This week, I was asked to reflect on my GAME plan and discuss the resources, information needed and any steps that I have taken to carry out my GAME plan. Last week, I agreed to focus on the following two topics over the next several months: incorporating classroom blogs and wikis when possible and creating a classroom blog to inform parents and students of pertinent information.
As stated in last week's blog, all of my 5th graders currently have their own blog and classroom wiki. I would like to establish this same procedure with my fourth graders so that they are introduced to this technology prior to their fifth grade year. I have met with our technology teacher to discuss the possibility of acquiring new licenses for our fourth graders. We have emailed our county technology representative and he is currently investigating the cost of purchasing new licenses. In terms of 5th grade, I have developed a block plan related to the ballroom unit that they will begin after the Christmas holiday. I have included opportunities for my students to use the computer lab to work on their blogs and wikis related to this unit.
Unfortunately, I have not been as productive with my second goal of creating a classroom website. I still need to meet with the select group of teachers at my school and determine the process that they took in order to begin to establish a blog. I was able to receive a link to a personal classroom blog from another Walden colleague that has been very helpful. He teaches physical education as well so I was able to see the way in which his blog was laid out and the activities and ideas that he chose to include. I need to continue to seek additional information from other professionals including my physical education supervisor so that I am able to include any state content information that is relative to my discipline.
Please share any ideas that you may have about classroom blogs and the process of getting started with this task.
Thanks again Brian!
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
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Rachael,
ReplyDeleteFrom reading Bonnie's post and comments and then reading yours, it looks like a 'swap' might be in order. I will be glad to share my FrontPage training materials with you. We're out of school and I'm not sure if I have them saved at home so if you don't hear from me via Walden email by the the middle of the week after Thanksgiving, please drop me a line.
As to the 'swap', I would love to hear any suggestions you might have about setting up a class wiki. I want to do one with my digital storytelling project. I understand the basic elements but need to know the pros and cons and what tips might help it go a little easier.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information. I was not actively involved in setting up the wiki for your fifth graders. Our technology integration teacher physically set up the wiki over the summer. If I remember correctly, he used "Wikispaces" which is from what I understand very easy to organzie and matintain. I will check with him this week and post the information to your blog once I figure some things out. Have a great week!
Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI commented on Shannon's blog about using blogs in the classroom. Last week I talked to a technology coach who suggested using Shutterfly or Glogster. I haven't used either, but I am going to meet with the coach after Thanksgiving break to learn more about it. She said Shutterfly is very easy to use. I will keep you posted as I get more information.