I am just about ready to introduce Wikis to my 4th graders. I am really excited because I did Wikis last year, but it was several months into the school year before I learned about them and actually showed my kids. This year, I am starting off right away and they’ll have an entire year of working and learning about Wikis. I am also excited because I figured out a way to make them private and now the kids (and I) don’t have to worry about anyone seeing their work that they don’t want to see it!
I’m also ready to have them start podcasting. This year I’m going to do something a little different, I am going to have them podcast their published writing as well. It should make for some interesting podcasts!
Cathy
I survived my very first United Streaming presentation!! I was so nervous but it was really easy once I got started. Fortunately, I had some really supportive colleagues sitting in the front and I could just look at them for support. I was able to show the teachers in my building how to log into Discovery Streaming and then I gave them a tour of the features. I was able to find a handout called “50 Ways to Incorporate United Streaming Into Your Classroom” and I gave each person one. They seemed to appreciate it. This was a large group of teachers so we had the presentation in the library.
After this first training session, I had to come back three weeks later for the second training. This time if was a smaller group of teachers and it was held in the computer lab. Each teacher was able to login and then as I used the Smartboard to guide them, they were able to play around and see all the Discovery Streaming has to offer. I think the second session went much better than the first.
I think the part that everyone liked the most (me included) is the link to objectives and state standards. It’s so nice to be able to find videos that reinforce the objectives being taught in class.
Cathy
Posted on August 9, 2008 in
Training by Cathy Walker
