Learning the ropes and keeping it real . .. .

I am testing this blog site that I created in my Credential Program. I have a 5/6 combo this year and I am reaching into my technology class to see how I might engage the older kids in a meaningful way, while I am prepping the younger grade. Anyway, I came upon my blog and wanted to make sure I remembered how to do all of this stuff. If you get notice - can you ping me back? Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the world of education.

Copyrights and copy write!!!

Okay - so here is the deal. Don't copy other people's stuff without their permission. Okay . . . got it. Here's the other deal - guess what - if you can just hang in there for life plus 75 years - you can use my stuff for free. Of course, there are some things we can use for fair use. For example, you can't copyright the ABC's . . .so use our head - and be reasonable - and honest - and all is good . . .right?

Administrivia and other educational land mines.

Mike Vollmert's presentation was really good, I thought. I know some people like hands on - and I do, too - it is nice to get into the actual functions of your job and nitty gritty actions/activities. However, I have always appreciated a philosophical understanding of what you are doing on a broad level. Mike reminded us how very much education is changing - how easy it is to fall into the job, of "teach what you know" not "teach what they need." So many of us are old school - or at least I know I can be - thinking that a book is about the touch, smell and presence of its beauty on a shelf like a trophy of the educated brain. It is hard for me to think that a book is actually outdated an archaic now - that information changes so quickly a book could never provide the insight a well established website will . . . Okay, and so onto the nitty gritty. I tend to agree that a netbook is as valuable and useful as an IPad, if not as hot and sexy or prestigious to carry around. Who cares, as long as it gets the job done, and it can get in the hands of every kid. But, then again, I ditched my BMW and Volvo for a Hyundai Sonata because it got me the same places on less gas and no car payment. What do I care what people I don't know think of me driving by??? But, that is a different philosophical question, I suppose . . . Happy Teaching everyone!

Learning about Google Sites

I loved our speaker tonight. I think google sites is so cool. There is nothing better for a teacher than to be able to centralize their information. A section for parents, one for kids, one for collaboration and one for "stuff." And then, having Google Earth is soooo cool in the class. Who knew that you could do all that with Google Earth? I only ever used Google Earth to look at the house I grew up in, in Wisconsin. Who knew? I was such a civilian when it came to technology before this class. All this Google stuff and I only ever used gmail - and the thought of uncovering learning tools in things as basic as Pinterest and Google Earth is almost embarrassing. It is so nice to know how to use this stuff in the classroom - maybe we will all actually get hired after all!

Pinterest, Google Presentation, and Go Animate

Pinterest! Hooray, finally . . . I found an on-line tool to help me with teaching that I am already addicted to. Yes, every crockpot recipe I have ever made is pinned to my Pinterest Board. I love how easy it is to share best practices among educators on-line. I love that we don't have to reinvent the wheel and can easily borrow and share what we need. I also loved learning about Google Presentations. People have shared things with me via Google docs on many occasions- I never really got it other than it was easier than attaching something to your email. But now I do - I like the collaborative element of it. How much easier is it to all work from home on the same project without having to have someone track each and every change for approval? What a novel concept for group projects . . .gee . . . I also loved the brainstorming website - and making venn diagrams . . . so cool . . . yes - a plethora of resources for us to uncover and engage. Think of the leg up we have on teachers who need to retire so we can get jobs!!

Pro or Con Social Media in the Classroom

Social Media in the classroom . . . hmmm . . . a few weeks ago my impulsive response would have been a resounding "NO WAY!" All the fears that were expressed in the "con" side of the argument in the article were my greatest fears. Social Media will distract kids from the important topics being discussed in the classroom, it will be used as a tool to hide identities while picking on others, and most importantly, as someone who has studied and taught Communication for many years, the lack of face to face interaction and exchange has always bothered me. So, it seems so cut and dry . . .or seemed so cut and dry. Fast forward a few weeks. Where do I see the position of Social Media in the classroom today? Well, it isn't so simple. The above stated concerns do still sit prominently in my mind; however, lets face it - we can't change it, so we may as well embrace it. Kids are using social media, telling them to stop would be about as successful as my parents telling me to turn off the T.V. Somehow I always found my way back. I am a pop-culture guru when it comes to 80's sitcoms, and that doesn't bode well for my parents efforts, does it? Kids are Cyberbullying. That is a fact. Keeping it out of the classroom in a useful and controlled way is not stopping that, but it is limiting student engagement in the classroom. In fact, I might argue, that learning to use Social Media effectively and with purpose, may even lower the incidences of bullying, as the kids now have other things to do with these tools that keep them busy, learning and focused. Who knows? Parents use social media. I know I personally get an envelope full of paper sent home every Tuesday in my kids' backpacks - I pick through and read about 1/4 of it, thinking I will get to it later. I never do, because I am not going to carry that envelope around with me. The ability to interact and exchange ideas is broadening. Learning and uncovering information is on going. I think if teachers are ahead of the game, clear with their intentions and specific in their use - social media can not only enhance classroom interactions, but engage parents in a way they haven't been engaged in their kids education - dare I say, ever . . . Bottom line, it is what it is today - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Or beat 'em in their own game - the cliche you subscribe to is up to you!!! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Sarah's Animoto Video

Make your own slide show at Animoto.