- What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I really have wanted to be able to blog with students for a long time. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I intend to start this communication by throwing out questions about current events in hopes of encouraging conversation within the classes.
- How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I always tell students that it isn't a good day if you have not learned something new, even in the summer. Wow, has that been true of mine.
- Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? I did not know much about wikis and I am really pleased to have this new medium for students to use with projects and group work. I'll have to write about the outcome. I feel certain that after using this format, I will make modifications. I also found Rollyo to be a potential time saver.
- What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? The main problem I had was with the computer itself. Ex. the microphone and being certain the internal one was on. This particular Dell computer is new to me and I had less experience with it.
- If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? Most assuredly. I can actually use the majority of what I have learned.
- How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities? After many professional development sessions that the district has offered, I can say this is one of the top ones.
- Now go and comment on some of the other Players' blogs? Will do!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Thing #23
I almost do not know where to begin as I reflect over these 23 things. The number is actually not that grand, but what I have learned is huge. My learning curve has increased dramatically and I feel as if I have tools to play with this year that will add greater depth to my teaching. A sincere thanks to each of the captains.
Thing #22
I reviewed Teacher Thing and found it to be rather interesting. I actually prefer a site that is just for teachers when I am searching for instructional materials. This decreases the time spent "hunting". It was relatively painless to locate high school ninth grade biology worksheets, labs, etc. I did not have the same luck with more advanced items, ie., AP Biology. Perhaps this is to be expected since there are fewer teachers in this field on a nationwide basis.
One other point, is that as a long time member of this district, I have a number of "tried and true" labs that I often use; therefore, some of the ones I saw here might be more useful to beginners. I plan to mention this at our science curriculum meetings in a few weeks. This said, I often tire of using the same materials over and over. Who knows? As I continue to peruse this site, I might find something better.
One other point, is that as a long time member of this district, I have a number of "tried and true" labs that I often use; therefore, some of the ones I saw here might be more useful to beginners. I plan to mention this at our science curriculum meetings in a few weeks. This said, I often tire of using the same materials over and over. Who knows? As I continue to peruse this site, I might find something better.
Thing #21
I decided to use Photostory to experiment with. I selected pictures from a family vacation in the summer of 2007. I had so much fun and cannot wait to use this during the school year. The entire process was very time consuming because I had never done anything like this before. My first problem was with the audio. My computer was set to an external microphone instead of the internal one. Perhaps this was due to the docking station that I normally use during the school year. My second issue was the actual uploading of the finished product. I tried to embed the actual project instead of the Real Player file. Once both of these situations were remedied, I had smooth sailing, so to speak.
Hope you enjoy two of my boys!!!
Thing #20
I have found many wonderful clips on You Tube. It is easy to navigate through the sites and spend an entire day just watching the ones that deal with science. I like this one in particular. I am not sure why, but I had to use Zamzar to upload this clip and the one that follows.
Teacher Tube had many videos that focus on biology, but I thought this one was pertinent for students when we talk about the impact of microbes and antibiotic resistance.
Thing #19
Revolution Health is wonderful, filled with great information. I frequently make a point of talking about some current health issues because many of them link to what we are studying in biology.
Upcoming, a site that posts events planned for Houston, was interesting to me. The education tab listed events that might be of interest to students and me as well. Locations included Museum of Natural Science, Rice University, and the Holocaust Museum. All offer great programs.
I checked out Twitter, too. I imagine it would be very interesting to try particularly with my biological children. They are adults with their own lives and I would enjoy knowing how they spend their days.
Upcoming, a site that posts events planned for Houston, was interesting to me. The education tab listed events that might be of interest to students and me as well. Locations included Museum of Natural Science, Rice University, and the Holocaust Museum. All offer great programs.
I checked out Twitter, too. I imagine it would be very interesting to try particularly with my biological children. They are adults with their own lives and I would enjoy knowing how they spend their days.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Thing #18
I often take for granted that all students at my school have Open Office with PowerPoint capability. Of course, this is not always correct. The good news is the free software. I actually used this last year on a computer in my classroom. Students might download this at home, too.
I think that Google docs might be an answer to another problem that I have encountered. When students do their work at home and bring it to school on a flash drive, I will sometimes run into problems with my computer recognizing the device. Perhaps, Google docs might be an easier format for the classroom.
