so I thought it might be appropriate to repost this post originally written in 2008.

Enjoy!

~~~~~

http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/blog/2012/03/31/ca-mission-possible/

After we take pictures, we will regroup in certain locations and share our images, perhaps upload them flickr or facebook and even our DEN blogs – as resources for 4th Grade CA classrooms.

A great idea…

– but I started to wonder…….what if (from now on) we decide to make EVERY photowalk not only A WalkAbout — but also TalkAbouts?

What if — from now on — EVERY PHOTOWALK -  Den members use the MEDIA SHARE option  — we start creating picture folders, lesson ideas, DE links, activities and more….that we share with each other…..after these Walkabouts?

People could even post places they hope others would visit –
For instance any den member could request “If you go to the Grand Canyon or the Eiffel Tower or the Smithsonian or the Pyramids or even your local museum…..please let me know.”

And with these lesson plans, activities, images….etc….we start creating mini virtual field trips we can take our students to — and then we also have an instant “expert – photographer – teacher” we can go to if we have further questions.

Hmmm — whatcha think?  Ideas?  Thoughts?  Etc?

Jen

PS:  and i f you need help with Media Share — here is the link
http://help.discoveryeducation.com/support/index.cfm?event=showNode&guidTaxId=fbfafdb9-1b78-cd48-f831-d769ba64b879

— The book was first published in 1952!!!
Well that means —–

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to “CHARLOTTE’S WEB!”

and here is how Discovery Education can help you extend Charlotte’s Web in your classroom:

CHARLOTTE (spiders):
Spider Web Image:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=7BB7D7AC-C458-4B1D-B961-4F3E9451CF70
What are Spiders Video Segment:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=4570899B-E828-4270-915E-C959E7E83BFF
What is a Spider Song:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=70B8FEBA-D847-46AC-8389-2D625C9F1A0B

WILBUR (pigs):
Pig Video Segment:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=D4B6FE3E-5CF4-46AD-8C74-CE4330A1DFFC
Pig Image:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=61F9CDC9-84DA-4191-87BB-C6B8C4C9C449
Pig Video Segment:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=8A2EB191-9754-4B01-A581-2759C5F6B325

TEMPLETON (rats):
Rat Video Segment:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=6852E3BB-B634-4784-8EAC-0C174799F420
Rat image:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=AC14453F-DC60-43D7-A4B5-364E121C958D
Rat encyclopedia article:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=6B9BBBF8-1610-4176-8E32-24B6AD333A60

GOOSE (goose):
Goose Video Segment:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=C7A60BDD-BEAA-44E0-9CC0-DAAD95979AD5
Goose image:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=203346D4-006B-41C5-A557-D5902D72DFBF
Goose Encyclopedia article:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=D38BD398-32B3-4817-9F22-A5CBE69BB48C

Farm Animals:
Farm Animals Video:   http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=B09D72B6-04A2-4003-86B6-96A142D3A127
Living on a Farm  Writing Prompt:  http://tools.discoveryeducation.com/writingPrompt/viewWritingPrompt.cfm?guidAssetId=47539B34-F2AB-4F1E-A46C-FD8C63A508E9&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US&strEditCopy=Copy

County Fairs:
County Fair Video Segment:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=D1B67A65-C421-4165-9BD1-20B8EE52D5E2

E.B. White (author):
Encyclopedia Article:  http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=3E704B6E-768E-4649-B051-CB6FCAFAF88A
Event:  July 11, 1899: Birthdate of E.B. White, author

And if you wish to join me — I am hosting a project at
http://projectsbyjen.com/Projects/CW2012/cwhome.htm
to celebrate the book and the 60th birthday of Charlotte’s Web.

Enjoy!
Jen

PS:  You do need an account to be able to view and utilize these resources at Discovery Education.  If you have any questions, please contact the Customer & Technical Support Team at 800-323-9084.

Almost a month ago, I received an email from my employer who let me know that they were going to purchase the “new” ipad for me……with the stipulation that I then learn as much as I can in order to teach others on my campus if and when they needed help.

To be honest, I have WANTED an ipad since they first came out….but it was always a WANT and not a need….so a big THANK YOU is necessary to my employer because without their generosity, I would still be living in the world of my ipodtouch.   (and quite content to be sure!)

The Tuesday AFTER the big launch, my new ipad (16gb with WIFI +4g – my internet at home was super slow, so this would help) was delivered to me – and since then I have explored!

Now, I could not, in any way, say that this is a game-changer….nor would I ever state that EVERY STUDENT should have one of these…..but I will share, with you, a bit, how in less than 14 days, things are a bit different in Jen’s little part of the world.

#1 – I am reading more
To be honest, I have a very substantial group of blogs I follow via my Google Reader.   But I had never dabbled with having “topics” RSSed to me.
I started to explore this option on the ipad, and downloaded both Flipboard and Zite.
While both of these apps are worth having on your ipad….I chose to stick with Zite.
Almost 100% due to the cosmetics and nothing more.  I like the layout much better.   I have chosen 12 topics that send information to me – from Christianity to Disneyland, from Election 2012 to Crafts, from Internet Safety to iPads, and more.   Just waiting there, on the right side of my ipad, waiting for me to click and learn!
