My Journey into the World of Elementary Tech

I’ll be leaving for NECC in DC on Friday. I am so excited to be attending my second NECC conference. My daughter is a little worried about me. I’m doing what I tell her not to do. I’m meeting people and actually rooming with people that I have met on line but never in real life. She’s 16 and sometimes I’m not sure if she is really worried or just giving me a hard time!

As I prepare to leave I’m trying to focus in on a few goals for the conference.

Here’s what I have so far:

I really like Google-reader, calendar, documents, mail. But I want to know more before i start to entice my coworkers about their benefits.

We’re finally getting SmartBoards in our school next year as well as document cameras and flip video cameras. I want to attend sessions on how elementary classes are implementing this tools, particulary the Flips.

I just bought an ipod Touch and we’re going to get a few ipods for our school next year. So, I also want to find ways these are being used in the elemetary school.

As a lab teacher I’m always looking for meaningful, engaging  lessons for my students.

Last year one of my goals was to work on being a more outgoing person. I tend to be very quiet when I’m around people I don’t know. I did pretty good last year and I have the same goal this year. I’m really looking forward to meeting people in my PLN face to face.

If you’re going to NECC what are your goals?

Filed under: NECC09 | Tagged: NECC09 goals | 1 Comment »

Well, it’s certainly been a long time since I’ve blogged here! I think about it frequently but just don’t seem to have enough hours in the day. The good news is that I’m still blogging but in a much different way. I’m doing the 365 photo thing on flickr. As a part of this I’m doing a photo blog. It takes time to take the pictures, decide which one to use and to write about it each day. I enjoy it and I think it’s going to make me a better photographer. I also think it will be a nice record of my year. Now that summer is just around the corner I will try to take time to get back on track here as well.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: photoblog | No Comments »

Oops, some how February slipped by with out a single blog post and if I don’t get busy the same thing will happen again this month. I know, we’re all busy but I do need to make more of an effort to post at least once a month and preferably twice. I have many topics running around in my brain but just haven’t taken the time to put any of them down in writing. So, now, which one to begin with?

I would guess a year or so ago I looked at the site Pics4Learning and thought it was a good idea but there wasn’t a lot there. I moved on and forgot about it. Well, this year I’m making a greater effort to begin teaching my students the importance of using pictures they have permission to use and how to give credit for pictures. While looking for appropriate sites I came across Pics4Learning again. This time I took a closer look and was happy that there seemed to be a larger selection of photos, or maybe I just didn’t take enough time to thoroughly explore it last time I was there. There are close to 50 different topics to choose from. They even have pictures from the Library of Congress. This came in very handy when I was looking for pictures of the presidents for a wiki project I did with my 5th graders.  I think this site is especially wonderful for elementary students. The site is safe, easy to search and easy to see who to give credit for the photo.

I also noticed that anyone can upload pictures. So, I have become a cheerleader for the site! I would like to encourage everyone to add photos. I  belong to several groups on Flickr and know there are many edtech folks out there that have pictures that would be great contributions to this site.

I had a couple of questions and contacted the site. Melinda Kolk responded very quickly. Here are my questions and her answers:

Is it possible to do a batch upload?

Because of the citation information needed for each image, there isn’t a batch upload on the site. You can however, send a CD to us with the photos and a completed spreadsheet. (Contact Melinda Kolk for spreadsheet info.)

Do you have a size preference for the pictures?

This is really a hard one. It is always nice to have large images for resolution purposes, but really large images take a lot of bandwidth. I wouldn’t do scenery shots at less than 1024×768 or 768 x1024, but if you are shooting a particular bird, or flower, or something at 600 across would probalby be fine because a student would use it in a project as an image that supports their work.

So please go take a look at the site and give some serious thought to adding to the picture collection.

Filed under: Technology | Tagged: photography, pics4learning | 2 Comments »

In December our first grade teachers did an Eric Carle author study and as a result each class rewrote one of his stories. The art teacher helped out by drawing a simple outline of each character or object in the story. The children then filled the outline with scraps of paper they had fingerprinted with bright colors. When I saw the pages I fell in love with the project and volunteered to put them into a digital format. Well now over a month later I have finally completed the process. It seemed like such a simple process but it was more time consuming than I anticipated.

At first I was going to do all three projects using Smilebox, a free download and if you tell them you’re a teacher you get the best version for free. But then I decided it would be better if I just did one story in Smilebox and then one in Photostory3, another free download and the third in Windows Movie Maker. I figured this would be a good opportunity for me to compare the three different processes and see the pros and cons of each. You can see all three stories on my wiki.

So, here’s what I’m thinking about each program at the moment:

Smilebox

Pros

• Colorful
• Choice of layouts-scrapbook or slideshow, I selected a slideshow
• Lots of music selections
• Easy to embed into a webpage.

