Google Earth Assignment Idea

             This activity can be used to introduce students to each other. The students need to select 3 places they have been or would like to go. This will give their classmates insight into what places interest them, or places where they have actually gone. Maybe they have been to some of the same places? This will help the students relate to each other more. The students are to create a Google Earth Tour with the 3 stops. There should be a link at each stop, with a question to answer. The example below shows 3 places where I have been and my question for each link is "What is an interesting fact about this place?" This should be a fun, reminiscing/sharing activity. I enjoyed revisiting the places I have been (and would like to go again).
Favorite Place tour.kmz

A Screencast overview of the website "Storybird"

I made this screencast which can be demonstrated to students as an example for creating their own screencast.  Their assignment would be to choose a website and then make a simple and short screencast giving an overview of how to use the site.   This assignment is for students in grade 4 and above.   I feel this will give the students quite a feeling of accomplishment and will introduce the viewers to new websites.  I enjoyed doing this.

http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/c6XbDw65E

K-12 Wiki site

The link below goes to the K-12 wiki site and the project description on Ohio inventors that I added for 4th graders under social studies.  This K-12 wiki site I joined is for educators to share lessons or projects that integrate technology into the classroom.  My project has the students researching Ohio inventors from websites and then making flash cards on google docs to eventually print out and use to play a memory game.

http://ktwelve.wikispaces.com/Ohio+Inventors

Evidence of Network Participation

The following are some screen shots of the network participation I've done.  In addition to the blogs (including google doc), emails, RSS feeds, wiki post and voice threads I have also participated in FAQ posts when I needed to find out some technology answers on my own, usually pertaining to the Mac.

This class has really encouraged me  to expand my network participation.  It is a good feeling to try and stay up to date.

My Personal Learning Network

My personal learning network looks impressive to me, even though it is a very basic one.  Based on the technological knowledge I had when I began this course, I think I have come quite a distance in my basic knowledge.  I still have a LONG way to go, but I hope to continually add to this PLN.

Podcast Objective: Practice listening and direction writing skills

Method:  Students will make a podcast with directions they wrote on how to do something.  Other students will try and follow the directions exactly.  The class as a whole will listen to the podcast and see if the end product is done as it was stated on the podcast.
My example is "How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich."

Webquest for important Ohio events

Students will work in groups to create a webquest on the great state of Ohio, based on the Ohio 4th grade standards.  These can include history, people, geography, economics, government, citizenship and social studies skills/methods.  They will use the website zunal.com and complete the six steps needed for the webquest.   A sample webquest based on history and recording events in a time line is highlighted in the link below.
http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=77316

Google Docs #2/ Inventor memory game cards

This application would involve students making word and definition cards - in this case, for Ohio inventors.  A google document made into a table would be the method.  The teacher would check the document cards for accuracy and then allow the students to print the cards.  The cards are then to be cut apart, placed down, and turned over looking for matches (memory game).  The word/definition cards are to have matching letters (i.e. "A") so the students will know it is a match in the game.  See the following example:

https://docs6.google.com/document/d/1F6Crib_DWTDL9LAjTKvkVDVnWmnQZBczCxlU2_jsatc/edit?hl=en
https://docs2.google.com/document/d/1JhxMz3U596VnFz5Gi9Solk4R5s7l_N8R6fcT_nkb-YI/edit?hl=en#

Google Docs

A classroom calendar using google docs would allow both the students and teacher to access the calendar and fill in appropriate events.  It would allow students to sign up for presentations when the day/time is free.  The teacher could just manage the site and check for accuracies.

https://www.google.com/calendar/render?tab=oc&pli=1&gsessionid=vTJWCWEyw2Ynpisq8NrQyA

Web 2.0 Tools - Storybird!

I explored the online tool "Storybird" and found it to be a good link to use in the elementary language arts classroom.     The students would all choose from illustrations available on the site.  They then would use them in whatever order they would like, and also choose the number to use.  They would write the "story within" the images.  The teacher could give a prompt, such as "Describe the characters" or "Last night I dreamed...."  or "Do you remember when?"   They could also just be given a theme to use, such as "curiosity."   They students do not need to have e-mail accounts as the teacher can sign up for a free class account.  Students can give feedback to other students.  This project could inspire the most reluctant learners and enhance the most willing.  After the whole class experience, Storybird could be used as a center in the classroom, for those students wanting to continue reading other stories or writing their own.
Please see the link and also my example story.


  http://www.storybird.com/ 

Example Story  http://storybird.com/accounts/published/