–Still looking to learn:   how to read RSSed blog posts on the ipad, access Google Docs.

#2 – I am playing more
I was very happy with my ipodtouch – VERY.   But am finding the larger screen much more conducive to my aging eyes.   They have said that the Retina screen is much better…I cannot prove or disprove that….I will just say that pretty much every app I have looks nice.   And I will admit that I have had to turn down the brightness because often it is too bright.  But “OH, how I am enjoying playing on a larger screen.”
Silly perhaps, but true.
–Still looking to learn:  There is an importance educational factor to gaming but I continually get lost in the fun.  Need to explore this more.

#3 – I am learning more
Between my ZITE section ipad and an app magazine called App Advice – I am conquering the ipad and learning new ways to use it daily.
I had not known that if you double click on the home button it will NOT only show you the apps that are running in the background, but if you scroll to the left, you can adjust brightness, rotation, and sound.
I read “One Less Button — http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/02/does-the-ipad-have-one-button-too-many/ ) via Zite and have started to use 4 fingers to pinch to the home screen and swipe left or right to move between apps.
I am watching youtubes daily at lunch (with my friend who is going to Haiti) to learn Creole. 
–Still looking to learn:  Working my way through:  http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_User_Guide.pdf

#4 – I am surfing faster and in a variety of places
When I recently moved…the question I did not ask was “how is the internet”?  and because of where my new rental is….DSL is the only option (wired in).  So having the Data plan, I am not searching the internet at speeds back up to normal (when I was in my apartment.)  And I also now have a “free” hotspot.  Which I look forward to sharing with others at the next conference.
Just last weekend, I became lost while out driving.  I was able to fire up the ipad and find my destination quickly.  Perhaps not a big “aha” to those of you who have a smart phone…but since I don’t, this really was very very helpful!
–Still looking to learn:  I am looking forward to seeing how this all plays at ISTE.

#5 – I have become data conscious.
With great power (2gb of data) comes great responsibility (oh no, I don’t want to be fined if I go over my data plan.)
And I have become a GRINCH at watching my data.  And also a wifi bandit whenever I can turn off my cellular plan to use someone else’s wifi.
I don’t like this.  I personally believe this “data plan” is a catch 22 that we will forever been entangled within.   I cannot knock it 100% because it is coming in handy – but I do not like the constant nudge of data-overuse that lurks now in the back of my mind.
–Still looking to learn:  Exactly how data is measured.  I think the more we question, the more the companies are going to have to reveal that this is a scheme where they are winning – for now.

None of these items listed above have changed my life, but to be honest, they have impacted my life (or at least bumped it a bit!)

I must admit I have yet to add too many productivity tools to it yet – other than reading materials.

The apps I use daily are:
Just1Word  (http://www.just1word.com/mobile/about/ipad_bible_app)
Zite  (http://zite.com/)
Hanging With Friends  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hanging-with-friends-free/id440786655?mt=8)
Draw Something  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draw-something-free/id488628250?mt=8)
Words W/ Friends  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/words-with-friends-free/id321916506?mt=8)
App Advice  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/appadvice/id364906378?mt=8)
Twitter  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/twitter/id333903271?mt=8)

I have downloaded:
Skype  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype/id304878510?mt=8)
Drop Box  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropbox/id327630330?mt=8)
Evernote  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/evernote/id281796108?mt=8)
Pinboard  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pinboard/id301247069?mt=8)
Kindle  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kindle-read-books-magazines/id302584613?mt=8)
US Geography by Discovery Education  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/u.s.-geography-by-discovery/id374922243?mt=8)

And the games I downloaded:
Plants & Zombies  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/plants-vs.-zombies/id350642635?mt=8)
Five-O Lite  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/five-o-lite/id408157861?mt=8)
Banagrams  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bananagrams/id329521810?mt=8)
Seuss Band  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dr.-seuss-band/id474940131?mt=8)
Hexbee  (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hexbee/id446822719?mt=8)

Is it a keeper??  Oh yes.   Is it a life-changer?  I think not – not in a huge way.  But it is a life-shifter.

Time will tell in the next months how exactly this gets involved in my life – but having only owned it for 14 days….yep, I can see a difference.

I would like to invite you to share with  me what apps are working for you – and how.   As part of the “stipulation”, I will be posting occasionally on what I am learning, how I am learning, and what I am doing with that learning.

Jen