Cons

• Limited #of slides for a slideshow
• Can’t add narrations
• Even though I downloaded Smilebox at school I couldn’t save it from home and take it to school to work on it.

Photo Story3

Pros

• Easy to record voices
• Picture and voice are kept together as one unit so easy to move around on timeline
• Music can be added

Cons

• Can’t edit recording but it is easy to delete and redo
• My file became corrupt and I couldn’t edit it. When I searched for a solution I didn’t find one but I found others have had this problem.
• No reminders to add a title slide or credits
• I put in a page turning transition but it does not show up in the finished product.

Movie Maker

Pros

Recordings can be done in Audacity so that the mistakes and long pauses or ummmms can be deleted.

Cons

Voice and picture were two different files and moving them around on the time line was not easy.

A little tricky to get recordings and pictures timed correctly.

At the end of the project I figured out I didn’t have to use Audacity and could narrate right on the timeline. I tried this but the voice went right on top of the next voice because I hadn’t put more space in the spot.

I’m not sure if music can be added or not.

I put in a star transition between the slide but it does not show up in the finished show.

Final Thoughts

If a teacher came to me and wanted to do a digital story I would recommend Photo Story 3 if the children were going to be doing the project. If the teacher is putting it together and they didn’t need narration I would also recommend Smilebox. I’m working on a Snow in 6 Words project thanks to Martha Thornburgh for the idea with my third graders. We’re building it in PowerPoint and when we’re done I may have them move their slides to Photo Story 3 and then post them on the wiki.

Your Thoughts

Please let me know your thoughts on these programs. What do you see as the pros and cons? Share tips and tricks that will make this easier or recommend other products to try out.

Thanks!

Filed under: Language Arts | Tagged: EricCarle, PhotoStory3, Smilebox, WindowsMovieMaker | 5 Comments »

Last year I joined Flickr and I saw Tweets about people joining a 365 photo group. I looked at it briefly but quickly decided there was no way I’d ever keep up and forgot about it. Later in the year I joined Photo Friday at the suggestion of Ann Oro. This was a manageable project-one photo a week. It has become a habit and I enjoy looking at and commenting on the variety of photos. So this year as I began hearing about the various 365 groups I took another look. I’ve been doing more photography and decided this year I was ready to give it a try. First I joined 366-1 which is a large group. Then I heard about EdTech 365/2009 which is a smaller group and many of my online friends belong to it so I joined that one as well. Then another once a week group started  up on my PLN-Foto52 so I joined that as well. Belonging to so many groups isn’t that big of deal. I’ve been posting the same picture to the daily groups and then picking a favorite to add to the weekly groups. Sometimes it’s one I’ve already posted and sometimes it’s something different.

I’m beginning to hate leaving home without my camera. I notice so many more great photo opporturnities since beginning the daily project. I really think it is helping me to be more aware of my surroundings. I have a particular interest in nature photography with a focus on macro. I’m putting my photo right into my Photo Journey blog as well. It is so easy to do from Flickr that it seemed silly not to do it. So the project is getting me to write at least a little bit and often a short story each day. For someone who has never been particularly fond of writing that is a good thing!

I take a look at photos as people post links on Plurk and then on the weekends I try to look through the flickr groups as well and leave comments. It’s really interesting to see the variety of photos and I’m so impressed with the quality. I try to make sure I’m leaving comments because I truly appreciate the comments I receive. The one group I haven’t spent much time on is the 366-1. I finally stopped by today and found out they are having a focus for many of the days such as Macro Monday or Black/White Friday. I’m going back to jot those down and try to start doing those as well. I figure it will be a way to help me grow as a photographer. I’ve started bookmarking some photo sites as well and hope to someday have some time to do some reading.

If you’re interested in photography and haven’t joined a group yet you should give it a try. I think of it as ‘me time’. I’ve made it through the first 24 days without missing a photo. Will I keeep it up for all 365 days? Time will tell but I hope so.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: flickr, photography | 3 Comments »

I was tagged in the 7 Things Meme by Ann Oro and Lori Feldman.

Here are seven very random things you don’t know about me.

