Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Reflection Week 5
The Wiki is a very effective tool that be can be utilized in the classroom very easily. After viewing many of the Wikis available for fifth grade, and other grade levels, the information provided and resources posted is phenomenal.
One way I would use the Wiki is similar to that of the blog. Students would be given a topic and will have to post their group project(s) on the site. Once the information was posted, other students would have the opportunity to add more information, or rebut information (constructive criticism) that was posted. In this manner the whole class would not only have to create and research their own information for their project, but would also have to research and verify information posted by the different groups.
Second, the Wiki would be a great place to post assignments and research links for the various fifth grade content areas. For example, the TMSDS website is used as a teacher resource for math and science. The Study Island website is a resource for students and teachers. By posting these sites not only will my students have access to the sites, but educators in other states have a chance to view the sites, and may have their schools purchase these resources. in turn, other educators can post resources that they have found, and can be used by the students in my class.
Lastly, the use of the Wiki is an excellent opportunity for students to have a voice outside of the classroom. Many students do not and will not speak in the classroom for fear of being wrong. The Wiki will allow them to post information that they have found without fear of being ridiculed. Although the usage of the Wiki requires constructive criticism, the comments given by their peers will hopefully give the quieter student the much needed boost to participate in live classroom discussions.
Thanks!
One way I would use the Wiki is similar to that of the blog. Students would be given a topic and will have to post their group project(s) on the site. Once the information was posted, other students would have the opportunity to add more information, or rebut information (constructive criticism) that was posted. In this manner the whole class would not only have to create and research their own information for their project, but would also have to research and verify information posted by the different groups.
Second, the Wiki would be a great place to post assignments and research links for the various fifth grade content areas. For example, the TMSDS website is used as a teacher resource for math and science. The Study Island website is a resource for students and teachers. By posting these sites not only will my students have access to the sites, but educators in other states have a chance to view the sites, and may have their schools purchase these resources. in turn, other educators can post resources that they have found, and can be used by the students in my class.
Lastly, the use of the Wiki is an excellent opportunity for students to have a voice outside of the classroom. Many students do not and will not speak in the classroom for fear of being wrong. The Wiki will allow them to post information that they have found without fear of being ridiculed. Although the usage of the Wiki requires constructive criticism, the comments given by their peers will hopefully give the quieter student the much needed boost to participate in live classroom discussions.
Thanks!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Reflection Week 3
Teaching 5th grade, one idea for using blogs in the classroom is being able to post websites, and other resources for the students. In many instances students are always "losing" the paper in which they wrote down the websites. by having them posted on the blog site, students will now have access without worrying about trying to find the site from memory. This is helpful because, I can also post the user name and passwords for the students, as well as specific directions for them to get to the particular assignment or resource necessary for them to complete.
Second, the blog would be used to post and comment on research that the students have conducted. I teach science, and students are constantly asking questions, which there are in many cases not enough time to answer. With the blog I can pose the question(s) that were asked in class, and students can now post their findings. The students can now comment and share information about what they have found on the question. This interaction between the students can help to facilitate the discussions for the following classes.
Lastly, the blog site would be used to share information about upcoming events, and assignments for the class or school. One comment that I have received from parents, and students, is that the district and school websites are too plain, and have no originality. By using the blog, students can take the lead role in helping designing the site. By taking ownership of the site, students will more likely use the site, and will want their parents to share in their joy as well.
Below I have posted three 5th grade blog sites. They are full of information and I hope that will be useful to fifth grade or elementary teachers. Enjoy and thanks!
http://www.sdesfifthgrade.blogspot.com/
http://www.5thgradestars.blogspot.com/
http://hdtm5.blogspot.com/
Second, the blog would be used to post and comment on research that the students have conducted. I teach science, and students are constantly asking questions, which there are in many cases not enough time to answer. With the blog I can pose the question(s) that were asked in class, and students can now post their findings. The students can now comment and share information about what they have found on the question. This interaction between the students can help to facilitate the discussions for the following classes.
Lastly, the blog site would be used to share information about upcoming events, and assignments for the class or school. One comment that I have received from parents, and students, is that the district and school websites are too plain, and have no originality. By using the blog, students can take the lead role in helping designing the site. By taking ownership of the site, students will more likely use the site, and will want their parents to share in their joy as well.
Below I have posted three 5th grade blog sites. They are full of information and I hope that will be useful to fifth grade or elementary teachers. Enjoy and thanks!
http://www.sdesfifthgrade.blogspot.com/
http://www.5thgradestars.blogspot.com/
http://hdtm5.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Reflection Week 2
One of the most interesting lessons that I learned from the class and reading is, I am definitely not part of the iGeneration. Although I may have thought that I was computer and technologically literate, I must say that I have a lot to learn. A few years ago I experimented with making videos through the moviemaker program at school. The kids thought that this was the best thing since sliced Wonder Bread, and loved it. Here four years removed, the world of technology has changed dramatically, and I realized that I need to change with it. Long past are the days of just having the students research and create beautiful powerpoints. Now, the students are looking forward to creating YouTube videos, and having their peers check them out. Taking this class has certainly, and will, increase my knowledge of how to use technology to enhance student learning and creativity, and not use technology as the primary tool for educating the students. In all fairness to educators "scared" to use technology I have a helpful hint. Let the students use their technological skills and teach you a little something. Thanks!
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