing it more, except that I am not always teaching from the Smartboard or my laptop in my classroom.  All three of my science classes are starting new units and in these early lessons I am hoping to do more screencasting.  I know parents appreciated the resource that I posted on my website.

http://www.frontoftherim.net/screencast-lessons.html

B. Sack

Thing 20 - Online Video and Audio Resources

Above are two video resources that I use.  I use United Streaming frequently.  I like that United Streaming offers student and teacher resources for most of their videos.  The videos are a little dated, however, they are still good videos.  I like that I am able to download the videos and watch them at a later time or that I can then view them even if the internet is not working provided that I have downloaded the video.

I also try to use Khan Academy as well.  Teaching science, I find the Khan videos are little advanced for middle schoolers.  I also wish that Khan provided "lessons" to use w/the science videos.  I have only seen lessons availble for math lessons.

I also use Teacher's Domain for videos and teacher resources.  Another video source that I use, that I did not capture a screenshot of is Annsburg Media.  These videos are also a little dated and do not provide student or teacher resources like United Streaming does.  The upside is you do not need an account, wherer as you do for United Streaming.

I use a couple of audio resources on a weekly almost daily basis in religion.  In addition to science, I teach middle school religion.  During the week we listen to the daily readings and reflections from the USCCB.org website and weekly we listen to a podcast from lifeteen.com about the upcoming Sunday Gospel. 

I really like trying to incorporate video and audio into my lessons.  In this class I was introduced to Dirpy and Masher.  I did try Dirpy and I was able to take a YouTube video and edit it to my needs.   I use a variety of videos from YouTube and I like the fact that I can edit using Dirpy.  I also tried Masher, but didn't get very far, only because I didn't have much time to really investigate its features. 

I also have used movie clips from Wing Clip?  I don't remember the site name, however, I have used the site to download movie clips that I used in a Gifts of the Holy Spirit presentation for Confirmation.

I prefer to use video over audio resources, because I think the students like to put a face to the voice and they seem more interested in the visiual aspect.   The weekly Gospel podcast that we listen to was "faceless" until we watched a video on the new Roman Missal, and "Bible Geek" was in the video. 

B. Sack

Thing 18

1. I am not sure where to begin to answer this question.  I teach at a Catholic middle school, so we don't offer students instruction in a virtual classroom.  In saying that, I do try to incorporate virtual labs into my science instruction.  I think it was in an earlier "Thing" that virtual labs through "Edhead" was mentioned to be used for virtual dissections and surgeries.  I have also used virtual labs for chemistry related topics. 

In terms of extending my classroom, I have inquired about setting up a guest teacher via Skype to discuss life science topics related to ecosystems.  I have taken courses through Moodle and Blackboard and I am not sure how I would go about using those platforms for my needs.  For one, I think it would need to be a school or district wide intiative to truly implement virtual instruction.  I know the Diocese of Grand Rapids is testing virtual instruction in the Coopersville area and that there is a possible iniative w/a virtual group based in Miami to begin to implement more blended instruction. 

I already use my webpage to communicate w/my students and parents, however, I have not used anything like Skype or Adobe Connect to interact virtually and connect in real time.  I would like to do that as I said, w/a guest teacher.  We have Skyped at school and had a bullying presentation with a group from California. 

My plan then would be include trying  to collaborate with other science teachers or scientists  using TWICE or Skype.  I would like to make my webpage more usable.  I do post resources for all of my classes and I would like to make the page more useful.  I do put links on the webpage for webquests, videos and other online activities.  I also have students upload their assignments to me via my webpage and through Google docs.

2.  Navigating the Land of Online Learning  After navigating the Land of Online Learning as a student, I think for a student to be a successful online student is discipline.  Assuming the playing field is level, meaning that all technology infrastructure needs are adequate, a successful student needs to be disciplined to be able to work w/little "facetime" instruction.  I think if I was that age, I would have a difficult time in disciplining myself if the class was able to be completed away from school and direct supervision.  Which is why a good mentor would be necessary to help guide students in their online experience.

B. Sack

Thing 17

1.  I registered for Learnport this summer when I took an on line class, Teaching Smarter w/SmartBoards.  I like the what Learnport offers by being able to take classes on line for credit.  The class was very useful and beneficial.  New information and assignments were posted on Wednesdays and Fridays.  I was able to complete the class without the stress of the school year and I even was able to complete some of the tasks while I was on vacation away from home.

