http://www.vickiblackwell.com/ppttemplates.html

like math below, but for language arts

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_5th_lang.htm

Math activities, including powerpoints, organized by topic.

http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/elementary/5math.htm

http://www.mrsbogucki.com/aemes/

http://www.nirmaltv.com/2008/07/21/200-keyboard-shortcuts-for-word-2002-2003-and-2007/

http://www.coderedsupport.com/jeopardy/?src=PulseWeeklyDigestV2&et=20&requiredUser=103079544957&loginEmail=mace%40guidepath.com&el=en_us&forceSignin=1&

http://boe.rale.k12.wv.us/technology/teacher_resources.htm

21st century tools: http://wvschools.com/harrisoncounty/21classroom/projectbased.html
tons of stuff on there from lesson template to projects to more

cso: http://wvschools.com/harrisoncounty/csos/elementarycsos.html

http://edtech570.daveragsdale.com/tcl.htm - my old garden lesson plan.

15 Awesome Tutorial Websites:  http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/07/15-awesome-tutorial-websites-you.html

Free soundeffects database: http://soungle.com/index.php

I plan to use music and sounds a lot this year.

itunes now has thousands of resources available for k-12 teachers.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=54390;_hbguid=1931a73d-2f83-4020-a467-3663ff0cd59f

I will look around and take notes on here of what I find.

Technology Integration Matrix: http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/

Even though the county, state, and national education leaders want computers and technology to be integrated into every aspect of a student’s daily school experience, the reality is that there are not enough computers with internet access to do much of anything.

Currently, there are three computers in my room and only 3 internet connections. Even if I had one or two more computers, I could not connect them to the internet – making it pointless to get more computers. There are plenty of computers in the computer lab but I can only take my kids there once a week for 30 minutes. Which isn’t enough time to do anything worth while. The students go there twice a week with the librarian but again it is only for 35 minutes and she has her own assignments.

What I need is about 5 to 8 computers that are available at all times for kids to use as resources to do the things I and they plan. For example, many of the tools and ideas listed on this blog. If things stay the way they are, we will not be doing any of the things on this blog because there is not enough time and it is not fair to the kids to make them do something that I know they won’t have time to complete.

I have been told numerous that there is no way to get more than 3 internet connections in my room because they do not splice like a phone or cable line. However, I have discovered this is not totally accurate.

A friend of mine who is an IT guy said I could hook up a wireless router for only $59. http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Netgear-Super-G-Wireless-Router-with-4-Port-Switch-WGT624NA/sem/rpsm/oid/86260/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

The router will give me unlimited internet access to laptop computers and it will give me three extra internet connections for wires – so instead of having only 3, I’ll have 6.

So, what I am thinking of doing is using the laptops in the building that are never used. Also, this allows me to set up the laptop anywhere in the room when I want to use the LCD projector and whiteboard. Before I was limited by wire length and location. I could also see if any students have any old laptops lying around and see if they could donate them. Or I could have students bring in their own laptops to work on during designated times during the day. This would require a lot of thinking to work out the logistics because I don’t want to be responsible for anything getting broken. But as long as students and parents know the laptops are not to be used for playing games, but for work only, I think it is a possible option. A new Dell commercials have students bringing in their laptops to do presentations in class. I will have to think this one through with the help of Mrs. Ayre and Mr. Ubbens.

One thing I want to make I sure to do this year is take pictures of the awesome things my students do. In order to display pictures on the class blog, you have to upload them to the net. Here are some tools that will help:

host pictures: www.flickr.com

fit more pictures on the screen with a slideshow: http://www.slide.com/

another: http://www.slideroll.com/

another: http://www.vuvox.com/

create really cool slideshows with music:  i forget where it is …

 We definitely will be using Mcrosoft Story Telling.  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/default.mspx 
It is free to download from Microsoft and is more than just a slideshow, it’s a different genre called digital story telling.
Instead of just writing a story, kids can use various digital tools to tell their story.
link to article about a classroom that uses it: http://globalteacher.org.au/2008/05/19/digital-story-telling-stories-create-a-storm-at-mt-waverley/

 

http://www.grantwrangler.com/GrantManager/SearchDisplay.aspx

http://www.reading.org/association/awards/teachers_presidential.html

 

EADS – Education Access Design System Now Online Communication resource to support modeling and visualization integration into teacher preparation programs and K-12 curriculum.

NCSA Software by Platform All of NCSA’s downloadable software offerings, listed according to operating system platform.

NCSA has many internet products and areas of research, including Emerge, Habanero, HTTPd, NCSA Mosaic, NCSA Telnet, and Symera Distributed Computing System.

