Final Project

For a final project, I chose to do a mini project similar to the one we did in class on November 10^th.  The topic of my project is Name Recognition.  The target audience is PK-K students or any students who would benefit from these activities.  Although successful completion of this project requires six different uses of Web 2.0 technology, I could easily incorporate seven.  Name recognition activities linked using VoiceThread, Tagxedo, Mosaic Maker, 2 iPad apps (ScreenChomp & Kids Doodle), Pinterest, & Google Docs (survey form).  A new blog, Name Recognition, was created to outline this topic and to make information available to others.

VoiceThread was the first technology tool I decided to integrate into the project.  I visited one of our preschool classrooms to record children saying the letter in their names.  Technical difficulty prevented the activity from moving as smoothly as I would have liked.  Navigation of VoiceThread on the iPad was not as familiar to me as on the laptop, even though I practiced the day before, so it took a few minutes to do the recordings.  The children watched as I took pictures of their name tag and added them to the voicethread.  After recording their comments, the children enjoyed hearing their voices played back.  The observations of the children's faces as the slideshow played clearly indicated focused attention.  This supports the idea that VoiceThread could be used as an instructional tool.  Students would have a personal connection to what they create; therefore, they would be more interested in reviewing the thread often.  As students leave positive comments with the slides, positive student interactions would increase, along with student self-confidence.

I felt Tagxedo would be a fun way for children to explore letters and the names of classmates.  I simply typed in the list of student names to create the first image.  I was curious to see which names would be prominent since they were typed only one time each.  Since some names were larger than others, I determined the first names typed were the ones that were enlarged.  As I selected other shapes for the names, I tried to choose shapes that would be familiar to the students and of interest to them.  After a few creations, I realized that a change of font should be considered.  After all, students will be exposed to a variety of fonts in the environment.  Tagxedo is an easy site to use.  I spent quite a bit of time exploring the different color schemes, shapes, and fonts.

Another fun site for creatively displaying images is Mosaic Maker.  First, I took pictures of each nametag of the preschool students in the class using the iPad.  This took quite a while, but I have the images saved for future uses.  Another idea is to take pictures of the students and nametags together to give additional support.  Since there are 16 students in the class, I was able to create a table of 4x4.  However, if I wanted to do a table of 2x8, I could.  I liked changing the colors of the background until I decided what worked best.  The mosaic was quickly generated.  After looking at the print options, I probably should have created (4) 2x2 mosaics instead so the names would appear larger.  Nonetheless, the students have a resource of all the names in the classroom on one sheet.

ScreenChomp was probably the easiest tool for creating a teaching demonstration.  I was able to upload a picture of a student's nametag (same one used in Mosaic Maker) for the background to support the demonstration of how to identify and make the letters of the name while using the markers.  I was able to record my voice while drawing the letters on the whiteboard.  The playback includes the entire demonstration that can be replayed many times.  This is another visual lesson that students can access independently when trained how to open the link.

Searching for free apps on the iPad fills lots of my time.  Kids Doodle caught my eye when I was looking for a drawing app for students to use to write their names.  Of course, students could just write their names with a pen and pencil, but the electrifying line options available with Kids Doodle add a magical feel that entices students to spend more time writing.  The key is getting preschoolers to stay focused on the task at hand.  Allowing them to spend the first few minutes being creative helps to guide them toward name writing, the desired activity.  The nametags, mosaic, or ScreenChomp demonstration would serve as supports for this app.

Teachers have created lots of classroom activities for name recognition practice and have posted them on the web.  I found lots of ideas that I wanted to save for later use either because I did not have time to devote to exploring all the information or because I already had enough plans at the time.  I created another board on Pinterest just for these sites.  Now I can easily go back to the sites when I'm ready.

I was glad to learn about Google Docs in class.  I've had to complete many surveys over the years and now I am able to design my own.  As I tried different options, I discovered how to add page breaks and how to direct questions to different pages based on certain answers.  Using this understanding, I was able to create a survey to assess teacher appeal to the iPad.

Web 2.0 has been one of the best courses I have taken.  The practical application of the technology makes this class so worthwhile.  The technology can be applied within a broad range of student learning levels; therefore all educators would benefit from this class.

Mini Project: Reading Strategies for K-2 -November 10

The culminating project on November 10 required students to incorporate several of the sites from the class into one activity.  The ability to collaborate on the project side by side with my other colleagues sitting next to me on separate computers was amazing.  The practical application of this mini project seamlessly connected what we have learned.  I enjoyed completing this task.  My knowledge level definitely increased with this activity.

