President Abraham Lincoln once said, "This war is eating my life out." These words and others come to life through the PBS American Experience vidcast series. I located a podcast about the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and the assassination of the president. Check out the PBS American Experience vidcast here!
Approaching a unit on the Civil War in my own classroom, I was looking for ways to illustrate the concepts we will discuss in the classroom. The Civil War and the presidency of Abraham Lincoln are powerful points in the social studies curriculum. This vidcast accurately and effectively conveys the most important points to reiterate concepts covered in class.
A unique part of this vidcast is that it is divided into multiple sections. I could break the class into small groups to focus on one specific component of the history of the Civil War, Lincoln, and the assassination. Students, as "professionals" on the topic, would then teach the rest of the class about their topic. These are also excellent models for social studies videocasts that could be done as an extension to this lesson.
Friday, November 20, 2009
ePals and TalkShoe for the Social Studies Classroom
ePals is a global Internet based learning community. Both safe and secure, students from across the globe can communicate. Students can read emails from students speaking another language through a language translator. ePals promotes cross-cultural collaborations and communication between teachers and schools.
The most useful part of ePals for a social studies classroom is the ability for students to learn about the global community. Diversity in the global community is a core element of the social studies curriculum at all levels. Students can "project share" and become pen pals with diverse groups of students across the globe. The blogs and email are designed for use by young people.
TalkShoe works in a similar way. TalkShoe allows students to better connect with a podcasting and blogging audience. This can be used to create a discussion or to join another discussion already in session. Older podcasts are stored in an archive that can be retrieved for use in the future. Students and teachers can chose a topic for discussion and invite others to participate. The conversation is automatically recorded as a podcast.
In the social studies classroom, this could be a project designed to incorporate both the global community and class curriculum. Students could brainsotrm a topic and design the agenda of the conversation with another group of students. Although previous arrangements would be made by the teacher with another teacher or group, the students would take command of the project. Students could also access the achival podcasts made by others from all over the world. In either case, students grasp the vastness of the world and how different cultures view issues and events.
The most useful part of ePals for a social studies classroom is the ability for students to learn about the global community. Diversity in the global community is a core element of the social studies curriculum at all levels. Students can "project share" and become pen pals with diverse groups of students across the globe. The blogs and email are designed for use by young people.
TalkShoe works in a similar way. TalkShoe allows students to better connect with a podcasting and blogging audience. This can be used to create a discussion or to join another discussion already in session. Older podcasts are stored in an archive that can be retrieved for use in the future. Students and teachers can chose a topic for discussion and invite others to participate. The conversation is automatically recorded as a podcast.
In the social studies classroom, this could be a project designed to incorporate both the global community and class curriculum. Students could brainsotrm a topic and design the agenda of the conversation with another group of students. Although previous arrangements would be made by the teacher with another teacher or group, the students would take command of the project. Students could also access the achival podcasts made by others from all over the world. In either case, students grasp the vastness of the world and how different cultures view issues and events.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
I just added two videos to my blog. The first is a link to a you tube clip explaining how to perform the Heimlich on a child. Although many educators have had some training in life saving techniques, some have not. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich on a child may save a life. This is a useful video for any teacher who works with children.
The second video is a link to teacher tube. Next week, I am explaining a tough event in American history known as the XYZ affair. Students always have a hard time understanding the importance of this event much less the basic storyline. This teacher tube clip explains the XYZ affair though a humorous theatrical production including president John Adams. It incorporates all the major points and uses correctly information from primary documents which we talk about in class. In 3 minutes this teacher tube video explains more effectively the XYZ affair than two pages in the textbook. Check out the video and see if you understand the XYZ affair!
The second video is a link to teacher tube. Next week, I am explaining a tough event in American history known as the XYZ affair. Students always have a hard time understanding the importance of this event much less the basic storyline. This teacher tube clip explains the XYZ affair though a humorous theatrical production including president John Adams. It incorporates all the major points and uses correctly information from primary documents which we talk about in class. In 3 minutes this teacher tube video explains more effectively the XYZ affair than two pages in the textbook. Check out the video and see if you understand the XYZ affair!
Flickr is an excellent tool for use in the classroom. Educators can locate photos and images to create visual presentations that show students major concepts and ideas. Teachers of all content areas and ability levels can use Flickr to create visual presentations that along with audio and tactile elements, cater to all learners in our classrooms.
I used both Bubblr and Bookr. On Bubblr, you can create a comic strip or find one that someone else has created. You simply search for images and drag them to the comic strip template. Then, you select a "thought bubble" and type in words. I attempted to make my own comic strip, but had some difficulty finding images to use to illustrate what I wanted to say. Nevertheless, I found this humorous and informative comic strip which I will use in my classroom in the future. Check it out here!
