Google

When will we ever learn all there is to know about Google? I'm thinking, never! I've learned today that not only can I create an online quiz with Google forms, but it will automatically put my results in a spreadsheet for me! I can create graphic organizers with the wonder wheel tool (found on the left side of the screen in Google under the more arrow), and Google squared. I can also create my own customized search engine that will search only the sites I list. My students always love it when I come back from a technology conference. The excitement is contagious! You can check out all of the tools available through Google by googling Google Tools. BTW search "let me google that for you" just for fun!

RRRRRRrrrrrr.....(English teachers forgive me)

What do you do when you've spent hours uselessly fighting with software that doesn't want to work? I tend to growl repeatedly at my computer. Does this help...No, decidedly not, but it keeps me from throwing my ultra light laptop across the room.

I believe a break is in order. Step away from the project for a while. Sometimes this means days, others only need a few minutes, you decide what you need. When I get to the point that I can't click my mouse without a sigh (or growl) I know...just walk away. Even the best relationships need alone time, right? Why should your relationship with your computer be any different?

Keeping up with the.....speed of light?

I’m not exactly on the cutting edge of technology… I know I hate to admit it myself! I like to think I know what’s going on in the edtech world; however, when I venture out to a conference or training session I realize that I’m more behind than I like to admit. Recently, I attended a tech conference and learned just how outdated I was.
Last school year I gave an inservice for the teachers in our building on using and creating webquests. I invited teachers to visit webquest.org and through the resource link we participated in a webquest about webquests. (There are links available for all grade levels) Teachers were excited about using this new resource in their classrooms, and wanted information on finding good webquests. Great , I’m thinking, we are moving into the 21st century, at a glacial pace, maybe, but movement is movement!
Granted webquests have been around for a while, but they are a great way to help students learn to navigate, by giving them specific sites to visit with specific instructions we can help our students learn to analyze what they are reading and recognize valuable information. Students are also given opportunities to confirm what they’ve learned through the comparison of other sites. Exactly what 21st century learners need, right?
Maybe not, upon entering the conference room where the legendary Bernie Dodge, the inventor of the webquest, is about to speak with us on what we think are the wonders of webquests and how we can get more out of them in the classroom….we hear, webquests are boring and our students are ready for more than we can provide through a simple webquest. (Okay…I need a little aside, have you ever tried to create a simple webquest???) My colleagues and I sink slowly and quietly into our chairs as we listen to other educators talk about the shortcomings of our new found super tool. Dr. Dodge has apparently been working on a new brain child called placepuzzle that will blow our student’s minds. I’m thinking wait!... I just learned how to blow their minds with this awesome webquest thing!
For all of you out there moving at a snail’s pace, don’t get discouraged! Webquests may not be the coolest hottest thing out there, but if your school is like mine and you aren’t exactly 1:1 yet, or maybe 1:25 don’t give up. You can still use webquests in your classroom with whole group or as an individual activity in the computer lab. If I can get my classroom to the computer lab and set them loose on an individually paced and interesting assignment on the computer, I am the coolest teacher in the hall and maybe they learn something too! I’m going to investigate Dr. Dodge’s new super tool and get back to you, but for now check out some webquests!

Where's the ceiling?

I'm constantly amazed by the limitlessness of cyberspace. One of the most useful things I've learned lately about technology is I cannot learn it all! I feel like I have to know everything there is to know and as a result I'm left feeling less than knowledgeable. I'm learning to depend on others for information ask questions first, and try to develop on my own later.  All too often I try to figure something out on my own and I spend hours (or possibly days) creating an interactive PowerPoint I could have downloaded in a few minutes.  Plurk may be my new addiction of choice.  It is similar to twitter, but in Plurk my focus is learning more about educational technology instead of just randomly communicating.  I posted a specific question about what type of wiki educators recommend and I was able to make a decision based simply on reader feedback.  I can still do some web research on my own, but why waste time when I have experts on my side.  If you've never heard of it, or never tried it give Plurk a whirl.  You look for people who have common interests and/or goals, friend or follow them, and bask in their brilliance for a while. After your cognitive sunbathing you can impress your friends with your intellectual tan.           

Rambling might be an understatement

I would like to start off my blog by apologizing. I really intend to use this as an ongoing journal of my technology finds for teachers and others involved in education. I have been fortunate enough to be involved in several technology workshops and conferences lately. There are more programs, applications, widgets, etc than I can ever use, but I want everyone to have access to these tidbits of techie treasure for future use. Maybe you can find a use for some great site and post to let us know how you used it. This brings us to the apology...If you thought this blog would provide great, insightful, rainy day reading, SORRY! Otherwise enjoy and help me build my repertoire of technology tools and increase your own at the same time.