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November 18, 2006 12:53 PM
Bubblr
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Moviemaker
Moviemaker is available on all computers that have Windows XP with service pack 2. You can import pictures, music, narrations and videos to edit. You can save all of this as a movie file that plays with Media Player.
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See Activity
Credit to dedalus11's photos on flickr.
- On a sheet of paper, or on an electronic paper, write what you believe the visual captured below to be...
- In your stickie groups, using talking chips, take turns sharing your conclusions, both differing and similar.
- Whole group report out.
Reflection:
Can we identify a few of the applications of this exercise for use in the classroom? And why might we try this?
Strategy from "30 Reflective Staff Development Exercises for Educators. Stephen S. Kaagan. Corwin Press, 2004.
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TIC TOC Meets the Steelers
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Michael concentrates
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Dena, Dena, Cathy, & Jennifer
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Google Tools Rock
The Google tools we've learned about this weekend have a lot of application opportunities for my classroom. The idea that was shared with me that I am eager to use is the geotag option in Picassa. Thanks for ALL of the great ideas.
Recently found on terrib's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
New Google Toys
There are so many new ideas that I am having to make a list so I can concentrate on what it is I want to remember and use again. I like the hands on acitivites also, so I know I will go back and use the talking chips concept in my government class. Also the Seasons worksheet was a great way to have breakouts. Using the notebook in Google will be my first item on the agenda when I return to school. Also I want to spend some time on the site maps.live.com because I felt that it was clearer then Google Earth...So many things to explore and so little time...
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New for me
I can't wait to try using the season to have my students mingle.
I also like learning what REAL teachers are doing in the field so I can tell my students technology is being used OUT there! Thanks to all of you for sharing!
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Brain Activity and CAD stuff
If you want to know whether you're left or right brain, auditory or visual, you can download this program to find out. I ran the program after listening to music for 15-30 minutes, and then after reading for a while. The results change, so have fun with this. I believe it to be fairly accurate. http://www.maltsite.org/download/brain.exe
With the Sketchup program, I learned that it works best to get GoogleEarth up and running first, bring in the image of where you want your sketch to be located, then start drawing it. If you are an elementary teacher and like CAD programs, try out MyHouse. It's great!
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November in Helena
We usually do not take the time to experiment, search, explore technology sites, uses, downloads, etc. The Montana Cadre "forces" us to do these tasks in a guided weekend. The guidance gives us a sampling of sites, downloads, etc. that we have to use. The great thing is that there are people all around you to help, advise, share techniques, and, hopefully, be able to continue to contact in the future. Just to be able to explore the google sites and tools was great. I have used Picasa for my photos but never realized the number of tools that one can use with this site. I now have a slide show and sreeen saver from my Picasa photos as well as some photos pasted on google earth. I also apprechiate the teaching tools that were used during the meeting (always with a reason for doing) and that I can easily adapt for my own use.
Jerry Scott
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learning more
I am very interested in trying more of the Google products. I will be looking at the evals done on the Metiri site noted by Michael. Overall I feel that I have lots to explore in the next few days/weeks - sure hope that I get time on the computer during Thanksgiving Vacation. (It's bad enough that I have to stand in line behind the high schoolers, but the elementary kids, and the 2-year old also wants on, and of course the college kids will be home.)
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What I'll Use
Todays experiences have been fired up again to find better ways to teach effectively. I think of teaching adults and get frustrated, but really its with my own inability to bring others along. The Google Tools are user-friendly, accessible to all, and with a little introduction available for teachers to play with. It worries me that some educators are able to reject tech; it's a loss to themselves of course, but it's also a loss to their students.
This group has given me many ideas, contacts and reasons to get back at it.
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Really a question coming out of this weekend
I liked the google tools. It is just amazing things that are out there available to users, the tools just need to be found.
I was thinking about a question most of the time I was listening to the people talking today and when the articles were read. Students are the ones who are going to be using these tool, teachers tell them what tools to use for what projects. What would happen if there were a training like this led by the students to show what they use on a daily basis and what the use is for.
Okay just a musing.
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Things to Share
The things that are important to think about is the time it takes to develop meaningful learning environments for our kids. Using technology is a great tool for engaging our students. If we are using it correctly, our classrooms are changing from teacher-directed to student-directed classrooms. At the end of the day, our students should be utterly exhausted from the work and learning that has gone on. I think about how much I have learned and how exhausted I feel and that is my goal for my students. To exhaust them and to excite them about the world.