2.  I signed up for Twitter:

I have been wanting to sign up for sometime now, however, I don't currently have a Smartphone.  I am researching phones and can't decide between an IPhone or an Android phone from Sprint.  I know that there are many ways that I could use Twitter at school and I know at least a few of my students also have Twitter accounts.  I read last year how the middle school in Comstock Park was using Twitter as their homework hotline.  We currently have a homework hotline and we send out a "blast" on Thursdays to our parents, but only currently for the 7th grade parents.  I think that I would like to be able to use Twitter to send out an "immediate" notice of an assignment, meaning, right when an assignment is assigned, versus waiting until the end of the day or Thursday to send out a "blast".  Although I am also hesitant of TMI, and afraid that all of this instant information and access might be more harm than good in the long run, because I am concerned that it takes too much of the responsibility away from the student.  The assignment notebook is almost obsolete.  I also know that I can use Twitter to stay connected or to get connected to Professional Learning Networks.  I know that I just need to start getting my feet wet and get more immersed with social networking.  I am not on Facebook, and I think I am the only one in my family and one of the few remaining not on Facebook, and I am not sure that I am really interested in joining.  I know there can be good uses for Facebook, but I think I would rather experiment w/Twitter.

3.  I also joined MACUL Space and I registered for MACUL as well.  I have been interested in joining and I would like to go to the conference in the spring, however, I think that the conference falls at the same time as our spring conferences at school.  At least one other teacher in our building is a MACUL member and she spoke very highly of the conference last year.  Adding more "tools" to the toolbox and increasing my professional learning network cannot be a bad thing to stay informed.

4.  I joined MACUL, $40 membership fee, and I also looked at TWICE.  I thought the TWICE sight said it was free for a single membership and $200 for a site or school.  I am not sure if the free membership allows the member the benefit of actually being able to participate in a "two way" conference.  I have looked into having a "guest" teacher in science through another online sight that I found, and I think by using Skype, I could accomplish some of the same goals that TWICE offers. MACUL on the other hand seems to offer much more benefits and useful classroom resources and a wider range of resources.  I am honestly not sure what unique skills that I could offer or contribute, since I always more amazed by what others are doing than myself.

Thing 16 - Research and Reference Tools -

Research and Reference Tools
Part 1
I compared and contrasted InfoTrac Junior Edition and InfoTrac Student Edition.  I searched "Periodic Table of Elements" and the resources/references that were generated were the same.  The first magazines that was referenced was "Current Science, a Weekly Reader publication".  When I went a little bit into the researching "Weekly Reader" the information that was provided says: "A weekly magazines for middle and high schools. Uses current events to make science more relevant to students and covers every area of the science curriculum - earth, physical science, life, health and technology.."  I believe Weekly Reader has been known to make an error or two in reporting, so that is my first concern.  In the first 15 or so magazine references, two are from Weekly Reader.  Science News was the most referenced sight, and it has five or so in the first twenty references.  The information on science news is: "A weekly science news magazine covering the most significant research in all fields of science in short articles designed to appeal to both general readers and scientists".  The readbility/useability/content of these reference materials are suitable for junior high students, which is what I teach.  I am concerned about the credibility.  When selecting "academic journals", I found this too advance for junior high/middle school.

Part 2
I went to General Reference Center Gold and searched the same key words "periodic table of elements" I received pretty much the same information when I searched InfoTrac Junior Edition and Student Edition.  Interestingly though, are the "general" articles that are referenced.  In General Reference, there was an article from "Brides" magazine, about how to have a "geeky, nerdy" (my words) wedding favors and table decorations.  More care would have to be used when using the General References.

Part 3

Citation created in MEL database.

Citation created in EasyBib.
I have used on-line citations before, and I wish these tools would have been avaible when I was in middle/high school and college.  I came across them onced I starting working on my Masters.

B. Sack

Thing 12 - Assessment/Evaluation and Survey Tools

 

Above are three screen shots of an exit card that I created to use w/my middle schoolers.  The example above shows responses from 8th graders, who had to do an exit card/3-2-1 related to the Periodic Table.  I created a general exit/3-2-1 card to be used w/all three classes.  In this particular instance, 17/21 8th graders responded to the 3-2-1.  I know that at least one of the 21 students does not have Internet at home, and at least two others have very limited use of the Internet allowed to them when they are home.  As a result they very seldom submit any type of assignment on-line or even type an assignment for that matter.  I really like the abilities that Google Docs offers.  In an assignment or quiz like this, it captures and organizes the responses in a nice format.  I can go to one "place" and read their comments and assess their understanding and make any adjustments for the next day for each individual or the entire class.  I don't think this will be as useful for a longer assessment or assignment, but it is very handy for a short quiz or exit card, whether it is an individual response or group response quiz or exit card.

