tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647691186309218762024-03-12T19:49:12.123-07:00Tech Coach ZTeaching technology to promote learning.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-74441094892112211822010-06-08T07:52:00.000-07:002010-06-09T11:24:03.919-07:00Game play all day!In the last day of my computer 8 class, most projects were turned in and I allowed students to search for computer games. I was amazed at the variety and how many of the games used critical thinking and problem solving. Even innovation was used as some girls were designing their own wardrobes.<br />
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This made me think about games. Should we use guided game play to learn more? My class was quiet and the students were engaged in playing or I'll call it learning. Would this be a better practice for teaching? Guided play. After a quick <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=NNL&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&&sa=X&ei=vlcOTJq_GZLUM4r-9MkM&ved=0CBIQvwUoAQ&q=Guided+play&spell=1">google search on guided play</a>, I was amazed at how many sites included this topic. Especially at young ages.<br />
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Would more guided play help fuse the three Rs and four Cs (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation). Something for us teachers to think about.<br />
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Check this site out Math Interventions. Resource to find sites with many games to learn and grow math skills. <a href="http://livebinders.com/play/play/14058">http://livebinders.com/play/play/14058 </a><br />
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Great web site about games for learning:<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Videogames are emerging as a new medium for learning. Advances in modding technologies, graphic libraries, and game editors are making the creation of educational gaming a multi-million dollar industry.</span><br />
<a href="http://website.education.wisc.edu/kdsquire/research.html#designing">http://website.education.wisc.edu/kdsquire/research.html#designing </a>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-33900949901256716512010-06-08T05:46:00.000-07:002010-06-08T05:46:22.472-07:00Twitter Prompted WritingsI love to look at the trending topics in twitter. It's really interesting what people are talking about the most. From the hashtag #idonotsupport, the world cup soccer tournament, to the recovery of the economy it gives you a sense of what is important to many people in the world today. <br />
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In a recent computer assignment, I introduced this web tool called twitter to my students. I love the concept of getting into the world conversation. I love the power behind twitter's operation. I'm still afraid to give Middle Schoolers twitter accounts, due to some of the nasty and obscene post, but I have found that the trending topics are great generators of blog posts. Having students write about trending topics makes writing interesting, fun, and relevant.<br />
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Keep on twittering. Keep on Blogging. Engage in a world of trending twitter topic prompts.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-50200399704092111312010-03-24T04:48:00.000-07:002010-03-24T04:49:51.886-07:00Do you own your own library. I do. It's online at http://www.diigo.com/user/zmanrdzDiigo is a place where you store all the articles that you have read online. Why would you want to do this? Well lets say you have a class that you need to write a paper on. You have tagged all the articles with words that correspond with the content like "Reading". You click on the "Reading" tag and you have all your resources for your paper. But that's not all! You can know follow people that have tagged articles on "Reading" and you now have more resources than you can every use. The power of collaboration at it's best. Take the time out of research, Find your research with out digging into stacks of paper and start making your professional life a little less crazy. Maybe even un-clutter your house a little.<br />
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Sign up for your account today at <a href="http://rileymsstaff.ning.com/group/webtoolsforlearningweb20/forum/topics/www.diigo.com">www.diigo.com</a>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-36814431042550596582010-03-05T10:29:00.000-08:002010-05-28T10:53:26.049-07:00RSS Feeds. Have one yet? If not you are behind the times!RSS = Real Simple Syndication. Why waste time looking for information, when you can ask your computer to bring this information to you. Free yourself from going to your local news web page to read. Love flowers find the latest and greatest in the florist industry. Keep up to date with news from your favorite college or university. Wikipedia defines RSS as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS</a> is a family of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_feed" title="Web feed">web feed</a> formats used to publish frequently updated works—such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog" title="Blog">blog</a> entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format.<br />
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So how do you sign up?<br />
Download a free reader at:<br />
<a href="http://www.rssowl.org/download">http://www.rssowl.org/download</a><br />
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Or get your online Reader at:<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/reader">http://www.google.com/reader</a>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-32969382266299118872010-02-25T10:44:00.000-08:002010-03-15T18:49:59.524-07:00Student Blogs. It's time that every school has a system!Why should I write when nobody is reading? Knowing somebody is reading my writing motivates me. Wouldn't it be the same for students? Authentic audiences make sense. <br />
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Both Twitter and Blogger have become my favorite writing tools. They have given me an authentic relative audience. I would love to see students have their own blog page, where they can post poems, stories, or just write about the favorite baseball team. Every school should put together a blog system. It just makes sense that every student have a space to write, a digital showcase of thoughts, poems, articles, stories, etc. Showcase what students have done, let people comment, give feed back, and explore topics. If all the poems, stories and papers I wrote been saved, stored digitally for me to review, reuse and update I would love it. If your school has such a program I would love to hear about it. <br />
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A year ago I started a ning for my school. If you don't know what a ning is it's like facebook but for a group of people that you invite or a topic that you decide. It started as a computer projects that allowed students to understand the good and bad of social media in a safe environment. What I realized is that students now have their own page where they can place pictures, videos blogs, and journals. Soon students were posting their own poems and stories. They were talking about the books that they read. It's fantastic. Students can comment on the work of others, share their stories and enhance learning through this tool.<br />
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I found two unexpected outcomes came out of the assignment. One, students writing improved, because the knew that their stories were getting read. Second, the discussion and comments enhanced learning. By "practicing" writing skills will grow. Students will become better writers and creative thinkers. <br />
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So here's the plan:<br />
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1) Have your school make a place where students can write and post all there work.<br />
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2) Make these blogs open to student and public comment so that the end results will students will become better writers. Student Blogs. It's time. Does your school have a system?Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-28788970400634489522010-02-02T05:39:00.000-08:002010-02-04T11:10:35.199-08:00Twitter: A Little R & W (Read & Writing)English teachers love to improve writing. Every day they teach techniques and find best practices, finding those methods that engage the students has been their passion. I recall my 8th grade English teacher using prompts to promote writing. "Who it your favorite teacher, write a paragraph why?" "Write 2 paragraphs about President Reagan." While I wrote, I hated writing. I didn't appreciated the topics and and it made this time "hellish". The only people that ever read my writing was my teacher, and I'm not sure she looked at all of them either. <br />
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Recently I read this tweet from @tomwhitby re-tweeting @cwebtech.<br />
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Micro Blog = Prompt. Hmmm! I paused and reflected. Yes, I have done more writing and commenting in the last year that ever before in my life. Why? I am prompted to do so by others with the same interest that I do. I even started to blog, putting my thoughts and visions into words in an electronic web log format (blog).<br />
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Do you want to get your students to write more? Have them sign up for a twitter account. Search keywords and have them follow people with the same passion. Soon they will be prompted to write. They will be doing a lot of R and W (Reading and Writing) Then have them expand those thoughts as they create there own personal blogs in blogger or edublogs. How about partnering with another school, maybe outside your state and country. Students can read the partner schools blogs and have them share their thoughts? Let the conversation begin. Let the writing expand!<br />
