In lieu of a post about blogs...

Here's a Video!

Webquest Tips!

This blog post brought to you by the exclamation point! 

• Webquests are engaging!
• Webquests help students access information in a way that they know!
• Webquests are inquiry based assignments, so use questions!
• Use a learning objective and keep it in mind throughout the writing process! 
• Think of Webquests as a guide to student's learning...keep activities focused and fun!
• I think Webquests are more engaging if they are in the form of an adventure story...it gives kids a goal and makes the assignment more meaningful!
• Be wary of the websites you use...stick with .org or .edu if possible and provide clear directions/links to get to the information you want your students to access!
• Webquests have the opportunity to engage all types of learners...include a  variety of activities! 
• As students become more engaged with the story/assignment, they will probably be more willing to go in depth.  Use Bloom's taxonomy to get deeper into the material!
• Have fun! If you have fun writing this, your students will have fun completing it!
• Encourage kids to write their own webquests (perhaps with fewer sites) to teach you or their peers about something they know!

Using ye olde powerpointe.

I'm going to be honest.  I'm not a huge fan of powerpoint, but I can see some value in using it in the classroom.


-Visual representation of lesson material (We have to reach all those intelligences afterall!)
-Powerpoint is easy and pretty straightforward.
-Since powerpoint isn't hosted via a website like Prezi, it can be accessed more broadly.
-Using a powerpoint SHOW is a great way to send information home.
-Using a powerpoint SHOW is also a great way to send homework and extra practice home.
-Powerpoints could be used as yet another alternative form of assessment.  Students could create a powerpoint show and record their knowledge.  Less pressure than a presentation in front of the class, but you still get a peek inside their heads.
-Using a powerpoint in conjunction with a smart board could create an interactive lesson with nice flow.


Here's two do's and a don't for powerpoint: 
-Do plan out your presentation, ensuring it is in a logical order and your audio is in line with visual.
-Do use visuals, special effects, (visually pleasing) colors to enliven your presentation.
-Don't overwhelm your audience with loads of information on each slide.  About 25 words per slide is a good limit.  

Video Tips

Here's 10 tips for using (homemade) videos in your classroom.


-Don't dim the lights...kids (and you) will fall asleep
-Save constantly!!
-Edit others' videos to get to the point
-Let kids make their own videos!
-Use videos as an alternative form of assessment.
-Preview any video before showing it (no nude dancing!)
-Plan how to use the video...Where does it fit in your lesson plan?
-Be patient, follow the steps of the program you're working with
-Use as a portfolio...a great way for kids to see themselves!
-Videos can be used for a modern version of pen-pals.

Using Prezi in Class

Prezi's are snazzy, they've got movement and geometry and zooming.  Pretty  much, when I discovered them a few weeks ago, I was totally ready to leave powerpoint in the dust.  Below are some tips for using Prezi's in the classroom.


Back to School Night
-Using a Prezi is a great way to introduce families to your classroom and what they can expect in the year to come.  It's visual and engaging and way more fun than lots of paper hand outs.


Teaching
-Along the same lines, presenting new concepts to your students through a Prezi is great and engaging.  You can even embed videos and images.


-Prezi's also work really well with a Smart Board. Sort of.  A plus is that you can use the tactile function of a smart board to move between slides and play videos.  A minus is that because Prezi is hosted online, there seems to be some difficulty when trying to use an ink layer on the Smart Board.


Student Work
-Teach students how to use Prezi, not only will it give them another means of showing you what they know, it can be a great lesson in layout and visual appeal.


Whatever you are using a Prezi for, here are 2 dos and a don't:

1. DO use color and play around with text.  The way Prezi is set up allows for coherency amongst the slides. 
2. DO use a template (my favorite!) when you're starting out.  I have found that they really help with laying out my ideas. 
3. DON'T go crazy with the panning and zooming and rotation.  You don't want to make yourself or your viewers sick.  Remember, Prezi is another way of presenting information. It's new and exciting (and in my opinion way better than powerpoint), but you still want the information to be what shines through. 

Here's a link to a simple Prezi I did for MAT 631.

Some Tips and Ideas for Using Web Sites in the Classroom!

Granted, the benefits of having a class website are pretty similar to those of a blog...Like a blog, a website is a great teaching tool that allows students to work through a medium they are familiar with...the internet!


In any case, here are some tips and ideas for using a website in the classroom!

• Communication
• Similar to a blog, having a class website is a great way of communicating with students and families at home.
• A connection between home and school:
• class assignments and due dates
• lessons and larger projects
• field trip plans
• volunteer ideas
• class pictures and student work (with parental permission of course!)
• Enriching the classroom
• Links to cool websites that are related to core areas and lesson content 
• www.brainpop.com is a great resource! 
• Posting daily or weekly challenges in Math or Language Arts
• Use your class website in a learning station as a springboard for a WebQuest or other learning activity.  

Blog vs. Website: 

For me, the jury is still out on this one.  Dreamweaver was difficult to master (and i'm nowhere close), where as a blog tends to be pretty user-friendly from the get-go.  However, a website seems to have fewer content restrictions than a blog and can continue to grow and expand.  

Tips: 

• Use a template. 
• For me, this helped to see the big picture and let me focus more on content.
• Limit the breadth of your tables.
• It's just annoying to have to scroll over to see the whole page. 
• Put stuff in tables.
• This keeps your content in place and again gives a structure. 
• Save your content to the right file. 
• ...or else! 
• Use anchors for easy navigation. 
• Make your website visually appealing. 
• good contrast in colors
• work within a color scheme
• Be weary of copyright and privacy issues with pictures and other borrowed content. 

Happy Coding!

Speaking of Technology and Education...

"What would the character in the book you are reading post on their Facebook status?" 

What a great idea for getting kids engaged in reading!