Above is a roller coaster rubric that I created for a current 7th grade project.  As with the above mentioned 3-2-1 exit card and this rubric, these are actual examples and tools that I have created and that I am actively/currently using with my students.  I use rubrics for many "projects" and assignments, and I had not used Rubistar or anything similar before.  I had always created my own or used previously created ones from other sources.  The Rubistar templates are general in nature, and I had to adapt from more than one template to meet the needs of my project.

Because I teach in a Catholic school, the data tools that are available are probably different than most public schools.  We have not given the MEAP in several years, but do have a Diocesan wide assessment that we give.  This was the first year that our school administered MAP testing and in the last few years we had given the ITBS test.  Both provide the some of the same types of information that was described in the PowerPoint.  Data is available that compares our students to other students in the Diocese of Grand Rapids and across the U.S.  I know in the younger grades that they also use Dible and math RTI program.  We have also just implemented an on-line grading system and it provides access to our parents and students to view their on-line grades.  FERPA/HIPAA are both important because they address what disclosures are allowed without consent or disclosure, although because I teach in a private school, and I think there are some exceptions to the rules that apply to public institutions.

B. Sack

Thing 13 - Online Interactive Learning Tools

The above screenshot from Google Earth shows the school at which I teach at, Assumption BVM in Belmont.

The second screen shot is of Bonito Resort in Cabo San Lucas, this is important to me, because this is where I am going for Spring Break!

The flashcards that I created in Quizlet will be used as either warm-up activities or to provide an extra study tool for the students that I teach.  I can place a link on my website that allows the students access to study tools that I have created for extra practice and review.

B. Sack

Assignment 15 - Staying Informed

First, I never honestly knew what RSS stood for, and yet I see the abbreviation frequently.  I do go to a few sites frequently to listen to podcasts, especially in my 7th and 8th grade religion classes.  These two classes listen to a weekly podcast related to the Sunday Gospel readings.  I signed up for a Google Reader account, and saved a few sites.  As I come across more RSS, I will add them to my account so that I easily store and find the different sites that I use.  Using the reader account, seems similar to bookmarking sites in Diigo, the difference being that with the reader you receive timely updates from the sites that are subscribed to all located in one place.

B. Sack

Thing 14 - Productivity Tools

1.  Being able to convert to a PDF is useful, because when documents are posted on websites or in other forums, the document cannot be edited and changed when the document is saved as a PDF.  I do not know if it has an influence on my instruction, I usually save in word because it is the default. I have saved some documents as a PDF, however, I don't do it very often. 

2.  For the second part, I converted a study guide saved as a word document to an image format.  Possible coversions include:  converting to a PDF, converting to a mov, Apple QuickTime, gif graphics, png and html.  This is a very small sample of what can be converted.  Converting was very easy to do.  Using Zamzar allows for conversions to different formats without having to download software.  The computer lab at our school is a Mac lab, and having the Zamzar sight might help students and myself to be able to convert work and presentations that have been done in the Mac lab to word "usable" formats.  

3.  I actually did create a calendar using Google Docs and have added it to my website.  I will admit, I had difficulty using it and modifying the calendar to my liking.  I would prefer a landscape view, I think, and I wasn't able to generate a calendar to my liking.  I don't know if my adding the calendar to my website as a html, if that would improve the look on my website.  I would prefer it to be viewable on a single page on the website.

B. Sack

Thing 13

The above screenshot is of where I teach, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This image shows the school, church and rectory.

This is my first time creating my own quizzes online using Quizlet.  When searching for online quizzes, quizzes made in Quizlet often are found.  I will be able to use Quizlet to make quizzes in science and religion for 6/7/8 and post them on my website for the students to use to review material from class.

B. Sack

The second screenshot is of Cabo San Lucas, which is where we are going for Spring Break.  I have used Google Earth, and I need to use it more.  I teach science and religion, and I always talk about science in my blogs, however, I think Google Earth is great to use to show location references from the New Testament.