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Yes, twitter and blogs are powerful collaboration tools that can engage a student in learning. It makes writing relevant and also creates an audience for students to write to. Go on get those students writing by having them enter in the conversation.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-10835041405551610162010-01-29T04:55:00.000-08:002010-01-29T04:55:42.071-08:00Thank You Twitter, I'm Writing Better.I wouldn't consider myself a great writer. Matter of fact, as a business, recreation and physical education major, writing didn't come easy. I avoided writing at all cost. I procrastinated on research papers in High School. In college I choose presentations over term papers. I hated writing a journal during my student teaching. Fast forward 20 years.<br />
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But then it happened. I signed up for twitter, and really didn't know what to expect. Writing my first post, I was nervous. Will people like what I have to say? Will people follow me? Yes, I was scared to make people my "friends." My mind was filled with "what if" questions. What if I am stalked? What if people said mean things? What if my password is breached? Cyberbullies?<br />
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Over 1600 post later, twitter has changed my life. My PLN is fantastic as we share concepts, articles and best practices in education. I love to find new trends and best practices as we strive to become better educators.<br />
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While I'm currently consumed in the process of writing, yes twittering, I didn't realize condensing text down to words fitting the 140 character limited has made me a better writer. Most likely it's the result of just writing more, but I feel better about expressing my thoughts and ideas. Here is what I have found:<br />
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1) My concepts are clearer. 140 characters makes you think about what you really want to say.<br />
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2) I'm using fewer words. Not as much fluff.<br />
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3) A thesaurus is my friend. Online thesauruses help me explore using different words. <br />
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4) I'm aware on verb tenses, Yes, I know I still need additional help with verbs.<br />
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5) I'm not worrying about making a mistake or three. It's the process that counts. <br />
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Studies are supporting my finding. Recently techdirt.com posted an article with the title: <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://techdirt.com/articles/20090904/0344536106.shtml?utm_campaign=BackType&utm_medium=bt.io-twitter&utm_source=&utm_content=backtype-tweetcount"> Even More Research: Technology Is Making Kids Better Writers, Not Worse</a>. In the article it states,</span><br />
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<blockquote>"Every few months or so, we read about some freaked out reporter/columnist/pundit/politician complaining about how the internet and texting are <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090318/0321244168.shtml">destroying</a> kids' ability to write. Yet, pretty much every study on the subject has found the opposite to be true. <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20060731/1938242.shtml">Study</a> after <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/blog/wireless/articles/20041223/1427218.shtml">study</a> after <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20051031/1836235.shtml">study</a> after <a href="http://techdirt.com/articles/20080916/1957542289.shtml">study</a> after <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090224/0128203880.shtml">study</a> have all found that kids today are better writers than in the past." </blockquote>So, the fact that twitter has helped me to become a better writer is enough to say, "Thank you twitter for helping me."<br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
username = 'zmanrdz';
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<script src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-29450373991294933382010-01-25T08:45:00.000-08:002010-01-27T05:46:52.975-08:00The Best Professional Development day(s) ever? The Power of Technology"I didn't learn a thing!" "That was so boring!" "What a waste of another day!" Sick and tired of hearing comments like these after teacher development days. There's another option. It's time to use technology and technology power to enhance staff development. It's time to move past the speaker, one topic model of PD day to a day of sharing, growing learning, being engaged, relevant and inspiring. Time to see unlimited development full of collaboration, sharing best practices, and learning through the power of social media and learning networks. During your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_development">professional development</a> day, give teachers the time to join in and be inspired to learn from each other and from educators around the world.<br />
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Let's get things started. Of course, dough-nuts and coffee first. These are the main-stays to professional development. Then how about modeling how to use these social media learning communities. A technology coach would show how to join a group, how to write your blog for others to comment on, how to embed a video and how to link articles for others to read. After the initial meeting, lets break out to classrooms and labs and start the conversation and sharing.<br />
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Afraid that staff won't accomplish anything and waste the day. The hope is that teachers will be engaged, boredom isn't an issue. Still worried. Assign tasks for teachers to do. For example, teachers will join 2 learning groups and make 5 comments and suggestions to these groups. Teachers will start a blog and then comment on 5 colleges blogs. Teachers will research 2 best practice articles to share with others using links. Social learning communities will allow teachers to share ideas, but more importantly find new ideas, practices, and tools that will enhance there teaching. We can easily check what they did by looking at there page. Are they engaged? What did they learn? Do they have the skills to learn, share and grow through technology.?<br />
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After hours learning, sharing, and collaborating, lets come back for a time of celebration and praise. Let's see who is the model citizens in the learning community and at the same time see the information and ideas that they have learned about, explored and shared.<br />
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So how do we set up this technology based day. Let's start by creating a community in a free web 2.0 tool <a href="http://www.ning.com/">Ning.</a> With initial set up by a technology coach, teachers can easily be invited and the learning begin. Your network can be a private network or how about inviting your neighbor schools district to join in the sharing. <br />
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I would also suggest using <a href="http://twitter.com/">twitter</a>. Sign up for an account and follow others and be followed. Share best practices, learn about new trends and in general make yourself a better teacher. For information on how to create an account view my presentation and <a href="http://docs.google.com/a/hpseagles.net/present/view?id=dc5595zm_153xcqcrkcs">twitter empowered teachers.</a><br />
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What's cool is development will begin within your schools walls during professional development day, but soon it will spread to sofas at home and in the coffee shop down the street. It will be used during weekends, summer vacations or whenever teachers have time to learn something new. You will harness a world of knowledge through local teachers and educators worldwide. And it has been logged so that you can find post that interest you whenever, and wherever.<br />
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What do teachers want to learn about during professional development? Things that are vital to there lessons plans tomorrow. Things like, how can we improve reading? What tools do you use? How are you going to teach students the countries of Europe or the States of the USA? A technology based PD (professional development) or PLN (professional learning networks) will bring teachers knowledge about topics, and new ideas to use and share. No more wasted time. Let's give them what they want. relative topics that they can use.<br />
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PS: Maybe by being involved in an learning community, teachers will see the power and develop ways to get students involved in these communities. Wow, how cool is that?<br />
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Some good examples:<br />
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<div id="xg_masthead"><div id="xg_sitename"><a href="http://edupln.ning.com/" id="application_name_header_link">The Educator's PLN</a><br />
</div><div id="xg_sitedesc">The personal learning network for educators<br />
</div></div><a href="http://edupln.ning.com/">http://edupln.ning.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://wtdstc.ning.com/" id="application_name_header_link">West Texas Digital Storytelling Collaborative</a> <br />
<a href="http://wtdstc.ning.com/">http://wtdstc.ning.com/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Video on the power of Personal Learning Networks</span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxK0OSvKEU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxK0OSvKEU</a><br />
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Comment by <a class="fn url" href="http://edupln.ning.com/profile/RhondaRoysden">Rhonda Roysden</a> <br />
Powerful! "Professional learning and collaboration can happen anytime, anywhere...even on the couch at home, while watching TV in your pajamas!" This hits home with me! Learning and collaborating in the comfort of my own home!<br />
Source: <a href="http://edupln.ning.com/video/the-creation-of-aprofessional">http://edupln.ning.com/video/the-creation-of-aprofessional</a><br />
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Does your school have a <a href="http://www.ning.com/">ning</a> set up for professional development? Do your teachers join groups to learn from each other? Do teachers <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog">blog</a> about what is working in there class? Do they share video tutorials about which teaching skills work the best. The cool thing is that this can be done. Ning allows you to create and join new social networks for your interests and passions, with the intent on learning.<br />