I think that Google docs might be an answer to another problem that I have encountered. When students do their work at home and bring it to school on a flash drive, I will sometimes run into problems with my computer recognizing the device. Perhaps, Google docs might be an easier format for the classroom.
Thing #17
Rollyo is a great way to help students find the websites that are most helpful. I have noticed that they become quite frustrated when given a research assignment involving the Internet. As indicated in the video, Google overwhelms them with the vast number of choices. I set up my Rollyo account and plan to update it according to the units that we cover as students are given assignments. The address is http://rollyo.com/straitj/.
The process was overall relatively simple, but I think this was because of the clear directions given by Bruce Goodner.
The process was overall relatively simple, but I think this was because of the clear directions given by Bruce Goodner.
Thing #16
Wikis are really exciting. I think I will be able to use these frequently in both G/T Biology and AP Biology. We encourage collaboration and cooperative learning in lab work and projects. Students will enjoy a new challenge such as this and learn some great biology in the process.
One TEK that is somewhat neglected because of time constraints is career opportunities. Student lab groups could be assigned different pathways for careers in whatever concept is being covered and write a summary of what they learn. Each group could then peruse each other's work.
I set up a wiki on PBwiki and plan to use it as soon as school starts. I named it straitbiology, but did not accomplish much more. One thing is for certain , we're going to have fun with my blog and wiki!
One TEK that is somewhat neglected because of time constraints is career opportunities. Student lab groups could be assigned different pathways for careers in whatever concept is being covered and write a summary of what they learn. Each group could then peruse each other's work.
I set up a wiki on PBwiki and plan to use it as soon as school starts. I named it straitbiology, but did not accomplish much more. One thing is for certain , we're going to have fun with my blog and wiki!
Thing #15
For a number of years I have recognized that the tools needed for instruction were changing dramatically. The use of technology has become an integral part of my teaching day for a number of reasons. One is that I can reach a wider range of learning styles. The other is that I can refer students to websites for information that I do not have time to address in class or for additional enrichment. As a result of this summer's professional development, I already have improved my knowledge as well. A list of web based applications (part of Web 2.0) is already one of my bookmarks.
Just as the classroom teacher has had to change teaching technique, the librarian is facing a similar scenario. I have noticed many innovations that are taking place in the library in my school. Now that I have read about Library 2.0, I recognize where many of these changes are originating.
If Library 2.0 concepts are introduced, students (many more than I teach) will have exposure to a vast amount of diverse resources that are up to the minute information in a wide variety of fields of study. Librarians will be able to direct students in their research if the libraries have the appropriate computers and network capabilities.
Just as the classroom teacher has had to change teaching technique, the librarian is facing a similar scenario. I have noticed many innovations that are taking place in the library in my school. Now that I have read about Library 2.0, I recognize where many of these changes are originating.
If Library 2.0 concepts are introduced, students (many more than I teach) will have exposure to a vast amount of diverse resources that are up to the minute information in a wide variety of fields of study. Librarians will be able to direct students in their research if the libraries have the appropriate computers and network capabilities.
Thing #14
I have just finished searching through Technorati. I looked for sites such as animal behavior, genetics and simply biology. At first I was disappointed because I could not find the type of blogs that I thought were educational. Many of them are inappropriate for the high school classroom. I am not sure that I would send high school students to this site.
As I continued to navigate around the site, however, I did encounter usable blogs. The problem is that in the process I still ended with areas that would distract students.
I registered and claimed my blog. I even added a widget! Why does this make me nervous? Leaving the security of the privacy of my school district is unnerving. I hope I am wrong.
As I continued to navigate around the site, however, I did encounter usable blogs. The problem is that in the process I still ended with areas that would distract students.
I registered and claimed my blog. I even added a widget! Why does this make me nervous? Leaving the security of the privacy of my school district is unnerving. I hope I am wrong.
Thing #13
Social bookmarking will be a tremendous help for me. I have about 133 sites bookmarked and they are unorganized. Some are in folders, but because most of them deal with biology, finding what I want is not efficient. I looked at all of the social bookmarking sites recommended and decided to use del.icio.us.
At first, I was overwhelmed because I imported accidentally all of my bookmarks and I really want to get rid of some of them. Once I navigated through the system and figured this out I realized that I really like this system with the tagging capability.
