THE END!

This class has been helpful for a nice overview on modern technology. Now when I hear the words, at least I can recognize what they mean (Podcast, Wiki, RSS) :) Practice makes perfect and the main thing is for me to attempt to utilize some of these ideas and not always rely on the old standby of printed paper in the backpack!

THING 23

I think I will extend my current classroom webpage by using a blog to enhance school to home connections. I am not sure exactly what I will include but I am thinking about child development issues, classroom happenings, important parenting information, etc. I also think it'd be fun to create some podcasts for students to listen to - maybe during vacations or specific themes. I will continue to take tons of pictures and possibly post them on Flickr for easier access (currently use photo album in my classsroom or random posting on class' webpage.

THING 22

I have already signed up on this site for my school. If there's a password, I have no idea what it is and will have to look it up:) I have considered taking the pd online but always elected to attend conferences. I have done some online course work (in college)but it seems with this class, the amount of time required for each project and time of year(summer) made it harder for me to keep at it. I would always like to have professional development in the usual subjects: child development, school to home connection, classroom management, challenging behaviors, etc.

Downloading Videos

I tend to use YouTube for music but occasionally look for videos for teaching tools. I downloaded this video about sugar in our diets.

THING 21

I have already used online videos in my preschool classroom. One Christmas we wanted to know exactly how reindeer sounded so we pulled up a video and small groups listened to the computer. Videos (from the library or online) are always helpful to show children more information about the subject being taught. In a really elementary setting, these videos could be projected for the entire classroom. In my classroom, modern technology is usually just a computer and digital camera:(. Again, the video must be viewed before by the teacher and consideration must be taken to meet approval from all families on all topics. I'm not sure if You Tube is blocked but I'm betting it is. I'll have to check that next time I'm in my room.

Elephants in the storm!

embed src="http://everydayexplorers.nationalgeographic.com/flash/ugc_drop.swf?mediaType=VIDEO&mediaId=737299&pageId=5486&ident=95850&embedded=true&widgetHost=affiliate.kickapps.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="420" height="364" allowFullScreen="true" name="video_player" align="middle" />

Dolphin Video

Dolphin Parenting