Wrapping Up

This semester has been fast and slow all at the same time. It doesn't feel like we've been in "school" that long this year, but then it seems like August was forever ago.

This class has allowed me to become more knowledgeable about many aspects of technology in the educational setting.

I...

• am more comfortable with blogging. 
• am amazed by aurasma and am trying to figure out a way to use it in my room
• have taught my kids how to use bubbl
• have started using scrible and am going to set my older child up an account for research reasons
• have more information to use if I should become an administrator and as a classroom teacher
• am looking forward to learning more about podcasting
• understand the importance of cyber etiquette and safety and will encourage that in my school
• am learning about the integration of technology in my classroom, in instruction, and at the school level

Happy Thursday!
Go Tigers!

Ginger

Football Fridays

This year I have made an effort to take my younger son to as many of the high school football games as possible. You see, he is passionate about football. He knows many of the boys who play on the high school team and this makes him love watching MCHS even more. He made a "lucky" football that he takes with us to each game.

Well I am excited to say we are still playing football at MCHS. On Friday night we went to Brooks High School for the third round game. I had T all bundled up in his hunting coveralls to keep him toasty warm. The people at Brooks were welcoming. The boys on both teams used good sportsmanship, which is nice for a mama. After a hard fought game, MCHS was victorious! I have to say I am so proud of those boys and our fans. Our side of the stands was full.

Anyway, on Friday night we'll be playing Oneonta. We'll be taking our lucky football, our coveralls, and loud voices to cheer on the tigers!

Go Tigers!

Ginger

BYOD and Mobile Learning

I think that BYOD is built on trust and a system that will support all of the devices. Children bring their phones with them everyday to school and use them (GASP) even when they know that they are supposed to be put away. So why not allow them to use them for productive reasons. They sign an acceptable use policy at the beginning of each school year. The use of their own devices at school could be a part of that policy.

If my child has an I-pod or and I-pad or other tablet then he/ she has access to an app for almost any purpose. If we are using Ed-modo, e-mail, or other group setting then assignments can be easily submitted.

Education is no longer about memorization. Yes, there are still things we need to memorize. But how much farther we can take our learners if we move them up the Bloom's ladder of thinking. Using these devices at school lends itself to higher order thinking opportunities. 

Sure you found the information... NOW WHAT? :) 

I found this article on Mobile Learning. It is pretty interesting. 
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669896/10-ways-that-mobile-learning-will-revolutionize-education

Ginger 

I Am Thankful

As Thanksgiving draws near I am overwhelmed by all that I am thankful. God has blessed me in all ways. As I think back over my life even when in trials and tribulations God was always with me. He continues to be with me today. I am thankful. I am also thankful for...

• my husband
• my boys
• my parents
• my sister
• my in-laws
• my nieces
• my nephew
• a way to get to work
• shelter and a place to lay my head
• food on my table each day
• clothes to wear
• cute shoes
• friends
• family
• students
• health
• pecan pie and pound cake :)
• my mama's dressing
• time with those I love
• memories

The list goes on and on. I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Ginger

Digital Citizenship

With technology comes responsibility.

When Jamie Vollmer spoke to the BLT group at the Jackson Center, he mentioned all of the added responsibilities that teachers have beyond teaching their core content. Digital Citizenship is one of these things. Is it important? Absolutely. Do children need to understand their role in the use of technology, being ethical users, and avoiding online "stranger" danger? Yes.

We would hope that parents would be emphasizing this at home. Like Stephanie said tonight, as parents we should know our children's user names and passwords for all of their accounts. However, there are some children who do not have computer access at home or other factors that keep parents from explaining ethical and safe behaviors online.

To help teach digital citizenship to my second graders I use the I-safe resources, NetSmartz Kids, and other lessons.

Teaching digital citizenship is almost a character education trait. It needs to be a part of who we are, our character. Making good decisions even when no one is looking.

Happy Tuesday!
Ginger

P.S. I enjoyed all of the presentations tonight. I learned so much from each of you.

Using IPads with Students That Have Special Needs

Children don't realize they are using different levels of thinking when they are using the I-Pad. In the short time that I have had one in my classroom, students are using the apps, problem solving, and we are moving toward creating through the available apps we have.

Earlier this year I read an article about using an I-Pad with a child who had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We disucssed this in a previous class, but I am posting this to share.

http://isolutionsforautism.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/A-breakthrough-for-Josh.pdf

I think utilizing the technology we have available to meet the needs of our students is important. Searching for apps to work with students who have different abilities and needs allows us to differentiate and meet their needs. Which in turn allows us to be more effective teachers, and our students to be more productive as well.

Ginger

Halloween Candy, Soccer Tournaments, and Life

Well it is November 6, Election Day, but I don't want to talk about that. I'm not sure really what I want to talk about so I'll hit a few highpoints running though my head...

I wish the Halloween candy in my house would disappear. I am so tempted everyday to have a few pieces. If it can't disappear, maybe I should wish my neighbors didn't give out such good candy. Hmmm... something to discuss with them. :)

My older is playing in the city soccer tournament. This is always an exciting time.

Well life is good. Life is busy. It is November. I am thankful.

See you on Wednesday,
Ginger

flipped?

The flipped classroom... hmmm... well this isn't something I am fully knowledgeable about so I have done a little reading to try to educate myself.

I am aware of Khan Academy and teachers using that in order to "flip" their classrooms. The students watch the videos at night and receive 1-1 help at school as needed.

I found an article online, http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-pro-and-con-mary-beth-hertz, that goes in to great detail about what the flipped classroom is and isn't.

In order for this to work, students would have to have internet access at home, or have the ability to come in before school to watch the lecture, video, presentation, etc.

The article stresses the important part of the flipped classroom is the 1-1 attention students get while working on their practice activities.

The last paragraph in the article mentions important ideas for teachers. Even if we don't think the flipped classroom will work in our situation, it is worth thinking about because it makes us think about how we teach, and why we teach it that way. We must be willing to refine our practices to meet the needs of our students.

War Eagle!
Ginger

Kasey the Firedog

Last Friday, Kasey the Firedog visited our school. For some people, this might have just been one more thing to do. But to me it is an event that I was determined for my children to participate in.

You see, my sister was burned severely in a car accident about 17 years ago. One of the things she says that she thought during the moment was that Sparky the Fire Dog had told them to "Stop. Drop. and Roll." when he had visited their class when she was a child. These 4 words helped save her life.

So this event is an opportunity for my children to hear these simple words that could save thier life one day.

I am thankful to these firefighters and their dogs and the impact they have on the lives of our children. My younger child came home and we had to discuss safe places, meeting places, smoke detectors, etc. We have a plan in case of emergency, all thanks to what we've learned from Kasey and his firefighter.

Thanks Kasey!

Ginger