I have recently discovered the Learning Network, by the New York Times, and I love it.  It provides some really purposeful lesson plans that lead to more great ideas that can be implemented into the classroom.  I teach science and I LOVE the science section.

Web 2.0 Tools: Overview of Blog Use

I read an article outlined the importance of differentiating instruction for students in science by using blogs that include podcasts and discussion forums.  According to the article, “Blogs expand instructional time by providing teachers with a user-friendly online format to reinforce strategies, introduce new topics and concepts, review important class points, review for tests, and provide enrichment.”(p. 61).  I addition to enriching the educational experience by differentiating instruction, blogs allow for a new way to get materials.  Teachers can upload lessons, notes and videos, as well as create video casts of lessons for students to access.  This allows teachers to take advantage of what the article refers to as the “iTunes Phenomena” by extending class time into the students home life in an interesting way.  I see blogging and discussion boards as a great substitution for traditional homework. However, it isn’t as simple as wanting to throw something together and just doing it.  Teachers need training to learn how to integrate valuable technological resources into the curriculum.

Great Points:

Blogs can extend class time

Access can be gained by most students

Blogs can be used to issue traditional classroom work

Teachers need training and time

Colombo, M. W., Colombo, P. D. (sept. 2007), Blogging to improve instruction in differentiated science classrooms. Phi Delta Kappan, 89(1), 60-63

Web 2.0 Tools: RSS activity

RSS Blog post – When attempting to use the RSS feature on my blog, I initially found it to be extremely frustrating. I tried to follow the instructions but soon found that blogspot.com and edublogs.org have some different ways of doing business so to speak. Once I realized that the instructions listed wouldn’t work for me I started doing some exploring of RSS on my own. Soon I figured out that it was very easy. As for using Google reader and RSS in the classroom…hmmm. I think that having automatic updates to information is really useful in keeping up with current events, posted HW assignments, and research topics. I can also use it to keep up with trends in education and technology…which will ultimately trickle down to my teaching.

Invisible children at school today

The invisible children did there Kony 2012 presentation today at school and it was fantastic. Take a look at the new video and then go to the website to support the cause...http://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/kony_5.html

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Remote Student Response System

Yesterday I was rewarded a grant for $4000.00 off the price of 4 class sets of remote student response systems. The cost to our department will be about $1600.00 for 4 class sets. I have switched to proficiency grading, with some reluctance, and I feel that the RSRS will help with so many aspects of student learning.

Want to make a free ebook?

I recently discovered a new tool for creating a free ebook called issuu.com. I was able to create instructions for use that were simple enough for my high school students to easily, and successfully, follow. I used it as an alternate assignment for replacing DNA standards. There are easy to follow tutorials on Youtube as well.

High Stakes Testing