At least that is the attitude and mindset I am trying to leave Summer Camp 2.0 with! Wow! I am going to be honest, this process was actually a lot more challenging than I thought it would be. I learned a lot of new and great technology things but it definitely took a commitment to hang in the and continue persevering through some of the things that gave me trouble. Often times when we learn about new technology we ask ourselves why we haven't integrated it into our teaching... I can tell you why, because it is time consuming! As much a I didn't always want to be thinking about school during the summer I am so glad I wasn't involved in this class during the school year. I would have never been able to complete it with all the other things going on. This was a great way to continue thinking about school throughout the summer and head into the school year fresh with ideas and technology excitement.
I am not sure I have a favorite tech tool from this class, there are several that I hope to implement some way or another during this upcoming school year. One of the things that was most exciting to me was the fact that some of the tech tools we were introduced to this summer were things that I had already used or tried to use in my classroom. I liked that aspect because it allowed me to use some of my own personal knowledge and add on to it with the ideas of others and the suggestions of camp counselors! Also, as I am sure is known by now, I love to blog!! I will be sure to continue blogging with kids throughout the school year!
Thanks so much for reading my ramblings and commenting on my work, I have really taken comments and suggestions to heart! I look forward to continuing to talk technology throughout this upcoming school year!
Have a great weekend!!!
- Stacey
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Free Fallin'
Oh man!
I am so excited to finish up this Summer Camp 2.0 with a free choice assignment!! I have been exploring two really great technologies (that I found on Pinterest, thank you very much) for the 2012/2013 school year.
Summer is a difficult time to get excited about something educational. Today, while working my second job at the YMCA I burst out with excitement over this new technology that I have found. My co-workers, while trying to be as enthusiastic as possible, just couldn't get on the excitement bandwaggon as I told them about these two websites. So now, as I wait out my final hour of the night working behind the desk at the Y, I just have to share with you these two amazing technological resources!!
Classroom Organizer - Booksource
http://classroom.booksource.com/
This is for all of you want-to-be librarians or those of you sick of attempting yet another check-out system for your personal library. After signing up for a free account, I was able to use the barcode scanner on my cell phone and scan in the barcodes of all the books in my classroom library. When I scan in the books, the site automatically updates information like the number of pages and the lexile score. Now that I have scanned in all of my books, I will be able to upload the names of all my students. Then, when they want to take a book out of my classroom, they can use a computer or their own smart phone to check out the book!! It is my hope that this introduction of technology into the reading process will increase the use of my classroom library! ALSO, at any point during the school year, I can look up data on the books. I can find out which books haven't been checked out and which ones have been checked out the most. I can see how many books each student has checked out and whether any books still need to be returned... I am not going to lie, this new technology is SUPER exciting to me!!
Remind101
https://www.remind101.com/
Ok, I signed up for this today and I am super stoked!! This website allows me to text reminders to my students or parents without them receiving my personal phone number. Once you register for your free account, you can create classes (for those of us with more than one prep). Parents and students sign up to recieve the text messaging system through a randomly generated phone number and the use of a code name for the particular class they are interested in (For example, to sign up to receive my text message alerts for 6th grade English, parents simply need to text the message @olinger87 to (720)545-1885). Throughout the school year, I am able to type in a message (140 characters or less) and send it out to all who have subscribed. ALSO, I am able to set up messages and schedule them for a later date. For example, if I assign a large project with several due dates, I can put all the due dates and reminder text messages in to the computer and it will send them out on the days I choose. I see this as a huge benefit for reminding parents and students about major events coming up throughout the school year. Unfortunately, our class websites don't get checked as often as we would like them to. This is an in-your-face, unavoidable way to quickly reach more parents and students.
So, that's all!! I am going to be trying both of these technologies throughout the school year.... we will see how it goes!!
Thanks for reading.... only 33 minutes left of my shift at the Y!
Goodnight!!
- Stacey
I am so excited to finish up this Summer Camp 2.0 with a free choice assignment!! I have been exploring two really great technologies (that I found on Pinterest, thank you very much) for the 2012/2013 school year.
Summer is a difficult time to get excited about something educational. Today, while working my second job at the YMCA I burst out with excitement over this new technology that I have found. My co-workers, while trying to be as enthusiastic as possible, just couldn't get on the excitement bandwaggon as I told them about these two websites. So now, as I wait out my final hour of the night working behind the desk at the Y, I just have to share with you these two amazing technological resources!!
Classroom Organizer - Booksource
http://classroom.booksource.com/
This is for all of you want-to-be librarians or those of you sick of attempting yet another check-out system for your personal library. After signing up for a free account, I was able to use the barcode scanner on my cell phone and scan in the barcodes of all the books in my classroom library. When I scan in the books, the site automatically updates information like the number of pages and the lexile score. Now that I have scanned in all of my books, I will be able to upload the names of all my students. Then, when they want to take a book out of my classroom, they can use a computer or their own smart phone to check out the book!! It is my hope that this introduction of technology into the reading process will increase the use of my classroom library! ALSO, at any point during the school year, I can look up data on the books. I can find out which books haven't been checked out and which ones have been checked out the most. I can see how many books each student has checked out and whether any books still need to be returned... I am not going to lie, this new technology is SUPER exciting to me!!
