Tech Tidings

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.

I’ve been updating machines and trouble shooting small problems.  By doing this, I am assuring that a teacher has a working computer and is able to be productive with technical tasks.

I’ve been updating student data bases such as AR, Study Island, and FCAT Explorer.  By doing this I am saving some time for the classroom teacher and helping to make the task of class creation move a bit more smoothly.

I’ve been attending meetings four mornings a week.  By doing this I am participating in a leadership role in the school and am helping to make decisions that will impact the entire school community.

I’ve been involved in car rider duty in the afternoon and lunch duty during the day.  By doing this I am helping to keep our students safe and encouraging responsible actions.

I do try to make a difference every day.  How do you make a difference at your workplace?

Many uses for a timer in class.  Use it for standardized testing, physical education activities, bus evacuation and so forth.

Get a few objects for Keynote and iWeb.

http://www.ipresentee.com