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Example of an initial ning setup. <a href="http://hpsstaff.ning.com/">http://hpsstaff.ning.com/</a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
username = 'zmanrdz';
</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-72187974456852316422010-01-22T06:21:00.000-08:002010-01-22T09:38:09.181-08:00Blender 3d Animation: Math Applied.Ok class, today we make 3d models using <a href="http://www.blender.org/">Blender</a>. Open the program and see a square, no maybe it's a cube. Let's see, can we view it from the top, how about the front or the right. Let's see if we can orbit around the cube. Let's add a circle. No, we need a sphere. Which axes can we rotate the object around. How about the Z axes. If we scale the sphere do we need to double it?<br />
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At first glance Blender an open source 3d modeling and animation program seemed complicated and beyond my grasp. But with help from youtube and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Ndmpiq84A&feature=player_embedded">Blender tutorials</a>, I began to understand the basics of the interface and the power Blender has for teaching many skills including artistic concepts, 3d visualization, animation and math. With a brief introducation students began beginner 3d modeling. You can view student Beginner Blender examples at my <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/hpseagles.net/rzuidema/home/rms-technology/technology-3/blender-portfolio"> teachers web site</a>.<br />
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Soon after my first lessons in Blender, I found 8th grade students needed to understand math concepts or they had trouble creating objects. For example when you scale on object, how big should you scale it? Double, triple the size. When you rotate objects, which axes to you rotate it on x,y or z? How about dividing the object into parts. What surface or face should we move? Should we keep the object on this plane or move it to a parallel plane. Dimensions can be a real key when you are drawing objects.<br />
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Students naturally picked up these concepts the more they created. I loved that they applied math concepts. I wonder if math lesson plans using blender have been created? Teach the concept and then apply it using blender. I couldn't find any as I searched on google. By having students model in 3d we were applying and reinforcing basic concepts making math relevant, authentic and engaging. I would love to see more students modeling, but also applying many math concepts as they create. Did I mention, that Blender is an open source program, which means free to use and run on both mac and pc.<br />
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So if anybody knows any Blender math lesson plans let me know. Or better yet, maybe someday I will have time to create. In the mean time, the students and I keep on learning. Can't wait to learn about physics with I learn about rigging and making things move. Any physics teachers use Blender?<br />
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We pay a lot of lip service to “teaching students to be life long learners.” Where we fail is not making a shift from content driven curriculum and learning, to process driven curriculum and learning.<br />
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A few examples that could be accomplished. Wow, how cool is this.<br />
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Sue has missed three days of classes due to illness. At home she knows that the teacher has placed all worksheets, objectives and lessons online. Sue uses the teachers' tutorials to learn. Downloads all required work and digitally sends the work to the teacher finishing the required work before returning to school. Wow how cool is that.<br />
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Dave checks into his schools' online learning community where his teacher has posted a discussion on the similarities between socialism and capitalism. Dave adds his perspective and does all this from his Ipod touch. He writes a comment that the teacher sees is brilliant on how mixing the two could be the best. After prompting Dave writes a letter to his state senator who takes his suggestion and creates a bill on how to change the structure of health insurance. Wow, how cool is that.<br />
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Mrs. Smith has assigned a writing journal about the book her students are reading in class. Students use their phones to text their thoughts into the online journal, their home computer to add more content and the schools computers to complete what they had started. Students then respond to other students comments, taking the level of learning and conversations to new levels that Mrs. Smith could only dream about. Wow, how cool is that.<br />
<br />
Karen is a high achiever. The fact is that she needs to be challenged with additional concepts allowing her to learn more, share more, produce more, create more and in general become a great citizen. Karen after research, using her online library, writes a blog about how to make the school use energy more efficiently. In two years the school district saves $200,000 using her suggestions from her blog posts. Wow, how cool is that.<br />
<br />
Joe has a brother in Iraq, a soldier that he talks daily with on Skype. Joe brings his laptop in the classroom, hooks it up to the rooms projector, providing an opportunity for his classmates to learn first hand about what is happening in the war against terror. Wow, how cool is that.<br />
<br />
Mr. Hall has done 15 projects in his class each semester where students meet learning standards. He has noticed that he is holding back some students that could be doing 20 to 30 projects. He creates a self paced learning environment, were he acts as a facilitator and guide to the students learning. He uses technology including online tutorials, online course management tool, wikis and blogs. A year later he finds that all students due to engagement and interest, are finishing 20 projects with some students getting more than 30 projects completed, but more importantly the amount of learning has increased. Wow, how cool is that.<br />
<br />
Mr. Glass's students already spend tremendous amounts of time at night in AOL Instant Messenger, so he thinks that this technology could be great for learning too. Once a week each group engaged in an AIM conversation (outside of the classroom) which revolved around three seed questions he provided. The group then emailed the transcript of the dialog to him. Wow, how cool is that.<br />
<br />
These scenarios could be reality if we take steps to implement a culture of using technology to learn. What are these technology tools that teachers and students should be using? Without listing specifics brands or names, these tools should be available. <br />
<br />
A tool to display student work/samples, creating authentic audiences.<br />
A tool to allow teachers to post PDFs for downloading.<br />
A blog tool for class and school announcements or general updates.<br />
A tool to provide a calendar of scheduled events.<br />
A blog or web page or management system used to post remedial and enhance learning assignments.<br />
A school-wide standard for submitting papers. (submission via email, moodle, blog, etc.)<br />
A tool to allow videos to be posted and viewed.<br />
A tool for students to submit work for teachers that is accessible from home that allows teachers to add comments. (ideally to reduce the need for printing)<br />
A tool to publish student work for a larger audience, when desired (parents, grandparents, peers, other teachers, etc.)<br />
A tool to allow online discussion between students in a class.<br />
A tool to allow collaboration between students (peer responses to work)<br />
A tool to display student journals online.<br />
A tool to create video tutorials.<br />
A tool to communicate across cultural, country lines.<br />
A tool to create a library of resources, for students to use as resources to create and write.<br />
A tool to bring the newest information to the student without spending hours searching.<br />
A tool for surveying thoughts and gathering information.<br />
A tool for student email (student email accounts)<br />
<br />
These tools are more available than ever. Most without major cost to districts. By aligning and providing an email account, these tools can be accessed and used both in school and home, by teachers and students. Let's move to place this great tools into the students hands.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-59192800308967134472010-01-10T17:12:00.000-08:002010-01-12T09:30:00.678-08:0021st Century Tools in Education: Start with email.Does your school give every student an email account? Why not? Among safety concerns and inappropriate use issues, its seems time to place individual responsibility as the key and give this powerful tool to the students.<br />
<br />
I'm wondering if when the use of paper was introduced in schools if teachers had issues and concerns about students writing and sharing bad notes to other students. Did they worry that students would be tempted to draw pictures while the teacher is teaching. Tools are tools and students can decide to use them for the good of for the bad. Let's give the tools to the students and ask, check and teach responsible use. Like paper when we see problems with inappropriate use we take steps to warn, correct, teach and in extreme cases punish to learn.<br />
<br />
So why should we give this tool to students?<br />
<br />
1) Great communication tool.<br />
<br />
2) Opens up the use of other technology tools to stedents. They can sign up and use RSS feeds, blog, libraries and wiki's.<br />
<br />
3) Open up collaboration tools. Documents, forms, and spreadsheets where students can collaborate with each other promoting learning.<br />
<br />
Most districts provide emails to staff members and have seen the power. Let's take the next step in putting these tools in the hands of the students that need to use them to learn.<br />
<br />
Google offers Email to educational institutions.<br />