NCSA Data Sharing and Transfer Software NCSA has software that uses new techniques in data sharing and transfer.

NCSA Relativity Codes This is an extensive server maintained by NCSA’s relativity research group for the codes they use and make available.

NCSA C3 Software Archive The Grand Challenge Cosmology Consortium (GC3) explores the origin of large-scale structures in the universe using the power of parallel computers. Click here for their available codes.

PATHFINDER Software PATHFINDER is a software R&D effort developing visualization tools for atmospheric and oceanic data. PATHFINDER augments existing commercial and public domain software.

Transana: software for the transcription of video data

http://www.microsoft.com/education/default.mspx - from Microsoft

Types of Projects
Projects are in-depth investigations of real-world topics and issues that are worthy for students to know and understand. They can incorporate creative role play, construction, technology, community, and various curriculum topics in order for students to learn the content and show what they know. Below are examples of projects.

Service learning: These projects often involve the local community and allow students to apply lessons learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Constructing a plan to clean up the local waterways or designing a playground for the local park are some examples of service-learning projects. View a project plan that integrates service-learning: Don’t Trash the Earth

Simulation/role play: These projects are designed to provide students with an authentic, first-hand experience. Students role play another’s persona or immerse themselves into simulated environments that recreate a certain time or place. Simulation and role play are excellent ways to reflect on history, gain multiple perspectives, or create empathy. View a project plan that integrates a simulation/role play: Destination America: Our Hope, Our Future

Construction and design: These projects are based on a real-life need or can be created by a make-believe scenario. They require students to construct actual models or design plans to create solutions to authentic problems. View a project plan that integrates a construction and design element: Go Go Gadget: Invent a Machine

Problem-solving: These are any projects that require students to devise solutions to real-world problems. They may include a make-believe scenario or an actual dilemma. The problems may involve a classroom or school issue, such as playground design; a community issue, like wetlands conservation; or an issue of greater scale, such as global warming. View a project plan that integrates problem-solving: The Earth Moves Under My Feet      

Telecollaborative: These projects are online educational tasks. They provide real-world learning experiences while collaborating online with other classes, experts, or communities. View a project plan that integrates a telecollaborative: Wave of Spring

WebQuest: These are inquiry-oriented activities in which some, or all of the information that learners use comes from resources on the Internet. These projects are designed for knowledge acquisition and integration. View a project plan that integrates a WebQuest: Enduring Heroes

Types of Products and Performance Tasks
A performance task is an assessment challenge that requires a student’s knowledge and skill to perform the task or create the product to show what they know. In the Understanding by Design Professional Development Workbook (2004), Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins define the following criteria for performance tasks:

• Use real or simulated settings with the kinds of constraints, background noise, incentives, and opportunities an adult would find in a similar situation
• Require students to address an identified audience
• Are based on a specific purpose that relates to the audience
• Allow students greater opportunity to personalize the task
• Are not secure; the task, criteria, and standards are known in advance and guide student work

Products and Performance Tasks

Products                                                              Examples
Reports	Historical research, scientific research, journal article for publication, policy recommendations
Constructions	Models, machines, exhibits, diorama
Essays	Letters-to-the editor, guest column for local newspaper or community publication, book and movie reviews, story writing
Designs	Home design, building or school design blueprints, transportation alternatives
Artistic expressions	Pottery, sculpture, poetry, fine art, posters, cartoon, mural, collage, painting, song writing, movie script
Print mediaMultimedia	Nature trail guide, self-guided walk through community history, public service announcement, history scrapbook, photo timeline, investigative documentary, commercial, training manual, animation/cartoonInformational kiosk, video, photo journal, slideshow, digital book
Performances                                                   Examples
Presentations	Persuasive proposal, inspiring speech, debate, informative lecture, research analysis and conclusions, newscast
Skill demonstrations	Science laboratory processes, constructions, specific sports skills, teaching or mentoring younger students
Artistic/creative performances	Interpretive dance, play, skit, character study, docu-drama, readers’ theater, radio plays
Simulations	Mock trial, reenactment of historical event, role play

 

 

Microsoft Corp. has launched its answer to Google Sky: a free, web-based program for zooming around the universe from any internet-connected computer. Developed by Microsoft’s research arm, the WorldWide Telescope—which debuted in May—knits together images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Center, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and other labs. Computer users can browse through the galaxy on their own or take guided tours of different outer-space destinations developed by astronomers and academics. The site lets users choose from a number of different telescopes and switch between different light wavelengths. “The WorldWide Telescope is a powerful tool for science and education that makes it possible for everyone to explore the universe,” said Bill Gates, Microsoft’s chairman, in a statement.

http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/

 

Project-Based Learning

The state is wanting all teachers to move away from paper and pencil tests and replace them with more project-oriented assessments.

