Web sites I like

Introduction to blogging

http://theedublogger.com/files/2010/12/edublogs_introblogging-262ybbo.pdf 

Great teacher who blogs

http://primarytech.global2.vic.edu.au/about-2/ 

Website for teaching new tools

http://www.teachgennow.com.au/ 

Website that explores tools

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/12/video-how-to-create-infographics.html#.UM9r9m9OTcC  

Very nervous

I'm not sure about other students participating in this course, but I think I am more nervous about peers seeing my synopsis than the lecturers, even though they are the markers and I only know one other student. Why is that?

Free technology for teachers

Have found another great website that explores technology in education, Google will you never stop enticing me to investigate what's out there in the technological world of everything.

Blogging etiquette

Have been wondering about people commenting on my blog, is it polite to say thank you, is it not expected? Written thank yous for gift giving or favours have been instilled in some people from a young age. With new technology comes new rules, what is expected, what is OK and what is downright rude. Well, of course I found it with the help of my close intimate friend Google, blogging etiquette has many sites, however I was specifically looking for responding to comments on my blog and found a great blog that elaborates on not only commenting, the creator also explores the content of the appropriate response to comments.

What if I want to repeat in my blog what someone else says in their blog? Found a great website that answers this question. http://www.teachgennow.com.au/ is a free e-newsletter that elaborates on tools and sites available and how to use them. 

Here is another blog post that helps teachers with a rubric. 

off the beaten track

Have just researched when to use single or double quotation marks when writing, of course I found the answer online in a great ESL site. I have found many great answers to English writing questions on ESL sites. Does that mean we English speakers think we know everything?

Google and iPads

In a past life I ran a school library, in that library I used Google Calendar for the library timetable, the computer lab timetable, the boardroom and the small private tute room. I set it up with colour coding and found this easily accessible for teachers and myself and it eliminated double booking, which had been a problem in the past. In the classroom I see Google calendar as a valuable tool for students, parents and teachers alike can utilise this to create better organisational skills.

Google also supplies us with many tools that are accessible from anywhere, be it school or home. For example Google docs and Google PowerPoint are great for collaborative work when the participants are not always in the same room. Students can successfully participate in these without fear of their information being deleted. These are both great planning and presenting tools that can be accessed using any computer, laptop, iPad or mobile device anywhere with internet connection.

Then we are blessed with Google earth, images, maps; the list is endless. These Google gods give us many opportunities to learn about our world, environment and people within it. Sadly this also opens us up to opportunities to view less than desirable information, not always truthful.

I am very greatful for my Ipad. Thanks to my iPad I am now a musician because I have virtuoso, I am a digital enhancer thanks to toon camera, magic video, twist, sketch, posterHD-lite, PToonHDLT and PopBooth.

I am able to throw a pot and sell it with Pottery HD Lite. Here is one I made earlier.

And then there are the games. Educational games of course, many games for Maths, English or any learning area. Ipads are quite versatile as a tool as this YouTube shows. 
There is many examples of iPad use in the classroom.

There is an app that takes dictation. In learning I believe this may be a great tool for students that struggle with written language. The students may use an Ipad to recount or narrate text. This then may enable them the opportunity to write their own piece of text. 

The iPad was also used to demonstrate my dog training abilities. There was a reason for three recordings, even though he is very cute! I believe this to be a great tool for students to record their own progress in a number of ways. Initially, students may develop confidence in speaking in front of peers. Secondly students may view themselves in a reflective way to enable them to see where they may improve their verbal skills. Finally they may assist their peers in cool and warm feedback to further develop these skills.

I have used an IPad in the classroom for students to use with a maths manipulative to explain fractions. This was recorded by another student and shown to the class. The response was very positive for a number of reasons. Students were able to make meaning with the resources as well as hone their verbal skills. The other student was able to film thereby acquiring another skill. Finally these mini movies can be uploaded to another site for other students to utilise. I see iPads being used for demonstration purposes as well to assist any type of learning. In the classroom I have also witnessed iPads being used as timers in science. As it is a large screen all students were able to view the timer which added to the excitement of the experiments as they began to count down together. This meant students remained engaged for the whole lesson, not just their own segment.

When used for authentic learning iPads can be an asset to the classroom.

Yeh! Charlie

The first time I recorded this it was upside down when I played it, note to self make sure the circley bit is on the right.
This time I have recorded Charlie obeying the rules for food (of course), students could also use iPads to track their progression or techniques, whether it is oral assessment (debating, retelling a story) or explaining a concept (showing fractions with manipulatives). iPads can be used to assist students in a safe environment where they may stretch themselves out of their comfort zones and explore verbal expression.

Charlie again

Here is Charlie being obedient, not. This time I have used an iPad successfully, phew.

What's in a name

Sometimes I wonder if I am uploading, downloading, embedding, logging in or on, logging out, installing, using elements, tools, where to next? I think I will need to begin a technology glossary. Thank you Google of course there is a technology glossary (for Kids).