Schools can now keep up with technology demands without the hassle of managing hardware and software. Google Apps Education Edition is free for academic institutions - with no advertising for students, faculty, and staff - and offers a variety of applications to keep your campus connected. For more information click here.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/edu/index.html">http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/edu/index.html</a>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-38416932087338457682009-10-27T06:59:00.000-07:002010-01-25T09:20:13.284-08:00Twitter Empowered People with great educational best practices.<ol class="statuses" id="timeline"><li class="hentry u-SimpleK12 status" id="status_5200901437"><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/SimpleK12" title="SimpleK12">SimpleK12</a></b> 50 Awesome ways to use Skype in the Classroom <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://tinyurl.com/kooc3r" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/kooc3r</a> <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23edtech" title="#edtech">#edtech</a><a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/SimpleK12/status/5200901437" rel="bookmark">1 minute ago</a> from <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/" rel="nofollow">TweetDeck</a> <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5200901437" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@SimpleK12%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5200901437&in_reply_to=SimpleK12" title="reply to SimpleK12"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-dpeter status" id="status_5200795927"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/dpeter"><img alt="David Peter" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/422268084/dpeter0109-sm_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/dpeter" title="David Peter">dpeter</a></b> I've found that I can subscribe to Blog RSS feeds, aggregate them in Google Reader, add my own tags, AND push them to Twitter, FriendFeed<a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/dpeter/status/5200795927" rel="bookmark">6 minutes ago</a> from web <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5200795927" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@dpeter%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5200795927&in_reply_to=dpeter" title="reply to dpeter"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-techxav status" id="status_5200711976"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/techxav"><img alt="Xavier Lur" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/384496480/tx_normal.png" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/techxav" title="Xavier Lur">techxav</a></b> 10 Years Down The Road – What Will Google Do? <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://bit.ly/3EBJoZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/3EBJoZ</a> (by a teen)<a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/techxav/status/5200711976" rel="bookmark">10 minutes ago</a> from <a href="http://itweet.net/" rel="nofollow">iTweet</a> <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5200711976" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@techxav%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5200711976&in_reply_to=techxav" title="reply to techxav"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-schulbert status" id="status_5200407549"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/schulbert"><img alt="Kimberly Hulbert" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/73546538/mep_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/schulbert" title="Kimberly Hulbert">schulbert</a></b> Check out Ed Tech Start Ups on Linkedin. Great networking!! <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://bit.ly/7IrAu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/7IrAu</a> <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23edtech" title="#edtech">#edtech</a> <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23education" title="#education">#education</a> <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23technology" title="#technology">#technology</a> <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Kimberly" title="#Kimberly">#Kimberly</a><a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/schulbert/status/5200407549" rel="bookmark">24 minutes ago</a> from web <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5200407549" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@schulbert%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5200407549&in_reply_to=schulbert" title="reply to schulbert"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-schulbert status" id="status_5200394079"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/schulbert"><img alt="Kimberly Hulbert" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/73546538/mep_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/schulbert" title="Kimberly Hulbert">schulbert</a></b> New whitepaper on the positive effects of elearning <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://bit.ly/vw4q4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/vw4q4</a><a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/schulbert/status/5200394079" rel="bookmark">25 minutes ago</a> from web <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5200394079" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@schulbert%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5200394079&in_reply_to=schulbert" title="reply to schulbert"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-nharm status" id="status_5200298988"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/nharm"><img alt="Naomi Harm" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/440844062/DSCN0947_normal.JPG" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/nharm" title="Naomi Harm">nharm</a></b> Livebinders- <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://www.livebinders.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.livebinders.com</a> I Introduced this w/a group of teachers & over half are using it to org. content & share w/ students<a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/nharm/status/5200298988" rel="bookmark">29 minutes ago</a> from web <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5200298988" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@nharm%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5200298988&in_reply_to=nharm" title="reply to nharm"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-smeech status" id="status_5200188340"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/smeech"><img alt="Scott Meech" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/296479641/logo_7-3-09_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/smeech" title="Scott Meech">smeech</a></b> Latest Blog: A Representation of my thoughts on "Lifelong Learning with Technology" <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://bit.ly/3ggUDj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/3ggUDj</a><a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/smeech/status/5200188340" rel="bookmark">34 minutes ago</a> from <a href="http://twitterfeed.com/" rel="nofollow">twitterfeed</a> <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5200188340" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@smeech%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5200188340&in_reply_to=smeech" title="reply to smeech"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-AngelaMaiers status" id="status_5199505052"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/AngelaMaiers"><img alt="Angela Maiers" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/273404053/AngelaMaiers_sm_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/AngelaMaiers" title="Angela Maiers">AngelaMaiers</a></b> Free Technology for Teachers: Interactive Timeline of Space Exploration <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://ow.ly/wJmi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/wJmi</a><a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/AngelaMaiers/status/5199505052" rel="bookmark">about 1 hour ago</a> from <a href="http://www.hootsuite.com/" rel="nofollow">HootSuite</a> <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5199505052" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@AngelaMaiers%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5199505052&in_reply_to=AngelaMaiers" title="reply to AngelaMaiers"> </a><br />
</div><br />
</li>
<li class="hentry u-maggiev status" id="status_5199425575"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/maggiev"><img alt="Maggie Verster" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/318019012/maggie2.jpg_normal.gif" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/maggiev" title="Maggie Verster">maggiev</a></b> Thought I will remind you of this AMAZING FOSS (free and open source) collection of software. Cut a disk 4 your teachers. <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://ow.ly/wOfa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/wOfa</a><a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/maggiev/status/5199425575" rel="bookmark">about 1 hour ago</a> from <a href="http://www.hootsuite.com/" rel="nofollow">HootSuite</a> <br />
<div><a class="fav-action fav" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=564769118630921876&postID=3841693208733845768" id="status_star_5199425575" title="un-favorite this tweet"> </a><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=@maggiev%20&in_reply_to_status_id=5199425575&in_reply_to=maggiev" title="reply to maggiev"> </a><br />
</div><br />
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<li class="hentry u-zmanrdz mine status" id="status_5198669737"><a class="tweet-url profile-pic url" href="http://twitter.com/zmanrdz"><img alt="Roger Zuidema" class="photo fn" height="48" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/481583766/Twitter_Pic_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><b><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/zmanrdz" title="Roger Zuidema">zmanrdz</a></b> Nice online keyboarding resource. <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/cjh/appliedtech/Business/Keyboarding/Index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/...</a><a class="entry-date" href="http://twitter.com/zmanrdz/status/5198669737" rel="bookmark">about 2 hours ago</a> from web </li>
