May the tech be with you

Disney World 2006

 Select the link to see a movie I made using Rock You.  Thanks to my sister-in-law, Kelcei, for teaching me about this tool through her My Space page. 

Now that you have attended the wiki workshop (http://maythetechbewithyou.wikispaces.com/Wikis), what ideas do you have for using wikis in the classroom or for professional development?  I will continue to look for examples of quality wikis that are currently being used.  This is also a place for us to discuss idea, solve problems together, and help each other. 

I was just reading an e-mail from BjB at TappedIn where she directed me to an Edutopia article about high school students in Oregon, Michigan, and New Jersey who collaborated on writing and producing plays using technology.  The project is called TheatreLink and is sponsored by New York City’s Manhattan Theatre Club.  In this article, the project focuses on drama, but a similar project of collaboration could be about any subject.  Image collaborating with another class creating a fractions manual, digital stories from the past, solving science problems, discussing literature, etc.  You can think locally – within our schools or globally – another city, state, or even country.  Read the article and share one idea that you have.  Let’s brainstorm and see how we can further engage our students in the curriculum.

I have begun to collect links to various sites that are valuable to show how 21st Century Tools are being used and even tutorials for these tools.  You can find the list at http://www.ikeepbookmarks.com/april_chamberlain  Right now I am focusing on the social networking tools folder.  I have categorized the links for all, elementary, middle, or high.  However, viewing other subjects can give you ideas for your own grade level or subject.  Let me know what you think!  Also, if you have a link that you want to see added to this site, send it my way.  Together we can create a network of resources to benefit everyone!

Just like with students, learning should not stop in the summer months.  Technology classes will be offered at the Board on Wednesdays from 9 – 11 and 1 – 3.  Classes are not subject specific.  Just call Karen and tell her what technology you are interested in learning and she will schedule everything. 

Technology classes will also be offered on Tuesday mornings (Tech Tuesdays) from 10:30 – 12:30 at Paine Intermediate School and from 1:00 – 3:00 at the Board.  These classes will be subject specific, however, they are not grade specific.  These tools are important for all grade levels.  You will explore how teachers at every grade level are using them.  This is one reason I need you to let me know you are coming so I can make absolutely sure that I have an example for the grade in which you teach.  The objectives for the summer classes are: 1) understand what the tool is, 2) how to create products with the tool, and 3) leave with the beginnings of or a final product that you can use in your classroom during the first nine weeks of next school year.  You must e-mail me at april.chamberlain@trussvillecityschools.com to register for a class.  There will be a maximum class size of 20.  Those that register after the limit is reached will be first in line for additional classes during the school year.  You will be required to bring your laptop, power supply cord, and thirst for knowledge.  I look forward to working with you!

Tech Tuesday Classes 

June 13 – Microsoft PowerPoint, AM and Blogs, PM 

June 20 – Microsoft Publisher, AM and Wikis, PM 

June 27 – Photo Story 3 for Windows and Windows Movie Maker, AM and RSS/Aggregator, PM 

July 5, Wednesday - Cool Tools for Reading, AM and Bookmarking Tools, PM 

July 11 – Cool Tools for Math, AM and Flickr, PM 

July 18 – Cool Tools for Science, AM and Podcasting, PM 

July 25 – Cool Tools for Social Studies, AM and Screencasting, PM 

Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet.  We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught.  Change is necessary to engage students not on in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school period.  Students spend so much time using 21st Century Tools at home that they are often bored by reading from a textbook, listening to a lecture, and answering questions from the back of the book.  It is our responsibility to harness the educational value of 21st Century tools such as: blogs, wikis, podcasts, instant messaging, video conferencing, movie making, etc.  Through a wiki and this blog, we will read, discuss, collaborate, create, implement, and reflect on technology integration at Trussville City Schools.  Now is the time to get on the right track before our students get run over or left behind.