Click here for our blog, Reading strategies for K-2.

VoiceThread

Creating my first VoiceThread was easy to do.  I look forward to exploring this site more.  VoiceThread is yet another way to share information around the world.  The technology options of VoiceThread has the potential to engage students in advanced educational opportunities.

Twitter - Week 4

After reading the articles with the modules, I can see how Twitter can be used as a resource for professional support, student expression in class settings, and connection to home/school.  It is so much more than simply a social network for sharing day-to-day, minute-by minute activities.  I am looking forward to learning more about how to get the most out of Twitter.  Hashtags are still a little confusing to me.

Dropbox: Sharing Folders - Module 4 / Assignment 8

Sharing a link in Dropbox is easy to do, but there seems to be a lot of steps to complete the task. As I continue to use Dropbox, maneuvering through the site will probably come easier.  Being able to share a link for a file is beneficial when you have resources you want to be viewed and/or edited by groups with similar interests.  This could be in your personal as well as professional life.  I am wondering if you can restrict privileges of shared viewers.
 
I created the folder, Audio Stories for Children, to share.
As I worked on this assignment, I realized that I should be mindful of the type of files that are put in the folder to be shared.  Originally I had word documents in the folder.  I resaved the documents as pdfs.  This is one way to restrict editing.  This realization answered my question above; however, it further supports my feeling of too many steps to complete the task.  I am looking forward to additional exploration with Dropbox to improve my understanding of how to maximize its features and clarification of any misconceptions.

Pinterest - Module 4 - Assignment 7

For this assignment I choose to follow the board, Neat Gift Ideas, on Pinterest created by Ashley Eanes.  I am always on the lookout for some easy, creative crafts to give instead of purchasing commercially-made products.  A personalized gift tends to show more thoughtfulness toward the receiver.  Tiered desserts pans caught my attention on this board.  I have been on the lookout for this item.  Now I know how to make it myself.

I also found the listed Pinterest boards in the module to be interesting as well.  The board for the Halloween costumes shared pictures of unique costumes.  The pictures truly captured creativity.

Dropbox vs Google - Modula 4 / Assignment 6

Dropbox and Google Drive are new to me.  What I know about these services is limited to my experience in class and with the modules.  As I read the article, Google Drive VS. Dropbox - In Depth Review, I found the information to be confusing.  I had difficulty determining unique and similar features for comparison.  The text basically just all ran together.  I did derive the overriding feature of the two is the ability to have access to documents on all computers so that editing can be accomplished anywhere.  I feel the best way for me to form an opinion of each service is to just use them.  For me, exploration is the best teacher. 

Twitter Articles - Module 4 / Assignment 5

The article, Why Twitter is a Teacher's Best Friend, shines a light on how to use technology for professional development.  As teachers recognize that Twitter can be a friend to the education profession, this forum for communication will be used by educators to share ideas, problem-solve, and inform colleagues about educational policy.  Not only can students participate in class discussions by sharing personal ideas, the adults in the building can collaborate amongst themselves as well. 

The innovative ideas for how Twitter has been incorporated into the classroom presented in the article, 5 Ways Twitter Has Changed Education, encompass more than just the school building walls.  Twitter connects students to pools of people who are specialized resources.  Parents instantly receive timely information from the school.  Education professionals communicate in real-time with the ability to create networks for sharing and support.  Student conversations become a part of classroom lectures and presentations.

As educators become more comfortable interacting with Twitter, teaching and learning will extend beyond hardback textbooks.  Since I am a new user to Twitter, these articles are overwhelming to me.  I recognize the learning opportunities available using Twitter; however, I have not reached the user comfort level needed to manage them.

More Added to Delicious - Module 4 / Assignment 4

The theme of the sites I added to Delicious this time centered around vacations to the northwestern part of the country.  I am finding that if I add sites to Delicious that have a common theme one after the other, there is a little bit of organization.  When I go back and search through the sites, I will see connected sections.  This would take a bit of effort.  For this reason, I am not as thrilled with Delicious as much as some of the other sites, like Pinterest, for example.

iPad Apps - Module 4 / Assignment 3

FaceTime was already on my iPad.  As far as I can tell, this is a way to do video calling.  I am unfamiliar with the app, and I'm looking forward to learning more about how to use it.

The Dragon Dictation app converts the spoken word into text.  I have found the you have to speak very clearly in order for the correct words to be represented in the text.  I enjoyed experimented with this app.  The app allows the user to correct the text once recording has stopped.  You can also add to the note.  The note can be emailed, copied, cut, or sent to Twitter and/or Facebook.  The numerous features of this app make it a winner.