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Evaluation
Take a moment and complete the online evaluation of our cadre meeting. If you want to be eligible for a random drawing enter your email in the survey.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in What's New | Comments (0)
gmail as a virtual storage location
Thanks Mike for all the wonderful information on having a g-mail account. I think that having a 2gb virtual storage is amazing. I want to be able to store data, photos, video... and be able to access from anywhere!
Recently found on dianewoodard's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
What I have learned
I have gained information on various free tools that Google has to offer that I either knew existed but never had the time to play or investigate them. I also have enjoyed just listening and discussing with teachers from other districts about technology issues, hardware, software, etc. and how it impacts them and their students. There have been great ideas to do with staff inservice as well. I always enjoy coming to these meetings and getting refreshing ideas and energy from Jennifer and the group. She shares such cutting edge ideas.
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Picture captions
I liked the idea of guessing what the picture on the web page was...who new it would be toothbrush bristles...
An extension to this would be to copy a comic strip from the internet, erase the captions in the speech bubbles and have the students put in their own conversations...fun and intersting what they come up with.
Recently found on dean's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Picture captions
I liked the idea of guessing what the picture on the web page was...who new it would be toothbrush bristles...
An extension to this would be to copy a comic strip from the internet, erase the captions in the speech bubbles and have the students put in their own conversations...fun and intersting what they come up with.
Recently found on dean's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Providing Own Server
Instead of depending upon your local phone company to provide extensions and bandwidth for your school web pages, you can provide your own server via an older computer which is no longer being used in the classroom.
Recently found on denakirschten's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Talking Chips
Use with small groups to ensure all members participate in a discussion.
- Give each participant a chip (e.g. index card, poker chip,
etc.).
- Tell participants that when they wish to speak they are to
place their chip in the center of the table. That person may
not speak again until all the chips are in the center of the
table.
- When all chips are in the center of the table then each
participant may speak again, this time removing a chip when
they speak.
- The process continues as long as time allows.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Staff Development Strategies | Comments (0)
K12 USA Secure School Web Filter
The website is:
http://www.k12usa.com/
I highly recommend this filter for schools.
Recently found on mikeagostinelli's weblog. | in Resources & Gadgets | Comments (0)
Learning Experience
Picasa appears to be a tool that has great potential for use in the classroom. The scavenger hunt was a fun way to learn about current surroundings. This would be a blast for students to find what is in their own community and bring back evidence of what they found. This provides opportunities to use digital cameras and tools to create a presentation.
Recently found on denakirschten's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
November 17, 2006 07:48 PM
Escaping
Recently found on doughoffman's weblog. | in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)
Slide.com
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Scavenger Hunt Slideshow
Create a slide show using any software you choose. The criteria for which it will be scored is found at http://mt.oetc.org/rubric.php.
Things to think about, sound... how many points you thought you earned, titles???
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in What's New | Comments (0)
Google Docs & Spreadsheets
Recently found on denakirschten's weblog. | in Resources & Gadgets | Comments (0)
Technology Solutions that Work - A website you need
The TSW website reviews commonly used Early Literacy and Mathematics software based interventions. Programs such as Accelerated Reader and Reader Rabbit are included. The site examines the research behind them and rates them as "Recommended, Promising and Can't Recommend". Scientifically based research criteria is applied to the review of each software intervention. Great information that you need to know before you purchase and as you use these programs.
Use the password posted on flip chart to access it (please share the website and password with other Montana educators). Montana has access to the literacy and mathematics sections until February 2007.
Let me know how it was useful to you and I may be able purchase it for the state for future years. To access the website go to:
Enjoy!
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Cathy Pic
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Google Docs&Spreadsheets
You may have used Writely which was bought by Google and has become Docs & Spreadsheets. Learn about Docs & Spreadsheets. Create a document or spreadsheet that shows a process. For example, how to tie a shoe, or how to login to your computer . Create a document or spreadsheet showcasing your "How To ..." sequence of events..
Be ready to share with a visual, how you would use Docs & Spreadsheets in the classroom.
Challenge: Publish your document to our blog.
Help: Here is a tour.
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New Mexico
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Google Picasa
Learn about Picasa. Take 10-15 pictures showing a process. For example, how to tie a shoe, or how to login to your computer (you get the picture). Create a slideshow using Picasa showcasing your "How To ..." sequence of events.
Be prepared to show how you would use Picasa in the classroom, using visuals and/or your slideshow.
Challenge: Geotag a picture on Google Earth.
Help: Picasa from the teachers view.
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Google Earth
You probably know quite a bit about Google Earth. Go farther. Learn at least two new things you did not know how to do, all the while thinking about how YOU would use this in the classroom. Create a visual demonstration, on how to measure the distance between your school and the Park Plaza Hotel. How can you save it for others to play in their Google Earth? Or you may want to showcase a personal map story.
