Eduwiki.us

I thought I'd share this informative video that Michael Baker made for the Eduwiki.us website. This website is awesome for educators, at is enables teachers to connect globally with each other. Check it out...and join our growing network!

A New Year Coming...

As the new year approaches, I can't help but think back on what a whirlwind of a year 2007 was. My eyes were really opened to what is really "out there" right now with technology. I would have to say that the highlight of my year as a teacher was when I received the news that I was nominated to be a Keystone Technology Integrator, and then invited to attend the Keystones Technology Summit at Shippensburg University. What an experience! The network that I have built is incredible. The friendships that formed during those three days are priceless. It was by far the most incredible experience. I learned so much in three short days. It amazed me to see how technology was being used in classrooms across the state. We really have no idea until we are able to see it in action. It was nice to be able to share and gain new ideas with so many other educators who are passionate about technology.

This past year I also became of member of the Discovery Education Network, and most recently of Eduwiki. These are both great networks! Eduwiki allows me to collaborate with other educators to share ideas and resources. There's a Who's Who page that connects me to other members via Email, Skype, Twitter or their Wikispace or Blog. It amazes me how fast this 'community' is growing! I'm now part of a Virtual Bookclub also, and have participated in many interesting and informative Webinars.

So...as the new year approaches:
1.) I have an even bigger network to communicate and collaborate with concerning technology.
2.) I am looking forward to attending Pete&C in February. I can't wait to see many of the people that I have been communicating with on Twitter/Skype face to face....and...I can't wait to reconnect with the awesome 2007 Keystones!
3.) I am anxious and excited to keep moving ahead with technology!

~Happy New Year!~

~Interacting with CYBER CHICKENS~

My students have had an awesome time "connecting" with the "CYBER CHICKENS" at East Elementary in Greenville, PA. The students are seeing that learning spans beyond the four walls of a classroom. We've been video conferencing to keep in touch and share our curriculum, and it has been a wonderful experience for the students!
The 5th graders in Mrs. Abernethy's class have created podcasts and informative slideshows on bats and spiders for my students. They were also busy reading and analyzing children's books so that they could create their own books...and these books turned into a great Christmas surprise for my 1st graders! Each student in the classroom received a book. The students were SO excited! Thank you so much Cyber Chickens for such a wonderful Christmas surprise!

Recent Workshop...

I attended a workshop at the IU yesterday given by CAPE, which stands for Center for Advancing Partnerships in Education. The workshop was titled "Putting On Your Best Face for Videoconferencing" and was interesting and informative. (Our district recently received a Polycom unit) We received some great information from our presenters and had the opportunity to have some 'virtual' visits. We were able to see how CAPE's Online World Language program works and experience a brief lesson on Japanese. CAPE uses Elluminate Live for their online learning programs. It expands the boundaries of the classroom, providing an interactive learning experience and improving student performance. I recently learned that Elluminate also offers vRoom, which enables you to collaborate with three participants for FREE! (Thanks Baker!)
Can you imagine learning to play a new instrument when your teacher is 5000 miles away? Well, try an Irish Tin Whistle Course, which gives students around the world the opportunity to play this instrument. A school in Philadelphia is currently participating in this multimedia experience, which suits students of all ages and provides a great learning experience at the same time.
We had the opportunity to view some Virtual Learning Sites that were pretty cool too. By visiting the BCISD site, (sponsored by POLYCOM, inc.) you are able to locate some great sites for videoconferencing field trips by content area using their videoconferencing database. TWICE is also a great site for helping you collaborate around the globe.
Finally, our presenters discussed Videoconferencing protocol, which included instructor & student protocol and the importance of recognizing and being able to manage the difference between distance learning and learning in the classroom. We also got the 'ins and outs' of designing a video conference experience.
In conclusion, videoconferencing is a great way to visit places that you might not be able to visit, such as zoos, NASA, museums, and more. Move beyond the 4 walls of your classroom...get connected and open your students eyes to the world around them!