ScreenChomp is a great app for producing demonstration segments to introduce concepts or review concepts with students.  The segments are easy to create.  Since the segments can be emailed, sent to Twitter, or copied, students would have many sources for accessing them.  There are so many potential uses for helping students with a variety of subjects.  I was able to create a simple addition demonstration.  I look forward to exploring this site more. 

I found a musical app to download.  I feel incorporating music into the school day and into the home of children creates a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.  Happy Baby has 35 free songs with catchy tunes for toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy.  The words at the bottom of the screen support literacy development.

 

iPad - Module 4 / Assignment 2

Some of the ideas presented in the article, 5 Ways the iPAD and Education Could Go Together, are ways we are using the iPads in Henry County.  First, elementary students access etextbooks for their reading series using their personal iPads.  Students can interact with the literature and click links to open up supplemental information about the subjects of study.  Second, teachers at the high school level have access to mobile iPad carts since the high school students do not have personal iPads at this point.  The third idea discussed, virtual field trip guides, would be an excellent extension to a lecture presented during educational trips.  Being able to point to an object and receive information about the object would be a great reference tool.  I believe this capability is soon to be in existence, if not already available. Training students to input data while on the move would provide opportunity of fast data collection and quick analysis while steering instant decision-making.  Mobile data collection would also be beneficial to teachers/administrators to reduce time wasted to travel to separate location for information input.  This is the fourth idea discussed.  The fifth idea, new ways to create content, is an ongoing challenge.  Knowing what programs are available is essential for maximizing use of the iPad.  The ITRT staff work to help Henry County teachers know what programs can be used to support the documents they want to create.  We are progressing in this area since new programs are constantly developed.  Another way for the iPad and education to go together is by making a connection between home and school so that parents are synced with student progress, behavior, and daily activities.  When a link is created between the school and parents, students are more apt to feel supported.

Blogger - Module 4 / Assignment 1

After following the steps for this assignment, I found this task to be fairly easy.  However, when I tried to click the examples within the module, I was not granted access.  As a result, I wondered if everyone would have access to the file for a world map that I have linked to this blog.  This question is a concern when using this type of feature in a blog.

I discovered when I tried to view my link for the world map, I did not have access.  I was restricted.  I realized I needed to reset my settings for sharing so that it was Public instead of Private.  This was a good lesson to remind me to be mindful of who I want to have access to my files on Google Drive.  Also, I learned that the image projected from clicking the link is not as clear as the actual pdf.  For a true image, the file could be downloaded and opened in Adobe.

I like this feature because it is an easy way to share files.  Files can be shared with anyone depending on the target audience.  Teachers and/or family and friends can access a powerpoint, pdf, jpeg, etc.  These reasons clearly support the benefits of this option.

Twitter - Week 3

I am finding that I have become more comfortable with Twitter.  I am not so focused on some profound message for my tweet.  I just wait until something happens during the day that I want to share in a tweet.  Tweeting is a lot less stressful now.

Mosaic Maker - Module 3 / Assignment 7

Mosaic Maker is a totally new site to me.  This is a fun way to share photos with family and friends, and a way to create a fun collage of pictures that can be printed.  One problem I noticed was when a I tried to go back to the previous page by clicking the back button after a mosaic had been created, the page came up as no longer able to display the page.  I would click to resend the page, and the page displayed would be back to the creating page.  This is one flaw for ease of use.  Another issue to be aware of is the size of the mosaic you create.  The one I created was 4x4 with 13 pixels between each picture.  After I save it and tried to print it, I noticed that part of the pictures were cut off no matter what photo size I selected.  I plan to work with the site more to determine better size choices for improved printing options on a regular printer.

Fun Facts Survey - Module 3 / Assignment 5 & 6

After looking over the examples of Google Docs, I decided to create a Fun Facts Survey for some colleagues.  I enjoyed experimenting with the different types of questions.  I didn't watch the video with Assignment 6 until after I completed my survey.  However, creating the survey was easy to do.  Google Docs is user friendly.  I did pick up one tip from the video.  The help text line can be used to give more detailed information for answering the question.

Click here to see the survey.

Pinterest - Module 3 / Assignment 4

As the weather becomes more seasonably fall-like, my interest in a fire pit grows.  Roasted marshmallows on an open fire have always been a favorite.  I created a board about Fire Pits on Pinterest.  I found several sites to pin to the board as well as a few repins.  I got carried away with Twitter, as I quickly found to have tweeted about 4 sites for how to create a backyard fire pit.  The time passed quickly as the search was easy to do and just as easy to pin to my board and tweet.