B. Sack

Thing 11 - Visual Learning

http://prezi.com/h1gr34lqhgqw/edit/#15

Above is the prezi presentation I created on the Periodic Table of Elements.  I included an image of the periodic table and video.  I am not sure how to compare Prezi to Power Point.  Prezi seems more engaging, meaning, the ability to zoom in on images and make the presentation more dynamic then Power Point.  I think everything I did in Prezi can be done in Power Point, including adding video and images and linking the slides in whatever order is desired.  I think once the Prezi is created, it is easier to "jump" around from slide to slide then w/Power Point and you can edit more easily on the fly versus Power Point.  A question I have is, are only PDF files able to be downloaded?  I don't know if I spent anymore time working w/Prezi then I would of w/Power Point.  If I did spend more time, it is because this is the first time that I have really used Prezi. 

Part 2

The above image is of some of the noble gases on th periodic table.  Zoomit will be useful to highlight important information to keep the learners engaged.  On the Zoomit site, it says that Zoomit "which lets you smoothly and efficiently explore the whole image, no matter how large."  I do think I am able to do similar things using my Smart Board as well.

Thing 10 - Digital Images

Above is an image that I downloaded to Fotoflexer.

The second image is of the photo that I edited in FotoFlexer, http://fotoflexer.com/app/.  I applied a poster look to the image and added a title describing the picture.  This picture was taken in Zephyr Hills, Florida last February.  I have used this picture in class, w/o using FotoFlexer or any other digital image editing, to show examples of symbiotic relationships that exist in nature.  FotoFlexer, or other comparable sites, can be used in school to make pictures more "richer" when using them w/instruction.

For the second part of the assignment, I have included a link to my webpage: http://www.frontoftherim.net/west-michigan-healing-field-91311.html
where I have uploaded pictures taken from West Michigan Healing field.  I uploaded these pictures to my website using these features shown in the picture below:



Thing 9 - Copyright and Creative Commons

I was not surprised by the results that I rec'd from the quiz testing the understanding of copyright law of my students.  Very few of them were aware of what "giving credit, when credit is due" really means and what is legally able to be used from the internet.  Most believe that if it is out in the public domain, then it is free to use.  There is much to be aware of when using images and information from the internet and I know that I am not always aware of what is legal and not legal. 

Above is a screenshot taken from my website (my Face of the Classroom) and the creative common is located down in the lower left corner.

Thing 8 - Visual

Bubbl.us - Atomic Theory

Tagxedo - http://www.frontoftherim.net/

The diagram that I created in Bubbl.us is a timeline of the atomic theory.  I am currently teaching  atom/elements in science, so I created something that might be useful. Although I liked the possibilities of Bubbl.us, I found the site difficult to use.  I had a hard time connecting bubbles, moving the timeline around the page and trying to size it to the page.  I think there could be easier sites to use then Bubbl.us. I would like to use this site or something similar for my presentations, and for the students to create their own visual aids or graphic organizers.  We have a mac lab, and I think there is Kidspiration in the lab or something like it, that they coud use.  The challenge is getting into the lab.  I have used Wordle before, so I used Tagxedo, and I really liked the site and the possibilities.  I used my website, http://www.frontoftherim.net/, and Tagxedo generated what is posted above.  I have seen Wordl used like a word collage, and I think both sites could generate word collages related to current topics.  I also teach religion and I can envision "wordling" or "tagging" the Ten Commandments or The Beatitudes.

Thing 7 - Web site evaluation

http://www.dreamweaverstudios.com/moonbeam/moon.htm

I am not sure I even know where to begin w/this site evaluation.

Above is the screen shot from http://www.dreamweaverstudios.com/moonbeam/moon.htm.  The information that is at this site is far from "educational".  The website was created in 1998, according to the information at the bottom of the first page.  The site is user-friendly, that is a positive for the site, and the site claims to be created for moon travel.  The site offers information on housing, restaraunts, and other promotions.  I can easily distinguish fact from opinion, since there is very little fact on this site and I certainly would not site this in a bibliography.  My critical evaluation isn't quite following Joyce Valenza's in order, and it is because I am still quite shocked by the site, and a that it would make the list of bogus/hoax sites, because it seems pretty obvious, that it is a hoax.

The second site I chose:

http://www.weathergraphics.com/tim/fisher/

This site is pretty cool as well.  The site does cover the (content) history of the Fisher Price Airplane from its supposed beginning.  The site was created in 2004 and I would not include this in a bibliography.  I do think this site looks more credible than my first site evaluation, and I could see middle schoolers believing in its accuracy.  The site is a dot com (author/creditbility) and (c) 2004 Tim Vasquez weatherman@weathergraphics.com is responsible for the site.  This site could lead to a further evaluation as well.  It appears the site (bias/purpose) was created to inform about the development of the Fisher Price Airplane and that it originated from Russia. It would be difficult to distinguish fact from opinion on this site.  The site is easy to navigate (usability/design) as it is only one page of information.

