Going to make a list of ideas that I came up with or came to mind during the 23 Things program I just finished. Before I forget them all!!
1. For AP French, outside project: French Director Project.
Using the model of the AP English project (get/ask syllabus from Eng dept)
model a French AP project of the same nature. Directors include:
Francois Truffaut
Jean Cocteau
Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Mathieu Kassowitz
Jean-Luc Godard
Louis Malle
Luc Besson
Jean Renoir
Jacques Tati
2. F3 Project - send up of commercial or TV skit. Kids can translate directly or come up with approximate translation using skills to perform skit/piece. More later
3. Fundraiser ideas? Buy the 30 starter button making machine and sell buttons - can sell them to other school groups, for campaigns, events, and other things happening on campus.
4. EAting Contest - sooner rather than later
5. Annual Halloween party! Start right away!
6. Students responsible for posting homework, maintaining calendar and announcements. Also responsible for tutoring in my room or next door.
7. Begin thinking about initiation early so we have more manpower to participate!!
8. Facilitate French lunch at least once a week - probably on Thursday when there is NO Freshman lunch so all may participate
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thing #23 - Fin!!
I enjoyed the experience overall and learned a lot of great new things and came up with awesome new ideas for class!
1. My favorites were Youtube and TeacherTube, the Wikis and OpenOffice. Those three seem to be the most useful of the bunch and the ones I will 100% guaranteed use ASAP for school and personal use.
2. As a lifelong learner, its afforded me new ways to find the things I am looking for, and better ways to share them. This is invaluable for teachers! Another way, a different explanation, an alternative view, all of it helps all kinds of students in so many ways and adds to their pool of resources that they now have to become life long learners themselves.
3. Unexpected outcomes? I don't think so. I didn't like Rollyo because it just doesnt seem useful to me but other than that, it was all good information that I can use on my webpage I am required to host/maintain.
I do find it irritating that all this that was learned doesn't count towards me when I am evaluated and put down for lack of use of technology. We do what we can and just because the one day someone happens to visit I am not putting on the dog and pony show, I get marked inadequate. I work in a T-shack, people. The internet connection is tenuous at best, we often don't get bells, announcements, we have no security, so you know....its annoying. This is the sort of thing that irritates me because its a stupid initiative. There are merits to things like straight memorization and essay writing. To reading books and spending time in a real library. Yes, these tools are neat and can do some good tricks but truth be told, I don't think they are increasing the student's critical thinking skills in any way.
Sorry, tangent but really a big huge peeve of mine.
4. As far as the format, everything was great. I think though that maybe a format of, the system leading you to the next step, sort of like a check system to let you know you are 100% done, sort of tracking to do list, that would be fancy, but certainly not required.
5. I would definitely participate in another program in the future, provided one comes up I am interested in and can get PDLC credit for :)
6. One word or sentence? I'd say, "Creative ways to use technology in the classroom and get students interacting with advancing technology". I'd re title it that!
Great program, learned a lot. Thanks!
1. My favorites were Youtube and TeacherTube, the Wikis and OpenOffice. Those three seem to be the most useful of the bunch and the ones I will 100% guaranteed use ASAP for school and personal use.
2. As a lifelong learner, its afforded me new ways to find the things I am looking for, and better ways to share them. This is invaluable for teachers! Another way, a different explanation, an alternative view, all of it helps all kinds of students in so many ways and adds to their pool of resources that they now have to become life long learners themselves.
3. Unexpected outcomes? I don't think so. I didn't like Rollyo because it just doesnt seem useful to me but other than that, it was all good information that I can use on my webpage I am required to host/maintain.
I do find it irritating that all this that was learned doesn't count towards me when I am evaluated and put down for lack of use of technology. We do what we can and just because the one day someone happens to visit I am not putting on the dog and pony show, I get marked inadequate. I work in a T-shack, people. The internet connection is tenuous at best, we often don't get bells, announcements, we have no security, so you know....its annoying. This is the sort of thing that irritates me because its a stupid initiative. There are merits to things like straight memorization and essay writing. To reading books and spending time in a real library. Yes, these tools are neat and can do some good tricks but truth be told, I don't think they are increasing the student's critical thinking skills in any way.