As I looked at the listed Pinterest users, I decided to follow the middle school teacher and the physical education teacher.  There are thousands of educational resources available from these 2 teachers.  Now to just find the time to explore them!

Annie Sweets: Middle School Teacher

Christine Gagnon: Physical Education Teacher

Tweet Symbol on Websites - Module 3 / Assignment 3

The Tweet symbol button on a website is an easy way to follow what is happening on the site and have quick access from your Twitter account using the saved link.  I plan to be more conscientious about looking for the tweet symbol on appealing sites.  This is yet another way to organize sites I want to revisit.

PhotoPeach - Module 3 / Assignment 1 & 2

I absolutely love this site!  Creating a slideshow was so easy to do, and it looks so professional.  What a find!  I can now share slides with family and friends by simply emailing the slideshow to them. 
PhotoPeach can be used to share photos of preschool events with teachers within a matter of minutes. The slideshow can be projected using the SmartBoard for students to view.  With a simple click of a button, the slideshow can be shared on Twitter as well.  What a great resource!  I plan to use this site often.

Twitter - Week 2

I am finding Twitter to be the most difficult site to post to regularly.  I just don't have many interesting things to post.  It is quite an effort to come up with something each day.  Hopefully I will become more comfortable with posting in time.

Searching Pinterest - Module 2 / Assignment 7

New and creative ideas are everywhere on Pinterest.  I enjoy spending time exploring others' boards.  I have learned a lot and found some great ideas in the process.  I have some repins on my boards.  At this point, my focus has been on personal interests.  I found some interesting links on wall arrangements.  I will search for more educational ideas in the future.

Drawing Free iPad app - Module 2 / Assignment 6

Free apps for the iPad are helpful when on a budget, but most of the ones I found were only slightly impressive.  I suppose this should not be surprising since they are FREE.
Drawing Free is an app that would allow the user to be creative with freestyle drawing using a pencil point.  The size of the point can be changed.  There are some basic pre-programmed pictures that can be added as well.  Pencil color is limited to 11 choices.  Drawings can be saved or emailed, which is a nice feature.   As a free, basic program, Drawing Free is simple to use, however lacks many choices.

Tagxedo - Module 2 / Assignment 5

Taxgedo can be addictive.  You could spend hours looking at the combination of various forms, color themes, and fonts.  I found an article on reading motivation to use to create my tagxedo.  The words in larger font are no surprise considering the source.  Students may enjoy using this site to express their personal interests, emphasize the most important concepts of a topic studied, or just for fun to display the creative side of an original composition.  Another point to note, Tagxedo has a link to purchase products with the Tagxedo creations!

Twittering Videos - Module 2 / Assignment 4

The video tutorials about using Twitter explained several features that were less familiar to me.  The hashtag search feature helps tweeters with a common interest find relevant tweets.  I can see how this would be useful in the school setting.  I will look for more information on hashtags to make sure I use them correctly.  References to 2 sites, HootSuite and TweetDeck, brought to light something new to me.  I'll have to investigate these further.  The video overview of them was brief.  The video segment of how Twitter is used in a school in California revealed how students can find their voice through Twitter.  Such a support for shy students would be significant to their success in school.  Through the videos, I can see how Twitter could be used in the classroom as an enjoyable and appropriate means for student learning.

Blogging Just For Fun - Module 2 / Assignment 3

The variety of roses available for us to enjoy continues to grow.  They are all so beautiful to me.  My ideal backyard would be a big rose garden.  Check out the photo gallery of Portland's Rose Gardens.

I came across a beautiful website about rose poetry.  Be sure to check out the link as well.

More Added to Delicious - Module 2 / Assignment 2

I am more conscientious about adding favorite sites to Delicious.  With the button on the toolbar, it could not be easier.  The comfort level of using Delicious has definitely increased.  I decided to focus on preschool educational sites to add to Delicious.  Once I found something of interest, I simply clicked to button to add to Delicious.  Now I am able to retrieve the sites with ease.

Blogger: Add a Page - Module 2 / Assignment 1

After a quick review of the short tutorial, the steps for adding a page to my blog came easily.  This option allows a specific topic to be featured on the page.  The pages can be viewed or hidden and deleted with ease if necessary.  There are also options for placement on the page.  Who would think something as simple as adding a page would open up such opportunity?

