ePortfolios

I really like the idea of ePortfolios simply because of its simple and organized manner. We know that students often struggle with organization of material, data, resources, etc. Having students set up an ePortfolio is a great way for them to keep track of all of their ideas and information for several projects at a time. Check out this video on starting your very own ePortfolio.

Engrade = Quick and Easy ;0

So today I set up my class for next year using a free software program called Engrade. This is definitely a helpful tool for teachers, I loved that it is so easy to set up, and pretty much self-explanatory. Some of the other features that I liked is the calender and the attendance. This can be very time consuming (attendance) and www.engrade.com can elevate some of these pressures and hassle. I also like that you can allow access for your students to view there grades and progress. I always found it helpful to monitor my own progress as a student and this is a quick easy way for students/parents to do this. The only thing that may be a bit difficult is using Engrade along with New York State's current grading system. For many NY schools the standard A, B, C, D, and F no longer given. Instead, a 1, 2, 3, and 4 are given (1 being significantly below grade level and 4 being above grade level.) When giving these scores on tests and report cards, at my school anyway, we are asked to grade holistically, not based on a percentage. With this being said, Engrade may be a challenge to use and still follow New York's grading system. However, If I find myself in a situation when percentages can be given, this is a wonderful tool to use.

Let's Not Talk, Let's Tweet!

While I 100% agree that technology must be utilized and implemented in the classroom in order to move forward in the field, I found the video about using Twitter in the classroom disheartening. Reason being? I feel as though college, and any educational setting for that matter, should be a platform where one is challenged, taken out of their comfort zone, intellectually stimulated and in a place of conversation and discussion (YES, discussion....not sitting behind a computer or phone without saying a word. Let's face it, kids / young-adults spend a lot of time using technology on a personal level (twitter, e-mail, blogging, surfing, chatting, facebooking, etc.), but is the classroom the time and place for this to happen. I feel as though technology is best utilized when it enhances the lesson and learning, not takes the place of it. In this video, I saw a lot of emotionless faces, and to me, the teacher was sending the message, "Hey kids, it's okay that you feel uncomfortable engaging in meaningful conversation, let's just type our thoughts instead." What about stretching yourself as a learner, stretching yourself as a student? However, I will say this, Dr. Kanki certainly went outside of her comfort zone with this class!

4 Models of teaching

Reading the article and viewing the graphic-organizer about the 4 models of teaching was important as it serves as a reminder of what we, as educators, need to be aware of in the classroom. At times, I find myself getting into a bit a of a rut in terms of what model of teaching I implement. It's easy to get into a routine but, as we all know, changing things up and using different models can make a world of difference. Like a puzzle, affective learning takes place when all of the pieces are put into place. It is important when planning a lesson to make sure you incorporate more than one of the following models; 1. Social Family (cooperative learning, peer tutoring, etc), 2. Information Processing Family (concept information, inquiry learning, etc.), 3. Personal Family (individualized instruction), and 4. Behavioral Systems Family (mastery learning, direct instruction).

9 Rules for GOOD Technology.

So Stephen Downes has 9 rules for good technology. You may be asking yourself, what is "good technology". Well, to me, I think what constitutes as "good" is; effective, meaningful, useful, quick, user friendly, and educational. Technology, as we all know, has a place in today's classrooms but it works best when it is seamless and easy to use. The rule that I thought was most valuable is rule number 7. "Good Technology is Personalized". I know that Stephen has a slightly different interpretation of this rule; but here is mine. For example, if you, as a teacher, came across a wonderful interactive fraction website, would you share it with your students who have already mastered fractions? Would you use a webquest about a topic that is not relevant, just because the webquest is outstanding? My point is....technology is only helpful and beneficial if it is meaningful. Just like state mandated curriculum, technology and software should not fall short of meeting these standards. It is important to carefully select appropriate technologies to accompany and enhance what the students are learning.

Let's Talk NETS

In my opinion I feel that of six National Education Technology Standards, the one that is best implemented TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS. The reason why I feel this is because, in my mind, it is the most basic of the standards. Now a days, most classrooms have at least one computer in which students have access. Therefore, the students presumably gain basic technology operations and concepts. As I mentioned in a previous post, a major issue facing many public schools is the fact that there is not much funding for up-to-date technology. Therefore, in many cases, these standards are not implemented at all. For example, DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP and COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION.

Technology Operations and Concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

a. understand and use technology systems.
b. select and use applications effectively and productively.
c. troubleshoot systems and applications.
d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

As a current 4th and 5th grade teacher, I do not believe that public schools are ready to successfully implement these 6 standards. In order for this to be successful, students need to have hands-on and consistent access to technology (PCs or Laptops). Unfortunetly, this does not always happen. Research has proven that children learn and retain information through repeated practice and consistency. How can students meet these technology standards if they only have access to a computer 35 minutes a day or sometimes just an hour a week? In order for teachers and students to gain benefit from these standards, school districts need to see "the bigger picture" and realize that this "new technology" is not just a fad or phase. This is our future. School districts must dedicate money, time, energy, and training into creating Digital-Age Teachers who can engage and stimulate their technology-hungry students.

