Student News

Well, I have opened the proverbial can of worms.  Earlier this week my current events class was watching CNN's student news.  There was an item about the new school in LA opening.  The question of the day was what makes a good school - the building or the environment within?  My class seemed to agree that while an awesome building is great it's really "cool teacher's that don't just talk to you all day" that make a school.  So silly me went into the blog and we created a class comment.

How is that opening a can of worms you ask?  Well, today's item is about a district offering parents money for their student's college fund to attend open house, conferences, and the such.  As I was telling my homeroom class the basics of the item one of my students asked "do you have to have an account to add your comment?"  Oh boy - "no" I replied as I reminded him that all comments need to be appropriate.

The easing of control begins.  The biggest hurdle with technology is letting the kids use it without feeling like you need to monitor and review everything.... and it begins.  If nothing else this class year will test my ability to let the students truly have creative control.

If you are interested in our comment it was posted on Aug. 25 (it was post 56 so it's a ways down).

Glitches happen

Well, my opening letter says glitches happen and they do.  :)  As we were having issues getting students connected to my wiki page one of them spoke up and said "you said there might be glitches!"  Love that my students do listen to me. 

I'm trying to use the class wiki much more than the website last year.  I think it is easier since I can load assignments, links, etc. easier by adding a new page for them.  They are starting a plagiarism webquest to learn about copying/cheating early on with the understanding that there is zero tolerance in my classroom for those actions.  Most classes got a good start even with the technical glitches (we were able to direct them to the website for the webquest instead of having them go through my wiki page).

It's a good start.  Computers in the classroom the third day of school, wiki up and going, tech integrated in the first lesson, xtranormal already used, and podcasts planned for next week - I'm on a roll!

First Day Back

Today was the first day back to work (for real).  I've already decided how to incorporate tech into my first few lesson plans.  I'm pretty sure things won't run too smoothly since I don't think the computer carts are usually ready right away - but I'm determined!  If I can re-acquaint myself with the Intel tools, I will have my students ranking specifics within my rules (ie: forms of respect).  My first full integration will come with the copyright and plagiarism unit.  My students will create PSA's for that unit to hopefully play during our announcements and on our radio station. 

Those are my initial ideas.  I'll keep you posted on how well I'm succeeding.  :)

Day 5 of the Tok Tech Experience

Day 5 of what I refer to now as the Tok Tech Experience and I am creating a blog.  Who knew?!  I've learned a lot of new apps this week and definitely need the weekend to absorb all the info.  Whew.  A great week though.