23 Things Summary

WOW! What a journey. I began this journey last summer and had to carry it over into the fall session. It has been fun and I felt a little overwhelmed at times, but I have learned or experienced so many new tools. I hope I remember what I need to know when the opportunity arises to use my newly acquired knowledge.

While the class is very informative, it does require a lot of time. I think the weekly required time commitment should be increased. Give the new recruits a good aspect of the time commitment. Regardless of the times commitment, this is a fun course using a lot of new tools.

Thing #23

I really don't foresee adding Twitter to my curriculum. I understand that you could post updates and pictures of projects onto the site, so I may be too harsh. But with 7th graders, I don't think they are ready to post and appropriately respond on Twitterl

Thing #22

Social Networking is the new email. I have a Facebook account and that's how I keep up with my friends. I don't have to send individual emails, and I don't have to have a second program open. Facebook is how I keep up with my new granddaughter. They post pictures, tell me what they are doing and I can download the pictures and have them printed. My son was never good at phone calls so this is a great help.

Thing #21

We've been using Google SketchUp in my Tech class for almost two years. The students really like the program. It allows them to draw 3D pictures or models. They also can go online and add a shape or figure to their sketching. Each year the students seem to enjoy this activity and they continue to get better! I'm not at school so I'm not able to include a link to a completed project.

Google Sketch Up is a free downloadable program

Thing #19

I'm not real fond of VoiceThread, maybe I'm missing its importance. It's similar to listening in on an active podcast or someone's conversation. I can understand that it could be helpful in a classroom Students in one class could collaborate with another class, discuss a current event or topic. It think this would be fun especially if the class is in a different state or country.

This VoiceThread is more of a game, Guess The Movie.

Thing #18

I could spend hours on YouTube, so I stay away. People send me links and I'll watch them but I seldom go search myself. Why? Because I would get overwhelmed with the choices and the number of videos available. There are some that make you wonder, "Do these people watch the video before they post it??" There are also some good educational videos and I looked under the CATE category. YouTube and TeacherTube offer video clips for most subjects and categories. A good tool to focus your students, add to a lesson, or teach them how to do something new.

What I'm posting is "very educational" to someone. I think we should all prepare for a fun, active holiday season so here's a "how-to" video. Watch it and you will learn how to do the wobble dance!

Thing #20

I've been using Google Docs for the past year. When the Tech teachers had their Staff Development, the agenda and other information was posted and shared on Google Docs. We shared many activities and projects through Google Docs this past summer during a conference. It is a great tool for easily sharing documents.

Currently, our school is sharing a documentation spreadsheet to keep track of behavior issues, detentions, and parent contacts. It's so easy to use and saves time! One short posting and all of the team teachers have access to the good or bad behavior notes.

Three ideas: 1) a checkout list to track and monitor the cameras in Yearbook, 2) a spreadsheet that allows interns to sign-up for activities and school events, and 3) sharing Info. Tech assignments that have been created by different teachers.