Sorry, tangent but really a big huge peeve of mine.
4. As far as the format, everything was great. I think though that maybe a format of, the system leading you to the next step, sort of like a check system to let you know you are 100% done, sort of tracking to do list, that would be fancy, but certainly not required.
5. I would definitely participate in another program in the future, provided one comes up I am interested in and can get PDLC credit for :)
6. One word or sentence? I'd say, "Creative ways to use technology in the classroom and get students interacting with advancing technology". I'd re title it that!
Great program, learned a lot. Thanks!
Thing #22 - Nings
I am sure there are other sites that are good but I'm disappointed that Yabla is a subscription site!! Then again, I can create my own podcasts that accomplish the same thing! We now have cameras in the library for our use so, ideas flowing, I can create a pronounciation guide myself, or, create other videos to help kids.
Nings are ok, not that easiest to navigate. For French, I didn't see too many links but then again, I am only spending 10 minutes or so on each thing, otherwise I'd get lost in the interwebernets!
Nings are ok, not that easiest to navigate. For French, I didn't see too many links but then again, I am only spending 10 minutes or so on each thing, otherwise I'd get lost in the interwebernets!
Thing #21 - Video and Podcasts
To be certain, I can post presentations here that students who were absent may have missed, or, leave up examples relevant to current topics of study for further investigation. I can also display student work here, powerpoints and podcasts.
Perhaps I can even give a podcast as an assignment...hrm....now things are cooking in my brain! I can record grammar lectures on here and various lessons for students to watch from home, or anywhere with internet access!
Perhaps I can even give a podcast as an assignment...hrm....now things are cooking in my brain! I can record grammar lectures on here and various lessons for students to watch from home, or anywhere with internet access!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Thing #20 YouTube and TeacherTube
Hoorah, I already use You Tube alot to find good videos for class and for presentations to use in class. There are a lot of awesome things out there, particularly French TV shows and documentaries that are mighty useful in teaching French history (not so much grammar) and culture.
Here's a few good ones :) Enjoy
Here's a few good ones :) Enjoy
Thing #19 Web 2.0 Awards
This is pretty cool - easy way to find the most efficient sites for what you need. Will link to the blog I'd say...
School and libraries can put this up in the resources part of the library to get kids searching on their own and also show them the best way TO search for their particular needs.
I do however worry about some of the 'instant gratification' elements of this tool. Kids want to get the work DONE and often don't check for accuracy or fluidity at all. This just helps that happen faster. Then again, at least they turn something in, lol!
School and libraries can put this up in the resources part of the library to get kids searching on their own and also show them the best way TO search for their particular needs.
I do however worry about some of the 'instant gratification' elements of this tool. Kids want to get the work DONE and often don't check for accuracy or fluidity at all. This just helps that happen faster. Then again, at least they turn something in, lol!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Thing #18 OpenOffice
I am very very comfortable with word processing and spreadsheets, having come from an administrative job prior to teaching as well as all through college. In fact, I often OFTEN wish that staff personnel and administrators were REQUIRED to be proficient in these for the efficiency, expediency and accuracy of ALL and for ALL. Too often, technology and efficiency are negating accuracy and varying degrees of professionalism ignored in favor of these "modern" gadgets.
I am looking forward to using these, as the kids will be required to hand in papers to me this year (in AP classes) typed and using accents. This program, and having it be accessible and easy to use will be helpful in that endeavor.
I am looking forward to using these, as the kids will be required to hand in papers to me this year (in AP classes) typed and using accents. This program, and having it be accessible and easy to use will be helpful in that endeavor.
thing #17 Rollyo
Not sure I get why this is better than bookmarks. Certainly merits more exploration but I'm trying to get this done this week so I can go on vacation guilt free.
If you take advantage of the bookmark system, which I am assuming people don't, you title things appropriately and organize into folders....
Oh well, I don't have to implement every single thing in this presentation, just explore them.
If you take advantage of the bookmark system, which I am assuming people don't, you title things appropriately and organize into folders....
Oh well, I don't have to implement every single thing in this presentation, just explore them.
