Whenever I open Microsoft Word, I am usually eager to begin a new blank document. But, after reading the October 27, 2009 issue of eSchool News, I won’t do that any longer. There is an article in this issue by Meris Stansbury that addresses the topic, “How to be a leader with assistive technology”. One of the suggestions involves the use of MS Word to record a child’s thoughts for writing. Extending that suggestion, you could record class or center directions, record a coaching/mentoring session, record lesson information for ill or traveling children. This record sound feature is available in MS Word versions 2000+. Select Project Gallery>Blank Document>Scroll to find Word Notebook Layout (there is a microphone in the picture). After selection, if your audio toolbar is not visible, go to the main menu bar>View>Toolbars>Audio Notes. The familiar red button record will be seen and you are on your way! Share this tip with colleagues. I’d love to hear ways this can be used in your classroom.
I first posted about BigUniverse in January and I’ve really come to appreciate what this site offers. The site includes the opportunity to create a virtual bookshelf, rate books, and recommend them to others. There is also an authoring tool built in so subscribers can create and publish their own books. With school budget cuts across the country, this is a wonderful way to increase access to books in our K-6 schools. Older students would welcome the authoring tool.
I collaborated at a training recently with Crystal Gasell. We used Google Docs and iChat to collaborate for a 90 minute presentation.
ComputerHope.com is a free site that is very helpful, not only to the novice, but to the experienced as well. I especially like the computer word of the day. Technology changes so quickly and busy individuals need a quick way to stay informed. The site map shows the many items available, such as hardware, news, downloads, and forums.
This is a great site to add to your delicious account and I believe I’ll do that right now!
March 30 - April 3 is Florida Theme Week at Deer Park Elementary. Students have been working on posters, displays, plays, Keynote presentations and Pixie Storytelling. We’ve posted a couple of things to help keep our school community aware and more will be posted in the next few days.
Florida Theme Week
Exploring Florida
Destination Florida
Photo Gallery Fabulous Florida
I presented Curriculum Enhancement with Web2.0, Wednesday, January 21 4-7PM. Worked well with Chris and Hope. As one participant said in a subsequent email, “made a good tag team”. Individuals were from Massachusetts, California, and Tennessee. Having the opportunity to continue to network with them, collaborate, and learn from each other is one of the best experiences offered through conference attendance.
On Thursday I met with AtomicLearning to discuss ways that service has assisted me personally, as well as how it is a help to my school and my district.
I was able to attend the keynote address by Phillipe Cousteau and came away with an increased awareness of just how the world has changed and that we must be vigilant in caring for the planet.
The reception and vendor time offered a new experience for me as I was invited to assist in the Tech4Learning booth. I am a grant recipient for Digital Storytelling with Pixie.
I was happy to pick up my Discovery Education tag for my badge as it was the first conference I attended since becoming a Star Educator. I hope to meet other Florida DEN members in the future.
I headed back to Pasco County, FL on Friday morning as I had to return to work. This FETC was one of giving back to the profession. But as always, I learned many things too!
I was trying to catch up on some reading over the holiday break. (You know, the magazine subscriptions from August!) I was reading the American Educator and came across BigUniverse.com. It is truly a fabulous site and one worthy to mention here and to tell your students, faculty and friends about. BigUniverse.com is a virtual bookshelf. The site is months old and already is an award winner. At this writing there are 925 books online. You are able to browse by age group or genre. Books are offered in several languages. There is even a chance to create and publish your own book online. I plan on sharing this with my staff today!
I’ve been using iWeb for 8 months having made the switch from Adobe Go Live and Dreamweaver. Although I liked the power of the Adobe products, I love the simplicity of iWeb. I set up a Leopard Web Server and am hosting the site on that. I use Easy iWeb Publisher to upload my files to the server. I recently accessed a great site iWebUnlimited that has proven to be a great resource.
I have enabled blogs and wikis on the server and we currently have 14 individuals with blogs at the school. The parents welcome the information on their child’s class and work. Two teachers have gone a step further and created team iWeb pages. One thing they all agree with is that it is “easy!”
I’ve used the SMARTboard during the past couple of summers with the FDEP program and I’ve received about 4 hours training. I’m an advanced beginner, if there is such a thing. I found some great resources through contacts on Twitter and discovered a few on my own. I know there are many interactive activities available through Thinkfinity as well. I’ve placed several links for students that can be used with or without the IWB. These would make good center activities. The PTO seems interested in working towards the purchase of another board.
What is your experience with the interactive white board? Are the students engaged learners, motivated, and enthusiastic? Are the teachers comfortable using the board? Are they eager?
Use ArtPad as a tool for student illustrations. Flash needs to be updated to version 9. The cursor turns into a paint brush. The gallery is fun to look at. Kids can create illustrations for reports, book covers, graphic images for blog and web posting and just for fun!
If you use Apple, there is a utility called Grab that will allow kids to “capture” their picture. Turns it into a jpeg that is easy to use for the web.