I use various websites on the spur of the moment in class and to be able to locate a specific one quickly will be helpful. Currently, I am organizing bookmarks according to units. This will be an easy way to share them with my students, as well.
At first, I was overwhelmed because I imported accidentally all of my bookmarks and I really want to get rid of some of them. Once I navigated through the system and figured this out I realized that I really like this system with the tagging capability.
I use various websites on the spur of the moment in class and to be able to locate a specific one quickly will be helpful. Currently, I am organizing bookmarks according to units. This will be an easy way to share them with my students, as well.
Thing #12
Commenting on blogs is more important than I realized. I have read other blogs before, but did not reply primarily because I did not recognize the importance of it. Was I a "LURKER"? Obviously, I was. I just finished reading a post from 2006 on the Cool Cat blog about preparing for the opening of school and found it to be very interesting. I commented (yea!) and oddly enough in so doing I found that I processed in more detail what I had just read. Reflection over how to compose my comment caused me to think about the posting points, a vital part of the learning process. Interesting...... I need to remind students about my experience.
Another point that I noted was that feedback by way of comments helps the blogger to learn and perhaps enhance, modify, and/or affirm what they are practicing. I have had some concerns ab0ut releasing too much information about me. I am hoping that this is unjustified and am moving forward as though my fears are unwarranted. Hopefully, as I continue with my blog, I will see that this is unfounded.
Another point that I noted was that feedback by way of comments helps the blogger to learn and perhaps enhance, modify, and/or affirm what they are practicing. I have had some concerns ab0ut releasing too much information about me. I am hoping that this is unjustified and am moving forward as though my fears are unwarranted. Hopefully, as I continue with my blog, I will see that this is unfounded.
Thing #11
One of the things that I have discovered is how I manage to get caught up in viewing each thing. It would be easy to spend many hours on each of these because each site leads to more interesting information. The Library Thing is one of these. I set up my page and added six books. I stopped there because I began to read reviews of other books. I am not sure how I navigated to the Randy Pausch site (Last Lecture), but I am glad that I did. I read a review that sent me to Carnegie Mellon and I viewed Pausch's charge to the class of 2008. How inspiring to hear again the need to seek your passion. I guess I am ready for school to start.
I want to make available books that my students may want to read or at least be aware of. I am thinking about some required reading, but have not come to a decision at this time. AP biology is very reading intensive anyway so I need to carefully consider how to approach this. Of course, I am open to suggestions or comments.
I want to make available books that my students may want to read or at least be aware of. I am thinking about some required reading, but have not come to a decision at this time. AP biology is very reading intensive anyway so I need to carefully consider how to approach this. Of course, I am open to suggestions or comments.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Thing #10
I made this sign using Custom Sign Generator:
I viewed a number of animations that were humorous and somewhat linked to biology. One in particular was about an insect, very cute; however, I do not know how pertinent it will be in the classroom. The clip is located at http://www.aniboom.com/video/46658/Little-Insect/.
All of the other signs could be used in PowerPoints or ActivBoard flipcharts. Students could also produce some of these images as part of assignments if they link to the topic being covered.
Thing #9
Google Blog search is very user friendly, I think. I found numerous useful blogs such as updates from MIT. I added this to my reader. Topix was interesting, but not as easy to use with regard to biology. I particularly like EurekAlert (also added to my reader) . I found this site using Technorati. EurekAlert is managed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and focuses not only science advancements, but instructional suggestions for teachers and posts for young children.
I found Syndic8.com to be confusing. I suspect that if I had more time to peruse the format, I would find this helpful because it seems to offer information from other countries which would be helpful in some situations.
I want to mention that in reading the first part of this assignment, I was made aware of the need to choose reliable and challenging blogs and to be aware of what I write in a blog. I guess I planned to use this primarily for students, but to be made aware of the need to write wisely is always important.
I found a blog from a a very conservative group by way of the SBISD site. It was written by a gentleman who takes issue with some of the spending practices in our district. He cited two articles from the Houston Chronicle, one about our district becoming insolvent and the other about a free summer program. His main point is obvious--the public wants to know more about how we spend our tax dollars!