Thing #16 Wikis
Wikis are cool!@ I have several ideas on how to use them in class, especially the AP classes. I can post tests online, or for example a passage the student must correct or fill in the blanks. I can also have notes online for the students, such as the main points from a lecture or chapter or grammatical concept. The FNHS can use Wikis to plan things, and do a variety of activities.
I can use it myself or have the kids create wikis for public use....lots of ideas brewing - time is the only restraint! OOHhhh the kids can use it to enter their volunteer hours too!! formidable~
I can use it myself or have the kids create wikis for public use....lots of ideas brewing - time is the only restraint! OOHhhh the kids can use it to enter their volunteer hours too!! formidable~
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thing #15 : Web 2.0 & Future of Libraries
I found the video disturbing in so many ways. Let me briefly touch on some.
1) Class size - sounds like a whine to me. I went to a school where we had mostly small classes, however a large class is a lesson in independent thought, ambition, self discipline etc. You will have to work HARDER in a large class, to be heard, to ask questions and get in the conversation. READ THE MATERIALS, make time to speak to the professor, create what you need! In my opinion, college is a lesson in making happen what you WANT to happen. I developed relationships with professors, not just in my major, by going to their offices during their posted hours and talking, asking questions and asking to be challenged. Once again, Americans lack PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY. If I am paying 20k for ANYTHING, I will me VERY sure to get what I want out of it, as much as possible and that comes from self determination.
2) WHO CARES IF THE PROFESSOR KNOWS YOUR NAME? If students expect college experience to be like high school in this country, where people are spoon fed and coddled, they're going to be REALLY disappointed. It does not matter. What matters is the quality of your work and what you are learning.
3) Students NOT completing reading - well that's just stupid. You bought the books and they are assigned for a reason - SO READ THEM. Its a matter of time management and again, self discipline. Isn't that the challenge of college? To learn how to get the job done in the midst of new found freedoms? My particular university only let us take 2 courses a trimester, 10 weeks, three trimesters a year. If I guesstimate, at least 10 books a class x 3 classes, x3 trimesters, I read about 80-90 books a year for a 4 yr total of at least 300 books. And yes, I read all of them. Students not reading in favor of facebook is a matter of personal priorities and how our country is in the WC. Seriously, it gets my angry just thinking about it. And to speak to the girl who said she only wrote 42 pages this year, she must go to a pretty dumpy college. Again, with the average of only 35 classes in 4 yrs, I can estimate that I wrote close to 150 pages a year, with my Senior Seminar paper topping off at 15 pages, in French.
My best friend got his masters in Library Science and we talk about all these techno changes all the time. Yes, a shift is being made and perhaps libraries as we know them today are changing. Ok. HOWEVER, as a culture, the importance our culture/society (Americans) puts on learning, knowledge and its acquisition, academic success - that is the REAL paradigm shift. We let kids think its ok to be stupid.
See the posts here from a recent comment I made on my Facebook page:
*************************************************************************************
If you passed the THIRD grade, please make a mental note of this grammatical FACT:
YOUR = a possessive. Example, is that YOUR coat? Its YOUR turn etc.
YOU'RE = You are. Example, YOU'RE HIGHLY IGNORANT. A possessive.
You have no idea how epically STUPID this makes you look. REALLY, SERIOUSLY DUMB.
*It's * ??
*seriously...it is amazing how many on facebook have no clue how to differentiate between these...and they have graduated from high school, some college grads too! scary...
*don't forget about there, their, and they're.
*Sarah, bad spelling gets on my bad side! Never thought I'd be such a nit picker about grammar but come on! Especially when I see my STUDENTS posting it!!
*I agree, but keep in mind that sometimes, especially when typing on a telephone, that punctuation and spelling are overlooked in favor of expediency. I do agree, however that more often than not, the idiots prevail. It is a sad testament.
*effect and affect
to, too, two
So many ways to misuse the English language...
*See? I skipped a comma on the last sentence of my previous comment and I can assure you that i am not an idiot. :... But yes, ignorance is very annoying, especially from your students. It would piss me off too.
*Seriously does it really matter. Language evolves and changes.
*Yes, it DOES matter.
*your rong!!
*It depends on how valuable the substitute is. From all indications the substitute (i.e. evolution) is crap. The evolution you refer to is primarily driven by bad parenting, ignorant teachers and entitled dysfunctionals. (yes I've created a noun) The atomization of the language indicates a serious threat to rational thought...PERIOD.
