shesonatrip

Final thoughts...

2010-06-10T14:09:00.000+02:00

How will you continue to learn new ways of doing new things? What challenges do you predict for the 1:1 program?

1. I will continue to learn through my online community - Twitter, Google Buzz - I follow many ed tech gurus he keep me abreast of all the latest techy stuff.

2. I will continue to feed off Paul and Jennie who are so far ahead of the curve they might have already traveled to the future.

3. I will continue to learn from my students who love sharing stuff with me and don't make me feel like an old fart (well, not always).

Challenges.... I'll let you know as we go!

Pivot this.

2010-06-10T13:54:00.001+02:00

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Reflect on how the web is not just a source of information, but a birthplace of information. How will you encourage the development of the information literacy skills our students will need for their futures?

Wow. I am currently suffering from brain burn-out as the last few days of school dwindle down.... and this is a super big question. Can I take a pass, please? Seriously. Are you trying to torture me, Paul?

Sigh. Here goes.

The web rocks. I don't know how I lived without it. I don't know how teachers taught without it. As I watched my students create glogs, blogs and prezis this year, I saw them contributing to the web of information that is out there. As they learn, I learn. To be honest, I feel like I'm always trying to catch-up and sometimes I am overwhelmed, but often excited too, by all that is possible. I'm still reeling from Gary Flake's Pivot application.

I will continue to encourage my students to develop their information literacy skills and I will continue to upgrade mine!

Do you share calendars?

2010-06-10T13:34:00.000+02:00

How we might make student self-organization more appealing?

Some of my seventh grade students until

Many of my seventh grades seriously struggled with self-organization. Their homework was rarely completed, their assignments were late and often accompanied by lame excuses. After weeks of fruitless nagging to bring their agendas to class and copy down their assignments and homework, I gave up. They were clearly frustrated and so was I. Then, like a gift, I remembered how much easier my life had become after I started using and sharing my personal calendar with my family, friends and colleagues. I have since shared my class calendar and set them up with calendar alerts sent directly by SMS to their personal cell phones.

As a result, I have seen a dramatic increase in assignments being handed-in on time and homework completed more consistently. Google Calendar was a life-saver for my students.

Google Earth and Maps

2010-06-10T13:12:00.000+02:00

Describe some ways you could you use Google Maps or Earth to engage learning in your classroom.

As a humanities teacher, I love Google Earth and Maps. I do admit that I need to use them more.... These online applications are an excellent way to incorporate geography into my lessons, make history lessons more tangible and make story settings more realistic.

I solemnly promise to use Google Earth and Maps more frequently next year! Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.

Do you share?

2010-06-10T12:50:00.001+02:00

How might we prepare students for a life of mass-sharing?

I think it's important to give students the necessary skills to share responsibly, effectively, positively and safely. Teachers can model sharing with students by starting the year off with teacher-student shared document that could be used as a journal or notebook. Having many opportunities for students to work collaboratively online using various applications let's them practice their skills. Reflecting as a class on what worked well, what didn't and how to improve the next time will empower students to think about how they can be more effective when working within an online community.

I think students will, and in many cases already have, easily translated their group skills to online forums. Many kids play multi-player online games and IM regularly. We probably only need to teach them the finer details in diplomacy, negotiation and basic manners.

Follow me!

2010-06-10T12:42:00.000+02:00

What online resources have you used to improve your teaching, and how do you usually find them?

I am like a vacuum cleaner or a sponge or magnet or some other object that sucks, attracts or collects information and resources. Luckily, I am not a hoarder and feel it is my duty to share whatever I find. Thank the internet heavens for Twitter and Google Buzz which allows me to share and pick up new ideas quickly and easily.

As far as what online resources I use in the classroom well, I can't even keep track or remember them all.

I suggest you start following me!

smooreisb@gmail.com
shesonatrip - twitter

My ball and chain....

2010-06-10T12:32:00.000+02:00

Think back a few years to how you used to use your computer. Describe any changes you've noticed over that time. Finally, make some predictions about your computer use in 2013.

As I reflect on my relationships with my various computers, I realize that I have become more entrenched, needy, and slightly neurotic. It was never an equal partnership of mutual benefit but a one-sided dependency. My ball and chain are a full-on addiction of which there is no cure and no respite. In fact, I'm dragging my computer down with my lack of sophistication and computer savvy. I'm surprised that my computer has not fired me and moved onto someone who will grace its keyboard with more than two digit typing at about 5 words a minute. Someone who knows all the IM short hand, who can surf the internet without forgetting their original quest, and someone who knows a gigabyte from a... well, a... (insert techy term here).

My very first personal computer was a second-hand Apple. It was a clunky, cream-coloured, desktop with a tiny screen. I thought it was awesome. I was in my first year of college and taking an Advertising and Marketing degree. I thought I was super cool because I was in a program that specified an Apple computer under suggested class materials. We were taking design classes and would need to be able to run programs like Adobe Photoshop and QuarkXpress. My internet connection at the time was dial-up and slower than molasses flowing backwards up a hill under a meter of snow in the dead of winter in Moose Factory, Ontario. Luckily, I didn't spend much time on the internet. I probably spent a few hours a day working on my computer at home and the computers at school. Computers were for completing assignments. I checked my email every now and then. Socializing was still done face-to-face or by phone, class was still writing notes on lined paper.