1. I grew up in Elgin IL and when I was in 9th grade we moved to Moline IL. I went to college in Wayne NE. A week after I graduated from college and two days after getting married I moved to Bemidji, MN. Four years later we moved to Utica NY and have lived here for about 24 years.
2. Despite the fact that my parents sent me to piano lessons for many years I’m a terrible piano player! However, it’s something I enjoy doing and I find it relaxing. My children have taken various music lessons over the years. I’ve tried to tell them they too will enjoy it as an adult. Both have quit music for now and aren’t old enough to believe me.
3. When I was 15 my dad made me get a volunteer job during the summer. I worked at a nursing home. One of my jobs was cutting toenails on the old men. Ick!
4. When I was a senior in high school I did a work study program so I worked in a daycare in the afternoons. After graduation I continued to work there. The director and head teacher both pushed me to go to college to be a teacher. The daycare was in a church and had closed before I finished college. I never got a chance to let them know that I got my teaching degree or to thank them for their influence.
5. I hated high school!  I took the easiest classes possible because there was no way I was going to waste my time going to college. My plan was to graduate, get married and raise a family. A month after graduating I met my future husband. (The day before we met was my 18th birthday and when I blew out the candles I wished for a boyfriend!) He had finished his freshman year of college and planned on staying in school until he had his master’s degree. Since I needed something to do while he finished school I enrolled in a Jr. College that fall. I hated that as much as high school. Other than more freedom it was just like high school. So I quit after one semester and worked instead. The next fall I enrolled in the same school my future husband was attending and lo and behold I liked school there. I often regretted taking those easy classes in high school but I made it through and graduated with honors.
6. My wedding rings cost about $200. My mom made my dress and the bridesmaids dresses. My best friend did my flowers. My brother and brother in law took the pictures. My sister in law made our cake. My honeymoon was spent ice fishing in a borrowed ice hut on Lake Bemidi! My wedding was the most expensive one in my family, I am the youngest of four. I have a hard time understanding lavish weddings.
7. When I retire one of my goals it learn how to quilt. My MIL used to quilt and made beautiful quilts for our kids when they were little. I’ve already purchased lots of quilt patterns!

Now I tag:

Heidi Pence

Ginger Lewman

Lori Burch

I know I should tag more but it seems like everyone else has either done this or I don’t have a blog address. So, if you haven’t been tagged and would like to do this please consider yourself tagged.

Filed under: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

I don’t usually do much for resolutions as a new year rolls around. Sure there’s the lose a few pounds and eat healthier but that’s about it. On the other hand I can come up with several resolutions for my professional life. So with out further ado here they are:

• Provide PD-I’m working on one resolution as I write this. I am working on writing a proposal to do professional development for my fellow teachers. I’m starting on getting them to use the resources we already have. If it’s accepted and goes well I’ll do another proposal comprising of digital storytelling and ways to share those stories.
• Skype-I’ve been saying for a long time that I’m going to Skype. I keep putting it off but I did purchase a headphone/microphone set so I’m a step closer.
• NECC-I will attend my second NECC, this time in Washington D.C. I am looking forward to this even more than my first one last year. I’ll be staying with 3 people in my PLN none of whom I’ve every met f2f. My  PLN has grown since last year so it’s going to be even more fun meeting some of these people face to face.
• Elementary Tech Teacher’s Ning- Continue to support this and keep it a viable place on the web.
• ArtSnacks- Continue my commitment to being a mentor.
• Grants-Continue to look for and write grants to gain more technology for our district.
• Blogs-return to reading other blogs on a regular basis.
• PLN-Continue to learn and grow from my great PLN!

What are your resolutions for the coming year?

photo courtesy of vanhookc’s photostream http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/3158658646_dd740b6c07.jpg?v=0

Filed under: newyear blog | Tagged: ArtSnacks, Elementarty Tech Teachers Ning, NECC, Plurk, resolutions professional | 1 Comment »

(My First Blog Bost)

I just passed my one year anniversary of blogging. Hard to believe just over a year ago I barely knew what a blog was let alone a wiki, ning, Twitter or the words web2.0 and PLN.

I had a crash course in learning all these terms at NYSCATE during a day long session with David Jakes. I had actually signed up to take a class on video conferencing. When it was canceled I had to sign up for a second choice. I’ve been thankful ever since for having to do that. I walked into that session with no idea who David Jakes was or what I was about to get myself into! By the end of the day I had signed onto Twitter, Google and Delicious. I had made my first blog post, Google reader was up and running and I had been introduced to wikis, nings, Google maps and Google Earth. As you can imagine my head was spinning by the end of the day. I had taken a bag of papers to grade and a book and magazines to read in the evening while at the conference. Those went untouched as I began my journey into this strange new world.

How has that one workshop had an impact on my life?