Part 2
Since I teach middle school, two activities that I would/will use to teach about cyber bullying would be to use the lessons from the Media Awareness Network.  I would use both lesson "1's" for middle schoolers, since I teach 6/7/8.  I would use much from this site, then just lesson 1.  The second site that I really like is the Real Life stories and the videos and lessons that go hand in hand.  I would use a combination of these two sites to teach about cyber bullying.  The videos are powerful, and if middle schoolers can see actual examples and cases, it will have bigger impact on their decision making process.

Thing 6 - Differentiated Instruction and Diverse Learning

1. Differentiated Learning Assignment - Reading and watching videos related to differentiated learning has me believing that I already try to follow many of the suggestions and yet there is still so much more to do.  At our school we use PCL time to discuss what do want our students to know, how will we know they know it, and what to do when they know it.  Following those questions as a guideline helps to differentiate instruction to all learners, at both ends of the learning spectrum and everywhere in between.  All learners come to school w/varied background knowledge and readiness and it is up to educators to be flexible and be able to adjust to meet the needs of all learners.  Presenting the information in multiple ways, allowing for multiple means of action and expression and mulitple means of engagment will allow each learner to reach mastery level of understanding in all areas.  I try to do this in many ways using tiered menu, option assignments, a variety of presentation tools like videos and interactive online tools and I encourage creativity using a variety of assessment tools.  For example, in 8th grade science this past week or so, the 8th graders had to put together a presentation on chemical reactions related to our health as part of a national campaign from the American Chemical Society.  Each group had to find examples of different types of chemical reactions related to our health and include at least one live or taped chemical change experiment in their presentation.  They could use PowerPoint or something similar, some chose to use Glogster and download their video into their Glog and some did videos and uploaded them to their YouTube account.  I provided guidelines, time in the lab and in class to work on experiments and instruction prior to starting the assignment.  They were very engaged in the entire process and have asked to do similar projects in the future.  I truly enjoyed watching them work and choosing their own ways to shine.

2.  Diverse Learning Assignment - I try very hard to provide multiple ways to achieve and show mastery.  The techonology to support diverse learners offers many useful tools and tips.  Many books have a digital text options that would enable those learners that need to read and hear the text at the same time.  I think more texts will become audio books or at least be able to be downloaded from places like Itunes. 

3.  Universal Design for Learning Assignment - I already have an account through Learnport, because I took an online class this summer, however, I was not able to find "resources" to access NetTrekker.  When I clicked on NetTrekker, I rec'd an invalid message.  I really wanted to try to this out. I also did not find that the PowerPoint presentation downloaded from the class site, however, I did print the other instructions but was still unable to use NetTrekekr.   Instead I went to the wiki, and looked at the resources.  First, I find that being a middle school science teacher is an overlooked area for resources.  The UDL lesson plans on the wiki didn't really offer middle school science resources, although the 3-5, could be adapted.  Interestingly, I think the model software was to advanced for middle school science.  I do want to learn more about the UDL science notebook.  I use science notebooks in my class, and I am trying to find better ways to get the most use out of them.

4.  Text-to-Audio Conversion Assignment -  Below is a screenshot that I made of the text conversion.  The text being converted are directions from a science group project.  I also saved it as a mp3 file.  I think this is a really neat tool that could be used to convert written text to audio for all learners, which is what UDL is all about.  I could see using this when "flipping" a class or during actual instruction.  I find the voices a little odd, and I think the female voice is a little clearer than the male voice.

Thing 5- Thinkfinity

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/venn.html

The above lesson from Thinkfinity is a lesson about ecosystems.  This is a topic that I cover in the spring, w/6th graders, and I will be able to use this lesson to identify and describe two ecosystems.  Using a venn diagram, students will compare temperate and tropical forests and use this information in their ecosystem group project.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/g68/HumanFootprintMapping.pdf

The second site looks very interesting.  In 8th grade science we closely look at our human/carbon footprint and this lesson is about human impact on the world.  Middle schoolers don't tend to see "worldwide" impact and this lesson should open their eyes about how humans impact Earth.  I also teach religion, and we will be able to talk about our responsibilties as being stewards of creation and how we can lessen our human impact and care for creation.

