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Ruth Garza

Students Using iPads for Education | KRGV.com | CHANNEL 5 NEWS | Breaking News Breaking... - 6 views

www.krgv.com/...ents-using-ipads-for-education

technology classroom

shared by Ruth Garza on 30 Sep 12 - No Cached
    • Ruth Garza
      Ruth Garza on 30 Sep 12
       
      I agree Jaime!! Students need to have the necessary technology, like ipads or diifferent kinds of tablets/readers, to take advatage of the benefits of the many applications students may use. Principal Martinez, of Stillman Middle School in Brownsville, understands that students are living in a new era of technology. Students are responding well and feeling optimistic about their future. Ipads are definitely useful tools and allow students to collaborate and discover new ways of learning. Many educational sites for tutoring and wonderful videos may be the key for their success. I'm glad that a school here in the valley is taking the initiative to make a difference in the students' lives, regardless of all the misconceptions or negative responses that many people, including teachers that are stuck in their ways, may have. Check out the news report from Channel Five!
    • Alyssa Tanguma
      Alyssa Tanguma on 01 Oct 12
       
      LOVED this article. So many people are against iPads in the classroom. They haven't taken the time to fully view and do their research on the benefits it can provide. I would love to get a class set. I am an inclusion teacher and we are going to be reading a book as a class and it would be great to have the kids read on that instead of the traditional book.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 22 Oct 12
       
      Wow, This is great news for Stillman Middle School students in gear up. The IPAD has many features that I know the students are going to love to learn and use. This partnership between Apple and Region One was a great opportunity to help students expand on their knowledge using Technology. They will also be better equipped on their knowledge of technology tools.
  • Ruth Garza on 30 Sep 12
     
    Stillman Middle School students were issued ipads as part of the GEAR UP program.
  • ...5 more comments...
  • Marivel Garcia on 01 Oct 12
     
    This is a great way to teach, being able to have all your students working interactively while you teach. I am still hoping we get some in our district. I feel this will really help my students get motivated in their reading which will eventually help their comprehension.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 02 Oct 12
     
    I enjoyed reading the article of Mcallen I.S.D using IPADs in their classrooms. I was a permanent sub at a middle school in McAllen and the middle school did not have IPADs but other campuses did for edcuational purposes. I heard students would log into edmodo for school assignments using their IPADs. However I also heard of numerous stories of students pawning the IPADs for money and parents being involved with the pawning scam. It's a huge risk to take investing in IPADS for students to use because of parents and students that might misuse the device.
  • Mario Ortiz on 22 Oct 12
     
    I agree with Mr. E.J. Martinez, Principal of Stillman Middle School. Technology is a very powerful tool. If used properly in the classroom it can catapult participation, learning and creativity. It will give students the opportunity to access information and visit virtual places. The possibilities are endless and the sky is the limit.
  • Maribel Gracia on 29 Oct 12
     
    WOW, thats great that Stillman were issued IPADS. IPADS or any other equipment such as KINDLE FIRE are very useful for our students in our district. Like it was mention before, technology is a powerful tool so our students need to have the access of any equipment that is out there for them. Great News!!!.
  • Santos Alvarado on 29 Oct 12
     
    Its great to see that more and more schools are implementing technology into the classroom. It would be great if every district had enough money to issue out educational technology tools to the students (iPads, tablets, iPods) as an instructional resource in the classroom. Here is a link to how Weslaco is providing teachers training in technology to help 21st Century learners excel with the technology they're already used to: http://www.themonitor.com/mvtc/news/article_1f614f22-122c-11e2-83e4-001a4bcf6878.html
  • Diana Cedillo on 29 Oct 12
     
    I don't believe people are completely against it, i believe it's the fear of NOT KNOWING how to use it in the classroom. I'm totally up for using the ipad. I've currently started using REMIND 101. WOrks awesome. One way communication that's safe from teacher to student/parent that reminds them about certain activities or important reminders. Check it out!
  • Marivel Garcia on 03 Nov 12
     
    We recently were asked to fill out a survey within our district explaining why or why not to implement the use of IPADS in the classroom. Of course, I am all for it but I was surprised to see the many educators who are reluctant and don't feel it is necessary. I am already planning what to do with mine if the district decides to suit us with a class set.
Delilah Alegria

How has becoming an MTT change you? - 45 views

When I first started the MTT program, I was a bit skeptical about my abilities to perform at a high level. I quickly realized that becoming an MTT was more of a learning experience than an assessme...

tech classroom

started by Claudia MARQUEZ on 19 Feb 12 18 follow-ups, last by Delilah Alegria on 26 Mar 12
kate Binns

iGeneration, what the fuss? - 40 views

I find it really interesting that the Apple way of thinking is coming to a point of even naming a whole generation! I'm not sure that Steve Jobs anticipated the significance of the letter "i" as a ...

started by Corina Carmona on 24 Feb 12 15 follow-ups, last by kate Binns on 25 Mar 12
Isabel Cabrera

Deeper Learning: Defining Twenty-First Century Literacy | Edutopia - 22 views

www.edutopia.org/...-deeper-learning-rebecca-alber

literacy 21stcenturyskills Education 21stcenturylearning technology Classroom integrating

shared by Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13 - No Cached
Cora Mendez liked it
  • Deeper Learning: Defining Twenty-First Century Literacy
  • problem solver, critical thinker, and an effective collaborator and communicator.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
       
      Watch this video to see how this student defines deeper learning and how it has IMPACTed his life!
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 11 Feb 13
       
      The video would be a great video to show students because it can be inspiring to them. He is from another country and he has struggled academically but he never gave up. I like how he picked a topic that has impacted his life and has experience in immigration. I like the name of his school "IMPACT" because I truely believe that school has impacted his and has allowed him to further his knowledge in a much deeper way than a regular school setting.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 11 Feb 13
       
      I was also impressed with this school because it allowed the students to conduct their own research but still stay with the topic of government regulating laws. He chose a topic that was relevant and meaning to him: Immigration. He was engaged and learned a lot about U.S. laws.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 14 Feb 13
       
      I saw the video, I was amazed on how the kid learn, this is a dream not only for students, but also for families and the education, Can you imagine to have schools working like this, hands on! where actually students learn and are engaged all the time!. Good article Isabel.
    • Juan Betancourt
      Juan Betancourt on 14 Feb 13
       
      Problem Based Learning is a great way to take advantage of the interests the students have, it helps them take ownership of their learning and making it more relevant to them.
    • Dara Cepeda
      Dara Cepeda on 16 Feb 13
       
      Wow that is something we should all consider, to create deeper learning through PBL. Very interesting to see how students can actually get engaged with a Project based lesson, it opens the door to understand problems and find possible solutions. It helps them to learn by using higher order thinking and at the same time it gives them the skills to be successful in their future career. Thanks for sharing that video with us Isabel :)
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 17 Feb 13
       
      To Edna and Juan, I could see how pbl lessons could be incorporated especially at the high school level. I could see the students using their higher thinking skills and deeper learning taking place with such topics like this, instead of textbook and worksheets. I know that in your engineering dept at PHS, you are already incorporating skills at a higher learning for these students. I think our district has already started implementing deeper learning by having the Early College and Engineering Dept.
    • Jessica Burnias
      Jessica Burnias on 18 Feb 13
       
      I think it is great how problem based learning is allowing to students to relate what they are learning to real world situations. This important they are being taught more than to just pass a test. They are using critical thinking skills and collaboration which are very important to be successful in the real world. Great video.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 19 Feb 13
       
      Problem based learning allows for them to research on a topic that is meaningful and relevant to the student. It does allow for critical thinking and independent learning.
  • ...6 more annotations...
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
       
      Are we preparing our students for the 21st century?
    • Adam Hovde
      Adam Hovde on 06 Feb 13
       
      It is hard to forecast what the 21st century needs from the students in school today. The smart phone was developed just a few short years ago and now it seems everyone has one and can use it proficiently. What technologies do we need to prepare students to use? What are we doing in class that students can take and use for the rest of their lives? These are very hard questions to answer. One of the "skills" I try and teach in my classroom is to make each lesson relevant to every student. In the video the student was able to do a project in his AP Government class that was relevant to him and he was able to find meaning in the project. Many students today can use their smart phones, tablets or PCs to help reserach, problem solve, critical think and collaborate. How do we as educators foster the desire in the students to use these technologies to do these things. It can be a big hurdle in some school districts that do not have the technology resources that other districts have. I do not think we can every really know if we are really preparing students for the 21st century but we have to give it our best shot and hope what we teach them carries over to the real world.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 08 Feb 13
       
      New technologies are coming out every year with new and improved features. The best thing for teachers is to expose the students to what is available out there and make them comfortable with technology. I expose my students to a variety of technologies and sometimes they are just amazed at how I created it and I tell them that is it something I learned from one of my college classes. I encourage them to continue their education after high school if they want to live in a nice house and drive a new car. If you give them the tools, we will be surprised at what they come up with and maybe they will invent something new. It is our job to make learning relevant and meaningful.
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
       
      According to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, students must learn the essentials for success in today's world, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. As a fifth-grade teacher, I attempt to promote these elements, but am often unable to do so because of the spotlight on standardized testing and AYP. This year I planned on integrating PBLs in the classroom, but was informed that my students would be unable to use the computer lab and/or the COW for anything except a specific program. This was very disappointing, but I made the most of it. The problem is that even if this "program" is improving my students reading ability (which seems to be the case), it not truly preparing them for the 21st century. Students are losing the ability to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate. I am confident that if given the opportunity to integrate PBLs, I would see an even greater improvement in my students reading abilities, as well as, there overall abilities. We have to move forward, but getting everyone to "buy-in" is proving to be a difficult task! I found this video on "21st Century Learning" and thought I would share, it is long, but has some great information: http://youtu.be/zSNWr_QYyPw. Enjoy!
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 11 Feb 13
       
