Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Free Blog site for teachers
While surfing around one of the school websites I found a great blog by a 2nd grade teacher at Kent Heights Elementary School. Check out the site, it is very informative and a great example of how teachers can utilize a blog in the classroom. The great news is you can create your own for FREE. Check out this site that will start you on your way to creating a great blog for your classroom.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
RIASCD conference
Here is a link to the RIASCD website who was responsible for the Pre teacher conference that some of us attended this past weekend. Check it out. They will be posting pictures and links from the conference. You can also check out last years conference.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The PC vs. Mac poll is back. Check out the videos first. Even if you're not a fan of the big debate between mac or pc, the videos are still pretty good, especially the one created using visual effects. Everywhere you look you see iphones, ipods, and macbooks. Apple is leading the new wave of technology. My big question is which do you think will be better for podcasting, blogging, and using other web tools in the classroom? I find it interesting that I observed in one school and the computer lab was filled with PC's while another school was filled with iMacs. Do people feel that there is a difference when it comes to web tools? I am wondering what you're opinion is on the subject. Feel free to share your opinion whether you are a mac or pc supporter or neither. I know Linux is getting some support these days. I look forward to people's responses.
Chapter Three Review
Chapter three had a lot of helpful information for teachers including step by step instructions to follow when setting up a teacher blog and helping students create their own. However the part I found most important and useful was the section on blog safety which discussed the teachers role in the classroom blog as a monitor and facilitator. Blogging is an extension of the classroom therefore the same expectations and regulations behind the 4 walls should be extended to the cyberspace classroom.
The teacher's role is not only as a monitor to ensure safety and acceptable use but also a facilitator. According to Richardson the teacher should be commenting and connecting students to students. We have learned that the teacher must model the correct response for the students before they can expect them to do it on their own. Blogging is no different. By teachers commenting on posts and pointing out exceptional posts they are providing a model for other students to follow. Students can learn from these models and in return be confident in creating their own blog.
The teacher's role is not only as a monitor to ensure safety and acceptable use but also a facilitator. According to Richardson the teacher should be commenting and connecting students to students. We have learned that the teacher must model the correct response for the students before they can expect them to do it on their own. Blogging is no different. By teachers commenting on posts and pointing out exceptional posts they are providing a model for other students to follow. Students can learn from these models and in return be confident in creating their own blog.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I decided to try something new and see if I could put an advertisement in my blog. Check it out. Support my friends in Santa Mamba, spicy Latin-flavored Rock from Providence!
Monday, December 29, 2008
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