B. Sack

Thing 4 - Skype Assingment

Skype can extend our classroom walls.  I teach science and I will be able to skype with science labs around the world.  I would like to be able to have "visiting" scientists from college or research labs instruct my students about whatever our current topic is at that moment.  Skype provides a means to communicate w/other classrooms around world and to work on joint or group research projects.  The information that can be shraed and the different data and research that can be shared is endless.  It removes barriers, the 4 walls, from the classroom.

B. Sack

Thing 3

I am not sure that I added the calendar that I created using Google Docs and then capturing it in Jing correctly or not, but it is pasted and visible.  I haven't tried using Screencast yet, I have used it before, when I made a presentation a couple of years ago that I had on my original website.  I found it trying at best to use the Google Doc calendar template at first.  I am not sure what specifically my frustration is; slow internet connection, even though it is not dial-up, or just trying to navigate through using Google Docs. 

I like idea of using Google Docs, and I know I will be using it more, just trying to get comfortable with it, which I am sure will come with more use.

B. Sack
       

Thing 2 - Face of the classroom

www.frontoftherim.net

I created my first website several years ago in a graduate class at Aquinas.  This past summer we had our desktop tower worked on, and I lost the settings to my original web page.  I created this new site using Weebly, which I had heard about from someone at school.  I like the site better than what I had been using because I wasn't able to make changes to my site from a remote location, like my classroom.  Now, depending on how busy the server is, I can make instant changes at school or anywhere else.  I like being able to make those instant changes.  There are many things that I like about Weebly, for instance, I like the assignment upload page and being able put videos or screen casts right on the page.  I have a smart board at school, and I put a screen cast lesson on my site that is very accessible for all of my students and parents.  There are also some things that I would like to see improved as well.  I find it hard to upload an entire document like I should be able to do.  I found that I lost some of my editing when I tried this feature.  I am not sure if I will stay w/Weebly or if I will try something else next year, but for now I like the site.

B. Sack

Thing 1 - Diigo

http://www.diigo.com/user/bsack13

I visit many sites throughout the day looking for science information, experiments and videos.  I have bookmarked many sites on all of the computers that I use throughout the day, which in any one day could be 3-4 different computers.  I had been copying url's and emailing them to myself when I found something that I wanted to share another time on another computer.  Diigo or any other online bookmarking site will be much easier and more practical to use.  

Thing 1 - Shortcuts

http://screencast.com/t/pwRiQqDmzhk

I am not sure if I did this correctly, uploading what I captured in Jing.  I was not able to click on the video that I had hyperlinked to the study guide that I had created for 8th grade science.  I did use the ctrl k shortcut to link the video, and I had copied and pasted, using the control keys,  the target information and new vocab words from curriculum crafter when I was creating the study guide.  I was already familiar w/the short cut keys for copying and pasting and the select all.  I use these keys frequently.  The short cut keys allow me to be a little more efficient when typing and creating documents for school.  I do not have to use the drop down menus to make my selections when editing documents.

B. Sack

2nd Post

What makes a good blog?

How could a blogs enhance your classroom?

Are blogs an easier way for people to self-publish?
 

I am not sure what makes a good blog at this point since I am not sure that I have truly seen a good blog.  I have looked over many different blogs, mostly as they are related to science, since I teach middle school science.  I notice more things that I don't like about blogs and that is that they are too opionated  In watching the video it talks about how basically everyone is a "news reporter" (my words, not sure that is what they said in the video) which means anyone can write and "report" on just about anything.  So I guess to answer the question, "what makes a good blog", I think a good blog sticks to the facts and is short and to the point.

In saying that, I am interested in how I could use blogs to enhance my classroom.  I have had a blog through wordpress before, and I didn't maintain it all.  I made a few posts and a few students repsonded, but I don't think it really enhanced the classroom.  I have seen blogs used basically as a diary or summary of weekly happenings in a classroom and I am not sure that is what I want to use it for.  I already send out a weekly "shoutout" to all the parents about upcoming assignments and important information for the coming week(s).  In science a blog could be used by the students in publishing observations and results from on going experiments and investigations w/their class and the "worldwide classroom".  Using blogs as a component of problem based learning assignment could be useful for the students in collecting and sharing data and results.

I think blogs are an easy way to self publish, because anyone can set up an account.  I do have glogsters accounts setup for my students as well and that is another way of self publishing.

21 Things – Getting Started

I want to learn how to keep up w/middle schoolers in the digital age.  As our principal says, when our kids come to school they "power down"; meaning that they are using less technology at school then they do at home.  I want to learn the skills to help them advance their skills and become problem solvers of the 21st century.

B. Sack