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 :) )

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