• Well, I’m pretty much addicted to my computer. I don’t have internet on my phone because I’m afraid I’ll become addicted to that too and I think my family would draw the line at that!
• I learned to do what we tell our young students to do all the time-SHARE. I no longer find myself in the mode of this is mine and I don’t want anyone else getting credit for it.
• I started on Twitter. Like many others I didn’t get it at first but it didn’t take long to see its value. When Twitter was having some technical difficulties during NECC I tried Plurk. For the summer I was on both but once school started I couldn’t keep up with both so now I spend my time on Plurk.
• I joined Delicious but before I became hooked on that Diigo came along and I joined that as well. I like Diigo but I’m not using it as the social network that it is.
• I belong to way too many nings. Many of them have ended up not having much activity. But three of my favorites are Artsnacks by Kevin Honeycutt, Projects by Jen by Jen Wagner and Setting the Standard by Melanie Holtsman. I just signed up to be a mentor on Artsnacks so I actually put it on my Google calendar to go there every Sat. to comment on at least 3 pieces of work.
• In April I started a ning for elementary tech teachers. Three people told me they thought it was a good idea. Now, 8 months later it has grown to include middle school teachers and has over 200 members. I’m so pleased with the great group of dedicated teachers that have made it successful.
• I have flickr pro account and have joined a few groups but am most active in Photo Fridays.
• I applied for the Inspired Teacher award from Inspiration and won.
• I applied for a NYSCATE grant and won. I was very happy with my beginner’s luck on those two.
• I am a very quiet/shy person. I attended NECC in San Antonio and worked on being a little more outgoing by speaking to the people near me in presentations and hanging out on the fringes of the Blogger Café.
• I have also joined facebook. That I use mainly for keeping track of my family including nieces and nephews.
• I have started over 10 wikis. I’m getting ready to start using my first one with the students actually adding and editing work.
• I completed my first truly collaborative project, Scary Spuds with Amber Coggin’s class in Alabama.
• I’m working on another wiki project, Winter Wonderland, with Amber Coggin in Alabama and Vicky Sedgwick in California.
• I learn new things on a daily basis because of my PLN.

What I’m hoping the next year brings:

• I just bought a microphone. I haven’t tried Skype yet but that is one of my goals. I’m hoping to try it out with my sister tomorrow.
• I put in a proposal for a Best Buy grant. I’m guessing my beginner’s luck is wearing off. But I’m hoping to find other grants to apply for. Grants for new equipment will be important as NY faces tough economic times.
• I hope to do more collaborative projects.
• I hope to slowly get more classroom teachers using some of the new tools with their students and for themselves.
• I’m looking forward to attending my second NECC and rooming with 3 of my online PLN friends!
• I want to get back to reading blogs for 15 minutes a day again. I should set that as my goal before clicking on Plurk!

My blog continues to be a place for my rambling thoughts. I’ve never considered myself a writer but I have learned to enjoy putting my thoughts down in this blog. I’ve come a long way in a year and I know with the help of my PLN I’ll continue to grow. Thank you!

Please share your accomplishments from the last year and what you’re hoping the next year will bring. I’d love to hear from you.

Filed under: Technology, Uncategorized | Tagged: Amber Coggin, David Jakes, Jen Wagner, Kevin Honeycutt, Melanie Holtsman, NECC, Ning, NYSCATE, Plurk, Vicky Sedgwick | 8 Comments »

I was tagged by Jen Wagner for the Wordle Meme started by Lee Kolbert. It’s an easy meme to participate in. One look at mine and it’s obvious to see that I’ve been talking about projects lately! I also see evidence of a recent trip to Springfield.

For this meme, I tag the following bloggers: Ann Orro, Amber Coggin, Vicky Sedgwick, Lori Feldman and you if you’re interested.

Here are the directions:

1. Create a Wordle from your blog’s RSS feed.
2. Blog it and describe your reaction. Any surprises?
3. Tag others to do the same.
4. Be sure to link back here and to where you were first tagged.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Jen Wagner, Lee Kolbert, wordlememe | 2 Comments »

Before this Thanksgiving ends in 35 minutes I feel a need to write a quick post. In these times that are difficult for so many around the country and world I have so much to be thankful for. At the top of my list is my husband and children whom I love with all my heart. Then there’s my mom and siblings, distance separates us but we have a loving and supportive network. When I count my blessings I don’t think I take my job into account often enough. I am so lucky to have a job that I love and one that is secure. A major event happened this year in that we paid off our house. When I was younger I suffered from what I call “house envy.” It seemed our friends and relatives houses were always bigger, newer and better than our old tiny ranch. Now that are kids are growing up our tiny house will soon be the right size and best of all it’s all ours. Our health is another blessing. My husband was diagnosed with cancer almost 13 years ago. Every time it starts to rear its ugly head the doctors are able to stomp it back out. So I am not only thankful for his continued good health but the great group of doctors that care for him as well. Going along with that theme is my thankfulness for our great health coverage. I am also thankful for my friends both in real life and online. It’s the online friends from around the world that make me more aware of how I take all of my good fortune for granted. This post could go on and on because of all that good fortune but I think you get the picture. Oh, I forgot to mention my dog, and our vacations and the piano….

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: thanksgiving | 4 Comments »