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

Another cool video - we all remember!

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=7585&title=Schoolhouse_Rock___A_Noun_is_a_Person_Place_or_Thing

Exciting Videos

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=15395&title=50_States_and_Capitals__cartoon_song_

THING 20

OMG - That is way too cool! I can see myself adding narration to blogs from now on. I think it would be great to have students comment on different topics and then share with their friends. Listening to someone we know puts a new spin on the information we are taking in. It's a simple procedure to create a podcasts so I'm sure students would want to be involved. My favorite podcasts are: http://www.nick.com and other early childhood education sites; www.podfeed.net/podcast/Teach+and+Retire+Rich/8934#. I found that www.podfeed was easier for me to navigate that Apple's site.

My very own podcast (completed on the cell phone)

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

THING 19

Wow! To be caught up in the new century finally. My kids have been doing MP3 Players and Ipods for quite some time and I always wanted to get one to use when walking (I'm getting one soon for sure!) I love the idea that you can download music galore. To download podcasts for the classroom is really exciting. Even in a preschool classroom setting, downloading a podcast about the letter "C" and having a different song to use with the children opens up opportunities for stronger learning. In our elementary schools, this would be a useful medium since they have the equipment to project their computer screens for view by the entire classroom. I think video or audio podcasts are fascinating for children, depending upon the topic discussed or presented. The teacher would have to thoroughly review the entire podcasts before using it as a teaching tool.

I listened to Hooked on Phonics - Letter C; Inside Story with Ana Marie Cox and Real Time with Bill Maher.

Map of visitors

THING 17

A wiki reminds me of a book where you can flip in between the pages, keeping the material organized. A blog has the information there but you have to search for it (either in comments or posting).

I think a blog is good for voicing opinions and relaying information but the wiki is more useful to gathering the information for viewing and response. I like the way the information is placed under certain headings created in the beginning. A person can go directly to that heading and find the referenced material. I might use a blog for feedback about learning taking place in the classroom, field trip suggestions and comments, teacher colleague communications and upcoming events. The Wiki would work well for the beginning of the year to inform parents how learning takes place, child development milestones, and teacher communication about specific topics. It would be great to be used by all of the preschool teachers and each one could add what they wanted.

I could see taking the time to train students about Wiki but some problems might include not having access to a home computer, keeping them focused on the assigned topic, or team work dedication (not just one person doing all of the work.)