Free Applications

I started off preview the Google Doc application.  I have to admit I sat and starred at it a bit, fiddled around, and then decided to look for a tutorial on it!  It was very helpful in guiding me through some of it's options.  The thing I like the most about it is how easy it is to create and manipulate various documents with a group of either co-workers or students.  I liked that there was the ability to use applications such as powerpoint through this program.  In addition, it allows you to download already created either presentations or documents, invite others to come along for the ride, and then each invited individual can add or delete what they would like.  I also enjoyed that you were able to import pictures, videos, etc.  I also loved that you were able to organize all of your documents in an orderly fashion so that they were easily accessible. 

I think this would be valuable to use with adults/staff.  My fear with students is that they are able to manipulate each other's information whenever they desire.  I think there are many students that might spend quality time on a piece they added and then another student could just come and manipulate it and they would be quite bummed.  I think I need to play around and see if there is a way of putting more specific control over how the documents can be maniuplate and shared.  I would definitely recommend this to co-workers because it gives them the ability to share and create presentations/documents without all being around one computer or crossing things off on paper and then putting it back in the computer.

I then decided to play with Picnik.  I loved the name and thought let's give it a try.  I absolutely was blown away with this online application.  This application allows you to edit your photos.  There are so many possibiliities with this application in terms of its editing ability.  You were able to do all the normal editing such as croping, red eye, rotation, black/white/sepia, and ordering various sizes.  That was only a minute piece of this application.  My comment to my husband after playing with it was, "Gosh, you pretty much don't need to be a good photographer, but just be a phenominal editor!"  I was amazed on the that you could grab photos from picasa, flickr, facebook, photobucket, myspace, webshots, webs, and your computer.  Its editing abilities is unreal.  You're able to create all different kinds of effects, use fonts, and also framing.  You're able to print, show, and/or share your photos in all various ways.  I would absolutely recommend this to co-workers!  I think they would REALLY love what this application has to offer.  I could see using this application with older students only for the purpose of hitting the artist side of an assignment.  I don't know if there would be much more academic purpose for this application.  Although, it is very fun to use and I for me addicting!  I definitely could see myself spending hours playing around with photos.

Website

I am really excited about this week's activity.  Initially I struggled with manipulating the selected formatted site.  Once I got the hand of it I kept wanted to play with it a bit more.  It is amazing the possibilities that this site could ofhttps://sites.google.com/site/shorelineelementaryfirstgrade/homefer to parents.  In addition, it would allow me to easily post important documents and information and know that parents would receive this information.  First graders are just starting to learn responsibility.  So often a parent will call and have no idea that there was a field trip, party, or conferences because the note never got home.  I created this website to help all my parents become more involved with their child's experience within the classroom.  This is only a taste of what the site would and could include.  I would love to post pictures and maybe even silly stories about our day.  I find as a parent and a teacher that I miss out on that important "pick-up" conversation with my own kids.  If I could offer parents some of the little things that occurred during our day it could help them connect with their child.  I hope you enjoy my site!  Again, it is only a beginning!   Here it is....https://sites.google.com/site/shorelineelementaryfirstgrade/home

This is mapping of our yearly first grade expectations that are currently in place.  I created this to present to the first grade staff.  In this type of format is very easy for the eye to see that our monthly expectations are not all weighed the same.  This is the initial map that I would present and would hope that it would create discussion as to ways that we could improve our yearly outlook.  The next step after the months were looked at would be to add addition information to the map.  This information would be activities that are set into place for each of the monthly expectations.  Again, we would then re-look at the map and decide where we need to focus our efforts.  We would visually be able to see where we need to add/change activities.  The last step would be to add the GLC's to each of the areas.  We would need to go back to the web and also our GLC's and make sure that all aspects of the GLC's were covered.  Once this full map is complete it would be easy for staff to create specific units that would be used for each expectations.  This is a great visual for new staff coming in or old staff to stay on track!

Screencasting and Microsoft Word

Screencasting! What fun. It was difficult to think of how to have first graders use this tool. I do think though that first grade teachers could really benefit from this tool. Instead of going down to a teacher's room to explain how to embedd a graph within a microsoft document I could send them this video. The video would allow them to follow along step by step.

Expected Map

Map





View Tour of Whitehall's History in a larger map

History Lesson via Maps

I chose to do a lesson plan that would not only allow the students to use MyMaps, but also learn about the History of Whitehall. I would have them work in groups. Groups would start by researching the city of Whitehall using various resources. Then, they would take the information and develope a map using MyMaps. They would chose 5-7 of what they felt were the most important historical points of Whitehall. They would use this map to present to the class the History of Whitehall.

Podcasts and Education

Podcasts? That is how I first felt when hearing the term and researching them. I couldn't quite wrap my brain around the concept. Then, I started looking into the various types of podcasts and actually listening to some Podcasts. I have to say I picked this specific podcast for 2 reasons. First, I liked that it was a panel of people versus one voice. Secondly, I enjoyed the topic at hand. It was refreshing to hear various people discuss technology and the different ways technology plays a role in our society and also history. Check it out! The title is "Using Technology to Achieve Ambitious Goals." Enjoy.