      I don't believe we are preparing our students for the 21st century. Yes there is some teachers who will take the time and integrate technology into their lessons, but if administration doesn't support this then its very challenging to do this. We as teachers have a lot on our plate and we must make sure that students pass the state assessments. Teachers and administrators lose focus on what is really important and what our students need because of state assessments. If they don't see us doing passages or word problems then we aren't doing our jobs. I do agree it is our job to make learning relevant and meaning but will we ever be given the opportunity to do this. My students are always collaborating in class and applying the knowledge they have learned to real world problems. I challenge them to think and come up with their own answers and ideas instead of me doing it for them. I know there is much more that I can do, but its a start.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 11 Feb 13
       
      To Heather & April: The "STAAR" test I hear is very higher order thinking. It makes the students think outside of the box. The students have to analyze and internalize the data or read the stories very carefully because there are two really good answers. Unfortunately, we have a large number of students reading below level that we are trying to catch up those students. We can only try to do our best to integrate technology into the classroom.
  • Being literate means one who is advanced at reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
    • Georgina Salas
      Georgina Salas on 11 Feb 13
       
      Now should we add computer literate as well? Since this is the way we are heading. Plus the students will eventually be STAAR testing in the area of technology.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 11 Feb 13
       
      As new technologies are coming up, I feel that teachers and students should "keep up with the Jones." The more you are familiar with computer features the more comfortable you will be with computers and be able to adapt to new technologies. A lot of the web 2.0 tools we have been using are similar in some ways. For example, Spicy Nodes and bubbl.us are very similar tools. It is just a matter of exploring! The creativity in students will come out as they incorporate new tools into their projects. In addition, everything is now online..college admissions, financial aid, housing, and work study.
  • (National Council of Teachers of English), twenty-first century readers and writers need to: Gain proficiency with tools of technology Develop relationships with others and confront and solve problems collaboratively and cross-culturally Design and share information for global communities to meet a variety of purposes Manage, analyze, and synthesize multiple streams of simultaneous information Create, critique, analyze, and evaluate multimedia texts Attend to the ethical responsibilities required by these complex environments
  • But for all the amazing, valuable stuff on the Web, there's loads of misinformation, half-truths, and misquoted, useless stuff. In preparing children to be literate in today's world, it's urgent that we teach the skill of scoping websites with a critical eye. Kids need to be explicitly trained in spotting everything from blatant pseudo-facts to slightly questionable content. This ability to "filter" will be required of them in both university and work.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 19 Feb 13
       
      This is so true. We need to teach our students how to use the information that is out there on the web. However, we must also teach them how and where to look for reliable data on the internet. They need to understand that not everything that is on the internet is true.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 19 Feb 13
       
      We do need to educate our students that not everything on the web is valid, just like commercials that are just gimmicks or have a "catch" to it. We need to teach them how to look for credible sources and that anyone and even them can write something on the Internet and that doesn't mean that it is true. There are even pop ups or emails that can invite viruses or can sell your emails for scams. It can be dangerous if the wrong people get a hold of your personal information.
  • It's true that, through deeper learning, many teachers and schools are already guiding students into this new century well-equipped to think critically on their feet, problem solve, and communicate effectively.
  • It's not about the actual tech - it is about the skills needed to get accurate information.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
     
    21st century learning skills: problem solving, critical thinking, effective collaborator and communicator
  • ...5 more comments...
  • Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
     
    Are we preparing our students for the 21st century? Are we using Deeper learning by activating prior knowledge and experiences? Are the students internalizing information, researching, analyzing, generalizing material beyond the content?
  • Georgina Salas on 11 Feb 13
     
    I enjoyed this video. It showed how someone not from this country chose to educate himself and look into the laws for immigration because he went through the experience. I feel that if anyone saw this video it would push them to do more with their education. I believe that if elementary, middle school, and high school students saw this it would inspire them to care more for their education and purse higher education than a high school diploma.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 14 Feb 13
     
    We need to bring this reality into our classrooms, our students take too much for ganted, but it would be even more effective if we give them a real life driving question that involves our students helping immigrants like this one get the education they so desire. Through a pbl driven lesson, students will come up with solutions, thus helping them truly understand the problems of this particular students. Perhaps we can teach empathy as well.
  • george saenz on 15 Feb 13
     
    I really like the video and what they were talking about and the determination it take to educate oneself. If everone on a campus could take the time out of there busy schedula and show this video to the students it would make a difference in how they see themselves and there education.
  • Cristina Pintor on 17 Feb 13
     
    I enjoyed the video a lot. It is inspiring to see how students are engaged with a PBL lesson. Students were finding possible solutions to problems that pertain and are significant to them. If students feel that the problem affects them personally they will try their best to find answers to solve the problem. By using PBL students will also acquire the skills needed to be successful not only in college, but in life.
  • albert rodriguez on 18 Feb 13
     
    I'm glad I work at HCISD, we're quite progressive when it comes to education and Project-Based Learning is getting a lot of attention and many efforts are being made to ensure that it's happening in our classrooms. I really liked the video especially the part on how the student made his assignment have value as immigration issues pertain to him. I think we're in the right place at the right time.
  • Cora Mendez on 19 Feb 13
     
    I thought it was interesting that it was a Pbl school. It was very obvious that the student was getting a deeper understanding of the topic. He was not only learning about immigration because he had to do some research and figure out where and how it was addressed in the laws and government. He was problem solving and using critical thinking which allowed him to have a deeper understanding of his topic.
Janice Wilson Butler

What are the stages of the change process? - 45 views

soc.li/W99AVvO

tech classroom change change-process integrating technology

shared by Janice Wilson Butler on 08 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • Janice Wilson Butler on 08 Jan 12
     
    In the edutopia blog article, Shaping Tech for the Classroom, linked above, Marc Prensky - the "creator" of the digital immigrant/digital native labels, describes the typical process of technology adoption. How accurately do those steps define what is happening on your campus with regard to technology adoption? On average, where in the process is your campus? Have you seen any "movement" through the process in the last 2-3 years? If yes, to what do you attribute these changes? If no, what can you do to move the campus forward? Click on "Comment" above to respond to the article and to your peers. Please post at least one link in this group that is relevant to your discussion. Be sure to tag your link and your discussion.
  • ...10 more comments...
  • Adriana G Hernandez on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am the librarian at our school and I have only been there a few moths. However, I think that our school has teachers that are experts in using SMART boards and other projectors and such along with many Web 2.0 tools, but we also have teachers than use minimal technology. As far as the why, I'm not sure about every teacher on campus, but a lot of the teachers I talk to don't use technology as much as they like because they feel pressed for time. They are desperately trying to plan lessons, evaluate students' work, and address the students' weaknesses. I think in order to move forward, MTT's need to mentor as many teachers as possible, the administration needs to think outside the box so that teachers have time to plan for technology integration. This link http://www.ejmste.com/v5n3/EURASIA_v5n3_Bingimlas.pdf is for an article that discusses the barriers to technology integration. It would be beneficial for teachers to read and discuss what is holding them back so we, as a campus, come up with a plan to ensure everyone gets on board.
  • Elva Mendoza on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am a 5th grade teacher at Adame Elementary and Marc Prensky description of technology integration in education describes my campus. I agree with Adriana when she says that teachers are pressed for time, especially with the STAAR test. There is a total of three computer labs at my school that are rarely used for integrating technology with the curriculum. It seems that the only technology on our campus being used is tutorial programs to enhance test scores. In the four years that I have worked at my campus I don't think we are any closer to the movement of technology integration. Unfortunately, I blame the pressure brought upon our education system, which is test driven. During the President's State of the Union Address on Tuesday he stated, "In return, grant school flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion: To stop teaching to the test :"(West Seattle Herald, Jan. 29, 2012). I think Donna ISD is heading in the right direction with the MTT program. As an MTT I will need to start sharing my knowledge with the staff through staff development and show them how enthusiastic students are to learning when given the opportunity through technology. It worries me that my students will not be prepared for the 21st century if our education system continues to be test driven, rather than technology driven. The link http://www.westseattleherald.com/2012/01/27/news/local-educators-say-obamas-state-union-address-hi is the President's State of the Union Address.
  • Paul Edward Mendiola on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am one of the Math teachers in Donna high school and technology integration in our campus, atleast in our department, I could say that we are still a little behind. Technology is in place but integrating them in our day to day lessons is still missing. It may not be because we have no idea to inlcude them in our curriculum but I trully believe that some of our teachers still need to be reminded that technology integration should be considered as a tool to provide effective learning experience and success for our students, connecting with them in ways they are native to. And as "digital immigrants" that we are, change is still something to be accepted. "Everybody is talking about technology integration, but few practicing teachers profess to know exactly how to proceed. The fact is that real integration requires change. . . . However, what seems to be lacking is a model that teachers can use to guide them through the necessary changes they will need to make to be successful in integrating new technology into their classroom" (Johnson & Liu, 2000, p. 4). In regards to the question on where in the process we are in our campus i should say we are still in between stages "doing old thing in old ways" and "doing old things in new ways". I do have seen some movement in our technology integration for the past 2-3 years. Student terminals, smartboards, internet access for our students, clickers, are are just some of the technology tools that we are using but integrating them are still in the works I believe. As MTT mentors in the future, I trully believe that we should have the burden to share our ideas and teach our colleagues what we have learned and be an instrument of change, genuine change in our classrooms. http://www.techlearning.com/article/41670
  • kate Binns on 30 Jan 12
     
    This article neatly summed up many of the barriers facing true technology integration. Several issues resonated with my own experiences. As Elva and President Obama stated above, often teachers primary worry in the classroom is preparing students for state examinations. Third graders spend entire lessons learning how to analyze a multiple choice question and answer it! If students do poorly on a district wide test, teachers go into immediate action to fix the problem. This pressure comes from administration, school districts, and states. In the end, teachers need to produce good to excellent test scores or they end up losing their positions. It's not that teachers don't want to integrate the technology, but at the end of the day, their performance assessment will reflect more heavily upon how their students scored on a test and not how frequently the SmartBoard was utilized. That being said, fully embracing technology could greatly enhance test scores. It will take time. There will be big failures. There will also be big successes! According to Peter Kent's "SmartBoards: Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom", "The catch phrase 'it is not the technology, it is the teacher' has never been so true as it is with interactive whiteboards. An even truer phrase however would be 'it is not just the teacher, it is the school'." Smartboards are just one example of technology that can be utilized in the classroom to increase test scores. However, whenever trying something new there will be failures. Teachers and their administration must understand that and be willing to reevaluate what they are doing. It takes our students multiple tries to master a new concept; we should allow ourselves the same time to master new technology. Works Cited: Kent, P. (2003). Smartboards: Interactive whiteboards in classrooms. In Retrieved from http://www.lhric.org/
  • Olivet Castillo on 30 Jan 12
     