My second computer wasn't an Apple. In fact, I would not get back to my roots for awhile. I dabbled with the "other" kind computer for a few years. In teacher's college, I received my first laptop as part of my B. Ed. program. Nipissing University was using my class as a pilot program for the 1:1 new teacher program. Thanks to Nipissing I discovered the world of high-speed internet, instant messaging, Google, and downloading music/movies illegally. We had an IT class which taught us how to incorporate technology in the classroom. I quickly learned how to multi-task; IM'ing my fellow classmates, checking my email, posting required comments to class discussion forums, and listening to my prof ponder the need for differentiation in the classroom. My computer usage leap-frogged significantly and my dependence became impossible to break.

Skipping ahead through my relationships and two continents later, I am currently using a Macbook which I love. I would not be able to exist without it. It has consumed me completely.

But I don't think this is a bad thing. Really, I don't! Without my Macbook I wouldn't have been able to keep up with my human relationships. As an overseas teacher, I rely on Skype, FaceBook, Picassa, Twitter and Gmail to maintain and even build my personal and professional relationships. My networks are worldwide and stronger than ever.

I worry about my laptop. I debate whether I should bring it with me on holidays. I'm afraid I will drop it. Or it will stop working. Or maybe it will be stolen. What would I do without it? How will I know who has just eaten toast for breakfast, who thinks that the new season of Lost is a waste of time, who needs a resource for teaching the Renaissance, and who has just posted a video of their two-year old laughing?? Seriously. This is hard-hitting news that I can't live without.

I need my laptop and that's why I have chained myself to my Macbook. For better or worse, it can't leave me in the dark. I won't allow it!

big brother is watching....

2010-04-07T14:01:00.000+02:00

Question:

"Some people have strong feelings about being in the public domain (meaning their pictures, thoughts, interests... can be potentially accessed by people they don't know). Explain your feelings? How do we address these concerns as teachers and role models? How do we teach this?"

Answer:

when i was in my last year of high school, internet was a strange new thing i became aware of and started using slowly - literally dial-up was no fun! not everyone had access to the internet and it seemed rather expensive to get it. i really didn't understand what all the fuss was about. i was much more excited to get a cell phone the size of an encyclopedia.

i also remember reading george orwell's novel 1984 without realizing then the significant impact the internet would have on our private/public lives. similar, in some ways, to the pervasive government surveillance throughout the protagonist winston smith's world. i think people who fear the internet often liken it to this idea of "big brother."

as the internet became more advanced and more public, so have i. and yes, i have had pictures, posts, and emails that i wish had never been uploaded or sent... luckily, i quickly learned my lessons and eventually survived the embarrassment.

throughout this learning process, i never really had anyone guide me. my college and university professors were barely internet literate themselves and it seemed that no one had a chance to keep up with the light speed pace and growing capabilities that the internet allowed.

Now, teachers are facing the challenge of how to teach responsible internet use while guiding students to create public profiles that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. a pretty daunting challenge!

as a teacher, i think it is important to teach kids to be safe and responsible in all situations whether online or not. we should provide students with the tools and skills they will need to be successful in all aspects of their lives. they will make mistakes but hopefully they will be minor and provide opportunities for growth.

how do we this... specifically? as a humanities teacher, i love to sneak learning in when the kids don't notice. so, as we are working on a project, we also learn about a new online application. this then gives me the chance to discuss with my students the various issues surrounding their experiences online. for example, the issues surrounding choosing a username and password, signing-up for e-newsletters, sharing online documents with friends, etc. teaching them useful skills through an authentic learning experience.

there's no point running from the fact that we all have public profiles. the idea is to be smart about what you put out there. big brother is indeed always watching...

My Thoughts on Google Apps...

2010-03-23T12:09:00.000+01:00

I LOVE GOOGLE APPS!!!

Now let me tell you why....

1) Collaborative
2) Portable
3) Easy to use

Shared Google Docs allow students, teacher, administrators to all work on the same document in real time. This means that students can work on group projects together and peer edit each others work. Teachers can collaborate on curriculum, teaching strategies and ideas, as well as student needs. Administration and teachers can minimize meeting time and maximize efficiency during meetings.

GMail, Google Talk and Chat allow us to stay in touch. I find I have more meaningful and frequent contact with parents. I can easily create groups and send out emails quickly. I can send an instant message to a colleague regarding a student or the answer to a quick question.

Google Calendar allows me to create several calendars that I can share with my classes, student groups, colleagues and parents.

With Google Apps, I can take my work with me anywhere. I have all my resources, contacts, and calendars. It doesn't matter what computer I'm on or what country I'm in - as long as I have internet, I can do it all!

