Staying Current with Technology

       A great resource for me this year has been google reader (which I follow other teacher blogs and technology blogs) and pinterest. Both resources have been very helpful in finding ways to integrate technology into my daily lessons. I try to spend a few minutes daily checking each so that I do not get overwhelmed by all of the resources that are posted. I think it is also helpful to have a team member that is a Pinnacle Leader and uses technology throughout the day. We are able to discuss different ways to incorporate technology into our day.

Pinnacle PD

In my professional development I taught Smart Response/Clickers and Kidblog. For each presentation I used the handouts that were provided on GCS Tech page. I also created a Livebinder for each presentation. I linked the handouts to the Livebinder. 
*Smart Response/Clickers: Attached to the Smart Response website was a great video clip that introduced how and why you would use Smart response in your classroom. I also went through the steps and showed the group how to set up a teacher file. We took an assessment together and I showed staff how to retrieve that data collected. We also created an assessment together. At this point, only two people on our staff have Smart Response. We are hoping that since we are becoming Title 1 next year, that we will be able to get more equipment to use school wide. I also gave other recommendations on how to get clickers. (Ex: Apply for pinnacle :) and/or apply for a grant) I thought that overall the presentation to staff went well...it did go by much faster than I expected. It only took about 45 minutes to complete the presentation. Staff were on time and asked good questions during presentation.

I used the handout on GCS Tech page.

Clickers Livebinder

*Kidblog: I sent out a livebinder to all staff on Kidblog. We used the livebinder to better understand what kidblog was, why use kidblog (benefits), how do I get started, and a youtube video clip on how to set up your own kidblog. (I thought this was a useful tool...I know that I go to workshops and sometimes forget what to do.) Staff had an opportunity to practice using kidblog, they had to answer a question.
Examples from Staff Development: How can you use kidblog in your classroom?

1. Brittain

   October 13, 2011 at 12:25 PM

   I can let cooperative groups answer a question as a team and the higher level student can type the entry.

   
   
2. Stinnett

   October 13, 2011 at 12:26 PM

   I could use kidblog to allow students to respond to stories they are reading, journal prompting, science journaling, ss journaling, and math journaling. My concern is I only have two computers in my room and time.
3. Zannis

   October 13, 2011 at 12:26 PM

   Students will use this to answer questions. They will be excited to type instead of write!

1. Hill

   October 13, 2011 at 12:27 PM

   Kid Blog allows interaction among students in the classroom and elsewhere.
   
2. Hyde

   October 13, 2011 at 12:27 PM

   I would like to use it for journaling. My concern is that we only have a few computers in the classroom.
3. Bartlett

   October 13, 2011 at 12:27 PM

   Students could use it for reading response or collecting ideas for writing. It could be used for math to collect data or to discuss problem solving.
4. Rowe

   October 13, 2011 at 12:27 PM

   I can use it as a menu item on my reading work menu. I will ask a question about the reading story for the week that incorporates the weekly reading skill.
   It could be an activity for BAM for the advanced students (enrichment) while I work with remediation.
   Science/social studies-answer open-ended higher level questions about the lesson

After staff had the chance to answer questions, we set up their own kidblog account! Kyle was nice enough to upload all class rosters for us to use! :) If I presented on this topic again, I would have staff buddy up and share a computer. Kidblog did not seem to like so many people logging on at the same time and registering to use the website. More of the staff found this training beneficial because it is something that they could use this year. I think that a lot of people used it as a journaling tool. I also shared how I have used kidblog in the past: journal topics, math questions, science/social studies review questions, and asking questions to a pen-pal.

 

I used the handout on the GCS Tech page.

Kidblog Livebinder

Throughout the year, I had several chances to present in front of the staff. I think that I have become more comfortable when presenting. (I do not feel my face turning blood red anymore :) )

Pinnacle Feedback Form

Google Docs

Google docs has become a very useful resource for myself and my team member. We are able to create agendas, assignments, etc in google docs and work on them together. We are also able to share our PLC agenda with all people involved, including our principal. I look forward to using google docs with my students next year! :)

Blah!

I know that I am just in a rut...but I feel like I can't do anything right this week. It's not worth me getting upset, when I feel like I have done the best I can do. Any suggestions of how to balance your school life and home life...so that I am not always in an awful mood?????

Following Directions Activity: Some students were successful in making their PBJ sandwiches...others could not based on the directions given! :) I think the kids a wonderful time! Nice change for writing.

Second Staff Development :)

I completed my second staff development today! I think that today went much better than my first experience. For the most part, everyone seemed engaged and wanted to learn how to use the clickers. We just found out that we will be Title 1 next year, so hopefully our school will be able to purchase a set or two :)

Does anyone else feel like your kids are done?!?! I feel like some of them have just checked out! I tried to change it up today...for writing we discussed the importance of following directions/giving good directions. After discussing that, each student was given the following prompt: Write directions on how to make a PBJ sandwich. I did tell them what supplies they would have, but that was the only explanation. It will be interesting to see who gave good directions tomorrow! They are going to exchange directions with another student, and will have to use those step-by-step directions to make their very own PBJ sandwich! I wonder how many kids will actually be able to make the sandwich with the directions given??

Energizing Days

As I look back on the year, I have had many energizing/successful days! I have also had plenty of days where I am completing exhausted. The days when I felt the most energized included:
*student participation
*student growth
*new ideas: from blogs or fellow teachers
*planning with my teammate
*center activities
*all of my technology was working correctly :)
*successful lessons