Be ready to share a visual presentation on measuring the distance Google Earth. Could you incorporate this communication?
Challenge: Try someone else's KMZ file, or create your own KMZ file and run it in Google Earth.
Help: Ideas from teachers.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
What I want to learn
This weekend I am wanting to get new information, renew my knowledge of what is available, and to work more with people who are daily in technology.
Recently found on beckytaylor's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Hoping to learn. . . .
I really enjoy being here networking, so the new tech stuff is just icing on the cake. I know about colored stickies on the Mac, don't use them on the PC, and am unfamiliar with Picassa. I just love to learn new things I can take back to my school and share.
Recently found on jenmdse's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Now What?
I want to learn about something that I can use in the everyday classroom that I have never used before. It works a lot better for me if I can use tools that most people, including students, have access to.
Recently found on doughoffman's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
What I want to learn
I am interested in learning about SketchUp in the google tools. I am not familiar with that tool. I also want to learn the new (to me) staff development strategies. I am always looking for new staff development strategies.
Recently found on mikeagostinelli's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
What do I want to learn?
I hope to learn about the latest technologies that are being used in schools around Montana.
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Blogging once again!
Not very familiar with blogging, so this is good practice...
Recently found on dean's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Want to Know
I always have difficulty determining what I want to know when it's obvious (to me) I don't already know so many things. I didn't know about FURL or Delicious or Flick'r Badges or exactly what Web 2.0 means, or MousePose.... and I've already gotten a good lead on a vendor for Smart Boards. I've learned enough already today to call it worth my time away from school!
Staff Development continues to be difficult to provide at my school. Any ideas on how schools are getting their teachers to be interested in technology enough to learn new skills AND interested enough to provide quality experiences for their students will be of value to me. I still see a lot of drill and practice (electronic worksheets) or "free time" with Kid Pix.
Recently found on cathystone's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
new learnings
I am interested in new things -- things that you hear about but never seem to find the time to explore. Also, I'm always looking for ideas to extend math learning, any or all grades.
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Being new . . . probably going to learn a ton!
Recently found on brooksphillips's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned)
Helena cadre meeting
I am thankful to be able to attend the Montana Technology Cadre meetings because it not only give us time to do a number of hands-on learning experiences, but it brings together a group of Montana educators that I can bounce questions off of, get help, and obtain a number of contacts.
I usually do not take the time to do explore web sites not alone to have professional help in using technology.
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What's new?
I know that I will learn advanced tech skills and become aware of new and exciting advancements in technology. Thanks for coming, sharing your ideas, and learning with us!
-michael
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Learning at Cadre
I hope to learn innovative new ideas to use with my students. I am looking to see what activities may be applicable to use with handhelds. A few additions to my bag of tricks is always welcome.
Rachal Edwards
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Nov. 17
This weekend I am hoping to gain new/useable information that I will be able to use in my first & second grade classroom or with fellow staff members. It is great to come together and share information.
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An introduction
Hello this is an introductions
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Hard drive video cameras
I would like to learn more about the Sony movie cameras with the built in hard drives that we are using through the grant. I need a refresher on Furl as well.
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Web 2.0 Tools and Emerging Technologies
I would like to learn more about web 2.0 tools. I am finding that I am becoming very dependent upon digital tools in the wireless environment. I am also very interested in the great ideas and resources that Jennifer presents in her "Emerging Technologies"!
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What I will learn
I always learn great new tools to use with my students. Thanks Jennifer for keeping us up to date!
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What do I want to learn over the next two days?
Over the next two days, I hope to make some connections with people who are using video editing within the classroom environment.
I am using a harddrive camera and, when we download the video files and put them into movie maker, we are having difficulties with acceptance and play back.
Recently found on denakirschten's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
New Computer Ideas
It is my wish to learn something new that I can take back to my staff and students....I want something that no one has heard of, a brand new idea. I sometimes feel that we are using the same things over and over again. So I want some inspiration that will get me excited again. I want to learn the latest, greatest, newest idea to hit the education market...
I want to walk into my classroom and say WOW wait until you see what I have to show you....something that will catch their attention and keep them interested for more then a few minutes. I want Wow
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Fall Cadre Goals
For this weekend's cadre, I hope to learn some effective classroom uses of web 2.0 tools. I hope to spend time learning about 'tried and true' tools that other cadre members have had success in using.
Recently found on terrib's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Google Notebook
Learn about Notebook. After you have an account/notebook set up, bookmark 5-10 websites teaching a process. For example, how to tie a shoe, or how to login to your computer.
