TeacherTube

Here's to hoping that TeacherTube works well. I created a video on anole lizards and am now trying to upload it correctly. If it works, here is the link. http://www.teachertube.com/members/viewVideo.php?video_id=178041&title=Anoles

Maps

Last week I explored Google Earth quite a bit and I recently went to a meeting which shared with me even more information about map resources. The one that was the most intriguing was Maps 101. This is a great resource that creates all kinds of maps, those from today and also from the past. It does require a registration though which is a downside to the program. I also learned much more about the OmniGlobe that the district has. We are the only district in the country to have an OmniGlobe, and it is an awesome tool! It can be used to show various types of maps but it can also be used in our third grade solar system unit. It has some great images of planets and world views. I am eager to see what lessons can be created using these tools.

Google Earth

I was looking forward to completing my module on Google Earth. I have browsed through this program before and have found it to be very interesting. But once I started to work on my field trip, I found the program to be more frustrating. It is not easy to find specific locations that have to do with habitats. For instance, searching "African Savannah" will take you to Savannah, Georgia. You have to be somewhat creative in your thinking and problem solving skills. Even though it took some time, I am now excited to share my new learnings with my students.

So much information!

I had a social studies task force meeting today for the district and we spent a large portion of the afternoon exploring various search engines and different web pages that can be used for educational purposes. I really enjoyed World Book online and the Library of Congress site. Some of them have great primary resources that we can use in the classroom to have many critical thinking discussions around social studies content. I was simply overwhelmed by all of the tools that are available and how much information there is readily available for us to use. Awesome!

Using technology

At Cottonwood, there is a handful of staff members who participate in an adult learning Spanish class. We have spent three years studying spanish and had a final dinner for the year last night. At the dinner, we were discussing options for continuing our study next year. Some people were interested in having varius cds and recordings available to listen to throughout the entire week, kind of like an independent study. After some discussion, I mentioned that it may be a good idea to try a Spanish Class wikispace. It would be a good way for each class member to stay in touch throughout the week, to share ideas, and for the teacher to update us with information. I was excited to think about another way we can use the new information I am learning.

Garage Band

I also wanted to comment that in our computer lab time today, our computer teacher began to teach my third graders about GarageBand and she said that they absolutely loved it. The creativity and ability for them to express themselves is amazing. She pointed out one student in particular who seems to consistently have a problem with being interested in a project. She said he was very excited and dove right into the project. Technology does a great job of motivating our students!

Returning from Break

Today was the first day back from break, I had a great spring break and getting up this morning was a bit rough. I think it was for the kids too, because I saw a lot of sleepy faces this morning. We were excited though to begin some new units--division, ocean habitat study for reading, and a food chains/webs unit. All was great until we went to show a PowerPoint and video from National Geographic about the oceans. The projector and notebook computer that we have for our classroom was not working properly. At first it was not projecting the picture from the computer and then it had no volume. I do enjoy technology and like to use it in my classroom, but it can be very frustrating when it just doesn't work! The other frustration is that we have to use a cart to transport this technology around the school, I would love to have a permanent set-up in my classroom. I guess we all would like more money for things like that, huh? Maybe someday...

Social bookmarking

It is very nice to know that we are finished with our CSAP testing. The past two weeks were a little stressful and I am looking forward to teaching and having fun with my students once again. I just finished a social bookmark through Delicious. It was interesting and I can see how it is going to be useful for school. I am looking forward to using it more.

Welcome to My Blog

Welcome to the Cottonwood3B blog, I am excited to see all of the ideas that can come about through this type of social networking. Initially, the setup and the first blog seem to be simple. When I think at first about how this can be used with my classroom, I think it can be very helpful to parents. Email is a good communication tool with parents, but the conversation is limited to two parties. Of course, sometimes that is needed for confidentiality, but sometimes the information given through email may be things that other parents are looking for as well. For instance, a question about an assignment, homework, something happening at school, etc., instead of answering for just one party, if many parents have the same thought, the information can be shared to all at the same time. Blogging can be more efficient than regular email in this sense. Any other thoughts...let me know!