I also tried Bookr. On Bookr, you can create a story book. Like Bubblr, you search for images and then write the storyline- it's as simple as that! I created my own story about George Washington and the rise of political parties. Check out my story here!
I will use both the comic from Bubblr and the story from Bookr to introduce a new unit on the New Nation next week in my class. I hope that introducing the people, events, and concepts will help while covering the topics during the unit. I will use these resources in future units to illustrate concepts. I will also ask my students, as a final assessment or class activity, to create either a comic strip or book using these user-friendly sites.
I used both Bubblr and Bookr. On Bubblr, you can create a comic strip or find one that someone else has created. You simply search for images and drag them to the comic strip template. Then, you select a "thought bubble" and type in words. I attempted to make my own comic strip, but had some difficulty finding images to use to illustrate what I wanted to say. Nevertheless, I found this humorous and informative comic strip which I will use in my classroom in the future. Check it out here!
I also tried Bookr. On Bookr, you can create a story book. Like Bubblr, you search for images and then write the storyline- it's as simple as that! I created my own story about George Washington and the rise of political parties. Check out my story here!
I will use both the comic from Bubblr and the story from Bookr to introduce a new unit on the New Nation next week in my class. I hope that introducing the people, events, and concepts will help while covering the topics during the unit. I will use these resources in future units to illustrate concepts. I will also ask my students, as a final assessment or class activity, to create either a comic strip or book using these user-friendly sites.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Improving Educational Practice through Microblogging
As an educator, there are many ways to use microblogging to improve an individuals' practice. An example of a popular microblogging tool is Twitter.
One way to use microblogging is to set up a Twitter account for communication between parents and the teacher. This would allow parents to "follow" what was going on in the classroom. Simple, up-to-date statements can provide a good picture of the classroom and the topics covered that day. This may even permit parent / student discussion at home, extending the impact of the classroom.
Another way to use microblogging is to communicate with other educators. This "connects" teachers from all over the globe and enables open discussion about methods and activities for the classroom. Teachers are the best support group for other teachers. Microblogging helps them to share information easily and effectively.
Current events are important in social studies. Microblogging presents the most current information and updates on local, national, and global events. Oftentimes, these are first-hand accounts. This resource provides information for use in the classroom.
One way to use microblogging is to set up a Twitter account for communication between parents and the teacher. This would allow parents to "follow" what was going on in the classroom. Simple, up-to-date statements can provide a good picture of the classroom and the topics covered that day. This may even permit parent / student discussion at home, extending the impact of the classroom.
Another way to use microblogging is to communicate with other educators. This "connects" teachers from all over the globe and enables open discussion about methods and activities for the classroom. Teachers are the best support group for other teachers. Microblogging helps them to share information easily and effectively.Current events are important in social studies. Microblogging presents the most current information and updates on local, national, and global events. Oftentimes, these are first-hand accounts. This resource provides information for use in the classroom.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
History is Elementary- I Love this Blog!
I just found a blog entitled "History is Elementary." This is an excellent blog for social studies teachers and all others. The content and words of the authors are genuine and practical for the classroom.
One post I especially liked was one entitled, "Students and THEIR Labels." Students, as we know, like to look "cool." They like to wear Abercromie, Hollister, and American Eagle. For kids, its all about the labels. One teacher discovered that clothing is causing a fashion war within the classroom that is hindering learning.
While this is interesting, the most usuful piece from this post is how the teacher came to acquire this information. This teacher invites each of her students into her classroom for lunch. She talks with them informally and gets to know them- their thoughts and feelings. This is a wonderful gesture and an excellent way to get to know students. Some teachers might consider beginning a "get to know you" activity like this one in their own classrooms.
One post I especially liked was one entitled, "Students and THEIR Labels." Students, as we know, like to look "cool." They like to wear Abercromie, Hollister, and American Eagle. For kids, its all about the labels. One teacher discovered that clothing is causing a fashion war within the classroom that is hindering learning.
While this is interesting, the most usuful piece from this post is how the teacher came to acquire this information. This teacher invites each of her students into her classroom for lunch. She talks with them informally and gets to know them- their thoughts and feelings. This is a wonderful gesture and an excellent way to get to know students. Some teachers might consider beginning a "get to know you" activity like this one in their own classrooms.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Classroom 2.0 - A Social Network YOU may want to join
Classroom 2.0 is a welcoming social network. At your first visit, you will see a discussion board. Teachers or members of the network post questions and comments to other members of the network. This serves as an excellent way to connect with and collaborate with other teachers. Much of the content is focused on new and effective ways to use technology in the classroom. The site offers direction to live, in person workshops in addition to numerous online resources.