</ol>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-64043460262051092552009-10-23T07:58:00.000-07:002010-01-12T10:08:52.632-08:00INTERDISCIPLINARY WRITING: A BEST PRACTICE<b>Extensive Writing: We must use writing as a tool to enhance the quality of thinking.</b><br />
<b>What research says: </b><br />
<ul><li>Brings out a deeper and more abstract understanding of content.</li>
<li>Promotes learning, students remember more. </li>
</ul><b>#1: Quick-writes: Preparing for Learning.</b><br />
<br />
While the teachers take attendance, organizes for the beginning of class.<br />
<ul><li>Maximizes time.</li>
<li>Encourages students to develop, clarify and retain important concepts.</li>
<li>Encourages discipline-specific vocabulary development.</li>
<li>Provides opportunities for formative assessment, allowing teachers to gauge understanding and misunderstanding, </li>
</ul>Example of Quick-writes:<br />
For Science<br />
<br />
Message in Space: Prompt. If you could send a message out to space, what message would it be or what kind of message would it be?<br />
When you look up at the sky and view the moon, the stars. You begin to wonder what is out there. Are there other planets? Does other life exist? Is there a God? The message I would send out in space if I could would be the message of peace. Peace brings use together, it promotes learning, sharing, understanding. If there is others we want them to know that we are willing to accept them for their similarities and differences. We want them to know that we will work with them to understand the universe and how we can use it to live happy, healthy, peaceful lives. My message would be peace, which means understanding, respect and the ability to work with each other. PEACE be with you!<br />
<br />
For Math: Prompt. Write about a time when you had to make a decision based on probability, while playing a game, participating in sport, or performing some other task.<br />
As a coach we deal with probability all the time. What play to call? What player to use. What I choose will effect the outcome of the game. Should I go for two points after the touchdown or should I kick the extra point. What percentage of time does my kicker make it through. We have to understand the concept of probability, but also need to know the facts before making decisions. How speedy is the runner? How powerful?<br />
<br />
<b>#2 More extensive writing across the curriculum. Some suggestions.</b><br />
<ol><li>Model books for younger audiences. Why? Powerful concepts Problem solution, persuasion.</li>
<li>Blogs and wiki's focusing on explanations and explorations of subject matter. Collaboration. Authentic audience.<br />
</li>
<li>Use Autobiographies. Window to students thoughts.</li>
<li>Explanation of previously learned concepts. Blogs & Vlogs.</li>
<li>1st person explanation. Take on the personality of the person and write a letter to and from an audience. Historical figure to today kids. Animals to humans. etc.</li>
<li>Weekly journals/blog entries focusing on what the students feel the are learning.</li>
<li>Critique/compare essays focusing on artists, musicians, artifacts, periods. </li>
<li>Write screen plays. </li>
</ol>#3 Enhancing Debate, through online role playing. Pick a character and see what happens.<br />
<br />
Notes to yourself about what you are teaching recently or what is coming up?<br />
<br />
In my tech class students are learning to use the tools of a painting application. How do you choose what the brush looks like, how to change the color. The erase tool, how to make the tool bigger. Etc.<br />
<br />
Quick-writes in my subject manner: Write some prompts for Quick-writes.<br />
<br />
Why is facebook the most popular social site in the country?<br />
<br />
What programs do you use to help you learn?<br />
<br />
Student Writing Pompt -has to be a good one to get the quality that you expect in extensive writing.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-86683134523968813892009-08-31T17:41:00.001-07:002009-08-31T17:42:06.632-07:00Top educational "things" I have learned on Twitter today, Monday, August 31<span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? I ask this question daily before each class. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask before logging in. Twitter is a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page/blog to track what I have leaned on Twitter proving to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><br />Monday, Augsut 31, 2009<br /><br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/keisawilliams" class="screen-name" title="Keisa Williams">keisawilliams</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/TeachaKidd">TeachaKidd</a> Download over 1M public domain books from Google books. <a href="http://bit.ly/BUN3C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/BUN3C</a></span></span> (Very interested in digital books. Looks like a good resource.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/RichWhite" class="screen-name" title="Rich White">RichWhite</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Senate Bill Would Give President Emergency Control of Internet --- <a href="http://tinyurl.com/lkdqtu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/lkdqtu</a> ...NOOOOOO</span></span> (Go intent, just wondering if it's the right thing.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/rkiker" class="screen-name" title="Rich Kiker">rkiker </a></strong><span class="entry-content">RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/russeltarr">russeltarr</a>: Vocaroo is a great recording tool. Easy peasy. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ly3t57" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/ly3t57</a></span></span> (First time I have heard of Vacaroo. Looks like a easy tool.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/web20classroom" class="screen-name" title="Steven W. Anderson">web20classroom</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Study Tips For Students From Google... <a href="http://is.gd/2Edcq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://is.gd/2Edcq</a></span></span> (Digital education at it's best.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/coletteamber" class="screen-name" title="coletteamber">coletteamber</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/fisher1000">fisher1000</a>: Google Docs in class | Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age <a href="http://tinyurl.com/m3vbxg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/m3vbxg</a> via <a href="http://www.diigo.com/%7Emikefisher821" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.diigo.com/~mikefisher821</a></span></span> (I love google docs. Always great to learn more ways to use.)Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-36285644401389113082009-08-26T12:38:00.000-07:002009-08-26T12:39:21.745-07:00Top educational "Things" I learned on twitter today. Wednesday, August 26, 2009<span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? I ask this question daily before each class. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask before logging in. Twitter is a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page/blog to track what I have leaned on Twitter proving to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><br />Wednesday, August 26, 2009<br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/ShellTerrell" title="Shelly S Terrell" rel="nofollow">ShellTerrell</a></strong><span> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/esolcourses" rel="nofollow">esolcourses</a>: RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/russeltarr" rel="nofollow">russeltarr</a>: Great tips on working with YouTube URLs (incl. embeddng only part of a video) : <a href="http://tinyurl.com/l483vv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/l483vv</a></span></span> (Change the embeded youtube to what you really want the students to see)<br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/johnfaig" title="johnfaig" rel="nofollow">johnfaig </a></strong><span>iPhone/iPod Apps for K-12 <a href="http://tinyurl.com/d8qbw2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/d8qbw2</a> via <a href="http://www.diigo.com/%7Ejohnfaig" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.diigo.com/~johnfaig</a></span></span> (Let's get students using the iphone/ipod for learning.)<br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/web20classroom" title="Steven W. Anderson" rel="nofollow">web20classroom</a></strong><span> Did you hear? You can now integrate video clips into your @<a href="http://twitter.com/animoto" rel="nofollow">animoto</a>! <a href="http://is.gd/2zAsu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://is.gd/2zAsu</a></span></span> (Animoto great tool, now using video clips.)<br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/kdwashburn" title="kdwashburn" rel="nofollow">kdwashburn</a></strong><span> Great insights & questions from @<a href="http://twitter.com/geraldaungst" rel="nofollow">geraldaungst</a>, Racing to Catch Up With the Past: <a href="http://tr.im/x9wO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tr.im/x9wO</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23education" title="#education" rel="nofollow">#education</a></span></span> ("<em>Find ways inside the structure to start making changes toward a more student-centered, thinking- and problem-solving-oriented approach.")<br />@</em><span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/lbraun2000" title="Linda W Braun" rel="nofollow">lbraun2000</a></strong><span> Hoping FB 2 Twitter integration makes it easier 2 promote fan page content on Twitter fd - just liek we do with blogs <a href="http://bit.ly/29C8XB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/29C8XB</a></span></span> (May be a useful tool to many social media users.)<br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/ShellTerrell" title="Shelly S Terrell" rel="nofollow">ShellTerrell</a></strong><span> If you'd like an easy way to follow maj of members on <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23edchat" title="#edchat" rel="nofollow">#edchat</a> check out <a href="http://www.tweetclubs.net/edchat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.tweetclubs.net/e...</a> via @<a href="http://twitter.com/RusselTarr" rel="nofollow">RusselTarr</a></span></span> (Tweet Clubs look really great, Can we use this in our classrooms?)Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-88962451121901769302009-08-25T05:21:00.000-07:002009-08-25T05:22:46.727-07:00Top 5 educational "Things" I learned on twitter today, Tuesday, August 25<span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? I ask this question daily before each class. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask before logging in. Twitter is a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page/blog to track what I have leaned on Twitter proving to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><br /><b>Tuesday, August 25, 2009</b><br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SuzanneWhisler" class="screen-name" title="SuzanneWhisler">SuzanneWhisler</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/dcolon1968">dcolon1968</a> The Science of Motivation <a href="http://bit.ly/TDu56" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/TDu56</a></span></span> ("this for that, motivation techniques often do not work... So what is an effective motivation technique? Giving people autonomy and projects that they are vested-in is a much better motivation technique.")<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/academicdave" class="screen-name" title="David Parry">academicdave</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> "technology isn't killing our ability to write. It's reviving it—and pushing our literacy in bold new directions" <a href="http://bit.ly/p6aiN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/p6aiN</a></span></span> (A shift in the way we write is giving more people that chance to share and collaborate than ever before.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/EdTech4Me" class="screen-name" title="L Winebrenner">EdTech4Me </a></strong><span class="entry-content">RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/chadratliff">chadratliff</a> Very interesting piece WIRED: Making Geeks Cool Could Reform Education <a href="http://bit.ly/lHXX1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/lHXX1</a> (@<a href="http://twitter.com/tvanderark">tvanderark</a>) <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23geeksrcool" title="#geeksrcool" class="hashtag">#geeksrcool</a></span></span> (Make geeky cool and you would have a culture where learning is at the forefront.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/joevans" class="screen-name" title="John Evans">joevans</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Reading Wired Up: Tuned out Today's D/N stus need a school enviro that both challenges +channels their tech-savvy brains. <a href="http://ow.ly/lebr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/lebr</a></span></span> (Yes our kids are more wired than ever before, how are we as teachers going to use these skills to help them be productive members of society?)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/EdTech4Me" class="screen-name" title="L Winebrenner">EdTech4Me</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/coolcatteacher">coolcatteacher</a> Blogged: <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23education" title="#education" class="hashtag">#education</a> Message to Educators: I Believe in You, Be An Angel of Kindness <a href="http://bit.ly/Ji3Ln" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/Ji3Ln</a></span></span> (As educators we need some motivation and inspiration also.)Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-4250381398812185382009-08-24T04:58:00.000-07:002009-08-24T05:36:45.854-07:00Top 5 educational "Things" I learned on Twitter today, Monday, August 24<span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? I ask this question daily before each class. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask before logging in. Twitter is a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page/blog to track what I have leaned on Twitter proving to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><br /><b>Monday, August 24, 2009</b><br /><br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/bigenhoc" class="screen-name" title="bigenhoc">bigenhoc</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Alternate Reality Games for Learning- Sat Aug 29 at <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23liveclass20" title="#liveclass20" class="hashtag">#liveclass20</a>. Join me for the game and learn. More info at <a href="http://twurl.nl/84nocw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://twurl.nl/84nocw</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23necc" title="#necc" class="hashtag">#necc</a></span></span> (I have never been in an alternate reality game, but for the purpose of learning I need to someday.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SuzanneWhisler" class="screen-name" title="SuzanneWhisler">SuzanneWhisler</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Lots of examples of how to use VoiceThread in your classroom at all levels. <a href="http://www.pageflakes.com/techieteacher/20554289" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.pageflakes.com/t...</a></span></span> (Resources are always good.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/ShellTerrell" class="screen-name" title="Shelly S Terrell">ShellTerrell</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Gr8 tips & links! RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/Larryferlazzo">Larryferlazzo</a>: The Best Ways For Students Or Teachers To Create A Website <a href="http://bit.ly/12k1xC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/12k1xC</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23edtech" title="#edtech" class="hashtag">#edtech</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23elearning" title="#elearning" class="hashtag">#elearning</a></span></span> (I was amazed by all the web site tools that I didn't know about.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/ShiftParadigm" class="screen-name" title="Mark E. Weston Ph.D.">ShiftParadigm</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/langwitches">langwitches</a> I like the word "readicide" killing the love for reading. 10 Alternatives to Book Reports. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/nnxmm8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/nnxmm8</a></span></span> (Love the list of alternatives to a book report.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/ShiftParadigm" class="screen-name" title="Mark E. Weston Ph.D.">ShiftParadigm</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/edutopia">edutopia</a>: Toss the Traditional Textbook <a href="http://bit.ly/6gqRH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/6gqRH</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23education" title="#education" class="hashtag">#education</a> (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/kdwashburn">kdwashburn</a>)</span></span> (Are your ready to start writing your own curriculum?)Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-62531146988599601102009-08-21T10:08:00.000-07:002009-08-21T10:10:03.344-07:00Top 5 Educational "Things" learned on Twitter today. Friday, August 21, 2009<span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? I ask this question daily before each class. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask before logging in. Twitter is a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page/blog to track what I have leaned on Twitter proving to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><br /><b>Friday, August 21, 2009</b><br /><br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/irasocol" title="Ira Socol" rel="nofollow">irasocol</a></strong><span> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/billgx" rel="nofollow">billgx</a>: New blog post: Free Tools You Really Use <a href="http://bit.ly/17zqE0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/17zqE0</a></span></span> (Yes, I use most of these tools. Needed a good screen capture, I'll take a look at <a href="http://camstudio.org/" rel="nofollow">Camstudio</a> )<br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/brueckj23" title="Jeremy Brueck" rel="nofollow">brueckj23</a></strong><span> Reading 'Can a school's culture of cheating be corrected?' <a href="http://is.gd/2rNwT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://is.gd/2rNwT</a>. Maybe w/ less emphasis on testing & more on learning?</span></span> ( Expert calls for focus on learning, not testing, grades.)<br />@<span><span>RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/web20classroom" rel="nofollow">web20classroom</a>: I think @<a href="http://twitter.com/kellyhines" rel="nofollow">kellyhines</a> is right on with her post on Procedures.... <a href="http://is.gd/2qALJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://is.gd/2qALJ</a> (Procedures are a key.)</span></span><br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/wfryer" title="Wesley Fryer" rel="nofollow">wfryer </a></strong><span>New blog post: Questioning the potential value of Skype and videoconferencing in the classroom? <a href="http://bit.ly/z6uKn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/z6uKn</a></span></span> (Would love to Skype in the classroom. But don't have the tool to use.)<br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/gregaloha" title="Greg Walker" rel="nofollow">gregaloha </a></strong><span>RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/tweetmeme" rel="nofollow">tweetmeme</a> TWEET IDEAS: 13 Things to Do on Twitter Besides Tweet <a href="http://bit.ly/tyoCi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/tyoCi</a></span></span> (Good list, wasn't aware of <a href="http://filesocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FileSocial</a> , provides a great way to send files smaller than 50 MB.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-37229030990880684982009-08-20T05:07:00.000-07:002009-08-20T05:09:09.256-07:00Top 5 Educational "Things" I learned on Twitter today. Thursday, August 20, 2009<span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? I ask this question daily before each class. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask before logging in. Twitter is a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page/blog to track what I have leaned on Twitter proving to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><br /><b>Thursday, August 20, 2009</b><br /><br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/AngelaMaiers" class="screen-name" title="Angela Maiers">AngelaMaiers </a></strong><span class="entry-content">How To Use Skype To Record Calls Or Conduct Interviews <a href="http://ow.ly/kvFF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/kvFF</a></span></span> (The the tip on using HotRecorder, I haven't used Skype a whole lot, but maybe I should to bring outside teachers into the classroom.