~~~~
This post is cross-posted at:

http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/?p=2389

~~~~this instruction idea is from Vol. 125 of my PBJ newsletter.

Random.org

Ever so often, we need a simple online tool that just helps with randomness.

Whether it is to randomly pick a student number, flip a coin, or roll the dice…..we need something quick, simple, and free.

That is why I like RANDOM.org – it is simple, and it is free.

Once you go to Random.org you will see that their most popular “tool” is on the upper right.  The True Random Number Generator.

Ways to use this:

I use it when randomly picking winners for prizes I pass out every once and a while.
You might use it to randomly pick a student from your classroom.

All you do is put in the TOTAL number of people involved – or objects involved (if you want to start getting creative with opportunities) –  I put in 1 and 50 – and then hit GENERATE.   And I got the number 42….what number did you get??

It is very easy – very simple – and something you might be able to use often.

My favorite tool though on this page is the Dice Roller.

And personally, I use it to play Farkle and Yahtzee when I have a wee bit of extra time.

But with students, I use it for math.

Follow this link for the spreadsheet I have created:  http://www.box.com/s/gzaez7tlhv965vmx5n6h

Have your students set the dice to 3 (to use with this worksheet) and then roll the dice.

They write each die number into the square and then add the numbers up.

You can make your own worksheet and change it from addition to subtraction or multiplication.  And you can also set the dice # higher or lower based on your students skill.   And this is a very very easy program to use on your Interactive White Board.

It is simple, it is easy – and it is random math practice.   Your students will enjoy it!

I also enjoy the Coin Flipper option.

This is a very easy way to introduce your students to probability.   Learning.com has put together a lesson plan (w/ worksheets) which you can find here:  http://www.learning.com/pdfs/et/activity-35-cointoss.pdf   (feel free to adapt it to your students level)

There are many other “free” services at random.org – plus a few $$$ ones as well.

Also – some of the tools you can embed onto your blog, wiki, or website.

It is simple, it is easy – and (grins) it is free!

Enjoy!

DEN RESOURCES:
(you will need to be logged onto DE to view the following links:
Probability Darts
Determining Probability
Determining Pairs on Dice

