Will Richardson states that podcasting is the creation and distribution of amateur radio, plain and simple. This statement really stood out to me about podcasting, because before class I had never experimented or listened to a podcast. A podcast is a great way to present material in multiple forms such as for entertainment, casual talk, or more serious topics.
Richardson recommends to visit the Education Podcast Network. I was amazed when I navigated to this site and listened to some of the shows. Podcasts are a great instructional tool to use within the classroom. I want to begin listening to podcasts more, so I can become more familiar with them. Podcasts seem like a great way to have students engage and express themselves through the use of oral language. I am excited to finish our podcast this week in class. There are many free podcasts, which I hope will give me ideas for instructional use. Has anyone used a podcast in second, third, or fourth grades? Would love to learn more!
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
All About Wikis
The more we explore and practice with wikis, the more I want to learn about them. Wikipedia is referred to as the "sum of human knowledge." A wiki is a website where users can collaborate, contribute, and edit in a quick and easy way. Wikis are not only a source to find information, they allow people with common interests and hobbies to communicate and collaborate as well. As we continue to add to our online encyclopedia as a cohort, I am beginning to understand more about the benefits that wikis provide.
When we first were introduced to wikis I was quite hesitant to even consider using them in my classroom, but the more we work together on our ITSOPEDIA15 site; the potential for classroom use appears more and more valuable. I began to think of how to use wikis in my third grade classroom, and many ideas started coming to mind…book reviews, story problems, debates, and many more! The first source I turned to naturally was Pinterest. Pinterest provides many great resources and ideas on the "Wiki Tips for the Classroom" page.
I want to begin using wikis with my students, but I do want to explore with the various wiki sites available. Is there one site that is more reliable than another site? I am in the beginning stages of learning more and jotting notes down for various design ideas and implementation ideas. How will I make the integration of wikis in my classroom suitable for my 21st century students? I can't wait to see how my students collaborate, participate, and interact with others not only in our classroom, but around the world!
When we first were introduced to wikis I was quite hesitant to even consider using them in my classroom, but the more we work together on our ITSOPEDIA15 site; the potential for classroom use appears more and more valuable. I began to think of how to use wikis in my third grade classroom, and many ideas started coming to mind…book reviews, story problems, debates, and many more! The first source I turned to naturally was Pinterest. Pinterest provides many great resources and ideas on the "Wiki Tips for the Classroom" page.
I want to begin using wikis with my students, but I do want to explore with the various wiki sites available. Is there one site that is more reliable than another site? I am in the beginning stages of learning more and jotting notes down for various design ideas and implementation ideas. How will I make the integration of wikis in my classroom suitable for my 21st century students? I can't wait to see how my students collaborate, participate, and interact with others not only in our classroom, but around the world!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Blogging…what exactly is it? Will Richardson states that a Weblog is an easily created, easily updateable Web site that allows an author(s) to publish instantly to the Internet from any Internet connection. Blogs engage readers, promote critical thinking, and they are also a collaborative space to interact in discussions and opinions.
I have been a teacher for four years and have never tried blogging with my students. Well, this is only my second blog post too! The more I learn about blogs the more intrigued I become to learn more innovative ways to use them in my classroom. As I begin to reflect on all the writing units and topics we cover throughout the school year, the possibilities and ideas of blogging for my students seems endless.
As Richardson states, blogs are a "New Writing Genre." My students can gain broader knowledge by blogging a journal, book reviews, summary, or connecting with an author. "Connective writing" seems to have all the components to make my students successful, not only in the classroom. Reading their work carefully, caring about editing and clarity, and linking sources are all skills that are continuously reinforced. Is it time to finally try something different with my students?
I believe that blogs are going to make a difference in my classroom. I am going to try to use kidblog with my students in the next week or so. Maybe to write a summary of the novel we are using right now, or researching more about animals they had to learn about for our Animal Fair.
Has anyone used kidblog or any other blogging site for research and gaining more information? My students want to learn so much more about their animals, but want to share what they have learned.
I have been a teacher for four years and have never tried blogging with my students. Well, this is only my second blog post too! The more I learn about blogs the more intrigued I become to learn more innovative ways to use them in my classroom. As I begin to reflect on all the writing units and topics we cover throughout the school year, the possibilities and ideas of blogging for my students seems endless.
As Richardson states, blogs are a "New Writing Genre." My students can gain broader knowledge by blogging a journal, book reviews, summary, or connecting with an author. "Connective writing" seems to have all the components to make my students successful, not only in the classroom. Reading their work carefully, caring about editing and clarity, and linking sources are all skills that are continuously reinforced. Is it time to finally try something different with my students?
I believe that blogs are going to make a difference in my classroom. I am going to try to use kidblog with my students in the next week or so. Maybe to write a summary of the novel we are using right now, or researching more about animals they had to learn about for our Animal Fair.
Has anyone used kidblog or any other blogging site for research and gaining more information? My students want to learn so much more about their animals, but want to share what they have learned.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Opening Blog Post
Hey all! So this is my first blog entry EVER, just getting the hang of it. I have been a third grade teacher for two years, and previously taught kindergarten for two years. I am from Pennsylvania, also where I obtained my undergraduate degree.
I love learning from others and experimenting with new ideas in my classroom. I care about my students being given an authentic learning experience. I enjoy helping my students gain critical thinking, communication, collaboration skills through creativity. I am always looking for innovative, student-centered ideas to use within my classroom.
I love learning from others and experimenting with new ideas in my classroom. I care about my students being given an authentic learning experience. I enjoy helping my students gain critical thinking, communication, collaboration skills through creativity. I am always looking for innovative, student-centered ideas to use within my classroom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)