After completing our digital story telling, wiki and now blog assignments what is your favorite? What type of media/technology are you using (plan to) most in your classroom? Why? Are there others that you have use that we haven't yet that you could share with us?
I have really enjoyed learning about all of them. I plan to use the digital story telling for open house. I want to incorporate a class blog this year. That would probably be my favorite piece we've learned about so far. I want to use it as a parent contact and help my little ones learn more about technology. Another technology that we use in our classroom is Skype. We use it to connect with other classrooms across the county. It's a great way to expose them to a world out side of their own. For older grades, it would be a good way to discuss a book or common topic being taught. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea for open house! I was just thinking I could do a story about "a day in Mrs. Johnson's classroom" for the open house to give the parents an idea of what goes on. I love skype! My friend moved to Alaska so we use it all the time!
ReplyDeleteI plan to start off using blogs in my classroom. In my school there is a limited number of students that own computers at home; therefore, many of my students would be considered beginners in computer use. I do not want to discourage them, therefore I am going to start with the program with the easiest workflow. I also like using Google Docs for writing collaborative reports. It is not as flashy as the wiki, but you are able to see who edited what and when. It also allows you to see who is currently logged on.
ReplyDeleteThat is a downfall of using technology. Unfortunately we can't assume all the kids will have assess to a computer and internet. I would love to see every kid have a laptop and iPad for their house but sadly this is not possible in a lot of cases. Until they do have this they will continue to lag behind the other students.
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ReplyDeleteAnother negative to the plan of giving access to technology is the internet access that sometimes needs to go with it. Unfortunately there is a large number of students who do not have access to WiFi. Although many restaurants and stores offer free WiFi, some students still need to be able to get there. Some do not have that luxury.
ReplyDeleteI was visiting Fairhope Pier several weeks ago and while accessing my Instagram app, I was asked if I wanted to connect to the city's free WiFi. The time was limited, and I don't know if it is accessible in the whole city, or just some spots. Regardless, I think that Fairhope's step into the digital age is a commendable one.
I have enjoyed all of the different medias, but my personal favorite had to be Digital Storytelling because it gave me the most trouble. I enjoyed working with the different music and reminiscing with old college pictures. I plan to use Digital Storytelling as one of my beginning of the year assignment to learn more about my students. I like Digital Storytelling because it gives students to express and explain through music and pictures. Honestly, this is my first time using any of these sites. Although I am very familiar with them, I never had the opportunity to work hands on with them. Exploring the different types of media has been challenging but also a wonderful learning experience.
ReplyDeleteLauren, I was thinking about that last night as I was at my parents' house who do not have reliable internet. As I was trying to complete my assignments it kept going out on me! So frustrating.
ReplyDeleteClarencia, I also had never used any of these sights either. I am on Facebook but none of the others like Instagram and Twitter. I loved the digital storytelling too and think it would be a great way to get to know the students at the beginning of the year.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite has been the digital storytelling. I used a poem I wrote for my dad and put a bunch of pictures from our vacations tot he lake for the assignment. I gave a copy of it to him for Father's Day and he loved it. I really enjoyed making it. I think Wikis and blogs are great tools for the classroom, but I had the most fun doing the digital storytelling.
ReplyDeleteA very appropriate posting and timely as well. This is an excellent use of a weblog to encourage collaboration with colleagues and the sharing of information resources. I am also very pleased to see the heightened level of interest in the use of these tools and technologies.
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