I spent a good bit of time browsing through Ning. I look forward to being able to learn about educational topics that interest me. I found one conversation about the connection between literature and math. They both use some of the same strategies – problem solving, reasoning and many other higher level thinking skills. When time permits, I will enjoy looking further into educational social networking.
7c – RSS An Interesting Read
I have discovered “WillRich” writings. From what I have read, he is an educator who is leading the technological path to changing classrooms around the world. I have always understood that project based education had great value. My readings have made me more aware of capitalizing on my children’s love of technology to teach reading, writing, research and encouraging critical thinking.
Thing 21 – Pageflakes
Well, once again, what should have taken +/- 30 minutes took me hours. I have started a “pageflake project” for children in my classroom who finish early. I have struggled with challenging these talented, fast workers for a long time. Now I have the perfect tool. What’s really great about it is the longevity of the site. I can continually add websites that I would love to tell them about and have them use. The children will enjoy learning like “grown ups” and so far, I have tried several mini-projects that we’ve learned in this course. The children love the web projects! These projects really entice them to write, for example. I look forward to adding new projects in the future.
Thing 16 – Library Thing
LibraryThing
LibraryThing is a great tool for me professionally and personally. Often in the classroom, I want to expand on an idea or theme. Presently, I have boys who love non-fiction and I would love to give their parents direction.
Personally, I love to read (I DO love books!). I will pass this site along to my reading buddies in my book club, The Page Turners.
Thing 14 – Social Bookmarking
After many tries to download del.cio.us through Firefox, I think I’ve succeeded. The truth is, I had too many pages bookmarked the “old way” and this site helps control the chaos. I look forward to learning more and being able to see what other respected colleagues use often.
I especially enjoyed looking around and found some helpful sites on project based learning at all levels. What a great tool!
Thing 7b – Reader entry
I have enjoyed making time for reading information that I ordinarily would have overlooked. I have several sources of information about making and using wikis with children in the primary grades. It is fascinating to see the variety of ideas people have using the same tools. Now if I can just narrow down my project list to one…I can get started!
Thing 14 – Exploration!
I explored two tools in this activity. The first one was a site that allowed flashcards to be programmed to help students learn. Click here. Great tool! Good to use if students need to overlearn a concept.
The second one was a site that allows you to work with jigsaw puzzles. The pieces can be made into different shapes, like states of the United States. Very clever! Click here.
Thing 13 – Conference Ideas
I found two great presentations. The first one dealt with a first grade teacher in Canada who used blogs in her classroom to connect with parents and others. The second is the one linked above. It has to do with children’s literature, technology, writing and Bloom’s taxonomy! Great things I can do tomorrow in my classroom!
Thing 11 – Flickr Fun!
While looking though this site, many, many ideas come to mind. I am interested in using some of the photographs to encourage creative writing. There are so many possibilities. I teach young children and I think preselecting photos for them to use would be the best. That way I could sensor what they see. I am very aware of teaching my students to give credit whenever they use information or photos. As we begin to use technology to show what we learn, we can begin to list sources. It makes sense to teach it from the beginning. I will make more of an effort from now on to talk to my students about how to do this.
My favorite photo! This is my son who recently received the rank of Eagle Scout.