    I can definitely agree with Marc Presnsky's article when it comes to the barriers that prohibit technology integration to occur. I think the first step in moving forward with this concept is the teacher. Prensky writes, "..the teachers and administrators famously resist change." "...such shifting certainly initially means more work and pressure on educators, who already fell overburdened." I think with most teachers, it is fear that is hindering them from fully embracing technology. If teachers are not comfortable or are familiar with the integration of a Web 2.0 tool, then they will definitely not be comfortable teaching/integrating it into their classrooms. As far as my campus, Veterans Middle School, I believe some progress has occurred within the last 2-3 years, it has been a slow paced progress with one or two teachers slowly embracing it. This can be attributed part to Technology Trainings provided by the district as well as the Master of Technology Teacher Program that has been provided to the entire district. Those few teachers who have chosen to participate in the program are getting the skills and confidence, so they in turn will mentor other teachers. The only way to move forward is to collaboratively work as a District and as a campus with technology integration in mind. The following article/blog provides eight simple steps to help the classroom teacher integrate technology. "Implementing Effective Technological Change: What a Classroom Teacher Needs." April 2011 by Greg Swanson. http://edtechtoolbox.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-support-teachers.html
  • Leticia Mendez on 30 Jan 12
     
    I am a BIM teacher and I guess it is easy for me to integrate technology because if I'm not using it then I am really not doing my job, because it is expected as a technology teacher. I have heard all kinds of barriers that teachers complain about, one is not enough computers or not enough training but in fact there is training and the bottom line is the change, some people find it hard to change but once they decide to give technology a try and they become consisted with using it the technology starts working for them or at least they will see it that way. Time will always be an issue and we are in education so we must make do with what we have and in our school just about everyone has a smart board and that is a step up from a regular chalk board which is an easy tech tool to engage students. The support must be there after the training because a teacher needs some one there to follow up on their training just to make sure they are implementing the technology correctly in their lessons and of course integrating other applications as well. (Dragula, 2005) Persistance and consistency is the key to integrating technology and not staying behind with the dinosaurs. Dragula, M.ED, J. (2005, April 1). How to Overcome Technology Integration Barriers. Retrieved from Tech & Learning: http://www.techlearning.com/article/42541
  • Esther Sauceda on 30 Jan 12
     
    The campus has shown much improvement integrating technology into their curriculum. More teachers are becoming familiar with Web 2.0 tools, licensed software and diverse hardware devices. Teachers want to integrate technology however face many challenges such as time to learn the skills and to integrate them into their curriculum, technical support, funding, and software/hardware. Some teachers become discourage and impatient when they encounter technical difficulties; thus, classroom computers become unused. According to Great Schools, many schools are now providing each student a laptop to access classroom curriculum, elementary schools are utilizing blogging a vehicle to collaborate and improve writing skills. Many schools are now using Web 2.0 tools to engage students and enhance student learning. Implementing any change becomes beneficial if done properly. Integrating technology becomes possible when teachers are adequately trained, software and hardware are available, provided continuous support is provided and ample time is given to implement the skill Great Schools. Technology in the classroom: Fad or foundation for learning? Retrieved from: http://www.greatschools.org/students/media-kids/130-technology-in-the-classroom-fad-or-foundation-for-learning.gs
  • Delia Torres on 01 Feb 12
     
    Since the implementation of the Master Teacher Technology Program (MTT) in our school district, I have seen a strengthened professional development in the use of technology for classroom instruction. The MMT program has been vital in creating networking connections with other teachers so that we are not working in isolation in the integration of technology. These small teacher groups are gradually moving forward to demonstrate technology integration in their classes to other teachers that are hesitant or fear it. We are learning from each other and becoming a buddy to someone else in our campuses. By networking, we overcome the fear of the unknown in technology usage and work with what we have in the classroom. Adaptation is critical, since most classroom teachers in our school district only have four computers for student usage, whiteboard, projector, and teacher instructional computer. Boss, S. (August 2008). Overcoming Technology Barriers: How to Innovate Without Extra Money or Support. Retrieved from www.edutopia.org: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-how-to-implement-classroom
  • Lisandra Medina on 03 Feb 12
     
    My campus has shown improvement in the past couple of years. Every classroom has a document camera and a smart-board! Almost every class has about 4 class computers for the students to use. The computers are not just for programs now. The computers are used for so much more now. The students have the knowledge on how to use the internet as search engines for research. The students know how to use social networking, which sometimes is not a good idea, but they know how to use it. Some times the students know how to use the computers better than the teacher. But we are always learning because technology is always changing. This is awesome because the students get to be more involved and teachers see how the technology helps the students understand the subjects better! I don't agree with this quote from a Maine teacher "You can mourn the passing of handwriting if you must; the kids certainly won't. If they are writing better and more detailed papers, yes, there has been progress." I think that technology is great but sometimes because a computer has spell check students don't know how to spell. Handwriting should still be taught as well as grammar and spelling. Sometimes these subjects are left behind do to computers. I know that in the future handwriting may be obsolete due to technology but it shouldn't!!!! http://www.edutopia.org/adopt-and-adapt
  • Karina Arias on 03 Feb 12
     
    I have only been in my school for this first semester. I have not observed many teachers implementing technology in their lessons. Technology seems to be slowly creeping into our lessons. The use of document cameras and projectors are very popular, but the actual implementation with students is minimal. One of my colleagues mentioned that time is an issue, and it is. We are very focused on delivering and making sure our students understand all concepts taught that we often leave the creativity and inquiry out of our lesson plans. Nellie Deutsch mentions that educators are eager and motivated to implement technology into the classroom, but that there are many obstacles to overcome. I couldn't agree more, we need more time to practice and explore the technologies and programs that we wish for our students to use. http://www.nelliemuller.com/obstacles_to_technology_implementation.htm
  • Michelle Salazar on 19 Mar 12
     
    In my campus I have noticed that veteran teachers tend to stay away from technology. Veteran teachers didn't grow up with technology in their classrooms and have been teaching for years with out technology that they see no need to implement it now. I really see that as shameful! Now, as a MTT in training, I really want to change these teachers minds about technology and show them how easy it is to use. "With the infusion of technology into all aspects of daily life, students are becoming more and more adept at using technology as an educational resource. Many faculty, however, are not keeping pace with their students. Additionally, faculty feel increasingly unprepared to integrate technology into the classroom." Efau, J. (2005, May 4). No Teacher Left Behind: How to Teach with Technology. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/NoTeacherLeftBehindHowtoTeachw/157372
  • Salina V on 14 May 12
     
    I seem a bit doubtful that well working laptops can be found for almost 100 dollars for schools as this article suggest, but after looking at Project Inkwell's Web site, it seems like something that we might see in the future. Although I do not foresee my campus being able to complete the "one on one" process any time soon, I feel that it is improving with technology integration. New equipment that I have seen to promote technology integration has already been coming in to our library, which helps us get one step closer to meeting integration goals. We still face a few dilemmas with technology integration, such as lack of working computers in a classroom, or no student Ethernet hookups in the portables, but our administrators do what they can to help us with problems we face with this. There is of course however only so much that they can do, but little by little, I can see the process of technology integration in to the classrooms moving along as each year passes. An example of this movement that has been done can be seen when looking back at the year when our school's portables were first put up. It was at this time that there wasn't any internet provide to those in the portables at all. There as well were not enough SMART boards for every classroom, or any computer classes for 6 grade students. Completing a project using technology with 6 graders was really hard before they opened up computer classes for them. Now, internet, although a bit limited in the portables still, can at least be reached to them, Smart board are given to each teacher, knowledge of technology use is much better than the past 6th graders, and workshops for the use of technology are also provide from time to time. This makes it much more less time consuming for many teachers who wish to integrate technology into their classrooms, and keeps our campus moving in the right track for proper technology integration in our schools. A link, by Project Inkwell, to the prototype dev
Sara Aldape

50 Education Technology Tools Every Teacher Should Know About - Edudemic - 7 views

edudemic.com/...very-teacher-should-know-about

Teaching tools education

shared by Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12 - No Cached
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      What tools have you used or would like to use to engage students in social learning, so that teachers can be able to connect together through social media?
    • Santos Alvarado
      Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
       
      I'm in the planning stages on creating a Edmodo account for my classroom. I see the benefits of using Edmodo, having the students work online, and communicate with one another makes it much more engaging.
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      What educational tools have helped you or are interested in using to help you make lessons fun, interesting, and more effective?
    • vincent briseno
      vincent briseno on 11 Nov 12
       
      I've used Edmodo and it has served me well. I haven't incorporated the website into everyday learning, but I use it over Thanksgiving, Xmas, and spring breaks. I assign everything from quizzes to extra credit assignments and I am able keep in contact with students.
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      Excellent!!! Vincent thank you for your feedback. Students will have fun staying connected with the teacher.
    • Santos Alvarado
      Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
       
      I have used stixy, and glogster to help students create class presentations. Students love to be creative and this helps students teach one another
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
       
      What useful tools have you used or have helped you stay connected, organized, and increased the ease of building multimedia lesson and learning tools in your classroom?
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • hese tools can help
  • Useful Tools
  • you to stay connected, organized, and increase the ease of building multimedia lessons
  • nd learning tools
  •       ← The Current State Of Mobile Learning In Education Could Groopt Be Your Next Classroom Management Tool? → Tuesday, August 21, 2012 7:30 am, Posted by Guest Writer 22 | Tools 50 Education Technology Tools Every Teacher Should Know About Topics: best of, classroom, edmodo, edtech, grockit, How To, tools inShare232 (function() { var li = document.createElement('script'); li.type = 'text/javascript'; li.async = true; li.src = window.location.protocol + '//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); The following is a cross-post from our content partners at Online Degrees: Technology and education are pretty intertwined these days and nearly every teacher has a few favorite tech tools that make doing his or her job and connecting with students a little bit easier and more fun for all involved. Yet as with anything related to technology, new tools are hitting the market constantly and older ones rising to prominence, broadening their scope, or just adding new features that make them better matches for education, which can make it hard to keep up with the newest and most useful tools even for the most tech-savvy teachers. Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the tech tools,
  • Social Learning
  • These tools use the power of social media to help students learn and teachers connect.
  • Learning
  • These educational tools can help you to make lessons fun, interesting, and more effective.
  • Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
     
