September 28/30 - Tech Topic

Do you remeber when I talked about the Kindle a few weeks ago. Well, Amazon just came out with a new larger Kindle. Now it really would be like reading a text book but without the paper.

Check it out on http://www.amazon.com/ !

September 28/30 - What did I learn this week?

I learned that I am definitely pursuing the right age level. I loved every elementary education presentation and almost fell asleep during the secondary ones. They all were great it is just I realize I have a passion for younger kids so I get more out of listening to the lesson.

September 21st/23rd- Tech Topic

Google docs which we learned all about on Friday absolutely screems paperless classroom. To watch the tutorial on how to use google docs click on the link below to the wedsite.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIjLzXJ-Mjo

September 21st/23rd- What did I learned this week?

This week was kind of hectic seeing as we were trying to go over and create the rubric for our presentations. That's why I lumped together the two days. We did however watch a stimulating video Wednesday on google docs which seemed pretty interesting. It actually has a lot of practical use for my tech topic.

September 16th- Tech Topic

Today when I went into Ms. Brogen's classroom at Madison Elementary she used her Elmo to display pictures that her students drew. I realized that this piece of technology, the Elmo could be quite handy. You wouldn't ever have to make copies again.

September 16th- What did I learn today?

I know absolutely nothing about music education! Maybe I should take a music appreciation class or something?

September 14th- Tech Topic?

Teachers often have trouble finding a rewards for students. They waste resources buying items that, let's face it, the students lose within minutes. Instead, I challenge teachers to use the best resource, Internet sites that are educational, fun, and FREE! The website that I really want to highlight today is www.freerice.com . On this site students pick a subject and grade level that they want to answer questions about. For each question that they answer correctly 10 grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Program to help end hunger. I plan on incorporating this site as an incentive for my classrooms token economy.

September 14th- What did I learn today?

Well I realized shortly after my presentation that what I had planned was a little ambishuous for 3rd graders. I guess I need to observe more in the classroom so that I have realistic expectations for 3rd graders.

September 9th- Tech Topic

I think that this whole blog thing is a great idea for the paperless classroom. Instead of writting a newsletter to parents just post it in a blog. Let's face the facts students usually lose papers before they get home anyways. Yes, it would allow parents to respond like an e-mail but by posting rather than e-mailing others would be allowed to see what each other said. Giving less work to the teacher because often parents have similar concerns. I don't know why it took me so long to realize this.

September 9th- What did I learn today?

I had a lot of fun today learning about clickers. I really want to incorporate them in my classroom.

September 2nd- Tech Topic

I solved how to do Literature without books. My littlest sister called me last night and said that my mom had purchased her a "Kindle" from www.amazon.com. Not knowing at all what a "Kindle" was I had my sister explain it to me. From what I gather it's like a mini wireless computer that is the size of a game boy. You use it for downloading books off of amazon. It costs a few hundred dollars but if you read like my sister reads or if you say use it in your classroom year after year it would most definitely pay for its self. Buying the downloads costs not even a fraction as much as buying the actual book. It would be much easier for your students to carry one "Kindle" home verses a whole backpack full of books. It would also be more convenient for me as the teacher to order the books because I receive my purchase immediately.

September 2nd- What did I learn today?

Today in class we learned about this 6th sense program from the TED company. I thought it was interesting but also kind of scary. Could we be moving into an age of super computers where no one thinks for themselves anymore? Creepy!