*Tomorrow's lesson; yore.
*I think your onto something their.
*Whut U mean?!
*I'm going to have to disagree, the bastardization of a language will not lead to the end of rational thought. Language is communication. If its understood its served its purpose. There need not be some value police to deem whether the change has value or not. If its understood its legit.PERIOD
*BAstardization of a language DOES change the culture in strange ways - look at Tejano Spanish! how many of my students grew up speaking Spanish but can't read or write it - it DOES change their perception of things and really makes them look dumb in the eyes of people who were educated in Spanish - ask anyone who has gone ... See Moreto grammar school in a Spanish speaking nation. Cultures guard their language for a reason, because what we say to each other, HOW we say things to each other, DOES matter. How many times a day do Americans say like or know what I mean, when in fact, one may not? It causes lots of misunderstandings and mess ups....it does have an effect. We're such a melting pot, yet we refuse to have an official language or, even use the common unofficial one properly. It makes us look really retarded on the world stage. Across the board@! Most foreign educated fifth graders know more about English than the graduating senior in an American hs!
*Being unable to read or write is frown upon in any culture. The improper use of a word is not a sign of ignorance, laziness perhaps but should that discredit the meaning. I'm just suggesting that the meaning is more important than the vehicle to get there. You know what I mean?
*Bien dit. Et j'ajoute que ça marche aussi en français : TES = possessif ; T'ES = Tu es.
*What is being suggested by some is that the relativistic nature of the process being celebrated justifies itself. This notion radiates from the multicultural mantra pounded into the minds of young people every day by the media, schools and burn outs from the 60's. The entire program has been bankrupt from the beginning. While addressing the real ... See More dysfunctions, and shall I say EVILS, of the first half of the 20th century, the relativistic notion has spawned a lack of ability to express an interesting thought. In the long run, the only individuals who are really hurt are those that can not express such a thought. This is because the power rests with those that can control the narrative. At some point coherence seizes the initiative, primarily because organisms demand order.Get a variable rate mortgage if you like...pay 15% interest rates on CC's if you like...live off of welfare if you like...use stupid speak if you like...be satisfied with good enough if you like...find yourself broke if you like. The process has consequences.
*Thank you for pointing this out. I think people have just stopped caring as they got older. Just because we're out of school doesn't mean we're off the hook.
1) Class size - sounds like a whine to me. I went to a school where we had mostly small classes, however a large class is a lesson in independent thought, ambition, self discipline etc. You will have to work HARDER in a large class, to be heard, to ask questions and get in the conversation. READ THE MATERIALS, make time to speak to the professor, create what you need! In my opinion, college is a lesson in making happen what you WANT to happen. I developed relationships with professors, not just in my major, by going to their offices during their posted hours and talking, asking questions and asking to be challenged. Once again, Americans lack PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY. If I am paying 20k for ANYTHING, I will me VERY sure to get what I want out of it, as much as possible and that comes from self determination.
2) WHO CARES IF THE PROFESSOR KNOWS YOUR NAME? If students expect college experience to be like high school in this country, where people are spoon fed and coddled, they're going to be REALLY disappointed. It does not matter. What matters is the quality of your work and what you are learning.
3) Students NOT completing reading - well that's just stupid. You bought the books and they are assigned for a reason - SO READ THEM. Its a matter of time management and again, self discipline. Isn't that the challenge of college? To learn how to get the job done in the midst of new found freedoms? My particular university only let us take 2 courses a trimester, 10 weeks, three trimesters a year. If I guesstimate, at least 10 books a class x 3 classes, x3 trimesters, I read about 80-90 books a year for a 4 yr total of at least 300 books. And yes, I read all of them. Students not reading in favor of facebook is a matter of personal priorities and how our country is in the WC. Seriously, it gets my angry just thinking about it. And to speak to the girl who said she only wrote 42 pages this year, she must go to a pretty dumpy college. Again, with the average of only 35 classes in 4 yrs, I can estimate that I wrote close to 150 pages a year, with my Senior Seminar paper topping off at 15 pages, in French.