    I am one of the Diigo Host assigned for the week of Nov. 5-11, 2012. This website was very interesting to me. It had different tools to be able to use as an educator. Check it out!
  • ...8 more comments...
  • Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
     
    I have added 3 stickies in the site: http://edudemic.com/2012/08/50-education-technology-tools-every-teacher-should-know-about/ I would like your feedback on what tools have been useful to you in your classroom? How have they worked for you? Or have not worked for you? Have fun navigating through the 50 Education Technology Tools!!!!!!
  • Sara Aldape on 11 Nov 12
     
    Watch this you tube video on how the Secretary of State announces the Education Technology Plan and back in 2010 invited educators to post how technology has impacted their classroom. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR_lBt4jjow ENJOY!!!! Technology is evolving in this world at a fast pace, we just have to keep up with it. Have an AWESOME week!
  • R. Palomares on 11 Nov 12
     
    Sara, I liked the organization of this page! These 50 educational tools are essential. I must say that I really liked the "Social Learning tools" and the "Useful Tools" because I have used many of them before and they work very well. It's great to have a page like this as a resource when deciding on what tools use. Thank you for sharing!
  • Victoria Lopez on 12 Nov 12
     
    Sara, I have used several of these educational tools to present new materials to my studends and to compliment my lessons. However, since my students are kindergarteners, they are not able to fully manipulate these tools to create their own work. I feel that by exposing my students to these tools that I am doing my part to educate them and be computer literate. This composite of websites is a great list for teachers to explore. Thank you for sharing this website.
  • Blanca Pena on 12 Nov 12
     
    Hi Sara, I use Prezi to engage the students in a new form of presenting information to the classroom. It's fun to use and it offers so many different elements that Powerpoint does not. I also did a prentation for the campus teachers on how to use Prezi in their classroom and the results of the training were very sucessful and eye-opening. The teacher were happy to learn a new tool they can implement into their classroom curriculum to help keep student learning fun and engaging. I think it's a great tool to use in any classroom. Blanca
  • Crystal Martinez on 12 Nov 12
     
    I have used several of the tools that are listed on this website and it is great to have them on one major site. I have used Prezi and Edmodo. These tools have been great to use for my students. They benefited and enjoyed the interaction that they experienced from both of these web 2.0 tools.
  • Marivel Garcia on 24 Nov 12
     
    This is a great way to organize all these tools, through our program I have had the opportunity to utilize most of them but I have not yet exposed my students to all of them and I am really looking forward to being able to enhance their learning. Thanks for Sharing....
  • Diana Cedillo on 25 Nov 12
     
    This is a great site! I've bookmarked it and already started going through my mental checklist of what I have used and what I'd like to use. It's a great way to see what's out there and how I can better use those tools in the classroom.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 29 Nov 12
     
    I use edmodo and slide-rocket in my classrooms for web 2.0 tools also gotten into prezi but the lagging of my network campus tends to drag. but great tools I use.
  • Alyssa Tanguma on 04 Dec 12
     
    I posted something similar to this. I love learning and implementing new tools. There are SOOOOOOO many out there!
April Canales-Perez

If Technology Motivates Students, Let's Use It! | Edutopia - 4 views

www.edutopia.org/...motivating-students-technology

technology Classroom Education integrating Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by April Canales-Perez on 04 Apr 13 - No Cached
  • I believe many students are bored and unmotivated because of the way they are being taught, with heavy reliance on reading textbooks, memorizing facts and figures, and listening to lectures, over and over.
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 04 Apr 13
       
      This is true for students who have teachers teaching to the test. Students are not motivated to learn because they are not engaged in meaningful learning. What do you think?
    • Cesar Mata
      Cesar Mata on 07 Apr 13
       
      As a STAAR testing teacher this year I sometimes feel ashamed to admit that I feel like we have no other choice than to "teach the test." With so much pressure on us to get the students to pass we often resort to what we know works, and that is drill and skill. So yes, I agree that students lack motivation and how can we blame them?
    • Janice Wilson Butler
      Janice Wilson Butler on 24 Apr 13
       
      Good insight - I think it is what most of us resort to. It is a shame that the "powers that be" don't see that this is happening.
  • Technology in its many forms is showing how teaching and learning can paint with a much broader palette of colors, from images and music to games, simulations, wikis, and many others, any time, any place, on laptops, desktops, and smartphones.
  • Today's students find this new world of digital learning to be very motivating.
    • Dara Cepeda
      Dara Cepeda on 08 Apr 13
       
      Sometimes as educators we don't understand administrators when they constantly remind us to motivate students and teach them with new tools, but at the same time they contradict themselves when they expect you to teach specifically from C-scope. Luckily, there is no C-scope for my teaching subject, Art, but I see the stress of my colleagues when they want to try something new, and then the administrators getting after them for not following C-scope. Students need to be taught in their language..which is technology and multimedia tools.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Apr 13
       
      I like that Dara:" to teach them in their language" because this is what they know technology.
  • ...1 more annotation...
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 04 Apr 13
       
      How are you motivating your students to learn using technology?
  • Heather Luna on 07 Apr 13
     
    Teaching to the test can be BORING and un"motivating" for students. If we would teach the TEKS, using a variety of strategies and techniques, including PBL and technology, I believe students would be in even better prepared for lifelong learning. In many ways, I believe teaching to the test inhibits how far we take our students. I think the bottom line here is...planning is vital.
  • ...8 more comments...
  • Adam Hovde on 07 Apr 13
     
    With all the new legislation in the state house and senate hopefully we can get away from so much testing. With many of the new bills the state is taking away the number of state tests the students will have to tak but they will still have to take some tests. Hopefully this will give teachers more "wiggle" room to teach more interactively and engaging. Most of our students know more about technology than we do. We should be using it to reach them.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 07 Apr 13
     
    As a second grade teacher, we still have a little "wiggle room" to incorporate fun reading graphic organizers and fun mini projects for science and social studies. It is getting to the point that our 3rd grade teachers want us to do what they are doing (paper & pencil), but I disagree because with 7 and 8 year olds, they still need the phonics, visuals, and hands on to learn and stay engaged. They have a short attention span and are still developing.
  • albert rodriguez on 08 Apr 13
     
    It seems that transitioning from no technology to technology really gets students motivated and excited, however, they also expect guidance if not they'll just play games. Incorporating technology inot what we already do does make a huge difference in student motivation and participation. I will add though that school can still be exciting even without technology, it's just a lot harder.
  • Christine Claudio on 08 Apr 13
     
    As a first grade teacher, I have the opportunity to introduce and implement technology. My students are not interested in using the textbooks, but prefer the online texbook and interactive avtivities. Students at this young age are eager to use technology and hands on activities.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 11 Apr 13
     
    All I can do is allow more opportunities in the library with the use of iPads so that the younger students are exposed to devices and apps. For older students, I made sure I covered digital citizenship, evaluating websites, and introduced credible research databases, to lay a foundation for our teachers. Our teachers are very strong, and they are always on task, but many time are limited for all the reasons we all know, lack of tools, time, etc.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 15 Apr 13
     
    I agree students are bored and unmotivated with textbooks and lectures. I think teachers are too. I really like the comment that technology can paint with a much broader palette of colors. That's a great way to look at it. Technology definitely brightens lessons I've tried to inegrate technology into as many lessons as possible; however, not nearly as much or in the way I'd like to. Right now my students are working on Prezis. They are creating a presentation on an ecosystem and they're loving it. The lesson actually called for a diorama - the shoebox version. The Prezis have been a huge hit. Also, technology is integrated in to Health lessons by teaching Internet safety - this is an on going lesson with several sections. Our District subscribes to several sites (Aha Math, Think Through Math, Aha Science, etc.) we use in centers or all together in a computer lab.
  • Juan Betancourt on 15 Apr 13
     
    It is really hard to motivate certain students, but I'm doing my best to get them ready for college or a job. On a separate but related note, I make a point to tell them that not everything will be to their liking and they'd better be ready to produce.
  • Lupita Sanchez on 22 Apr 13
     
    I agree with all of your comments. It is extremely difficult to motivate students when as teachers we are limited to our teaching strategies and overwhelm with the pressure of having to pass the STAARS test. We are limited with resources. Yet, we must learn how to use technology and learn how to motivate both our students and teachers. Give them a new resource a new way of teaching..
  • Cora Mendez on 25 Apr 13
     
    I agree that we should use technology to motivate students. They look forward to a story, game, video, drawing tool etc. using technology verses pencil and paper.
  • Conrado Gonzalez on 01 May 13
     
    I for one love technology but also love lectures and insight from experts. To me it is not always about hands-on and group work. I guess I am a bit of an introvert in that regard.
Sonia Aldape

'Flipped classrooms' in North Texas turn traditional teaching on its head | Dallas-Fort... - 3 views

www.dallasnews.com/...ional-teaching-on-its-head.ece

education

shared by Sonia Aldape on 21 Oct 12 - No Cached
    • Sonia Aldape
      Sonia Aldape on 28 Oct 12
       
      Great article Maribel! Just to think that technology is only fingertips away makes it that more exciting to start exploring the approach of intergrating the flipped classroom at least with one subject. I'm sure that students will embrace the fact that they will have to be on their cell phone or computer to do homework.
  • Maribel Gracia on 21 Oct 12
     
    Interesting Article. Do you think your district is ready to start implementing flipped classrooms? What technology applications or equipment does your district needs to provide you to start your flipped classroom?
  • ...7 more comments...
  • Victoria Lopez on 21 Oct 12
     