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/stacybodin" class="screen-name" title="Stacy Bodin">stacybodin</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Differentiated Learning Site I compiled for NECC this summer. Might help newbies get started. <a href="http://bit.ly/1cClPp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1cClPp</a></span></span> (Integrating different styles of learning is a must for master teachers.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong></strong></span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/cami13" class="screen-name" title="Carmen Holotescu">cami13</a> </strong><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Will buy today "The world is Open:How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education" by C. Bonk - <a href="http://worldisopen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://worldisopen.com</a>, via @<a href="http://twitter.com/cristinacost">cristinacost</a>.</span></span> (Trend in education technology should be analyzed to stay of top of best practices.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/hubpages" class="screen-name" title="Haley">hubpages </a></strong><span class="entry-content">RT 16 Cool Twitter Tools for Firefox you will love. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/lngyaj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/lngyaj</a></span></span> (Many new tools being added. Finding that ones that work for you is the task)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/mguhlin" class="screen-name" title="Miguel Guhlin">mguhlin</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> DiigoNotes: Online Education Beats the Classroom <a href="http://ff.im/-6SVJX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ff.im/-6SVJX</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta"><a href="http://twitter.com/mguhlin/status/3426115098" class="entry-date" rel="bookmark"><span class="published">1 minute ago</span></a> <span>(Yes, online education is good. I still think that a hybrid of teacher lead and online is the answer.)</span></span></span>Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-38214229913391984982009-08-19T06:06:00.000-07:002009-08-19T06:09:52.853-07:00TOP 5 THINGS THAT I HAVE LEARNED ON TWITTER TODAY WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009What are we going to learn today? I ask this question daily before each class. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask before logging in. Twitter is a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page/blog to track what I have leaned on Twitter proving to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:<br /></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br /><b>Wednesday, August 19, 2009 </b><br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/web20classroom" class="screen-name" title="Steven W. Anderson">web20classroom</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Very organized lists of tools for Teaching with Technology.... <a href="http://is.gd/2omF3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://is.gd/2omF3</a></span></span> (I agree, nice to have a list of all the tools that you can use.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/jayantabanerjee" class="screen-name" title="Jayanta Banerjee">jayantabanerjee</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Why notebook computers are great for students <a href="http://bit.ly/TJLWX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/TJLWX</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta"><a href="http://twitter.com/jayantabanerjee/status/3404097237" class="entry-date" rel="bookmark"><span class="published">3 minutes ago</span></a> <span></span></span></span> (I wonder when and if schools would require students to purchase as a part of their supplies for school?)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/kernkelley" class="screen-name" title="kernkelley">kernkelley </a></strong><span class="entry-content">RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/drezac">drezac</a> Why AT&T killed Google Voice. Super article! <a href="http://bit.ly/nED7d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/nED7d</a></span></span> (Interesting article on how a new model of telecommunication might be shut out because the old model has the power.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/Armano" class="screen-name" title="David Armano">Armano</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> 8 uses of the @ symbol on Twitter <a href="http://twurl.nl/m54kub" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://twurl.nl/m54kub</a> @<a href="http://twitter.com/lendkendall">lendkendall</a></span></span> (If you use twitter, you should know what to do with the @ sign.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/mswojo" class="screen-name" title="Natalie Wojinski">mswojo</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/russeltarr">russeltarr</a>: How to make a Youtube interactive video! Very cool idea for the classroom! <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ljk4xs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/ljk4xs</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta"><a href="http://twitter.com/mswojo/status/3404442176" class="entry-date" rel="bookmark"><span class="published"></span></a></span></span> (Leaning new ways of creating is part of the 21st century learning process.)Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-74832769623512552982009-08-18T05:46:00.002-07:002009-08-18T05:47:23.826-07:00What I have learned on Twitter today. Tuesday, August 18, 2009<span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? This question is the question that I ask students daily. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask myself ask before logging in. I have found that Twitter can be a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page to track what I have leaned on Twitter to prove to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><br /><b>Tuesday, August 18, 2009</b><br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/mbarrow" class="screen-name" title="Mandy Barrow">mbarrow</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/esafety_officer">esafety_officer</a> Top 50 Internet Acronyms Parents Need to Know - How many did you know?? <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ccxvuv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/ccxvuv</a></span></span> (I'll be honest I didn't know many)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/danfrench" class="screen-name" title="Dan French">danfrench</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> Where Obama is Getting Education “Wrong” <a href="http://bit.ly/n1pJM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/n1pJM</a> @</span></span><span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/dwarlick" class="screen-name" title="David Warlick">dwarlick</a></strong><span class="entry-content">Just posted "Where Obama is Getting Education 'Wrong'" on 2¢ Worth... <a href="http://bit.ly/H6g67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/H6g67</a></span></span><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"> (Good thoughts by</span></span> David Warlick about the future of education.<em class="diigoHighlight a id_83dabf67b004029a5e876f956799d6ce type_0"> It’s </em><strong><em class="diigoHighlight a id_83dabf67b004029a5e876f956799d6ce type_0">new questions</em></strong><em class="diigoHighlight a id_83dabf67b004029a5e876f956799d6ce type_0"> that will define our future. Today, </em><strong><em class="diigoHighlight a id_83dabf67b004029a5e876f956799d6ce type_0">we need graduates who can invent answers to the “new questions.”</em></strong><br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/ShellTerrell" class="screen-name" title="Shelly S Terrell">ShellTerrell </a></strong><span class="entry-content">Thanks @<a href="http://twitter.com/Epstein27">Epstein27</a>! Your link looks very useful for quotes try this link <a href="http://bit.ly/3KfsHR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/3KfsHR</a> (@<a href="http://twitter.com/burcuakyol">burcuakyol</a>)</span></span> (You have to love a good source for motivation quotes.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/marierush" class="screen-name" title="Marie Rush">marierush </a></strong><span class="entry-content">RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/russeltarr">russeltarr</a>: Create drag-and-drop activities in Flash with no experience: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ll74hm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/ll74hm</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23historyteacher" title="#historyteacher" class="hashtag">#historyteacher</a> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/kellyhines">kellyhines</a></span></span> (I was looking for a flash type tool to create projects. This may be it, I will need some time to explore and work with this tool.)<br />@<span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/jennyluca" class="screen-name" title="jennyluca">jennyluca</a></strong><span class="entry-content"> New post: What is a Ning?- ELH presentation <a href="http://bit.ly/4COAxR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/4COAxR</a> Now to bed!</span></span> (I have a .ning for middle school. Looking forward to developing this tool to promote social learning.)Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-1834173862290709832009-08-17T13:39:00.000-07:002009-08-17T13:40:57.864-07:00What I learn from using Twitter!