Charlie

Here is my dog Charlie, so obedient, he is 15 years old. I tried to use an iPad to record, but was unable to email it to my PC (this time). Have opted for my daughter's boyfriend's smart phone to record my scruffy little dog and emailed it to my PC to upload into my blog. 

Inanimate Alice addiction

Am addicted to inanimate alice thanks to Kirschty. I can't believe you can view surrealism in a multi-media format. Now I am torn between wanting to know the history of the creator or relishing in the mystery of who they may be...

On the soap box

PLEASE WATCH as future Learning Managers this may give you an insight into students with Asperger's Syndrome. As a parent of two children with Aspergers this made me cry as it hit the nail on the head. In your classroom you are most likely to have several students who have strong Aspergic traits (some, especially girls, may not be diagnosed)

My wonderful daughter found this and posted it on Facebook:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eO7sKVKMO2s  YouTube

From an amazing site called  http://www.mamamia.com.au/parenting/mother-and-son-aspergers-video/

QR code, loving it

OK, so now I am beginning to understand, QR codes allow for more data storage and digital presentation. Absolutely amazing and it looks like this. I have often wondered what is was that I saw on occasion. Found a great blog that explained QR codes simply. 

QR code?

"QR Code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry. More recently, the system has become popular outside the industry due to its fast readability and large storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes. The code consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be made up of four standardized kinds ("modes") of data (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, Kanji), or through supported extensions, virtually any kind of data." 
This definition comes from Wikipedia

Had no idea, still confused as to why and how I need this. Needs further investigation.

ipads in the classroom

Worked in a classroom with 2 iPads for placement, went out and bought one. What a toy, I mean learning tool. So many apps and so little time, classrooms may benefit from iPads whether it be 2 only or 1:1. Found a YouTube that explores their use in a lower primary classroom.

Questionable uploading of powerpoint

Well, that was interesting, uploading large files without publicly sharing, nearly impossible. File size is limited unless you upgrade in weebly (only 5mb) that's nothing when I have a lot to say. Am wondering how we go sharing images of people's artwork, many do not like even when it is referenced. For this reason I chose not to upload the presentation I am currently using in my art course. Whilst it will be shown to peers, it is not for publication online.

Prezi, done and dusted

Well that was interesting. Many more new icons to manipulate to my way of thinking, or is it the other way around. Sizing, cropping and rotating button had me going for some time and then there was the text box. What's a girl gotta do to get a Prezi going. Next issue, how do I upload it? Here goes Prezi appear! 

Glogster - It's not a love affair like weebly

I tried and failed with Glogster, nothing loaded, nothing made sense, who wants to start with a nickname to log in  I put my last nickname behind me when I left school. Well today my luck changed, created a small art activity, just unsure of posting. My first Glogster attempt and probably my last.

OK so it's probably fun for some to create using Glogster, I added a few animated tools and then deleted them. I have a feeling that I have been unable to create this before now as many people were trying to access it (CQU students) or maybe I had too much open and slowed my processing speed down. How else can I multi-task if I don't have at least 25 tabs open. Glogster is not a tool I would use in the classroom unless I felt it absolutely necessary for a particular task. Glogster was also way too busy for my liking and there was not many areas to personalise. I found many users in a forum were not happy with the length of time it took to upload photos. Yah! whoo!, I am not alone.

PowerPoint has the same sort of functions but with an infinite number more options, I don't have to open an account to use it, I do not receive incentives to upgrade and part with money. PowerPoint is also private, I don't have to share unless I choose to. At the current time with privacy laws especially in education, I have a growing concern for the continued expectation to register with many tools, giving away personal information and all the while becoming more complacent in doing so. Different password for everything, I don't think so. Am I starting to sound cynical. PowerPoint is also a blank canvas that allows for many styles of creation, learning and teaching.

PowerPoints can be created to help students with inquiry based learning in many learning areas. Students themselves can create PowerPoints to present research and ideas to peers. Finally PowerPoints can be used to help students in literacy, follow a story on an interactive whiteboard, write a recount, view snippets, the list is endless.

Thank you Aunty

Thanks to ABC Radio National, I can now place an mp3 file in my wiki. This link explained podcasting and how to use it in a way that I understood.

Web story

Have also created a web story for Geography. This was also fun to create and is full of links to enhance students' learning. Once again, I see this as a tool for students to work at their own pace or collectively using an interactive whiteboard. Also great for students that have been away to catch up on missed work as someone suggested in the collaborative session last night (21/11/12). Students can also use this format to create, present and reflect tasks that will engage their peers. I see these tools working best with small mixed ability groups not only based on academic abilitiy but technological ability, creative ability, organisational ability, to name a few. Technology allows students to shine in most areas where their high level of certain skills is not always recognised within the school system.

