Gliffy was very intuitive to get started with mapping. The navigator feature was very nice and I could find useful images to use on my page, but some of the images did not seem appropriate for school use. When I began using some of the other features in the left navigation column, I was not sure what all of the functions were for. It seems like most were just shapes and text boxes. When using the shapes provided, it was very easy to add text.
This type of tool is invaluable to my classroom teaching when doing a learning contract or project based learning. The mind-mapping tool gives ownership to the students as they create the contract or project. It is hard to find an equal to Inspiration that is free, and while Gliffy is adaquate, I would not use it in the classroom because of the images that are available to use.
Here is the link to my "Online Learning" Gliffy
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Technology Meeting CLIU October 25, 2011
BYOD - Bring your own device. What are others doing? Open wireless system? Do they bring the phone? Policies need to be reworded. Need guest network. Schools give lists of what is recommended or accept, will support the devices. Address how phones are handled in the district. Our policy has to be clear.
Time to meet with teachers - use subs in the for day.
Replacement for Glogster?
Get each teacher to create calendar so that students can subscribe to the calendar to see what is going on, homework, etc.
Always remember, keep focused on what is good for the students and good for the teachers.
Replacing CFF laptops. If BYOD, do we need new laptops? PCs are cheaper, so what is the answer? Tech mentors important to help teachers, create collaborative environment.
Benchmark exams RTII
Filters ...what are we using, most are using the IU's filter. We are frustrated that so many things are blocked. Could we filter through grade level.M86 webfilter, can have admin account, to allow YOuTube videos to be stored in repository, no adds, does not go out to YouTube anymore. Students can also use this.
Check out "Eduplanet", http://www.eduplanet21.com/
iPads in elementary, putting groups is tough in a district.
Demo lessons are a good way to help teachers...they bring the whole class to learn new technology.
"Job-Alike" to get teachers in groups for instruction.
NETS C - Standards for Coaches!
Check this out: BenQ interactive projector MP780 ST PointDraw.wmv - YouTube. Are whiteboards going out with the BenQ Interactive projectors?
Check Twitter, follow tools is worth the time.
Time to meet with teachers - use subs in the for day.
Replacement for Glogster?
Get each teacher to create calendar so that students can subscribe to the calendar to see what is going on, homework, etc.
Always remember, keep focused on what is good for the students and good for the teachers.
Replacing CFF laptops. If BYOD, do we need new laptops? PCs are cheaper, so what is the answer? Tech mentors important to help teachers, create collaborative environment.
Benchmark exams RTII
Filters ...what are we using, most are using the IU's filter. We are frustrated that so many things are blocked. Could we filter through grade level.M86 webfilter, can have admin account, to allow YOuTube videos to be stored in repository, no adds, does not go out to YouTube anymore. Students can also use this.
Check out "Eduplanet", http://www.eduplanet21.com/
iPads in elementary, putting groups is tough in a district.
Demo lessons are a good way to help teachers...they bring the whole class to learn new technology.
"Job-Alike" to get teachers in groups for instruction.
NETS C - Standards for Coaches!
Check this out: BenQ interactive projector MP780 ST PointDraw.wmv - YouTube. Are whiteboards going out with the BenQ Interactive projectors?
Check Twitter, follow tools is worth the time.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Creation Activity 3 - Digital Presentation
Oh dear, may I be completely honest and say I do not like Presi at all? I have made Glogs on Glogster, worked on Presi last year and decided it was not user friendly for me. But, I have seen very impressive Presis and decided that for this assignment I would once again attempt a Presi...and I still do not like it. Does anyone else get seasick while watching/creating a Presi?
When I tried to click "All for student achievement" to put it in a cloud shape, I could not resize the cloud, only the SAS where I was putting the cloud. Then I tried dragging the cloud and only a piece of the cloud came, so I pulled all three pieces together, hit delete and nothing happened. Alas, I think I need to get a tutor for Presi. (I'll ask my students tomorrow) smile
Here is my dismal attempt at Presi: http://prezi.com/boe4pns_ouei/edit/#5_2249255
When I tried to click "All for student achievement" to put it in a cloud shape, I could not resize the cloud, only the SAS where I was putting the cloud. Then I tried dragging the cloud and only a piece of the cloud came, so I pulled all three pieces together, hit delete and nothing happened. Alas, I think I need to get a tutor for Presi. (I'll ask my students tomorrow) smile
Here is my dismal attempt at Presi: http://prezi.com/boe4pns_ouei/edit/#5_2249255
Creation Activitiy 2 - Social Bookmarking
Here is my Diigo site: http://www.diigo.com/user/kleach
My Diigo account has become one of my greatest resources, along with my blog. At first, I used my Diigo for topics of my own interest in teaching, again, not for my students but for colleagues, like my blog. In the EDIM 503 class that I teach, I have just started to share everyone's sites here so they can use it for a reference after the course is over and closed. Also, some lists are private, like my lists of shopping and quilting sites, so I can have both a professional and personal side to using Diigo and know where all my sites are located. To be honest, I can't remember my experience of starting my Diigo account, but I do remember that I liked it better than my delicious account because this seems more intuitive to me.
My Diigo account has become one of my greatest resources, along with my blog. At first, I used my Diigo for topics of my own interest in teaching, again, not for my students but for colleagues, like my blog. In the EDIM 503 class that I teach, I have just started to share everyone's sites here so they can use it for a reference after the course is over and closed. Also, some lists are private, like my lists of shopping and quilting sites, so I can have both a professional and personal side to using Diigo and know where all my sites are located. To be honest, I can't remember my experience of starting my Diigo account, but I do remember that I liked it better than my delicious account because this seems more intuitive to me.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Creation Activity 1 for ED635
This blog was started many years ago, and I have used it more as a place to share notes and ideas with other teachers rather than with my students. When I go to different conferences and meeting at the IU, I put my notes here, and then if any of my fellow colleagues might like the information, I referthem to my blog and tell them where the information is located. This may seem strange, but when I cannot remember a site, I can more easily remember where I was when I learned about it, than the name of the site. (before the days of Diigo and Delicious!)
If I would use a blog with my students, it would be much like a wiki in that each student would have an equal voice and an ability to give their thoughts and views on any topic. I have seen teachers use blogging very effectively, writing a "letter" back and forth about a war, or as a diary, which is similar to the way I use my blog. The blog could also run into interpretation issues, which would need to be worked through. The teacher would always need to check the blog posts, or review them before they are posted. The blog comments would need to be rich in depth, as our discussions are in our course, rather than short comments such as, "That's great", or " Good job".
If I would use a blog with my students, it would be much like a wiki in that each student would have an equal voice and an ability to give their thoughts and views on any topic. I have seen teachers use blogging very effectively, writing a "letter" back and forth about a war, or as a diary, which is similar to the way I use my blog. The blog could also run into interpretation issues, which would need to be worked through. The teacher would always need to check the blog posts, or review them before they are posted. The blog comments would need to be rich in depth, as our discussions are in our course, rather than short comments such as, "That's great", or " Good job".
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