<h3 dir="ltr" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="sites-page-title-header" style="" align="left"><span id="sites-page-title">TempoweredT</span></h3> <span style="font-size:130%;">Find education professionals to follow at <a href="http://twitter.com/tempoweredt" rel="nofollow">http://twitter.com/tempoweredt</a></span><br /><br />What are we going to learn today? This question is the question that I ask students daily. The more I use the web microblogging tool Twitter, it is the question I ask myself ask before logging in. I have found that Twitter can be a great tool for professional learning. To prove this, I have started this page to track what I have leaned on Twitter to prove to myself and others that it is worth the time. So here we go:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Twitter Empowered Teacher:</b></span><br /><hr size="2" width="100%"><b>Monday, August 17, 2009</b><br />@<span><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/isteconnects" title="isteconnects" rel="nofollow">isteconnects</a></strong><span> "Engage Me or Enrage Me": Lisa Nielsen discusses ways to implement passion based learning. <a href="http://bit.ly/1TLaAb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1TLaAb</a></span></span> (Love the comments and thoughts.)<br />@<span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/Larryferlazzo" rel="nofollow" title="Larry Ferlazzo">Larryferlazzo</a></b> Religious Geography of the United States , pretty interesting <a href="http://bit.ly/3k12VH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/3k12VH</a></span> (First time seeing <a href="http://flowingdata.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flowdata.</a> I like the charts. Could be a great tool for students to use.)<br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/kdwashburn" rel="nofollow" title="kdwashburn">@kdwashburn </a></b>RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/englishraven" rel="nofollow">englishraven</a>: RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/ShellTerrell" rel="nofollow">ShellTerrell</a>: Powerful read! Real World vs. Classroom World <a href="http://bit.ly/BH9M9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/BH9M9</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23education" rel="nofollow" title="#education">#education</a> (@<a href="http://twitter.com/jerridkruse" rel="nofollow">jerridkruse</a> of interest)</span> (Yes, we need to stop using this tool for fact learning and start using it as a means to solve problems. No the questions is how? What are some practical ways of doing this?)<br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/kdwashburn" rel="nofollow" title="kdwashburn">@kdwashburn</a></b> RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/edteck" rel="nofollow">edteck</a>: Just blogged this: Inspire Your Students To Tell A Story With Prezi <a href="http://bit.ly/CyOzX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/CyOzX</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23edtech" rel="nofollow" title="#edtech">#edtech</a></span> (I like Prezi very much, this is a great example of non-linear presentation. The problem that I have with Prezi is that students either need to log in using a email account or you need to purchase.)<br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/kdwashburn" rel="nofollow" title="kdwashburn">@kdwashburn</a></b> Foundations & Frameworks uses this extensively! RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/web20classroom" rel="nofollow">web20classroom</a>/ @<a href="http://twitter.com/SuzanneWhisler" rel="nofollow">SuzanneWhisler</a>: "Think alouds" to improve rdg comp. <a href="http://bit.ly/hVqvw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/hVqvw</a></span> (Great strategy for reading comprehension, but how about instead of thinking aloud taking your thoughts and placing it in a Tweet, Edmodo or Diigo so others can learn from your thoughts while making you comprehend what you have just read.)<br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/maggiev" rel="nofollow" title="Maggie Verster">@maggiev</a></b> I cry!! RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/edmodo" rel="nofollow">edmodo</a> One teachers Edmodo experience with a student <a href="http://bit.ly/3WVwpx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/3WVwpx</a> (I love the description of Fred</span>'s life, this is so true for many kids today.)<br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/thecleversheep" rel="nofollow" title="Rodd Lucier">@thecleversheep</a></b> Super teachers' to be paid more; teach less, in effort to raise achievement levels in Australia. <a href="http://is.gd/2kXCr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://is.gd/2kXCr</a> (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/mobbsey" rel="nofollow">mobbsey</a>)</span> (Take the best teachers and place them in schools that under achieving and pay them well.)<br /><hr size="2" width="100%"><b>Sunday, August 16, 2009</b><br /><br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/mcarls" rel="nofollow" title="Mark Carls">@mcarls</a></b>I haven't been on Ning for a week or so. Did they limit your outstanding friend requests to 50? Trying to greet people @ <a href="http://voicethread.ning.com/" rel="nofollow">voicethread.ning.com</a> (Ning for those that use and grow</span> through voicethread.)<br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/skajder" rel="nofollow" title="skajder">@skajder</a></b>RT @<a href="http://twitter.com/scmorgan" rel="nofollow">scmorgan</a>: Do teachers need education degrees? NYT Opinion: <a href="http://bit.ly/2KdAOy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2KdAOy</a> (Interesting thoughts about how teachers should be trained and compensated.)</span><br /><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/clifmims" rel="nofollow" title="Clif Mims">@clifmims</a></b><img alt="Icon_lock" src="http://a2.twimg.com/a/1250203207/images/icon_lock.gif" title="Clif mims’s tweets are protected." />News: The 35 Best iPhone Apps Of The Year (So Far) - TechCrunch <a href="http://bit.ly/HKNIU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/HKNIU</a> (Wish I had a Iphone.)<br /></span><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/girtbysea" rel="nofollow" title="Jenny">@girtbysea</a></b> We're hardwired to google <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2224932/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.slate.com/id/222...</a> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>(How the brain hard-wires us to love Google, Twitter, and texting. And why that's dangerous.</span></span><span>)<br /></span><span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/nharm" rel="nofollow" title="Naomi Harm">@nharm </a></b>Social Media Revolution <a href="http://bit.ly/n2pWE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/n2pWE</a> (Nice youtube video on social media revolution.)</span> It is changing the world, are you going to be apart.<br /><span>@<a href="http://twitter.com/nharm" rel="nofollow">nharm</a>: Twitter in the classroom-from Jane Hart <a href="http://bit.ly/UYaZc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/UYaZc</a></span> Great Ideas on how to use twitter int he classroom.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-53553394427685571632009-05-08T05:49:00.000-07:002009-05-08T06:06:59.985-07:00Web 2.0 Tools Great but limited use.So many tools, so few users in my school. When I talk about picnik, voicethreads and diigo students and staff seem to think that I'm speaking another language.<br /><br />Dave Nagel in his online jounal found at <a href="http://www.thejournal.com/articles/24331">http://www.thejournal.com/articles/24331</a> states, "<em class="diigoHighlight a id_694439ef4330ac0edb7f5844002c2286 type_0">While K-12 district administrators are "overwhelmingly positive" about the value of Web 2.0 in schools, the use of Web 2.0 tools in actual learning environments is "quite limited,"</em> and I agree.<br /><br />Like any other tool there is a learning curve. We must first get the news out. Yesterday I placed a blog on my students .ning learning network, notice the term "learning network" over "social network" about the use of the online photo editing tool called picnik, which is found at <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">http://www.picnik.com/</a>. Ten minutes later as I walked around the classroom, I noticed a student editing a photo. Yes, he was using picnik. Asking were he found the site he said the learning network. Wow. Bingo. Fireworks. These tools do work.<br /><br />Once people are aware of the tools, the use comes natural. They are great tools. So start talking the web 2.0 language. Would you say this, "It's time to open moodle. Today's projects is to create a RSS feed. You will use this RSS feed to write your own blog in NING." Confused yet? After this statement, My 7th grade student, got to work, creating, sharing, editing and in general learning. "HOW COOL IS THAT?"Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-45474622221650580142009-05-07T18:50:00.000-07:002009-05-08T05:23:48.197-07:00The Roller Coaster!"Life is like a roller coaster. Sometimes you're on the top, others you're down low. Just remember to hang on and enjoy the ride. "This is my philosophy in life. I have such highs and lows, but in general love the ride of life.<br /><br />So I reach inside and say, "live life with adoration, with action, with adventure, and excitement. Write poems, laugh, cry, and share. Your life is worth it."Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-564769118630921876.post-20679239574674022382009-05-07T18:11:00.001-07:002009-05-08T05:25:03.366-07:00Is Educational Athletes Worth it?I really don't know? I thought that High School Athletics was worth the price, but am beginning to think different. I still believe, but stories from the playing fields are beginning to erode my confidence. Take for example, the coach that mentioned to the team that none of them have the talent to play in college? How about the coach that when behind by 21 points in the state finals, didn't play all the seniors? Is this what educational athletics is about? Failure, non-participation.<br /><br />If we are going to spend educational money on athletics, shouldn't all people get the chance to participate and play. If educational athletics is so good, why then do we cut people off teams. Isn't sports participation good for everybody? Many questions, so few answers. I wonder what the MHSAA would say? One of my goals in life is to become an Athletic Director. I know, I would be a good one, because I care about all kids. Not only the top athletes. Let's get the most out of our educational money. Firm up the vision, share that vision with the coaches, and then lets make sports worth it, for student/athletes and the people that pay for it.Technology Coach Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902452055062367795noreply@blogger.com0