~~~~~~
This post can also be read at:
http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/?p=2361
~~~~~~

With that said……

I would like to invite you to consider applying to be a DEN GURU.

DEN — Discovery Education Network
GURU – Guy/Gal Using Resources Uniquely!!  (That is my interpretation!)

If you are  STAR Discovery Educator….and you have an expertise you really excel at……
be it classroom organization, video editing, creative art ideas, literature interactions, etc……

consider applying to be a DEN GURU.

Before March 19, 2012 you will need to submit an “artifact” that shows your expertise.
This can be a wiki, a video, blog, handout, powerpoint, etc.

If you are chosen as a finalist, you will need to be available sometime between April 23 to 25 to present a session (showcasing your expertise) during a webinar.

Some of the perks of being a guru includes:

• be featured as regular contributors to the Global DEN blog
• present their own featured DEN webinar
• represent the DEN at a major educational conference during the year (registration and travel expenses covered by the DEN) or choose a guaranteed spot at the DEN Summer Institute (travel expenses covered by the DEN)

But honestly – the biggest perk is the ability to be available to share out your ideas with those who REALLY REALLY wish to listen and learn.

And also – when I say “expertise” do not equate that with being an expert.  Each of us have strengths and knowledge on something we could easily share with others…..something you are so comfortable with using and sharing that it just comes easily and naturally!   Don’t think you have to have “arrived” to apply as a GURU….but you do need to be on the journey!

I hope you consider to apply – and when you do, here is the link:
https://lrougeux.wufoo.com/forms/den-guru-application-form-2012/

Jen

~~~
this post can also be read at:
http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/?p=2352

It is as if a light switch, that has been there for a long time, was suddenly noticed and switched on and new opportunities are being noticed, addressed, and even used.

It is an exciting time –

One that I have been anticipating for a long while and am very pleased to be a part of.

At times, on my campus, I feel like I have been an electrician……in that for the last 3 or 4 years  (or even more if you count my last campus) …. I have been one who has been diligently “wiring” the campus.   Be it emails I send out, projects I invite people to, tutorials I write, ideas I share….etc.    I have been steadily laying wire — that mostly has gone unnoticed.

But then one day — several people took notice of the switch — and what had been available for a while, suddenly became of use….

all the tutorials, all the ideas, all the hopes….are suddenly being utilized.

And I realize……all the time of “laying the wire” was not in vain.   It was the groundwork that needed to be in place when someone finally flipped the switch!

So take note — my friends who are also the “electricians” on your campus — what you are doing now (which might go unnoticed and you might think of leaving) will be of utter importance when someone finally turns on the switch!

Jen

~~~
This post can also be read at:
http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/?p=2348

The quickest way — however — is the scariest way…….

because it has curves.

And I don’t like curves.

I like to see WAY ahead to where I am going…..so I can plan ahead for anything that might be coming my way — and also to be alert on what I am approaching.

Curves scare me.

AND I also don’t like being pushed from behind from those who are NOT afraid of the curves and are comfortable in ignoring the 25 mph sign of warning.

But — it is the most time efficient way for me to get to work……so each day, I take a deep breath, hope I am not leading the pack, and go to conquer the curves.

And each day — the curves are a bit easier to handle.   I am getting familiar with the ones I need to brake on, and some which I can ease up on the gas a bit and just continue on.   The on-coming unknown traffic still has me a bit cautious….but I try to think less of what might hit me and I drive forward to my final destination.

The first day was terrifying — now, after almost 30 days…..a teeny weeny comfortableness is forming…..and within 6 months, I might just be a pro.

And …. as always ….

I turn the blog thoughts to teacher thoughts.

Changing the way they “host” their classroom — is a scary thing.  It is much more comfortable when you can see straight ahead to the known.  The familiar is the comfortable.  But sometimes we have to go for the curves.

Having someone push you from behind saying move faster, move faster….can be bothersome.  We want to move at our own pace, but sometimes that nudge from behind just might be what we need to get us to move just a teeny bit faster.

The first time is not always the hardest….sometimes it is the first 30 attempts that are the hardest.   But as you continue to try something new, familiarity will come and before you know it….something that seemed so “scary” or “uncomfortable” or “vague” suddenly makes much more sense and you realize you have succeeded at something was hindering your progress forward.

I Don’t Like Curves —
But I am learning to drive curves because I know it is the best way to get where I am going.

What is your curve in your classroom that you might be afraid of today?
I encourage you to take that first step to claim victory over it…..
And don’t worry if at first it does not feel comfortable…..
And do feel okay to go at your own pace (at first).
Just know…..those of us who have now reached the comfort zone will be pushing (ahhh, encouraging) you from behind.

Just my thoughts today
Jen