    I really like how the article highlights how it is working for Allen: Casto believes this "innovative instructional strategy" is catching on because it fosters a higher level of learning that is needed for the 21st century. As students shift from a passive to active role, they acquire critical thinking skills, learn to collaborate and become independent learners. These quotes describe how the flipped classroom fits into 21st century learning. I think that for our district to start implementing this teaching method it would have to survey students to see what percentage has internet access at home. HCISD has already taken this step, but since we are not at 100%, it seems that we will not reach the entire classroom population. In addition to students not having access to internet connectivity, our school distract lacks the technology resources needed for teachers to be able to record their lessons such as a bloggie or digital video recorder.
  • R. Palomares on 22 Oct 12
     
    Maribel, this article is very interesting. It's interesting how students like the format of "listening to online lectures at home" in the evenings, and then in the classroom they want to work. It's great how when they walk in the classroom, they are ready to discuss the topics covered in the online lectures. "Flipped Classrooms" is a very interesting program that would be nice to start implementing. Probably the equipment that the district would need to provide is a computer or internet access to students who don't have the means to acquire it. This could easily be done by having a computer lab available after school like the article mentions. Great Article Maribel!
  • Jaime Villarreal on 22 Oct 12
     
    Maribel, interesting article. I believe our district has the capability to implement this strategy of a "Flipped Classroom" and will probably very soon consider implementing it. With the new state assessment STAAR core subjects are finding that more time is needed to apply what is being taught. I feel that most of our timeline is invested in giving theory lessons and hardly anytime is used in applying theory. I believe if we can get students used to using internet tools at home and get their notes, terms and examples down at home that we could transform our classrooms into student work rooms where students can implement concepts and theories learned and therefore deepen their understanding as they work on solving problem scenarios. Students would be learning form doing instead of just learning to do and never practicing and therefore never really learning.
  • Marivel Garcia on 23 Oct 12
     
    Applying the lesson is the key aspect to successful learning and implementing "Flipped Classrooms" will be a great way to being this process. I can see that it will require much dedicated and consistency like any other project but I know the results will be dynamic. Personally in our district I think much needs to be done prior to committing to "Flipped Classrooms" accessibility is crucial and like I said it might take some work but it is not impossible. Great way to enhance learning and making our students long life learners.
  • Sara Aldape on 29 Oct 12
     
    Maribel, it's an interesting idea, but I wonder if the kids are able to concentrate at home on new material via video when they are tired from school and more distracted by being home. It would be great if they could view the videos first thing in the morning. Also, I wonder if a combination would work. Lectures via video but maybe a review lecture that covers the entire unit done in the classroom. And maybe less homework in class so there is time for a short lecture to review the previous day's concepts. I love technology for creating new options!
  • Maribel Gracia on 26 Nov 12
     
    Thank you for your comments. I think flipped classroom will be our future and we just need to get enough training for our flipped classrooms to be effective for our students.
  • Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
     
    Great article, its a great way to get students motivated and engaged in learning, but I don't see flipped classrooms being what every student needs. Online classes will not meet the needs for every student if a district wants to implement this idea. I don't see my district is ready to commit to Flipped Classrooms anytime soon. First the internet infrastructure isn't at a high speed in our district to provide the video teaching.
  • Marivel Garcia on 03 Dec 12
     
    I love the whole idea of a "Flipped Classroom". It makes so much sense to help engage all learners. Lets face it, homework is a drag and not very effective, I have heard from students that at times some kids are even doing homework in the restroom. How effective is that? This method of actually interacting and working together on the concept in the classroom is ideal. However, my district is not at the point where this type of technique could be enforced in due to the lack of technology knowledge within the community.
  • Maribel Gracia on 03 Dec 12
     
    Thanks for the responding to my questions. I have been sharing this concept with my 21st Century Teachers and they like the idea. Let's see if BISD will ever go into flipped classroom.
Janice Wilson Butler

Change has NEVER been easy! - 27 views

youtu.be/pdkucf6wxU4

change change-process integrating technology butler allsemesters

shared by Janice Wilson Butler on 10 Jan 12 - No Cached
Maria De Leon liked it
  • Janice Wilson Butler on 10 Jan 12
     
    As you can see from this video, people have always been resistant to new technology innovations. If we can all learn to laugh our way through and be patient when others are trying to figure out a new technology, then change seems to happen more quickly.
  • ...2 more comments...
  • Juanita R. Martinez on 29 Jan 12
     
    This kind of reminds me of my students, when teaching a new technique some just can't seem to grasp it. As do some teachers learning new technology. Todays MTTs need to understand this and realize that for some teachers it might be harder for them than others. I am lucky to have grown up using computers and being able to understand them. This has allowed me to grasp the 2.0 tools rather quickly. We need to be able to be patient and make sure that when we teach these tools to the other teachers they will be able to understand suffieciently to feel confident using them in class with their students. Despite access to technology and despite the fact that novice teachers are entering the classroom with far more advanced technology skills than their counterparts of an earlier age, only 39 percent of teachers report "moderate" or "frequent" use of technology as an instructional tool (Grunwald Associates, 2010). And that is because teachers are consumed with standardized state exams and need to make teaching creative and fun again.
  • Janice Wilson Butler on 05 Feb 12
     
    Very perceptive and a good analysis of what is going on. The harder part is figuring out what we can do about it - and that is REALLY the huge challenge. Will be interesting to see what occurs in the classroom in the next 5 (or so) years and how you MTTs make it happen.
  • Salina V on 13 Feb 12
     
    I know that this video was a comedy bit, but I never stopped to realize that many people struggled, or wished not to learn about new items that were coming about with time. What I liked about the video was that the "help desk" did not get frustrated with the person who was asking what many of us would think as silly questions. Many of us have trouble with wanting to teach technology, or integrate it into our lesson because we feel it would be a pain having to teacher a class of 20+ students how to use it. I know that at times, I find my self getting a bit stressed out when my mom asks me how to do a function that I think to be easy on the computer. I have to stop my self and remind myself that what I might think is easy, is new to others, such I am sure is the same when I don't know something and some one has to teach me.
  • Michelle Salazar on 19 Mar 12
     
    Lol, the video was very funny. Had me laughing the whole way through. I can't believe how far we have come. I remember going through my blocks in UTPA, when I returned back to the classroom after finishing my 12 in school my self and seeing the NEW projectors, the elmo, and smartboard in the classroom and thinking, "Wow, look where technology has taken us to from chalkboard, to overhead projectors, to smartboards. A board that you touch the screen on and it moves, changes, and recollects information. I was amazed and engaged myself. I laugh every time my co-workers think I am so young because this year is my 10 year reunion and yet the classroom has changed so much!
Elva Mendoza

21st-Century Skills Are Not a New Education Trend but Could Be a Fad - US News and Worl... - 2 views

www.usnews.com/...ation-trend-but-could-be-a-fad

shared by Elva Mendoza on 21 Apr 12 - No Cached
    • Elva Mendoza
      Elva Mendoza on 21 Apr 12
       
      http://diigo.com/0q35s I came upon this great article about teaching 21st century skills in our schools. I highlighted some interesting points about the implementation of 21st century schools and I added several sticky notes that you can comment on. How do you incorporate 21st century skills in your classroom?
  • giving all students a common framework of knowledge is a key strategy for increasing civic equality.
  • Unfortunately some 21st-century skills proponents believe these skills should replace the teaching of content. They believe that because so much new knowledge is being created, students should focus on how to know instead of knowing.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • most states are ill-equipped to implement such assessments today and too many teachers are not prepared to use them or teach this way today.
  • Adriana G Hernandez on 21 Apr 12
     
    Very interesting! I agree with the writer of the article. There needs to be a balance between teaching the 21st century skills and the content. There also needs to be a balance with how much time is spent on learning content and how much time should be spent on learning how to find the information. Back in the day, there was less history to learn, less scientific facts, etc. Since the Internet era began, we have way more facts than we can possibly remember. I think that teachers can do this, so that it's not a fad. As a librarian, I'm trying to focus on communication. I have a wiki and a library web page that helps me communicate with students the different resources that are available to them. I am always sharing with them what is available so that they can use their creativity.
  • kate Binns on 22 Apr 12
     
    Thank you for sharing this article Elva. It really resonated for me. The author's final statement , "If they want to genuinely transform teaching and learning, proponents of 21st-century skills must be as deliberate about how their idea is approached and implemented as they want schools to be about teaching these skills", especially resonated with my feelings regarding our rush to implement 21st Century skills. I firmly believe in backwards planning, but often what I observe is a rush to buy new "toys" and then there's no plan for their use. School districts must take the time to make the end goal and then create the steps needed to arrive at that goal. This will require time, effort, and yes some money. However, if you take the time to plan ahead for implementation you will save money in the long run by avoiding costly missteps. Additionally, these 21st Century Skills are simply skills to apply to knowledge. We must take the time to teach them but it cannot be in determent to the content areas. If students learn a concept better using scissors and paper over a Prezi, then it should be the method of instruction in my opinion. Ultimately, teachers and school districts need to embrace the new technology but view it as a tool for instruction and not the solution to all of our educational struggles.
  • Salina V on 14 May 12
     
    I try to incorporate 21st century skills by having my kids use more technology with their projects. many of them are so use to having the pen and paper assignment that they are surprised when they get to use technology to create a project. While there may be some issues that make it hard to use technology most of the time because of lack of computers of items, having some group work for using these technology can help. I know I can be doing more so when I plan I need to make sure to keep in mind that it is our jobs as teachers to teach these students into becoming 21st century learners.
Elva Mendoza

Week 8 discussion - 38 views

I really enjoyed reading the article and definitely agree with the statement, "Yes, we can be afraid of technology," she said, "but I'm more afraid of what will happen if we don't use it." I just ...

technology classroom integrating

started by Salina V on 06 Mar 12 12 follow-ups, last by Elva Mendoza on 26 Mar 12
Ruth Garza

Benchmarks for Success: Free on-line benchmark testing - 1 views

freeonlinebenchmark.com

benchmarks free testing

shared by Ruth Garza on 26 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • ‹‹ Sign up now for FREE! Your Name: Your School: Your State: - Select -AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict Of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingOther/Non-U.S. School Type: - Select -Public-K12Private-K12HomeschoolCollege E-mail Address: New Password:
    • Ruth Garza
      Ruth Garza on 26 Sep 12
       
      Just register and start creating tests. Students will love having the immediate feedback once they submit a test.
  • Ruth Garza on 26 Sep 12
     
    A website you can use to create online tests.
  • Marivel Garcia on 01 Oct 12
     
    My principal mentioned this website to me and I finally got a chance to see it, really nice most especially the immediate response to anaylze any misconceptions. Thanks for sharing..
Delia Torres

Do you know about TED? - 49 views

Wow! Shannon, I was absolutely amazed by the Wii remote video from http://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks.html. It proves that out of necessity, will, and creativity, there are ...

