Wiki

I am struggling with the benefit of the wiki in kindergarten. I think back to the video we saw in which people were able to manipulate things for a camping trip...and it doesn't seem to be what I am using it for. It's more of a "portfolio" at this point. Thoughts??

reflection

The STEP training has been a wonderful experience for Rockledge. For me, I am really excited about learning about blogs. As an educational administrator, at times I am so busy that I don't take time to experience all that is going on in our world with technology. During the election I took note of how many people referred to blogs but I didn't really get it. Once I learned the idea behind it, I realized this election was really won because of the way people were communicating. That is a powerful change.

I am now on a committee for the Summer Leadership Institute and came up with the idea of sending 30 second videos to principals to entice them to enter a talent show. Prior to participating in the STEP Grant, I would never have thought of such an effective way to compel people to participate.

The STEP Grant, over the past two years has been instrumental in our school's growth in the use of technology every day. Those teachers that were not able to be a part want desperately to be part of it. Those involved really do teach others. We just don't have the time we wish we had to bring everyone along as fast as 1. they want to and 2. the kids deserve for us to teach everyone. Teaching everyone remains one of our goals at Rockledge. We can't thank the STEP Staff enough for all they have done for Rockledge. We will never be the same! We are so grateful.

end of year awards

We want to do something different for our Awards Assembly this year. We want EVERY child to feel a part of it so every child will be recognized with a tangible piece of something that makes us all a whole. Technology will play a big role in this...certificates, presentations, etc.

How great we are!

Parents who enjoy working in schools are a true gift. They understand that it is like a family, some days are great and others are hectic. At Rockledge we are so fortunate. We also have many great days.

Finale!!!

I am happy to be creating this final post. I did realize that I need to go back and find some of my original blogs...oops! So, I will be spending the next bit of time doing this. In the meantime...as a reflection, I can honestly say that the use of the digital camera and photostories has been the biggest asset this year! We have created several photostories, and voicethreads! It is exciting, and I am glad it is all coming to good use!!

The End

Now, we are finalizing all the information for the STEP walk. It is so exciting! I am looking forward to seeing the other teams. It will be exciting to see everyone's projects and look at their boards. I am so lucky to be in STEP!! I can't wait until next year!!

Bye, Bye, Blog! 6-2-09

Well, this puts me at blog entry #24at last count. I am crossing my fingers that my Wiki, Classroom Wiki, and Podcasting pages meet all of the requirements for CPD credit. This has been such a valuable professional experience for me this year. I learned a great deal about the newest advancements in web technology. My one wish would be to have our own equipment to use. I’ve had to share with the STEP Team member from last year who had a baby and had to drop out for STEP II. It is difficult to do at times when you are in the middle of a project and the other person needs the digital camera. Overall, I am very thankful to be able to be a part of the team and enjoy sharing all we have learned with our staff. I look forward to attending the Gallery Walk and seeing the accomplishments of the other teams. It should be a great opportunity to share and grow even more. Thanks so much to John, Tia, and Ronlyn. They have been a terrific support team!

Last Minute Tech Stress! 6-1-09

Stress was unavoidable this past week for many reasons. One reason was because I had been very concerned that I did not have enough blog entries to meet the requirements for CPD credits. I emailed John and Ronlyn for clarification. Ronlyn sent me what she had of my entries from the Ektron blog, but a few did not appear to be my entries. They were mixed with two other schools. Does this mean mine are lost in the Big Blue Blog in the sky? I am hoping that I have enough and have met all of the requirements. It is really frustrating to know you put forth effort in writing something meaningful that just disappeared. I am now adding more posts to our blog to make up for what is still missing. I sincerely apologize for bombarding the blog wall!

MB to the Rescue! 6-1-09

Many thanks to Mary Beth today. She was able to figure out how to add separate users to my VoiceThread profile without having to create an account for each student. This was wonderful because it protected their anonymity and made it much easier to have several students comment by taking turns on the same computer. I had already ended up creating a new Google account and profile for them to use before she showed me, but this still worked out well when adding multiple users on the new profile. Now the kids can go on and access it as they please. I just need to write out a clear set of directions for them in case they forget. It really ended up being so simple. It’s amazing what you can learn from one another when you work as a part of a team.

Hard Work Pays Off! 6-1-09

Today, the kids finally had a chance to go on and comment on each other’s landform projects on our VoiceThread. They were really excited to be able to hear someone else say something nice about the hard work and effort they put into their projects. We also shared our VoiceThread through our class website and a mass email sent to the parents. Many sent a positive response back to us which I shared with the class. They were very proud! What a worthwhile experience for us all!!!

VoiceThread Victory! 5-28-09

The children had the chance to watch my instructional VoiceThread, How to Write A Book Review, this week. Their reaction made me feel sooooo great. They thought it was hysterical! I was so glad that they were engaged throughout the PowerPoint/VoiceThread presentation. Several shared that they found it so much easier to follow the steps through this presentation rather than reading the written steps on the screen as before. The increased motivation due to the use of technology was evident once again.

Computer Woes....

This week has been the week of trying to get the machines to work. My classroom is equipped with some ancient computers that in of themselves work fine…add a MIDI board and well it is more than either can handle. They shut down completely if the midi board it turned on.

Blogging!

Blogging is cool! Wish I could really have others respond to my very opinionated statements that ramble on and on. Education gives one so much to discuss.

All done ... Thanks!

I think I'm all done with my STEP projects. I just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to participate this year. IT's been great to have time set aside to learn about new (at least to me) technologies that I can use to enhance my teaching. I look forward to using what I've learned even more next year and (hopefully!) being involved in STEP again.