~~~~
This post can also be read at:
http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/?p=2328

Which is one reason why I really like — http://whatisyoureduwin.com/ — What is your Eduwin.

There is a tie-in to twitter (but if you aren’t on twitter by now, this should be the push you to starting an account.)

Stop at the end of each day — and think –
WHAT WORKED TODAY?
If I could SHARE one thing about today, what would it be?
Used a resource at Discovery Education today and here’s how I used it!!
Finally, _____ I have worked on forever finally came to pass.
THIS was today’s milestone.
ETC…..

And then run over to http://whatisyoureduwin.com/ and post it.

And then take time to read other people’s eduwins.   You might get some ideas of things to try yourself….and you will read “wins” that will make you smile.

…..AND AND AND — if you wish — start a classroom twitter account — and each day invite your students to share their eduwins!!  You might be delighted by what you read — and see how you are impacting your kids in ways they might never express outloud.

Take the time to post an EduWin today — honestly, you will be glad you did! — and we will too, because you shared!

Eduwin is provided by the  EdReach Team:
Scott Meech, Daniel Rezac, Judith Epcke, Jay D. Blackman

~~~~~
This post can also be read at
http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/?p=2304

Just recently I had a “Theatre moment” and started to think of memories of the past…..

This past week I finally was able to see WICKED.   I honestly knew nothing about the play & when the scarecrow lifted up the witches hat — the next moment was MEMORABLE.   I laughed, I cried — it is a moment stitched into my mind.

Many years ago, as I sat in the theatre as PHANTOM started….the autioneer said “What will you bid for this chandelier” and the lights went out, the chandelier lit up, and the music boomed — it is a moment stitched into my mind.

When I went and saw CITY OF ANGELS, where the play continues to change as the playwright continues to rewrite the script — there was a scene in the solarium where a tennis ball was being tossed and hit — at the end of the scene, the playwright ripped up the script and the entire scene had to be reversed to the beginning — is is a moment stitched into my mind.

As I thought of these theatre moments — my thought turned to my education…..and I started thinking back to Memorable Moments

……..As a student.

I remember guppies in kindergarten.  I don’t know WHY….but I remember guppies were just the best thing ever and I talked about them for weeks.

I remember genuine junk in 2nd grade.  Never realizing it was the teacher’s discipline policy — I remember being excited to pick from the genuine junk treasure chest on Fridays.

I remember playing 4-square in 3rd grade WITH THE TEACHER and having to say either a state or the corresponding capital when the ball bounced to me.

…..As A Teacher.

I remember the thank you notes from parents who took the time to say “thank you for loving and working with my child”.

I remember seeing the “SNEEZE” video at the United Streaming booth at Classroom Connect conference and realizing there were powerful ways of teaching beyond what I had been comfortable with.

I remember sitting at a table in Atlanta, GA at the NECC conference and my friend, John, said….”let me show you twitter.”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS — some life-changing, some just happy memories……
But all important.

And I wonder — what memorable moments opportunities are you creating within your classroom?
What memorable moments have you had in your classroom?

Pleas share!
Jen

~~~~~

This post can also be read at
http://projectsbyjen.com/blog/