Through traveling around some of the posts that I located, I found information about the homework policy that is being considered for SBISD. The main reason that this piqued my interest is that I often return to school and, surprise!, look what you have to do this year. Maybe I will, at least, think about my assignments as I begin and be sure they continue to be thought provoking, not busy work.
As far as other ways to locate blogs is concerned, I finally paid attention to news sites that I have bookmarked and go to almost every day. By using the blog icon, I was able to add them to my reader and peruse the latest events at one time. My main example of this is Fox News. Having this on my reader and on iGoogle reduces time required to reach a site.
I found Syndic8.com to be confusing. I suspect that if I had more time to peruse the format, I would find this helpful because it seems to offer information from other countries which would be helpful in some situations.
I want to mention that in reading the first part of this assignment, I was made aware of the need to choose reliable and challenging blogs and to be aware of what I write in a blog. I guess I planned to use this primarily for students, but to be made aware of the need to write wisely is always important.
I found a blog from a a very conservative group by way of the SBISD site. It was written by a gentleman who takes issue with some of the spending practices in our district. He cited two articles from the Houston Chronicle, one about our district becoming insolvent and the other about a free summer program. His main point is obvious--the public wants to know more about how we spend our tax dollars!
Through traveling around some of the posts that I located, I found information about the homework policy that is being considered for SBISD. The main reason that this piqued my interest is that I often return to school and, surprise!, look what you have to do this year. Maybe I will, at least, think about my assignments as I begin and be sure they continue to be thought provoking, not busy work.
As far as other ways to locate blogs is concerned, I finally paid attention to news sites that I have bookmarked and go to almost every day. By using the blog icon, I was able to add them to my reader and peruse the latest events at one time. My main example of this is Fox News. Having this on my reader and on iGoogle reduces time required to reach a site.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Thing #8
Once again I am excited to learn about something that I have been seeing for a long time--RSS. I am beginning to feel "in" as far as technology is concerned. My Google reader included folders with blogs for science, news, technology and "fun stuff". It was very easy to set up and organize into folders.
As far as my classes are concerned, I will use Google reader to help me keep students apprised of current events. I plan to ask a question via my blog about some current research article regarding either a concept that we have already covered or one that I expect AP students to have prior knowledge about. One of the science blogs is from Nature, one of the premier journals in science. Hopefully, the real world of research in science will heighten awareness of the burgeoning knowledge base in biology. This type of assignment could also be issued to freshmen biology students by wording the question differently or referring them to a publication such as Science News that is less in depth.
I am clearly not a librarian, but as one who expects students to use the facility, I anticipate students needing access and assistance in researching answers to questions I ask or scenarios that I give them to analyze. Most of the freshmen that I teach would absolutely need direction as they begin to use blogs. I have observed that students are quite familiar with using
computers on a personal level, but to research specific ideas from sites that are reputable is a different level of usage.
As far as my classes are concerned, I will use Google reader to help me keep students apprised of current events. I plan to ask a question via my blog about some current research article regarding either a concept that we have already covered or one that I expect AP students to have prior knowledge about. One of the science blogs is from Nature, one of the premier journals in science. Hopefully, the real world of research in science will heighten awareness of the burgeoning knowledge base in biology. This type of assignment could also be issued to freshmen biology students by wording the question differently or referring them to a publication such as Science News that is less in depth.
I am clearly not a librarian, but as one who expects students to use the facility, I anticipate students needing access and assistance in researching answers to questions I ask or scenarios that I give them to analyze. Most of the freshmen that I teach would absolutely need direction as they begin to use blogs. I have observed that students are quite familiar with using
computers on a personal level, but to research specific ideas from sites that are reputable is a different level of usage.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thing #7
The search engine Google is fascinating and I am extremely dependent upon it in many areas of my life. I have been aware of the "extras" that are available to users, but I have not had the time to investigate them. All of them are interesting, but I took the most time with setting up an iGoogle site with two pages--one for current news, weather, etc. for me to enjoy and one for biology. The latter one I will use to quickly become aware of current research in various fields under the general heading of life sciences. As I set it up, I wanted to include instructional sites that I might use in class. I located several animations that students might use to enhance their understanding of topics covered. I quickly realized that I could make these sites available by setting up a notebook. At this point I am not sure that I want to enable all students access into my iGoogle page and the notebook idea solved the situation temporarily. I have not added much to the notebook at this point, but I will by the time school begins. The website address for this notebook is http://www.google.com/notebook/public/09939402928693244871/BDSelIwoQ8OvqlLcj
I am very excited about Google Earth. The possibilities for the use of this site in the classroom are endless. In the study of ecology, students have to "imagine" the interactions of organisms with the environment whereas with the ability to zoom into a geographical region and note the topography and climate, a reality level is heightened. As I was searching through the site, I focused on the Los Angeles area and was able to get some real time views of the seismic events that have taken place in that part of California over the last few days. Earthquakes are a density independent event that all biology students study. Surely, being able to focus on the location where these events are actually occurring will enhance understanding.