Differentiated instruction is also something the state began pushing last year and they want teachers to provide frameworks or guidelines for projects and let students choose topics and work independently or in small teams on projects.

I plan to use differentiated instruction and project-based learning almost exclusively this year which will be a major change for most, if not all, of my students and parents. This means no more cramming for tests and memorizing facts just you can get a grade only to forget everything in a week. Instead the focus will be on understanding, analysis, synthesis, application and other higher-level thinking skills.

Another change is in how grades will be done. Not only will assignments be differentiated and project-based, only High-Quality work will be accepted. If something is turned in and it not High Quality, or A, work, it will be given back to the student to work on until it is an A. No more accepting poor quality work and just giving it a C or D or F and moving on to the next assignment. Those that turn in high quality work the first time will be able to move on to the next assignment and have more choices in their learning. Soon everyone will learn that it is much better to turn in high quality work the first time. But my job is to help everyone turn in high quality work by providing resources, giving guidance, coaching them through the projects, etc. 

Evidence of learning will be kept in portfolios. We will use a 2 inch bunder with 8 tabs. Students will also create online portfolios – similar to what I have to make for my Masters degree. Maybe through a blog or through something Google has. Blogs have tabs and don’t require knowing how to use html so maybe that will work.

So much to say … so little time …

Kerpoof

http://www.kerpoof.com/

http://www.kerpoof.com/edu/Kerpoof_Educator_Flyer.pdf

http://www.kerpoof.com/teach

This may be useful.

 

Digital Storytelling

http://digitalstorytelling.iste.wikispaces.net/ 

http://atlantis.crlt.indiana.edu/

I am still talking to the people at Indiana University to get training in my area. Last time I talked to them they were in the middle of trying to provide online training. They are really selective for security reasons and don’t let just anyone participate in the program. I may also try and get other classrooms in Wood County involved. If this doesn’t work, there is also River City run by Harvard (http://muve.gse.harvard.edu/rivercityproject/) which I know I can gain access to because I have had several phone conversations with the director and have all the paper work filled out. The only problem is that it is designed for grades 6-9. I am no longer a 6th grade teacher so I have let this idea fade away. But I may reconsider it if Quest Atlantis falls through.

There are other virtual worlds but these are the only ones I trust as far as security is concerned.

 

http://tutpup.com/

 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/tt/2008/student-survey-intro.html

West Virginia is actually doing a great job of promoting and providing resources to help teachers integrate 21st century skills in the classroom.

Teach 21 website is a great resource: http://wvde.state.wv.us/teach21/

Sample new westest problems: http://wvde.state.wv.us/teach21/westest.html

Sample WESTEST writing sample: http://wvde.state.wv.us/teach21/writing-prompt-5th.doc

interactive CSOs: http://wveis.k12.wv.us/nclb/Content/public/cso/cso.cfm

State BLOG: http://blog.k12.wv.us/

Thinfinity: http://wvde.state.wv.us/thinkfinity/

Strategy Bank: http://wvde.state.wv.us/strategybank/ (good teaching resources for all subjects)

 

http://weblogged.wikispaces.com/

This guy is one of the leaders in promoting the use of blogs in school.
I need to still check over his ideas and start listing how I can use blogs in my room.
I started to use them last year as well as using a wiki, but technical problems with our school computers (I wonder if I could write a grant for new laptops for all my students) arose and caused me to end the wiki project. Also, 30 minutes per week in the computer lab (with me) and three computers in the room was enough time on computers to warrant the use of a blog. I will need to figure something out next year to where the kids can get on the computer more.

Currently students only use the computer for five things: type to learn, Compass/Odyssee, typing papers, Accelerated Reader, and doing research. All of these purposes are 20th Century uses and only one requires the internet. So, how do we justify spending tens of thousands of dollars on our computers when we use them for things that we were doing 10 years ago? And none of these uses meet the state’s requirement for 21st Century Skills. http://wveis.k12.wv.us/nclb/Content/public/21C/popUp21.cfm

 

http://clustrmaps.com/ Put one on the blog so people can see who’s looking at our class blog and where they are located.

There are so many great resources located on the internet and it is so easy to forget them or forget where you wrote them down. Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking tool that lets users add bookmarks, categorize them, and access them from anywhere. In the past I have used the website tool on the blog, but the students couldn’t add them and they aren’t categorized. This will give students more control and be something that next year’s class can build upon. Plus, it could be a tool students will want to use for the rest of their years in school.

http://del.icio.us/