Google Docs

Our group is just getting started using Google Docs for our PBL project. I used Google Docs in another class but it was fairly limited use and it seems to me the Google Docs has a different feel or layout to it now. (Or perhaps I just don't remember) I see a lot of potential for using Google Docs, and as I work with my team members on this project, I am sure I will get ideas for using this in my classroom. The only problem I can see is the email issue. I am not sure if my county will let me ask all my students to sign up for a gmail account. So far, we have just done a little discussion in our group but I look forward to checking out some more of the options. I think it is cool that people can be working on the documents simultaneously.

Thoughts on Discussion 8

Discussion 8 was a neat and interesting discussion. It was great to see everyone’s ideas and creativity with a variety of subject areas and a variety of grade levels. I certainly learned that my classmates have some great ideas. Some of them have even implemented similar PBL in their own schools and classrooms. What also discovered is that we all seem to have the same concerns about implementing a PBL project for an entire grade level or school. Some of the issues and challenges we think we will face are: time limitations, willingness of other teachers to help, and logistical issues such as scheduling. In addition, there are concerns about reaching all students through the PBL activity regardless of whether they are honors students or students with special needs. I am very interested to see what plan each group comes up with for the PBL project (including my own!)

Voice Thread

Dr. Baylen's Voice Thread project was my first experience using Voice Thread. I had briefly viewed a peer's voice thread in another class a while back but didn't remember all that much about it. I did my project using adults that I work with. The cool thing about this tool is that anyone can use it from Pre-K to adults. Of course, the younger students will need a little supervision but it is so simple for a teacher to set up identities and allow his/her students to comment on a particular topic. This web 2.0 tool can be used individually or collaboratively. I actually think there are more options than what I used for my project and probably more creative uses for it as well. Voice Thread offers a nice alternative to regular presentations such as PowerPoint. It adds a new level of excitement and motivation. None of my colleagues had heard of it, so it was fun to share with them as they helped me with my project. I am looking forward to evaluating and reviewing my peers' projects so that I can get more ideas. Luckily for me, this tool is not blocked in my county (yet!). :)

Comic Life

Well, I finally got to check out Comic Life and see what it was all about. Because I don’t feel very creative I considered our Comic Life assignment to be a challenge. I don’t feel very humorous (at least on paper!). However, I learned that Comic Life doesn’t always have to be about grins and giggles. The comic strip format can tell a story or even be a “how-to.” My particular strip’s focus was to make a point about the use of technology being used to include all different subject areas. I am interested in seeing how my peers evaluate this particular project because I am feeling like perhaps my project is not up to par as compared to others. I am also interested in seeing how my peers did on their projects. I am assuming I will be jealous of their creativity and ability to add humor into a lesson, but ultimately hope to learn from their examples.

I think the most important thing I’ve taken away from this assignment is that this web 2.0 tool can be used in just about any classroom in any subject area. The possibilities seem limitless. I love how user-friendly the program is, and I think the younger kids will enjoy the sound effects that are used throughout the program when inserting and manipulating objects. There is also a lot of room for creativity as far as photo effects, backgrounds, borders, etc. I haven’t used this program with students before but I would think that it would be highly motivating and entertaining to most students. It sure beats making a poster on regular poster board! The only real downside that I see to this program is that it isn’t free. However, it is nice that you can experiment with a free 30-day trial.

I am curious to know if my classmates have successfully implemented Comic Life lessons into their curriculum before. If so, I’d love to hear about it.

PBL & Technology

What stands out so far about my findings on PBL? I haven’t done much reading or research on PBL prior to our studies in this class. I think I am just surprised at how incredibly appropriate 21st-century tools are for this type of learning. An important part of PBL is the self-analysis and reflection. This blog is a perfect example of how easily technology can be used for that part of problem based learning. It is a written record of progress made and concepts that have been comprehended. There are so many tools available that can help students analyze, evaluate, and create based on their learning objectives. The neat thing is—there is flexibility. While one student or group may choose to approach their project using Google Docs, another student or group might choose to go with Glogster. It allows for choice and personalization while still allowing the objectives to be met. In my opinion one of the best things about both PBL and 21st-century tools is that I believe students find them highly motivating—combine them and watch what occurs!

Reflecting on my Blogging Experience

So far, I’ve found our blogging assignment to be very informative and motivating. I had to create a blog for another class before, but we didn’t do much with it. Reviewing everyone’s blogs has me excited about creativity and collaboration. I see so much potential for the use of a blog with both teachers and students. I love that everyone has their own style and way of doing things. No two blogs have been alike. I think more than anything I am now viewing blogs as an excellent way to document learning and growth. It is such an easy way for students/teachers to reflect on their work, thoughts, and opinions. I was wondering how many of you have used blogs in your classroom. In my school system, we are not allowed to use them. I was trying to research some information about why students should blog but the first four sites I clicked on were blocked due to our filter. Go figure!! I did find an interesting site with 100 reasons you should use blogs. It is worth checking out. http://www.onlinedegrees.org/100-reasons-why-you-should-use-blogs/. My cousin, Tara Seale, is an English teacher in Arkansas and is a prime example of what true technology integration can look like in the classroom. She does blogs, nings, podcasts, videos—you name it, she’s probably tried it! I am completely jealous of the freedom her school system gives her to be creative and incorporate technology. I’d love it if you checked out one of her blogs: enhancedenglishteachertseale.edublogs.org.

Reflecting on Some Barriers for Technology Integration

As I tried to access my blog from school today I was reminded about the limitations my school system imposes on both the teachers and students. I couldn't access Blogger at all because it was blocked due to the filter. This is only one example of wonderful technology that I am not "allowed" to use in the classroom. In addition, we are not supposed to have teacher web pages hosted by anyone other than our school system and are not allowed to use many awesome Web 2.0 tools. So what is the biggest barrier to technology integration? Is it money? Is it know-how? Or is it the policies that are imposed on us? Unfortunately, in my school system non-educators ultimately decide what we are allowed to do as far as internet usage.

(*reflection that is relevant to focus of blog)