I am very excited about Google Earth. The possibilities for the use of this site in the classroom are endless. In the study of ecology, students have to "imagine" the interactions of organisms with the environment whereas with the ability to zoom into a geographical region and note the topography and climate, a reality level is heightened. As I was searching through the site, I focused on the Los Angeles area and was able to get some real time views of the seismic events that have taken place in that part of California over the last few days. Earthquakes are a density independent event that all biology students study. Surely, being able to focus on the location where these events are actually occurring will enhance understanding.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thing #6
I love mashups!!! I envision many possibilities for using this with students. A map focusing on regions of a particular biome could be borrowed from Google and organisms unique to these areas could be superimposed on top. Students could search various websites for images. Flickr and, of course, Google will have a vast array. The finished product could be linked to my blog for all students to see.
I have also become interested in ways to use the card making sites. I tried to connect the biome idea with Big Huge Labs. I assembled the following card from images I found on Google. This format will be relatively easy for students to follow as they become familiar with a particular biome.
I have also become interested in ways to use the card making sites. I tried to connect the biome idea with Big Huge Labs. I assembled the following card from images I found on Google. This format will be relatively easy for students to follow as they become familiar with a particular biome.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Thing #5
Flickr is filled with useful resources. I particularly enjoyed the information in the area named Science Commons within the Custom Commons. Exploring teh Health Commons, part of the Science Commons, provided ideas to help students recognize the importance of the web in sharing vital information for more than purchasing products. A video clip by John Wilbanks located at http://sciencecommons.org/projects/healthcommons/ explains the need for more communication within the science community. I envision students being directed to this site with the assignment to view it and follow with a comment on my blog.
I also think students would enjoy an assignment to develop a food web or food chain by using pictures found on this site.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Thing #3
Setting up my blog went very smoothly although I did manage to set up two of them. I am not really sure how that happened. I have wanted to know more about blogs for a long time thus I actually feel that I am finally inching toward expanding my use of the Internet in the classroom. I really enjoyed playing with the avatars although I am not completely pleased with the one I came up with. I want to change it anyway because I find that if I do not practice a new task several times, I will lose the skill. In general, I plan to work with the design more as I move through this process.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thing #2
After reading the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners, it is very easy to select the most difficult one and that is the last one or at least part of it. I t is always a challenge for me to find time to feel good about allowing myself time to "play". The responsibilities that I have as a wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher are sometime major tasks for me that I do willingly, but consume so much of my time. My goal is to work on efficiency and organization to allow me to schedule my time to include personal learning time.
The easiest habit will most likely be #6. I will unquestionably use the technology in class. My students are extremely literate in this area and will enjoy having the opportunity to voice their opinions about topics that we do not have time to discuss in class. In my AP class, I anticipate assigning articles to read that I would expect students to comment on. This might also be a venue for current events. Every day there are new publications with new findings in science. How exciting it will be for the students to gain an interest in relaying what they find in their locating some of the articles.
The easiest habit will most likely be #6. I will unquestionably use the technology in class. My students are extremely literate in this area and will enjoy having the opportunity to voice their opinions about topics that we do not have time to discuss in class. In my AP class, I anticipate assigning articles to read that I would expect students to comment on. This might also be a venue for current events. Every day there are new publications with new findings in science. How exciting it will be for the students to gain an interest in relaying what they find in their locating some of the articles.
Thing #1
I am really excited about playing with these new web "toys". I hope to set up a blog to take communication with students to a new level. Hopefully they will respond with their reflections about my comments as well as ideas that they bring to the discussion. Since class time is limited for delving into current biology research and events, a blog may be a pathway to accomplish this.
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