Not only do students learn how to use Google Apps easily, so did I! I find it easier than the software I have been using for years. I never have to worry about losing my work with the life-saving autosave feature. I can easily organize all my docs, emails, and calendars into groups and folders.

Do you love Google Apps too?

MS 1:1 Teacher Preparation Program

2010-03-16T13:32:00.000+01:00

Next year, the Middle School will be kicking off our 1:1 student laptop program. In order to get ready for this momentous and downright exciting event, we teachers are doing a little online learning to prepare.

For our second module, we were asked the following questions:

1. What are the main differences between Gmail and any email you've used before?
2. What would you like to be able to do with Gmail? Responses here might inform future learning opportunities in this course.
3. How could one of the tools in Gmail be used to positively impact student or teacher performance at ISB?

And here are my thoughts....

Gmail is my preferred email provider because it is more than just email: chat, talk, calendar, shared docs, task lists, sites, RSS reader, etc.... It allows me to instantly connect with my students, colleagues, family and friends. I love it! I have been a dedicated Gmail user for about two years now and I would still like to know how to use more tools, more effectively!

Out of the long list of tools Gmail offers, I believe that the two best tools are Google Calendar and GoogleSites. Both of these tools help students become more organized and more independent. I post due dates, assignments and homework, rubrics, and resources. It's handy, it's all in one place, and extremely easy to use!

My Last Thing...

2009-05-25T07:52:00.000+02:00

Tracy is my new recruit - does this mean I can graduate?

Final thoughts...

2009-05-12T15:56:00.001+02:00

It was a bumpy road but one I'm glad to have travelled!! I've really increased my awareness and understandings of social networking, collaborative partnerships, productivity tools, and even discovered how an avatar could be used in the classroom! I have been exposed to new ideas, and new ways of thinking. This has encouraged, rejuvenated and motivated me to set new goals for my own continued professional growth, as well as, new goals for my students!

How will I continue without you, Jennie? Is there an advanced class? I guess I will have to lean on my twitter leaders to guide the way....!

Reflections on Mark Federman's Talk....

2009-05-12T15:48:00.000+02:00

Content-shmontent! We need to teach skills more than we need to teach dates, names, and other silly factoids! Students can find answers to their questions using the internet and even social networking/collaborative web 2.0 apps. Why memorize it?

What we need to teach is how to construct meaningful questions, how to search effectively for information, how to work collaboratively, and how to use the information productively!

I fully agree with Mark Federman. We need, as educators, to move away from the 3Rs to the 4Cs: Connections, Context, Complexity and Connotations.

Can someone help me do that, please??

Creative Commons

2009-05-07T09:55:00.000+02:00

What is Creative Commons??

Creative Commons in Canada: http://creativecommons.ca/

Ted Talks:

Creative Commons

2009-05-04T08:04:00.001+02:00

awesome!

2009-05-02T09:42:00.001+02:00

Connectivism

2009-05-02T09:31:00.000+02:00

Socialism...

2009-05-01T14:20:00.000+02:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

M - Th 11p / 10c

The Stockholm Syndrome

thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Economic Crisis

First 100 Days

deeeelicious...

2009-03-29T12:20:00.000+02:00

http://delicious.com/shesonatrip

I'm looking for sites that will help me next year - so anything for grades 6-8 Humanities: history, geography, middle years program, middle school, technology in the classroom, etc.

RED Album

2009-03-16T11:56:00.001+01:00

Cool things you can do with Picasa!

2009-03-16T10:10:00.000+01:00

1. Place pics on Google Earth.
2. Capture photos from your webcam.
3. Create a photo collage.
4. Set albums as desktop wallpaper.
5. Create a movie.
6. Make a gift CD.

Google Talk

2009-03-05T12:21:00.000+01:00

I have finally uploaded my screen shot of Google Talk even though I've been chatting away (usually during school hours...) for weeks!

igoogle homepage

2009-02-18T11:03:00.001+01:00

hey people!

here is the screen capture of my igoogle homepage! enjoy.... :P

Contact group

2009-02-18T10:49:00.001+01:00

Hi everybody!

I have created a "23 Things" contact group in my Gmail - yay me! I also added Fireshot to Firefox so that I could take a snapshot of my screen to show all of you!

Firefox Add-ons!

2009-02-18T08:30:00.000+01:00

Hi world,

I am so excited because I just downloaded some really super cool add-ons for Firefox! I recommend trying them:

ColorfulTabs (make your tabs distinguishable and a lot less boring!)
FoxSaver (screensaver)
Fire.fm (listen to radio while working)
YammerFox (chatting tool)
Canadian English Dictionary ('cause we canucks need our own, eh)

Cheers!

Lost Generation

2009-02-11T08:05:00.000+01:00

inspirational video that would be perfect viewing for today's teenagers....

wired

2009-02-10T16:40:00.000+01:00

i'm all over the net....

professional website

5B class website

find me on facebook:
for students - MsMoore Teacherpage
for everyone else - Shannon Moore

and now i'm on blogger too....

stay tuned for upcoming epiphanies and other such nonsense... ciao ciao