Fall 2012

started by Shannon Reynolds on 07 Feb 12 25 follow-ups, last by Delia Torres on 18 Mar 12
Maria D. Martinez

More Colorado Districts Saving Money with 4-Day School Weeks | Education News - 10 views

www.educationnews.org/...-money-with-4-day-school-weeks

money school classroom resources 21stCenturySkills education

shared by Maria D. Martinez on 07 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • The savings come mainly from reduction in support staff, maintenance costs, food service and transportation which allows schools to retain teachers and academic programs that would have to be dropped otherwise
  • It is the parents who typically have the most difficulty adjusting, with most schools reporting negative parental reactions due mostly to increased child-care expenses for the fifth day.
  • In addition, after one year into the three-year experiment with the new schedule, another unexpected benefit popped up: an uptick in test scores. Webb thinks that the increased “sense of urgency” of the shortened week seems to encourage teachers and students to make every hour in the classroom.
  • Maria D. Martinez on 07 Oct 12
     
    This website gives an insight of what Colorado districts are presently doing: 4-day school weeks. Are we headed that way?
  • ...12 more comments...
  • Maribel Gracia on 07 Oct 12
     
    Maria the article is very interesting. I think it can benefit our district because our district is very short on funds.We get directives of turning of the light or computers when we are not using it so the district doesn't pay too much money. In all programs, our budget have drastically gotten cut in funds so maybe if we have a 4 day instead of 5 day we can save money. Also teachers would love this because it would give them a break so they won't get burned out with all the changes in our district. Imagine it can be a three day weekend :)
  • Victoria Lopez on 07 Oct 12
     
    This is very interesting. As a teacher, I would like to move to this 4 day week schedule to enjoy a three day weekend every weekend; however, as a parent, if I were not employed by a school district and worked at a regular 5 business day week, then I would be upset at the inconvenience it causes. I would have to pay extra money for child care services as stated in this article. So although this 4-day school week has its pros its cons also have to be weighed out by those that would be affected. I guess a positive would be that it would create jobs in child care for the fifth day. As an educator, by day 5, I am out of gas. So I can see how working digently throughout the 4-day school week proves to be similar in test scores when compared to those of the 5-day school week.
  • R. Palomares on 08 Oct 12
     
    Maria D. Martinez, this article poses an interesting thought about maybe going to this measure if budget cuts continue, but I don't think were headed that way. The 4-day school week seemed to have a positive effect with this Colorado school district because their state testing scores seemed to increased according to this article. On the downside, the district only saved $150,000 which isn't very much considering the amount of time and effect one day can have on education.  I think that the 4-day school week would be an interesting challenge that everyone will adjust to easily if there's a need to implement it.
  • Jaime Villarreal on 08 Oct 12
     
    I agree with the districts that implemented the 4-day school week in order to save on the operational costs. I believe that having a short week will motivate both students and teachers to work harder and more focused on the tasks needed to be completed knowing they will have a three day weekend to get ready for the next round of intensive work days. Difficult times call for difficult measures and thinking outside of traditional methods will allow us to meet the ever changing demands of a society struggling with an inconsistent and unpromising economy.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 08 Oct 12
     
    I did read the article and this is true that the school district did save a huge amount of income for having four day school weeks. However if you decide to have a four day school week somewhere along the line school districts still have to meet about 187 days of school, so we would be taking a risk of shorter summer vacation or shorter vacations. But hey looking at the data I am for it, but just shorter vacations.
  • Leonila Pena on 14 Oct 12
     
    There's been rumors that school districts here in the RGV would do this if the budget crisis got worse, but I have yet to see it happen. There are many other ways that the school districts can reduce costs, however if they did go into the 4-day school weeks and extended the school days, then I guess there would be no difference. Like the article states, it would mainly affect the parents because of child-care expenses, but maybe this would make parents value their childrens' education more, because unfortunately there are many parents that see school as free daycare and as long as they can leave their kids there 5 days a week while they are at work they don't care about anything else. Whatever it is that school districts decide to do to reduce costs will work only if they have a good plan in place along with a good backup plan.
  • Diana Cedillo on 14 Oct 12
     
    I agree with Victoria. Viewing this article as a parent/teacher would have two different outcomes. We (the U.S.) are already behind in Education. We seem to be cutting funding in the area we are the most weak in; education. If we struggle with students learning the material in a 5 day school week and retaining the information over a two day weekend, how are we suppose to have them grasp and retain in 4 days? I don't believe having a 4 day work week will motivate teachers and students. I believe it'll make it worse. I vote NO.
  • Sergio Perez on 15 Oct 12
     
    Once in a while you will hear in the news how the students from the United States compare to those in other countries. The Center for Public Education wrote an article about how the amount of time of school affects our students. They compared top performing countries to the United States and they were unable to find a correlation between less school time and lower test scores. The article also states that some high performing countries have their students spend less time in the classroom than the United States. You can find this article at the following link: http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Organizing-a-school/Time-in-school-How-does-the-US-compare I know at my school district, teaching positions have not been filled because of the budget. Although the savings for a four-day week may be small it is still a savings. The parents that work will be having to look for daycare. Some of these parents are barely making it and this additional cost could be too much for their budget. There are many pros and cons from the four-day school week for the schools and parents. If the school has the funds then I would favor the school week to remain at five days.
  • Sonia Aldape on 15 Oct 12
     
    Maria, an article worth looking into especially with all the cuts in all departments at our district. Within the district we have been trying to conserve energy but that will only go so far. The state has really reduced the budget for our district which makes it tough therefore, they should consider the 4 day work week. Students would love this as well as teachers. On the other hand, parents would probably say NO.
  • Sara Aldape on 15 Oct 12
     
    WOW!!! Kids would be estatic, but that would mean parents would have to look for babysitters. Since parents have to work because of the economy, it would be very difficult. But for those that are stay home parents it's a plus. Do you think it would really help the districts? How do parents feel about it? Here is another article about it. http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/kids-try-to-fill-extra-day-off-with-4day-schook-we/
  • Maria L Mata on 16 Oct 12
     
    I think it is awesome that districts can think outside the box and find alternative ways to save money for the district and try so hard to keep their personnel without sacrificing the curriculum. I have been reading up on school districts that are saving money by eliminating bus routes. I think that is another great idea, not only to save money but it helps students, parents, grandparents get their daily exercise. Here is on of the articles that talks about it: http://www.activatenoblecounty.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75:walking-school-bus-can-save-money-lengthen-lives&catid=3:latest&Itemid=16
  • Juanita Casanova on 16 Oct 12
     
    Well, I think the idea of having a four-day week has its benefits. The district would help save money by eliminating hours of energy used in the classroom. That in itself could save thousands of dollars by the district. The money saved could be utilized in other areas. Here is a link to some creative ways other districts are utilizing to save money. http://www.mamapedia.com/article/creative-ways-to-cut-expenses-in-a-school-district
  • Saul Mendiola on 17 Oct 12
     
    I think that districts here in the valley are far from moving to this 4-day school weeks. It would have to be most or all of the school districts from around here in order to work more effectively. There will be a lot of unhappy parents due to child care expenses. On the other hand, us teachers will probably enjoy it. As it is most of us already stay late hours at school everyday to finish up. The districts will have to show how much they are saving by doing this and at the same time maintain or improve scores.
  • Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
     
    I read the article and I believe the 4-day week has its benefits but as well it has its downside. I believe at the end the positive benefits will outweigh the downsides. If any district is going to implement the 4-day week, the district has to have the parents and community behind them if they want the system to work. I can see how having a 4-day week will have a positive effect on test scores, because the students and teachers will make every hour count for instructional time, knowing they only have 4 days to teach the concept within the week. I can also see improvement in attendance with students and staff, now parents and teachers can schedule their appointments on the off day during the week. Article: http://crosscut.com/2012/02/16/education/21873/The-fourday-school-week-why-less-really-is-more/ A superintendent in Oregon explains the reasons why a shift to a four-day school week works well for students, teachers, and families. Start with better academic performance.
Alyssa Tanguma

The Nerdy Teacher - 12 views

www.thenerdyteacher.com

shared by Alyssa Tanguma on 14 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • Using My iPad In The Classroom This Year
    • Joshua McDonald
      Joshua McDonald on 15 Oct 12
       
      This is actually one of a series of posts he has done on his experience with iPads in the classroom. That was how I first discovered him, a google search for iPads in the classroom. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 15 Oct 12
       
      IMPORTANT!!!! The Nerdy Teacher is a Diigo bookmark shared by Joshua McDonald but I don't know why it says it was shared by me when I just added a sticky and highlighted in response to this post.
  • Blog Archive
    • Joshua McDonald
      Joshua McDonald on 15 Oct 12
       
      Impressive history to look through if you have some free time.
  • My Visitors
    • Joshua McDonald
      Joshua McDonald on 15 Oct 12
       
      As you can see his influence is global!
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 21 Oct 12
       
      Wow!!! Talk about him tailoring specifically to his audience and to Global Influence teacher needs. IMPRESSED!!!!
  • ...11 more annotations...
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 15 Oct 12
       
      "The First Five Minutes" is a very good blog entry that will help you change the way you start class.
  • How do you start your class?
  • I found something very interesting after looking at my classes for about 6 weeks. The first five minutes set the tone for the entire class.
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 21 Oct 12
       
      I start my class by having student interaction....them recapping with friends and them asking me questions about myself. They start feeling comfortable and I try to make it a friendly environment. When you have kids feeling appreciated you will have learning and collaboration.
    • Joshua McDonald
      Joshua McDonald on 27 Oct 12
       