Pinterest - Module 1 / Assignment 9

I must admit that Pinterest was the most challenging to me, but things finally fell into place after playing around with it a while.  Following others is interesting to me.  I have come across quite a few clever ideas.  Pinterest seems to be another way to organize websites to be remembered.  The images add a flair that Delicious does not have.  I like both sites, but I do notice a similarity.

Using the iPad in the Classroom - Module 1 / Assignment 7

After watching the 3 videos, WOW comes to mind.  The teacher demonstrated lots of apps that could be used to cover a variety of activities and subjects.  A calendar app keeps the teacher and students organized.  The ibooks app allows students to read a book from their iPad and have a dictionary resource within the app.  This would be a good way to do a literature circle, shared reading, and independent reading.  Many current event apps are available to helps students follow current affairs.  The camera app, drawing app, and music provide opportunity for students to be creative.  Math apps, including calculators for both lower and upper age students, are accesible for students to practice math facts or plot points.  Students of any age would benefit from the recording feature of the paper desk app.  Taking and reviewing notes have risen to a new level. 

The videos definitely opened my eyes to various uses of the iPad in the classroom.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

iPad - Module 1 / Assigment 6

Many free educational apps are available for download to the iPad.  I found Spelling Notebook Free.  Users can create a personalized list of words to practice.  Users can practice their words independently.  Each word is spoken as spelling is practiced and tested.  Each correct word is starred.  Users continue to practice words not yet mastered.  Practice can be with or without sight of the words.  Words can be retested at anytime.  Results are scored and recorded and can be emailed.  A full searchable spelling dictionary allows words to be added directly to the user's word list, minimizing entry errors.  This is a great app for kids and adults.

Browsing through the different apps from the App Store can be addictive.  Selecting features to narrow the search helps.

Twitter - Module 1 / Assignment 5 / Week 1

Twitter is a little hard for me to navigate.  I am learning the different "buttons", but familiarity is coming more slowly than some of the other sites we are exploring.

I have difficulty finding people to follow, particularly the people from class.  I followed Barack Obama, but I got too many tweets.  I unfollowed him within 5 minutes.  Too overwhelming for me.

I will be more comfortable with Twitter in time.

Google Docs - Module 1 / Assignment 4

The first youtube tutorial video gave a simple overview of Google Docs.  As I watched the video, I immediately thought of ways to use Google Docs with my colleagues.  The educators' video showed Google Docs in action with the students.  The possibilities are endless. 

I felt comfortable creating my document.  I need more time to explore the different types of documents, but I feel at ease knowing that they are similar to what I am already using with Microsoft.

Dropbox - Module 1 / Assignment 3

Dropbox is easy to use.  Placing files in folders organizes documents for easy accessibility.  I am able to see the files in my dropbox on my iPad as well.  I wonder if I can edit the files using my iPad.  Maybe the editing can only be done on a computer.

Blogs - Module 1 / Assignment 2

Blogs would be a great way to provide information for parents without the fear of the information getting lost when sent home by students on a sheet of paper.  Parents could learn about what students are doing in class by reading the class blog.  Educating parents about this resource would be key. 

After visiting some blogs, I realized the variety of blogs was overwhelming.  Some were way too busy with too much "stuff" on them.  Some had advertisements that were a distraction.  Ms. Cassidy's class blog was easy to follow.  Creating individual student blogs allows the children to be interactive as well.

Delicious - Module 1 / Assignment 1

I am finding that Delicious will be a very useful site.  When I find websites that I want to reference quickly, I can add them to Delicious and have them readily available.  They will always be there.  I find the inability to organize the sites is a hinderance.  You have to scroll through all of them to get to the one you want.  This could take a bit of time if a lot of sites have been added.  Reinstallling the "stacks" feature would be a big help.

Delicious

I can keep all my bookmarked websites organized with Delicious.  It is easy to access and the sites remain available no matter the computer I use.  What a great resource!

Great Recipes

Cooking is a great way to relax after a day at work.  Kraft foods provides lots of recipes that are simple to prepare with ingredients likely to already be found in the kitchen.  Check out the link and happy cooking.

Quilting Instructional Videos

The Missouri Star Quilting Company offers many tutorials for creating beautiful quilts.  The videos provide detailed instructions for completing the task.  Click the link for access to the videos.

Canon Camera

I think the Canon Rebel would be a great camera for taking pictures.  Find out more about this camera by clicking the link.

My First Post For My UVA Class

We have learned about a lot of interesting sites in just a short period of time.  I plan to explore Wordle and Tagxedo more in the future.  Delicious seems to be a wonderful way to organize sites and have access to them on more than one computer.  Blogger will be a helpful tool when doing a book study with my colleagues.