Classroom 2.0 is a user-friendly site, but you must become a member to have full access to the resources.
Check out an awesome social network, Classroom 2.0, for teachers of any content area!
Classroom 2.0 is a user-friendly site, but you must become a member to have full access to the resources.
Check out an awesome social network, Classroom 2.0, for teachers of any content area!
A Learner is like a Computer
Have you ever seen the message "Your computer is updating. Please do not shut down" ??? Even though this may be an annoying delay to your work or Facebook time, this is an important process as your computer stays "up to date." A learner does the same thing when he or she connects with others through social networks.
A learner is like a computer that updates itself when new programs are available - how does this analogy explain today's learner? The learner is the computer that updates its programs when new ones are available. As a learner connected through social networks such as Facebook or Blogger updates his or her knowledge of specific topics, so does the computer when it adds new programs of transforms old ones to "continue to stay current." A learner may read additional blogs about a topic, such as educational theory, to learn multiple perspectives. The learner is connecting with others to stay updated on current information.
Siemens writes, "As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses." The key to today's digital age is that learners know how to access information to add to or transform their own knowledge. According to Siemens, "When knowledge... is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill."
"Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era." -George Siemens
Read this article by George Siemens to learn more about Connectivism.
Watch these You Tube clips about Connectivism to learn more:
The Impact of Social Media on Learners
The Network is the Learning
A learner is like a computer that updates itself when new programs are available - how does this analogy explain today's learner? The learner is the computer that updates its programs when new ones are available. As a learner connected through social networks such as Facebook or Blogger updates his or her knowledge of specific topics, so does the computer when it adds new programs of transforms old ones to "continue to stay current." A learner may read additional blogs about a topic, such as educational theory, to learn multiple perspectives. The learner is connecting with others to stay updated on current information.
Siemens writes, "As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses." The key to today's digital age is that learners know how to access information to add to or transform their own knowledge. According to Siemens, "When knowledge... is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill."
"Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era." -George Siemens
Read this article by George Siemens to learn more about Connectivism.
Watch these You Tube clips about Connectivism to learn more:
The Impact of Social Media on Learners
The Network is the Learning
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Why Let Our Students Blog?
I think the better question (after seeing the "Why not let our students blog?" you tube clip) is why NOT let our students blog?!?
Click here to see this you tube clip: "Why Let Our Students Blog?
It struck me how many ways in which a blog can be used for the benefit of our students. I especially noted the importance of excitement, motivation, and participation.
Excitement is important in any classroom because it will keep students engaged in their work. They will put more effort into the class and gain more if they are excited about the topic or assignment. Students will come to class prepared to participate in that days activities if they are excited to learn. Blogs allow students to contribute directly to the class community, which as I have seen, builds excitement among students of any age group.
Motivation is a huge part of the classroom. Even though any teacher would like to think that our class is the most interesting and so awesome that students will naturally love coming to class and doing the homework- it's not true (in most cases). Students need motivation!! Blogging is an excellent example of a motivator. For example, blogging may motivate a student to do an assignment he or she may not have chosen to do because the topic was "boring" or did not cater to his or her learning style. Creating another avenue such as a blog, which speaks to many different learners, may encourage that student to do the work.
Participation is the most important element within the classroom, especially in social studies. When students actively participate, they are engaged and learning. Participation is the root of discussion, debate, group work, and real retention and learning. Blogging allows all students to participate in a non-threatening environment. Sometimes, students can better articulate what they want to say or share with the class through the written word. Blogs allow all students to participate.
Click here to see this you tube clip: "Why Let Our Students Blog?
It struck me how many ways in which a blog can be used for the benefit of our students. I especially noted the importance of excitement, motivation, and participation.
Excitement is important in any classroom because it will keep students engaged in their work. They will put more effort into the class and gain more if they are excited about the topic or assignment. Students will come to class prepared to participate in that days activities if they are excited to learn. Blogs allow students to contribute directly to the class community, which as I have seen, builds excitement among students of any age group.
Motivation is a huge part of the classroom. Even though any teacher would like to think that our class is the most interesting and so awesome that students will naturally love coming to class and doing the homework- it's not true (in most cases). Students need motivation!! Blogging is an excellent example of a motivator. For example, blogging may motivate a student to do an assignment he or she may not have chosen to do because the topic was "boring" or did not cater to his or her learning style. Creating another avenue such as a blog, which speaks to many different learners, may encourage that student to do the work.