Shake your movie maker

Have created a seperate page for my Art movie maker as I am fairly self-conscious about people seeing this. I guess if I put it last not many people will view it. I hope the people that do view this don't have too much trouble as it is a big file. To upload this to weebly I have to pay for the upgrade. Ah weebly, you try but you won't get any money out of me, yet! I have created a link in my weebly to the movie page in this site.
I can see students having an absolute ball with this, it's just fun and students can work collaboratively to create, present and reflect on not only their own but others work also. Teachers can use movie maker to create engaging lessons or tasks that students can use in their own time or collectively using an interactive whiteboard.

Playing with images

This is one of my favourite things to do, once again technology knows no boundaries, here is my son at the front of his house on his motor bike (or is he). This is an activity any student could create using technology. The students can show their likes, personality or what they may want with technology. This can be a reflective 2D piece of artwork.

Joking around

First attempt at recording my voice, feeling really uncomfortable as I don't like the sound of my own voice. Now really frustrated, then along came Stace to save the day. Where would we be without study buddies. Oh and Blogger tips and tricks and Archive.org helped as we found we had to upload the audio file to then embed it to our Blogs. Archive.org is a non-profit digital library. It offers free access to books, movies & music.

Funky

Here is my first play with the website funky as suggested in the engagements activities this week. My beautiful daughter is the subject. A little fiddly initially, however it is great fun when you get going. I can see all students creating from this site for many different subjects.

Weebly images

I still love weebly. Have discovered that if you want to post images side by side, you can group them (I used publisher, have not tried word yet) and save as a png file. The only downside is that the images must be below a certain size (pixels) to post unless you pay to upgrade. Really not necessary, the quality is still good.

Password Smarshword

Just discovered that if you misplace your password with Gmail, you are probably expected to pay for them to recover it for you, unlike most others, who email after certain criteria is met and questions answered. Gmail users beware.

Nicholas Negroponte, in 1984, 5 predictions

What I love

What I love about technology:
There is no right way with technology,
There is an infinite number of ways.

Creating a logo in Wiki

Another one, wanted to create a logo in for my Wiki, struggled to place text over image and insert.
Eventually worked out in publisher:

1. find and resize image to use
2. create text and save as a picture
3. place text over image
4. group and save
5. then insert into logo in Wiki

Of course now I want to attempt something similar in Blogger and Weebly

I love you weebly

At last I have found a site that appears to be tailor made for me. WYSIWYG (love it) paste images without resizing (love it) copy URLs for inserting (love it) it even has a YouTube button to insert a YouTube (love the button).
Where has weebly been all my life. This has prompted me to combine Visual Art and Elearning in one item. There is not enough waking hours for these two courses, if only I didn't have to sleep, eat and drive the kids around.
I'm in weebly heaven.

Help with gadgets

Even more excited, just found how to move gadgets in left column using BLOGGER 911

Tech search

Very excited, have added tech search to my blog to help me navigate the high seas of technology

Says it all...

Found this great site that explains, explores and shows elearning in education. This will make it hard for me to come up with something unique.

Moodle

Whoo whooo!
Moodle is a capital, according to word spell check, I am the capital detective.

To Capital or not

I noticed my spell check tells me that YouTube and Google have capitals. This sent me on a quest to see if blog, weebly and other such terms warrant the capital. Sadly no, however I found that blog comes from web log. Now, I am on a quest to find a list of site terms that may assist this topic.

References

Blog. (n.d.). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved November 14, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog

Saving cropped screen print images

Just discovered that screen prints in word didn't save as cropped images when transferring to blog. However, worked when I saved it in Publisher using JPEG File Interchange Format (*.jpg)

Whoop Whoo!

 

Hiccup

While playing with the layout, I lost the ability to edit my home tab. Any ideas?

What's your opinion?

I am a digital immigrant, it appears many people feel we are not as open or find it difficult to navigate our way around ICTs. Although my tech vocab is not the best I am proud to say I access many technological tools daily. Younger people are often competent in several areas of technology and lack knowledge in others. I feel it is more important to share our knowledge instead of classifying which group we are in as it is often not relevant.

Still navigating

Still trying to navigate my way around the high seas of the blog world. I am trying to create a more orderly blog that allows me to place posts in weeks and assessments. Here goes...

Here goes!

I am crossing my fingers and toes to see if this works. Finally realised that I can only use Voki that doesn't have classroom angled across the top left corner. Also had trouble with registering as the date required is month, day, year.

Amazing TED

Sugata Mitra Amazing concept for learners in low socioeconomic areas. Technology is assisting student's learning even without teachers.

Disappointed

Well, created a voki that spoke, was very excited until I tried to embed it into my blog. Sorry you have to upgrade to classroom voki ($) Googled, You Tubed, even asked my dog, but no. Definitely not paying for classroom voki. Any ideas? It appears to me we are often offered freebies online until we can't live without them and then the charge kicks in.

First attempt

Here goes, my first attempt. I am a mature age student who can't wait to be a teacher. After my first placement, and as a parent I realise how important it is to be competent in technology and use it well in the classroom to keep students engaged.