      That is a great point @Sara Aldape
    • Yadira Flores
      Yadira Flores on 15 Oct 12
       
      The Blog here says something that is very true as humans we have the need to socialize, and students have those needs also. Another thing I know from my experience is that if students fell that we care enough about them they will start caring about you too and as result perform fro you.
    • Joshua McDonald
      Joshua McDonald on 18 Oct 12
       
      Couldn't agree more with that statement...that is why I usually dont get into curriculum during the first couple of weeks of my class. Instead I work really hard to develop a relationship with them. One of the best things I have seen is making sure I learn their names fast. It is sad to say that there are still teachers on my campus that dont know many (if any) of their students' names.
  • I have learned so much about my students from talking with them and sharing ideas.
  • One of the new things I have brought to my class this year is Student Blogging. Now, if you are a regular reader of this blog, you are thinking that blogging is nothin new to my classroom. Well, I'm having students do something a little bit different this year.
    • Jaime Villarreal
      Jaime Villarreal on 15 Oct 12
       
      I agree that the first five minutes of class of very crucial in establishing the tone of the class. I have noticed that when I spend the first minutes of class interested in there dailly activities there is always smooth transition of their attention to my planned activities. Would like to share the following website: http://www.techlearning.com/index
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 21 Oct 12
       
      I loved the fact that we do need time to talk and socialize because we need to catch up on things. Have students share ideas and having them collaborate with their collegues the first five minutes will encourage them all to be able to feel a part of the class and not just having a teacher centered environment.
    • Sonia Aldape
      Sonia Aldape on 21 Oct 12
       
      Joshua, after reading The Nerdy Teacher blog I found myself reflecting on the different technology that is being used at my campus. Although, we are try to keep up with technology it seems that much more can be intergrated to enhance student learning. Thanks for the exposure.
  • One of the things I'm doing with Evernote this year is having students use it as a way to store all of their work in class. I am slowly rolling it out this year because I'm asking my students to learn many different tools and I do not want to overwhelm them
    • Alyssa Tanguma
      Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12
       
      I really like this idea. It seems it would work for any classroom. I agree that many of the students haven't seen each other in a while. I dont know about you but when I was in school, it never failed for something to happen during the passsing period that I could not wait to share with my Peers. Great Idea.
  • Joshua McDonald on 14 Oct 12
     
    As someone who wants to be a leader in their district for technology implementation, I believe one of the best things I can do is keep myself plugged into a Professional Learning Network (PLN). I dont have to figure out everything on my own....it is much simpler to steal other people's ideas :). The Nerdy Teacher has been my go to source for examining how others are using technology in the classroom, and I highly recommend making him a part of your PLN.
  • ...7 more comments...
  • Joshua McDonald on 15 Oct 12
     
    Your assignment for this week is to complete the following: 1) Check out the Nerdy Teacher's blog and post a sticky note on the website with your general impressions. (Please know that you are welcome to be as honest as you like, even if that does not agree with my thoughts on the website) 2) Via comment to this conversation, please suggest another blog, twitter account, website, etc... that would also be worth adding to a PLN. Hopefully by the end of the week there will be a good foundation for anyone looking to start forming their own PLN.
  • R. Palomares on 15 Oct 12
     
    Joshua, "The Nerdy Teacher" is an awesome blog where many ideas and things to think about are discussed. I really liked the most current blog posted titled, "The First Five Minutes". In this short blog, the educator makes a interesting discovery about allowing the first five minutes of class for students to "chat" and "catch-up", it helps with students getting ready to learn. This is so true, because we as adults do the same thing when we're getting ready to start a staff development meeting. We first "chat" for a little while and then we seem to ready to begin learning after that. As for another blog that would be great to add to the PLN, here is one I suggest: http://www.edweek.org/ew/section/blogs/index.html It has a more than 40 blog links of everything an educator may possibly want to know and comment about! Check it out for yourself!
  • Joshua McDonald on 18 Oct 12
     
    @ R. Palomares Thanks for the recommended website, it looks like a great resource.
  • Alyssa Tanguma on 18 Oct 12
     
    @ Joshua Thank you so much for sharing this blog. I think I'm addicted. Someone should recommend him turning his blog into a book. I completely fell in love with his "The First Five Minutes" blog post. I am an inclusion/co-teacher and the two English classes I'm in are very different. We usually do "Do Now's" in both classes at the beginning. One, excuse my language, is very anal about starting as soon as you walk in and the other is more laxed. Lets a couple minutes pass for the student to get mentally prepared and then goes about completing the warm up, which I find is more effective. Again, great post! Another great blog I came across is: Thinking in Mind, http://www.thinkinginmind.com/ It goes in detail about the power of networks.
  • Leonila Pena on 20 Oct 12
     
    Joshua, great link. 1. I posted my sticky note on the site and shared it with the group. 2. The blog/site I'm recommending is called, The Innovative Educator - written by Lisa Nielsen. She has great ideas on how to use technology for learning. The following link takes you to one of her blog's post named, The 5 Cs to Developing Your Personal Learning Network - http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/08/5-cs-to-developing-your-personal.html. Hope others enjoy her blog as much as I do.
  • Sara Aldape on 21 Oct 12
     
    Great Link! Lots of information.....this article that I'm recommending is called For 'Connected Educator Month,' Tips From 33 Educators We Admire By KATHERINE SCHULTEN. http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/01/for-connected-educator-month-tips-from-33-educators-we-admire/ These 33 educators have shared and answered two questions: 1. What is one important thing you've learned from someone in your Personal Learning Network (P.L.N.), however you define that network? 2. What one person, group or organization would you recommend every educator add to his or her P.L.N.? They share lots of recommendations....hope you enjoy.
  • Maribel Gracia on 21 Oct 12
     
    Enjoyed and very interesting. I start my class by showing them a image on the projector and posting a question on the board. They will collaborate among their groups for about 5 minutes and then have a discussion among the class. The images are connected to the objective of the day. I would recommend to get pictures from any website such as flicker.com or google.com
  • Sergio Perez on 22 Oct 12
     
    This blog has many posts to read. It is helpful to read what technology another teacher is using in the classroom. He does mention different technology tools to use in the classroom that are new to me. This is a blog that I will continue to read for new ideas.
  • Joshua McDonald on 27 Oct 12
Maribel Gracia

I-Need-My-Teachers-to-Learn - 12 views

Blanca, great video. Teachers and parents need to be aware with new changes especially in technology. Students are so advance in areas with technology and the world that sometimes we as adults lik...

technology education integrating tools

started by Blanca Pena on 23 Nov 12 7 follow-ups, last by Maribel Gracia on 04 Dec 12
R. Palomares liked it
R. Palomares

A Day in the Life of a Connected Classroom | Edutopia - 4 views

www.edutopia.org/...classroom-information-literacy

shared by R. Palomares on 30 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • We have a room equipped with a smart board, mounted overhead projector, and a desktop PC running Windows 7. The campus has secure wi-fi throughout. About 8 of my 20 students have a laptop.
  • I started this class by handing out a paper syllabus. I noted that this was the only paper they would receive throughout the semester
  • Wikispace
  • ...13 more annotations...
  • Wikispace.
  • Wikispace houses everything: syllabus, calendar, student pages, archived discussions, and various informative links.
  • several students in the class were taking notes on a Google Doc
  • Students can write their responses on their laptops, mobile device, or note pad.
  • Each group again opened a Google Doc and shared it with everyone in the group and me
    • Melizza Garcia
      Melizza Garcia on 09 Oct 12
       
      This article was a fantasic way of using technolgy in the classroom. The student were constently collaborating on different topics and everything was being document for future use and reference.
    • Rene Rodriguez Jr
      Rene Rodriguez Jr on 30 Sep 12
       
      I felt this article was important because it can help teachers who are new to using technology in the classroom with some ideas on the how to use technology to help our students learn and succeed.
    • Rene Rodriguez Jr
      Rene Rodriguez Jr on 30 Sep 12
       
      We as teachers use so much paper. This instructor used paper only for his syllabus.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 01 Oct 12
       
      I liked his idea of using it for the syllabus and then explaining about using the wiki.
    • Rene Rodriguez Jr
      Rene Rodriguez Jr on 30 Sep 12
       
      Students are able to use the technology to post their responses or comments.
  • Web Quests tend to be highly structured and tend to provide enough scaffolding information for students to work independently or collaboratively on self directed tasks.
  • Teaching the writing process, grammar, and mechanics can be boring for anyone, however when you allow students to use Facebook to discover these essential skills, the engagement factor increases.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 01 Oct 12
       
      Wow, he found an awesome way to teach the writing process through the using Facebook.
  • As I reflect on this class dynamic I am constantly trying to find new ways to connect my students.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 01 Oct 12
       
      I liked how he mentioned that he constantly tries to find new ways to incorporate technology.
  • manage to mess up the copied syllabus by some how not printing the first page of the reading schedule. Paper: Fail. Once the syllabu
  • l at once. I was surprised that none of the students in the class had ever used a Wikispace
  • Rene Rodriguez Jr on 30 Sep 12
     
    An article on a typical day in a technology connected classroom.
  • ...2 more comments...
  • R. Palomares on 01 Oct 12
     
    I found this article very interesting and it can be giving to first new teachers who have never used technology in the classroom. I liked how he printed the basic first page of the syllabus and then how he explained on useing the wiki for the complete syllabus, calendar, and other information relating to the class. This is a very good article to show how one teacher is incorporating technology in his classroom. Thank you for sharing Rene!
  • Sonia Aldape on 07 Oct 12
     
    Rene, the article provides interesting information about an effective way to infuse technology into content in a classroom. By exposing students to tweeting, wikispaces and blogs it provides enough scaffolding information for students to work independently or collaboratively on self-directed tasks.
  • Santos Alvarado on 08 Oct 12
     
    Rene, the article is very informative about how an effective classroom should look like while integrating technology. I like how many of these students were in awe when the professor showcased the class wikispace. I like how the professor was exposing his students to different types of Web 2.0 tools to have students collaborate and discuss concepts and information. Article: Technology Integration for Elementary Schools- http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-technology-integration
  • Saul Mendiola on 17 Oct 12
     
