This I believe continued...

Well, the activity turned out pretty good as far as recording, editing and uploading to SCORE. The problem arose when we tried to have students in pairs access the audio files of their peers to post comments based on specific questions. Bandwidth was an issue! Only 1 or two students were able to listen while the others waited to see if they could open the files. We tried partners, small groups, moving kids to desktops and still didn't have much success. The students now will be required to listen at home or during school hours when they can access a computer and will post to the discussion board then. Their deadline is Monday, Dec. 8. It was unfortunate that this was not able to be done during class time but now maybe some students will take off with this activity and listen to more than the minimum required 1 essay.

This I Believe Activity

I worked with a teacher on a project that I think went really well. She had students write essays to make a statement based on "This I Believe" through NPR. After students finished the essays we had them use Audacity to record them. I showed them some minor editing features in case they made a mistake or two. Once they finished the audio fies we uploaded them into SCORE in a merged course so all of her students could listen to any of the finished products. Their requirements now are to listen to at least 3 and post to a discussion forum based on their beliefs. I thought the kids did a nice job with their essays and I have enjoyed listening to some of them to this point.

Digital Literacy

On Monday I attended a workshop on Digital Literacy and was very disappointed. I have always been interested in digital literacy and how visual pictures or videos can enhance instruction. Most of the facts that were shared during the presentation support that adding visuals to classroom instruction does improve learning. What I was disappointed in was the delivery of the information. Very dry and many references to personal stories that seemed very inappropriate. The humor that was intertwined in the presentation wasn't bad but the delivery was very poor. I really didn't walk away with anything that I feel is worthy of sharing with my colleagues.

Distance Learning

Today I experimented with the Tandberg system and found it to be pretty cool. Emily, Bill and I talked using the system about some of the features it has and some ideas for future use and I got to play around with the camera and remote to see what all I could do. I would like to do this a few more times to get a better feel of what all it can do. I would like to get classes together and see what it can do. I researched some of the ways other school districts are using it and it seems it is more for field trips, guest speakers and PD's. We are going to experiment with it by having two sixth grade classes compete while they are reviewing for their upcoming Benchmarks. Looking forward to working more with this new technology.

Score in the Elementary

Last week I started working with a few elementary teachers in SCORE and they seem to be showing some interest. What I’ve done is basically created some activities and assessments for them and placed them into their courses. Then I’ve schedule lab time or laptops and worked with their students. I’m hoping this approach may spark their interest and get them interested in using SCORE. I know this may not be the best approach as I am doing the work for them, but I feel if this is what I need to do to get them started then it will be worth it. My next goal is to get the students discussing their learning through discussion forums and then show the teachers how to begin creating discussions or uploading activities/workssheets ect...

First Thought...

We'll since this is new to me I'm really not sure how to begin. I read them occasionally when I'm doing research on sports teams or players but have always been an observer. But now I am the writer! Not sure I will be comfortable with this either as I read other blogs and don't think I ever will. But I'll give it a try. Looking forward to see how blogs can be implemented into education.