My best friend got his masters in Library Science and we talk about all these techno changes all the time. Yes, a shift is being made and perhaps libraries as we know them today are changing. Ok. HOWEVER, as a culture, the importance our culture/society (Americans) puts on learning, knowledge and its acquisition, academic success - that is the REAL paradigm shift. We let kids think its ok to be stupid.
See the posts here from a recent comment I made on my Facebook page:
*************************************************************************************
If you passed the THIRD grade, please make a mental note of this grammatical FACT:
YOUR = a possessive. Example, is that YOUR coat? Its YOUR turn etc.
YOU'RE = You are. Example, YOU'RE HIGHLY IGNORANT. A possessive.
You have no idea how epically STUPID this makes you look. REALLY, SERIOUSLY DUMB.
*It's * ??
*seriously...it is amazing how many on facebook have no clue how to differentiate between these...and they have graduated from high school, some college grads too! scary...
*don't forget about there, their, and they're.
*Sarah, bad spelling gets on my bad side! Never thought I'd be such a nit picker about grammar but come on! Especially when I see my STUDENTS posting it!!
*I agree, but keep in mind that sometimes, especially when typing on a telephone, that punctuation and spelling are overlooked in favor of expediency. I do agree, however that more often than not, the idiots prevail. It is a sad testament.
*effect and affect
to, too, two
So many ways to misuse the English language...
*See? I skipped a comma on the last sentence of my previous comment and I can assure you that i am not an idiot. :... But yes, ignorance is very annoying, especially from your students. It would piss me off too.
*Seriously does it really matter. Language evolves and changes.
*Yes, it DOES matter.
*your rong!!
*It depends on how valuable the substitute is. From all indications the substitute (i.e. evolution) is crap. The evolution you refer to is primarily driven by bad parenting, ignorant teachers and entitled dysfunctionals. (yes I've created a noun) The atomization of the language indicates a serious threat to rational thought...PERIOD.
*Tomorrow's lesson; yore.
*I think your onto something their.
*Whut U mean?!
*I'm going to have to disagree, the bastardization of a language will not lead to the end of rational thought. Language is communication. If its understood its served its purpose. There need not be some value police to deem whether the change has value or not. If its understood its legit.PERIOD
*BAstardization of a language DOES change the culture in strange ways - look at Tejano Spanish! how many of my students grew up speaking Spanish but can't read or write it - it DOES change their perception of things and really makes them look dumb in the eyes of people who were educated in Spanish - ask anyone who has gone ... See Moreto grammar school in a Spanish speaking nation. Cultures guard their language for a reason, because what we say to each other, HOW we say things to each other, DOES matter. How many times a day do Americans say like or know what I mean, when in fact, one may not? It causes lots of misunderstandings and mess ups....it does have an effect. We're such a melting pot, yet we refuse to have an official language or, even use the common unofficial one properly. It makes us look really retarded on the world stage. Across the board@! Most foreign educated fifth graders know more about English than the graduating senior in an American hs!
*Being unable to read or write is frown upon in any culture. The improper use of a word is not a sign of ignorance, laziness perhaps but should that discredit the meaning. I'm just suggesting that the meaning is more important than the vehicle to get there. You know what I mean?
*Bien dit. Et j'ajoute que ça marche aussi en français : TES = possessif ; T'ES = Tu es.
*What is being suggested by some is that the relativistic nature of the process being celebrated justifies itself. This notion radiates from the multicultural mantra pounded into the minds of young people every day by the media, schools and burn outs from the 60's. The entire program has been bankrupt from the beginning. While addressing the real ... See More dysfunctions, and shall I say EVILS, of the first half of the 20th century, the relativistic notion has spawned a lack of ability to express an interesting thought. In the long run, the only individuals who are really hurt are those that can not express such a thought. This is because the power rests with those that can control the narrative. At some point coherence seizes the initiative, primarily because organisms demand order.Get a variable rate mortgage if you like...pay 15% interest rates on CC's if you like...live off of welfare if you like...use stupid speak if you like...be satisfied with good enough if you like...find yourself broke if you like. The process has consequences.
*Thank you for pointing this out. I think people have just stopped caring as they got older. Just because we're out of school doesn't mean we're off the hook.