Be prepared to show how you would use Notebook in the classroom, using your "How to.."visuals.
Challenge: Share your notebook with the cadre on our blog.
Help: Overview.
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Howdy
This is to say hello I can post...just trying.
Recently found on georgiacobbs's weblog. | in Cadre (About Us) | Comments (0)
I'm in!
I know that we learn better when we're not overly warm, but it's a bit chilly in here!
Recently found on jenmdse's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Google Page Creator
Now you too can create and publish a webpage. Learn Page Creator. Create a demo page that you could use in the classroom.
Be ready to share with a visual how to create a page using Page Creator. Be sure to include uses for the classroom.
Challenge: Compare and contrast Google Homepage with Page Creator.
Help: More info about Page Creator.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
Different Colored Stickies
Use to encourage movement and allow participants to discuss or talk with people outside of their table group.
- Prior to the workshop, place a stack of index cards in the
center of each table. Each table group is given a different
color of cards.
- At the point in the workshop when you want movement and
discussion, pose a question or issue to the group. Ask
participants to write their thoughts on the index card. Allow
1-2 minutes for writing.
- On a signal, participants are to stand, pair off with a person
with a different colored card and share what they wrote.
Variation: Use different color stickie to pair people into mixed groups. For use with the cadre, I want you to group in the same color stickie groups and report out what you learned about your Google tool.
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Paired Reading
Use to change mental activity groups and when deep comprehension is required written text. Because paired reading requires checks comprehension at every along the way, it is highly engaging mentally.
- 1. Provide participants with a brief written text, usually not more than 2 pages.
- 2. Ask pairs to designate one of them as ?A? and one of them as ?B.?
- 3. Give instructions. A is to read the first paragraph or section aloud. At the completion, B will provide a summary paraphrase. B will read the second paragraph or section aloud, and A will provide a summary paraphrase. In like maner, the pair continues until the end of the document. When they reach the end of the document, they both take pencils and mark the words, phrases, or concepts that carry the most meaning for them.
- 4. Check for understanding of process and signal people to start.
(NOTE: Because some people may be apprehensive about reading aloud, invite them to negotiate with their partners to read along silently. Encourage them to accommodate whatever style or learning needs they have.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Staff Development Strategies | Comments (0)
Lazy Eights
Ok, let's get off our bum ....
upwards.
be on its side and as you trace it out in large, slow
movements focus your eyes on your thumb. Without moving
your head trace three eights in successively larger
movements.
and do both
(NOTE: Before and after research show that binocular and peripheral vision improve after Lazy eights. The activity connects right and left visual fields and improves balance and co-ordination.)
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Staff Development Strategies | Comments (0)
November 16, 2006 03:30 PM
Seasonal Partners
- Find someone, who do not know, who has the same blank season you do.
- Find out the best meal they have had in the last week.
- Write down their name in the blank season space.
- Repeat until all your seasons are filled.
Note: Plan ahead to have any people who cannot find a seasonal partner to triple up with someone.
Throughout the staff development, pair up seasons to discuss, collaborate or learn together. It is a great way to energize a group, along with collaboration and team building.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Staff Development Strategies | Comments (0)
Google SketchUp
Spend time learning about SketchUp. Be prepared to visually show how you could use SketchUp in the classroom. Measure and sketch the Park Plaza Hotel.
Challenge: Put the hotel in Google Earth.
Help: SketchUp info from a teachers view.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Learning (What I Learned) | Comments (0)
November 13, 2006 04:54 PM
Your Own Moodle
Did you know that OETC now will host a moodle for member districts. Visit Eduhost for more information on setting up our own moodle.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in Resources & Gadgets | Comments (1)
November 8, 2006 04:12 PM
Blog Newbies
New to the blog, or forgot how to login in? Download a step by step How To 
with screen shots.
Recently found on jena's weblog. | in EdTech Meetings | Comments (0)
Purpose Activity
Participants will apply the cadre purpose by presenting a pantomime 
DIRECTIONS:
- As a table group, Create a pantomime of the Purpose or Roles & Responsibilities that is on the green paper. [10-15 minutes]
- The cadre will guess by holding up the Purpose or Roles & Responsibilities they think you are acting out.
PURPOSE:
- Research says, ?Role-plays increase opportunities for understanding and retaining information because key concepts are put in the context of the learning situation.? (Gregory & Chapman, 2002)
- Want you to internalize the purpose of the cadre. What you'll learn.
- For FUN! Learning can be fUn too!
Strategy taken from "Sit & Get" Won't Grow Dendrites. Marcia L. Tate, Corwin Press, 2004.
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