    This is a great and interesting article. I think with all these tools available now we can have many classrooms like these and imagine what will come in the near future. Integration of technology should be done in every single classroom to promote student involment.
Yadira Flores

Soon, eye movements can be your new password - Indian Express - 1 views

www.indianexpress.com/...2

shared by Yadira Flores on 29 Oct 12 - No Cached
    • Yadira Flores
      Yadira Flores on 29 Oct 12
       
      Very interesting article. I think it would be a good idea to start new ways to keep identities but, the problem I see is that we  are not using technology to stay ahead of the crooks.
Mario Ortiz

Soon, eye movements can be your new password - 1 views

www.indianexpress.com/...1016672

technology

shared by Mario Ortiz on 22 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • Mario Ortiz on 22 Oct 12
     
    Taking cue from iris scans used in UID in India, researchers are developing a new biometric system that can identify people by the way they flicker their eyes while looking at a computer screen. Oleg Komogortsev, a computer scientist at Texas State University-San Marco, is making use of the fact that no two people look at the world in the same way .
  • Maribel Gracia on 29 Oct 12
     
    Mario, Very interesting article. Imagine if we had to use our eyemovement as a password OMG. I'll bet my eyes will move everywhere and i will not get the password correct. Never thought that people had to looked at the computer creen the same way. according to the article, we really don't ..Wow very interesting.
Sara Aldape

The 100 Best Web 2.0 Classroom Tools Chosen By You - Edudemic - 15 views

edudemic.com/...best-web-tools

shared by Sara Aldape on 21 Oct 12 - No Cached
    • Alyssa Tanguma
      Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12
       
      Great Classroom management tool to use. It is very similar to facebooks older layout (the one we all loved).
    • vincent briseno
      vincent briseno on 04 Nov 12
       
      Thanks for sharing this website. I am always very interested to know what other teachers are using. Teacher recommendations give credibility to the sites and this list helps limit the lengthy process of evaluation web 2.0 tools.
    • Alyssa Tanguma
      Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12
       
      I am a special education teacher and I've created a couple of these for the students to learn from....THEY LOVE IT!! Instead of the traditional lecturing or using a, excuse my language, boring ppt, a glog is something new for them to venture with as wel as learn from.
    • Sonia Aldape
      Sonia Aldape on 05 Nov 12
       
      I agree that GlogsterEdu is great for students to utilize and work in the classroom for reports or Biographies. I hope to introduce this web 2.0 tool to my 4th graders to develop their presentation for a Biography that I have assigned. Great web site. Thank you Alyssa.
    • Alyssa Tanguma
      Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12
       
      How many of use have heard, "Miss, I forgot my pindrive at home?" or "Miss, I lost my pindirve!" I sure have had my fair share. Dropbox allows you to be pindrive free.
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 13 Nov 12
       
      Oh yes!!!! It even helps me when I don't have my pin drive with me. Thanks for sharing these tools.
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • To share your Web 2.0 tool, just leave a comment on this post or on the Edudemic Facebook page.
    • Marivel Garcia
      Marivel Garcia on 03 Nov 12
       
      I have not taken the Web 2.0 class yet but I have been very lucky to have a team that utilizes these tools very effectively. As a team we use Dropbox and are very faithful to it. I can see how this would be a great tool for the upper grades to avoid the "I forgot my work" routine.
    • Marivel Garcia
      Marivel Garcia on 03 Nov 12
       
      There are so many great websites to help ease those of us that are hesitant to expose our students to this type of learning. I love using Voki in my classroom and I also like to occasionally go on a Web Tour and allow my kids to read up on all the different types of tools that are available and others just like them are using. Great Info. Thanks
  • EDMODO: My personal favorite is www.edmodo.com – the look and feel of Facebook with the educational perspective…polls, assignments, a gradebook, and now quizzes!
    • Yadira Flores
      Yadira Flores on 24 Oct 12
       
      I signed up for an account but have not really explored it. I will make sure to use it. If it is like facebook my students will love it.
  • DROPBOX: My favorite web 2.0 tool is dropbox.com. I have shared many files with this and have accessed my files from a myriad of computers – even when out of the country!
    • Leonila Pena
      Leonila Pena on 22 Oct 12
       
      Love, love, love Dropbox. It has gotten me out of so many of those situations where I have forgotten my pen drive. In my last job every year hundreds of pen drives would be ordered by administrators to pass out to the teachers so that they could save the training materials that were provided by the trainers. This year, as part of the IT dept. we made the recommendation of using Dropbox in place of pen drives to save money. The departments saved hundreds of dollars and many teachers loved it because they could access their materials from anywhere. This also reduced the spread of viruses, which are most often brought in to the network via pen drives.
    • Alyssa Tanguma
      Alyssa Tanguma on 22 Oct 12
       
      I think we are going to make it mandatory for ALL the students to create an email account within the next two weeks of school. I'm going to recommend that at the same time they create a dropbox account.
    • Yadira Flores
      Yadira Flores on 24 Oct 12
       
      Good idea! It would be great that all of our students at our campus had one and that our administrators would enforce it. It would be easy to have a collaborative folder like dropbox.
  • GLOGSTEREDU: GlogsterEdu is my and my students’ current favorite Web 2.0 tool. It gets technology out of the way, letting us express, share and discuss our ideas in unique, creative ways. Besides, it is just plain fun!
    • Yadira Flores
      Yadira Flores on 23 Oct 12
       
      I wish I had time to learn about all this tools. I think it is not impossible and if we introduce one to our students every week, they will be ready. Great resource page, thanks for sharing.
    • Santos Alvarado
      Santos Alvarado on 30 Oct 12
       
      I really enjoy using Vuvox, its an alternative way to present information in a slideshow. Students also have fun be creative with their information. Heres a great website on Web 2.0 Tools: Effective Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom https://sites.google.com/site/educationalweb20tools/
    • Sara Aldape
      Sara Aldape on 13 Nov 12
       
      I have used photobucket in the classroom and also personally. Keeps your photos organized. Great Web 2.0 tool.
  • Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12
     
    As the title says, The best 100 Web 2.0 classroom tools. I know many of us are still a little new to a lot of the tools out there. This link is my tech bible. I constantly look at it when I want to grab my students attention again and challenge/intrigue them with a new tool. I have noticed that there are a handful that do not appear on this list, so.... Your assignment: 1. Add a sticky to at least ONE of the tools you like to integrate most. If the is already sticky, comment on it. 2. Add a sticky on one you would like to familiarize your self with more. 3. (Optional) Add a sticky anywhere on the screen if there is a tool you use that is not on the list. I do know this list if from 2011 so I'm sure you have other favorites you like to use. http://youtu.be/0VSymMbMYHA Check out the video above. It gives me the chills for some reason.
  • ...9 more comments...
  • R. Palomares on 22 Oct 12
     
    One of the tools I like the most is VOKI. Voki is awesome because it catches the viewers attention since the first time they look at your presentation. One of the tools that I have not used yet but would like to try it out is "PENZU". I actually had never heard about it until now that I looked at this list. This website is a GREAT RESOURCE to have available. Thank you for sharing Alyssa! I actually did not want to put this in a sticky note on the original website page because then it would say that I shared this website even-though it's you who is sharing it.
  • Alyssa Tanguma on 22 Oct 12
     
    @ R. Palomares: Is that why it does that (referring to the sticky)? I was wondering why it had said I had shared the website for another link. Thanks!! Yeah, there were a lot of tools I had never heard about on this list. It helps to better understand my knowledge for this 21st century shift.
  • Melizza Garcia on 22 Oct 12
     
    This website is Super Helpful! I have already shown it to a couple of teachers in my wing and they are excited to have so many site to choose from. I've spoken to my principal to give a mini training on a couple of site in 2 weeks. I defintley will start with Dropbox for the same reasons L Pena explained above (always forgetting my pindrive). Penzu was impressive something our English department will enjoy and Poll Anywhere is great way of getting students started with BYOD in the classroom.
  • Marivel Garcia on 23 Oct 12
     
    It is great to be able to have all these different sites available with ideas on how to use them. I was able to see how it's even divided into categories, like sites for teaching, sites for planning, sites for reinforcing it is a great website and another one on my favorites list. There is not one that I prefer over another they are all so useful. In my grade level we have become faithful users of Drop Box in order to plan more effectively and have instant access to all lessons. Also Prezzi is one that my kids get easily engaged with we have been enhancing our novels with this. Great job, thanks for sharing.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 24 Oct 12
     
    Amazing article I read on here. I would implement as many web 2.0 tools as possible in my classroom. In my computer lab however students are only working on science components in preperation for the science STARR and end of course review sessions. Students have used stixy notes for note taking strategies. I would highly encourage web 2.0 tools in classrooms and get approval from administration what tools are used.
  • Santos Alvarado on 30 Oct 12
     
    Great resource website for Web 2.0 Tools. I really enjoy using Vuvox, its an alternative way to present information in a slideshow. Students also have fun be creative with their information. Heres another link for Web 2.0 Tools: Effective Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom https://sites.google.com/site/educationalweb20tools/
  • Marivel Garcia on 03 Nov 12
     
    My favorite is Dropbox it is a great way to collaborate we utilize it within our integrated grade levels, 5th and 6th and we have immediate access to any new idea or information that benefits our teaching.
  • Diana Cedillo on 05 Nov 12
     
    Hey Alyssa, does this use up space like icloud? I know I tried getting my students to use icloud or any other online storage space BUT our campus said it takes up too much bandwidth. Does this work the same?
  • Mario Ortiz on 11 Nov 12
     
    I am using some of these tools in my classroom, but I was not aware that there were so many Web 2.0 tools. I am going to look into some of these Web 2.0 tools to integrate in my classroom.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 16 Nov 12
     
    I'm using a couple of web 2.0 tools in the classroom and its going great so far.
  • Maribel Gracia on 26 Nov 12
     
    Every tool is useful for my students but the one that they are most familiar with is glosteredu. They have use this web 2.0 tool to create a poster for their presentations. i would like to be more familiarize with dropbox.
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