Thing #14 Technorati
This one was hard for me, not sure why. I think I just prefer the old system of bookmarks and I have that fixed in my mind. This will take some getting used to, for sure. When I searched for blogs under French, French Teacher and Francais, I found relatively few as compared to a posting search, where I came up with a bajillion hits!
But, I can see its use; I have received many links from friends and students alike that I can tag here and add to my blog for the students' use.
But, I can see its use; I have received many links from friends and students alike that I can tag here and add to my blog for the students' use.
Thing #13 Tags and Delicious.com
Great way to import my old French bookmarks, which are constantly getting lost due to campus technology issues, to my blog!
Additionally, when I find worksheets, helpful sites or other places/sites/things of interest, I can have the kids access them at any time. This looks good - we'll see how it comes into practice this year in class...
Additionally, when I find worksheets, helpful sites or other places/sites/things of interest, I can have the kids access them at any time. This looks good - we'll see how it comes into practice this year in class...
Thing #12 Commenting
The two comments that stand out most to me:
The power of the written expression - this I know to be true from personal experience. And, for my students, this could be a topic for writing and also used to strengthen their French writing skills.
Also, the ideas of being gracious as well as controversial. Reward comments. I was thinking, I can post a quote or proverb in French and have the students comment about it online, and track those comments.
More to come...
The power of the written expression - this I know to be true from personal experience. And, for my students, this could be a topic for writing and also used to strengthen their French writing skills.
Also, the ideas of being gracious as well as controversial. Reward comments. I was thinking, I can post a quote or proverb in French and have the students comment about it online, and track those comments.
More to come...
Monday, July 5, 2010
Thing #11
At the end of this yr, as my honor kids were helping me pack up my classroom and supplies for FNHS, they asked WHY I had so many books from home in my classroom - to which I replied, for you guys...I thought you'd want to check them out and I have so many, I thought....well apparently this wasn't communicated all that well but NOW - I can put the inventory online and the kids can use them as if it were a library or, just check them out from me for activities, practice and research.
Plus, I can make a school list of French books and a personal one for me. I LOVE books and the one thing I refuse to get rid of, basically ever, is a GOOD BOOK, especially a rare edition FRENCH book, hard to come by in the US. I have everything from French African Revolutionary Feminist authors, to the Psalms in French (from an Uncle). I think there's something for everyone and now, its all laid out nicely.
Ahhhhh organization!
Plus, I can make a school list of French books and a personal one for me. I LOVE books and the one thing I refuse to get rid of, basically ever, is a GOOD BOOK, especially a rare edition FRENCH book, hard to come by in the US. I have everything from French African Revolutionary Feminist authors, to the Psalms in French (from an Uncle). I think there's something for everyone and now, its all laid out nicely.
Ahhhhh organization!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
2010 Blog #9
Ok so now we're talking, google reader search tool was the easiest. The ones I am looking for are harder to find because they're in another language, so I'll need to revisit and find more. Many of my own French friends have blogs, but they're not coming up here so...more time warranted for this post...
For the intents and purposes of this blog, I stick to standards like newspapers: Le Monde and Le Figaro and more to come. I chose these because they are reliable sources where kids can get good accurate information. Also, an online dictionary is a good link and fairly trustworthy source.
None of the feed search thingies seemed to find too much - I guess other French teachers aren't turned onto this just yet....
For the intents and purposes of this blog, I stick to standards like newspapers: Le Monde and Le Figaro and more to come. I chose these because they are reliable sources where kids can get good accurate information. Also, an online dictionary is a good link and fairly trustworthy source.
None of the feed search thingies seemed to find too much - I guess other French teachers aren't turned onto this just yet....
2010 Blog #8
RSS FEEDS ARE AWESOME! I can keep kids abreast of current events in France and the French speaking world, initiate class discussions and essay topics. This is C.O.O.L.!!!
Not only can I keep up personally, but here I can add all sorts of current events links, cultural events, and so can my students. I also have a link to the Podcast, which one student showed me earlier this year.
Not only can I keep up personally, but here I can add all sorts of current events links, cultural events, and so can my students. I also have a link to the Podcast, which one student showed me earlier this year.