Google Tools...You Rules! haha j/k

Dear Google Tools,
I am extending this personal "thank you" for all that you have done for me. You are a real life-saver. I know our relationship started out slow, but "Wow....now look at us!" Remember in the beginning when you and I only had e-mail to talk about? Ah, but then you began to explore things such as maps, earth, iGoogle, Gtalk, Google docs., images, video, blogger, and even a calender to help keep track of you oh-so-busy live. Again, thank you so much for your dedication, creativity, and the sheer fact that you make my life so much easier!
Sincerely,
Mr. Canaan Bump


On a more serious note....I use Google Tools on a regular basis; including searching, images, videos, gtalk, maps, earth, and most recently documents. As there are some Google tools that I have not yet discovered, I am excited to experiment with these. These tools include Glogster and G-reader. Exploring....here I come!

classroom 1.0 vs. classroom 2.0.

In this corner, weighing in at "1982" pounds we have classroom 1.0! The older of the two, classroom 1.0 consists on chalkboards, paper by the tons, desks in rows, ditto after ditto, and a teach and test style of fight. Will this be enough to win? In corner number 2. weighing in at "2010" pounds we have classroom 2.0! Classroom 2.0 plans to win the fight by using and integrating technology; Smartboards, LCD projectors, laptop computers, iPods, and learning software is what he has on his side! Is this enough to win the fight?

and the winner is....classroom 2.0 (by default)

It seems as though it is an uphill battle to get older teachers to change mind-sets and prepare for the future of schooling. While letting go of your old ways and adapting to new teaching methodology may seem like quite the challenge....I have discovered an even bigger challenge. TEACHERS CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO TRANSFER FROM 1.0 to 2.0 WITHOUT THE FUNDING, TRAINING, SKILLS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY TECHNOLOGY!!!!! Although my current school is adequately equipped with technology, we are in fact limited. Each classroom has 5 computers for a class of (24-26). This can often become a challenge just to schedule ample computer time for each student.

My Digital Slide show

So I used picasion to create a digital slide show. Make sure to check out the link to the site. I found the actual process of uploading the photos super easy and self-explanatory. However, some frustration came when I attempted to upload the animated gif and have it animate directly on my blog page. When I did this, the only thing that showed up was the first webshot of the animation. Anyway, at least the link worked...enjoy. I also made links directly to some of the other websites that my students use in the classroom on a regular basis.

Digital Literacy Skills for Faculty & Students

Digital Literacy Skills for Faculty & Students

computer literacy, information literacy, and integration literacy

COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy can be described as the knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses. For example, if you know how to power-on a computer, it's basic functions (word documents, searching for a document, double clicking, right clicking, highlighting, etc.) If you are able to do any of these fore mentioned things, you, my friend, are computer literate.

INFORMATION LITERACY: Information literacy can be described as knowing how to find, analyze, and use information; the ability to gather information from multiple sources, select relevant material, and organize it into a form that will allow the user to make decisions or take specific actions. For example, the basic function of going onto the world wide web and finding specific information about a topic can be classified as being information literate. However, it goes beyond basic searches. Doing a simple Google search and reading the first few paragraphs of the first link is not considered being information literate. However, "digging deep" and finding scholarly, valid, and professional information is considered being information literate.

INTEGRATION LITERACY: ability to use computers and other technologies combined with a variety of teaching and learning strategies to enhance students' learning; matching appropriate technology to learning objectives, goals, and outcomes. For example, using pod-casts in the classroom, implementing a lesson that goes along with a SMART BOARD activity, reviewing a chapter in science by watching a correlating video Power Point presentation, etc.

As we all know, technology is changing and rather than rejecting this change, we must face it. I have a very strong premonition that the future of education and school literally holds no books, no paper, no pencils, no folders, and no writing. Take everything that you know about education and throw it out the window. I see students with individual laptops with digital copies of textbooks, all assignments posted on-line, on-line feedback, on-line grading, and student centered independent education. So you may ask yourself, what will the teachers be doing. I foresee teachers as no more than facilitators, one who sets the stage and guides their students as they enter the digital world to obtain information.

Digital Natives

Are you afraid of things you don't know about? Are you scared of unknown territory? Probably...most people are. It is very common for educators to instruct the way in which they were instructed. This certainly becomes a problem when we (most of us anyway) were not taught using technology. "Digital Immigrants", as the article called them, are in dire need to change our ways to further our student's education. How do we break out of our traditional mold and begin to teach for the future, not the past. My advice...step by step...little by little...baby bites. I think it is extremely important for educators to set goals for themselves. And in this case,the daily use of technology implementation is a great goal to have. Begin by discovering, search out some affective web-sites, tools, and software that may be beneficial for your particular students. Once familiar with some of these programs, sites, etc., slowly expose them to your students. Your goal being that your students can utilize them effectively and independently. Let the digital learning begin....or (hopefully)...continue!

Here are some links to some affective websites geared for all learners a like.

www.exchange.smarttech.com

www.raz-kids.com

www.spellingcity.com

So, I used Google Docs. for the 1st time...very impressed.

Group 2, "Generation Text" had the task of making a group business card. We started out using WizIQ, a great interactive "teaching" website but we found that the audio was not always working and we were having a difficult time taking turns with the creation of the business card. So with that, we packed our bags and headed down Google road and ended up for a pit-stop at the Document section. For the next hour or so, the group was able to easily move, manipulate, create, control, and upload our business card creation. Thank You Google....you're the best.
Sincerely,
Canaan Bump

docs.google.com

What is "To Teach Is To Share" anyway?

I am starting "To Teach Is To Share" because, that's exactly what teaching is...sharing. While I'm sure that nobody truly cares about my teaching philosophy (be honest!), I have started this blog to simply share successful (or maybe unsuccessful) lesson plans, tips, tricks, great web-sites, programs, and ideas with like-minded teachers. So please, feel free to explore some of the web-sites I suggest and share some of your own! Happy Sharing ;)