Participation is the most important element within the classroom, especially in social studies. When students actively participate, they are engaged and learning. Participation is the root of discussion, debate, group work, and real retention and learning. Blogging allows all students to participate in a non-threatening environment. Sometimes, students can better articulate what they want to say or share with the class through the written word. Blogs allow all students to participate.
Friday, September 11, 2009
How to ensure that Blogging is SAFE!
The Internet is an amazing tool for classroom teaching, but can be dangerous when precautions are not followed. It is the teachers responsibility to make sure students are safe when using internet tools! (That's why we need to learn how to navigate the internet!)
To ensure that my students (and me!) are safely using a Blog I will...
1. Make clear the guidelines (including restrictions) for using internet tools such as Blogger. Knowledge is power! If students know how to PROPERLY use internet tools for the classroom they will be safe.
2. Get administration, other teachers, and parents on board. When bringing the internet into the classroom, other professionals and parents must know the objectives and goals. Students must have access to computers and have permission from parents and guardians. (A teacher must provide an alternative assignment for the students that do not want/ cannot participate in an online activity.) Students must also have resources or assistance if they do not understand the technology.
3. Be a role model and set up my blog as I want my students to set up their own blogs. I will go through the process step by step and explain why we do not include last names, pictures, and why it is important to use a nickname. I will also closely monitor what the students are saying and who is talking to one another.
4. Consult a Library Media Specialist who is very familiar with safe, kid- friendly websites. I want students to use the Internet, but get accurate and understandable information.
To ensure that my students (and me!) are safely using a Blog I will...
1. Make clear the guidelines (including restrictions) for using internet tools such as Blogger. Knowledge is power! If students know how to PROPERLY use internet tools for the classroom they will be safe.
2. Get administration, other teachers, and parents on board. When bringing the internet into the classroom, other professionals and parents must know the objectives and goals. Students must have access to computers and have permission from parents and guardians. (A teacher must provide an alternative assignment for the students that do not want/ cannot participate in an online activity.) Students must also have resources or assistance if they do not understand the technology.
3. Be a role model and set up my blog as I want my students to set up their own blogs. I will go through the process step by step and explain why we do not include last names, pictures, and why it is important to use a nickname. I will also closely monitor what the students are saying and who is talking to one another.
4. Consult a Library Media Specialist who is very familiar with safe, kid- friendly websites. I want students to use the Internet, but get accurate and understandable information.
Top 3 ways I will use Blogging in my classroom
Blogging, I have just learned, is a really cool tool! I am excited to practice blogging so that I can use it in my own classroom in the future.
The top 3 ways to use a blog (according to me):
1. Create a class blog for an ongoing discussion outside the classroom on current events. Current events is a major part of the social studies classroom. Students and the teacher can post, comment or provide links and images to the class blog to start a discussion online that will be continued in the classroom. Some students may be more comfortable "speaking up" online via a blog. Beginning the conversation outside of class may spur discussion from those students less likely to talk inside the classroom.
2. Ask and encourage students to comment on the class blog. They will be encouraged to ask questions, answer those questions, react to an assignment or post ideas for projects or class discussion. I will post examples of the type of work I am looking for on a particular assignment. I might also use this as a "homework helpline." Students can get help from me or peers. Students may also create their own course blog.
3. A personal blog could be used for reflection and correspondence with other teachers. Collaboration is an excellent way to ensure that your lesson plans are the best they can be. Other teachers help you think about new ways of teaching familiar material. Reflection is a large component of teaching. Even a simple post to the blog will help a teacher track his or her progress and record the strengths and weaknesses of that day or lesson.
The top 3 ways to use a blog (according to me):
1. Create a class blog for an ongoing discussion outside the classroom on current events. Current events is a major part of the social studies classroom. Students and the teacher can post, comment or provide links and images to the class blog to start a discussion online that will be continued in the classroom. Some students may be more comfortable "speaking up" online via a blog. Beginning the conversation outside of class may spur discussion from those students less likely to talk inside the classroom.
2. Ask and encourage students to comment on the class blog. They will be encouraged to ask questions, answer those questions, react to an assignment or post ideas for projects or class discussion. I will post examples of the type of work I am looking for on a particular assignment. I might also use this as a "homework helpline." Students can get help from me or peers. Students may also create their own course blog.
3. A personal blog could be used for reflection and correspondence with other teachers. Collaboration is an excellent way to ensure that your lesson plans are the best they can be. Other teachers help you think about new ways of teaching familiar material. Reflection is a large component of teaching. Even a simple post to the blog will help a teacher track his or her progress and record the strengths and weaknesses of that day or lesson.
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