2010 Blog #7
Google Tools:
I already use Google Earth often to look up addresses, since I am a visual person. I know we can use that for learning directions etc and use it for descriptive exercises.
The calendar is great too; we can use it for club/organization calendars and homework/project due dates for my classes and post it online. No more excuse to not know what's going on in class, especially when 95% of our students have internet access.
Picasa is ok; I have used it for personal items but not sure I am in love with it... it may be that I just haven't had enough time to mess with it, see all its features...
I already use Google Earth often to look up addresses, since I am a visual person. I know we can use that for learning directions etc and use it for descriptive exercises.
The calendar is great too; we can use it for club/organization calendars and homework/project due dates for my classes and post it online. No more excuse to not know what's going on in class, especially when 95% of our students have internet access.
Picasa is ok; I have used it for personal items but not sure I am in love with it... it may be that I just haven't had enough time to mess with it, see all its features...
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
2010 Blog #6
Ok now we're talking; Mappr can be used in my advanced classes as well as lower levels to demonstrate both the Francophone world's span as well as enhance students knowledge of Geography, something about which Americans are notoriously ignorant.
looks like mosiacmaker as well as bookr are both things to be explored by students in projects too.
I am creating a trading card and though the kids could do the same for the 'stars' project we began on the ceiling in the room this past spring. They could choose influential people from all genres and create cards on each one, that we can later use in lower levels for projects perhaps or other exercises...they could even create trivia games for advanced kids...good for drilling on culture, getting kids to ad lib the attributes and historical information IN FRENCH on famous French people.
looks like mosiacmaker as well as bookr are both things to be explored by students in projects too.
I am creating a trading card and though the kids could do the same for the 'stars' project we began on the ceiling in the room this past spring. They could choose influential people from all genres and create cards on each one, that we can later use in lower levels for projects perhaps or other exercises...they could even create trivia games for advanced kids...good for drilling on culture, getting kids to ad lib the attributes and historical information IN FRENCH on famous French people.
2010 Blog Thing #5
Ah Flickr. I am familiar with this site and use it alot; both my sister and father are into photography and use this site to showcase their work.
I have used Flickr to gather images for powerpoints for class as well as for personal projects. I continue to use Flickr for all sorts of image searches.
I think it can get a bit complicated when people put too many tags on their images, so it becomes hard to find sometimes. But, there is a wealth of beautiful pictures on there, especially touristic images I can use in class.
I have used Flickr to gather images for powerpoints for class as well as for personal projects. I continue to use Flickr for all sorts of image searches.
I think it can get a bit complicated when people put too many tags on their images, so it becomes hard to find sometimes. But, there is a wealth of beautiful pictures on there, especially touristic images I can use in class.
Thing #3
ok got the Avatar going, looks scarily a bit like me...only smaller.
I have a bunch of things I can link in here already, youtube videos for class that I wasn't able to show in the T-shack (due to lack of technology) French links, things like French radio that appear blocked on the school firewall but are not harmful to students...AP resources....This looks like its going to be a great tool for me/us.
I have a bunch of things I can link in here already, youtube videos for class that I wasn't able to show in the T-shack (due to lack of technology) French links, things like French radio that appear blocked on the school firewall but are not harmful to students...AP resources....This looks like its going to be a great tool for me/us.
2010 Blog Thing #2
Ah, now to talk about life long learners. I think I hit 9/10 of the indicators of life long learners. I speak 4 languages, read a TON, make lists and set goals all over the place, I have confidence in myself as a learner, and I already teach and mentor!!
I still have many personal goals, like learning Arabic, getting to Morocco and India, and many many more.
I am hoping I can get the students to also follow this example and perhaps create something lasting and educational for their class.
I still have many personal goals, like learning Arabic, getting to Morocco and India, and many many more.
I am hoping I can get the students to also follow this example and perhaps create something lasting and educational for their class.
2010 Blog Thing #1
I started this process two summers ago, (I think) but wasn't able to finish.
This is a good thing, and I can already see ways to have the kids update this blog, adding homework and resources for their independent study at the higher levels and posting perhaps the power points from other classes....
This is a good thing, and I can already see ways to have the kids update this blog, adding homework and resources for their independent study at the higher levels and posting perhaps the power points from other classes....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)