Remind101
https://www.remind101.com/
Ok, I signed up for this today and I am super stoked!! This website allows me to text reminders to my students or parents without them receiving my personal phone number. Once you register for your free account, you can create classes (for those of us with more than one prep). Parents and students sign up to recieve the text messaging system through a randomly generated phone number and the use of a code name for the particular class they are interested in (For example, to sign up to receive my text message alerts for 6th grade English, parents simply need to text the message @olinger87 to (720)545-1885). Throughout the school year, I am able to type in a message (140 characters or less) and send it out to all who have subscribed. ALSO, I am able to set up messages and schedule them for a later date. For example, if I assign a large project with several due dates, I can put all the due dates and reminder text messages in to the computer and it will send them out on the days I choose. I see this as a huge benefit for reminding parents and students about major events coming up throughout the school year. Unfortunately, our class websites don't get checked as often as we would like them to. This is an in-your-face, unavoidable way to quickly reach more parents and students.
So, that's all!! I am going to be trying both of these technologies throughout the school year.... we will see how it goes!!
Thanks for reading.... only 33 minutes left of my shift at the Y!
Goodnight!!
- Stacey
Multiple Choice Mania
Hello!
So, I am super excited about this activity. Mostly, because I have already used PollEverywhere in my classroom!!
In science last year, I decided to run a review session using Poll Everywhere. I created a poll and embedded it into a ppt so that I could go from one poll to another. We had a great deal of fun even though there were a few glitches to work out!!
Here are the issues that we had to overcome:
1. Not all kids had a cell phone.
* I was actually ok with this because I wanted them to partner up and discuss their answers anyway. However, what I should have done is used the laptops and had those students without cell phones use the computer code provided.
2. iPods with texting features do not work with Poll Everywhere.
* Honestly, the first thing I was surprised about was the fact that iPod touches can have a texting feature!! LOL! However, the texting feature on the iPod did not work with this type of poll.
3. Set up time.
* It is a commitment to do this in your classroom. Creating all the multiple choice questions and possible answers took a while. In the future I would do this as a quick entrance question or exit question rather than a full class review session.
Overall, the activity was totally worth it! The kids were absolutely engaged and they loved the way the graphs moved in real-time with the submission of their answers!!!
As an FYI, I did send home a parent letter detailing the process before we began. I have placed a link to the document below in case you are interested.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bEnZ39Kd7fzwnNM6r0XJDPNezW_w8duOBrZPBK4KFKk/edit
Here is my poll for today:
Part 2 - Google Form
For my Google form, I re-used a survey that I give to my English students around the mid-point of the school year. Usually, I give the survey in class and run the responses on Mastery Manager. It is a good way to see what students are feeling at that point in the school year and it is a good kick in the butt for me to keep working on building relationships and encouraging students to use goal setting, etc. I like the idea of doing this as a Google form for two main reasons: 1) I wouldn't have to use class time to give the survey, 2) I wouldn't have to spend time running the forms through mastery manager.
See below for my form!
Have a great day!!
- Stacey
So, I am super excited about this activity. Mostly, because I have already used PollEverywhere in my classroom!!
In science last year, I decided to run a review session using Poll Everywhere. I created a poll and embedded it into a ppt so that I could go from one poll to another. We had a great deal of fun even though there were a few glitches to work out!!
Here are the issues that we had to overcome:
1. Not all kids had a cell phone.
* I was actually ok with this because I wanted them to partner up and discuss their answers anyway. However, what I should have done is used the laptops and had those students without cell phones use the computer code provided.
2. iPods with texting features do not work with Poll Everywhere.
* Honestly, the first thing I was surprised about was the fact that iPod touches can have a texting feature!! LOL! However, the texting feature on the iPod did not work with this type of poll.
3. Set up time.
* It is a commitment to do this in your classroom. Creating all the multiple choice questions and possible answers took a while. In the future I would do this as a quick entrance question or exit question rather than a full class review session.
Overall, the activity was totally worth it! The kids were absolutely engaged and they loved the way the graphs moved in real-time with the submission of their answers!!!
As an FYI, I did send home a parent letter detailing the process before we began. I have placed a link to the document below in case you are interested.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bEnZ39Kd7fzwnNM6r0XJDPNezW_w8duOBrZPBK4KFKk/edit
Here is my poll for today:
Part 2 - Google Form
For my Google form, I re-used a survey that I give to my English students around the mid-point of the school year. Usually, I give the survey in class and run the responses on Mastery Manager. It is a good way to see what students are feeling at that point in the school year and it is a good kick in the butt for me to keep working on building relationships and encouraging students to use goal setting, etc. I like the idea of doing this as a Google form for two main reasons: 1) I wouldn't have to use class time to give the survey, 2) I wouldn't have to spend time running the forms through mastery manager.
See below for my form!
Have a great day!!
- Stacey
InfoGraphics and MsOInfo
I had alot of fun with the InfoGraphics activity. It felt almost like creating one of those online posters (ex. Glogster) but more simple and quick.
I chose to create a Piktochart because I liked the intro video the best. No kidding, that is honestly how I made my decision!!! :) Anyway, the Piktochart was easy and simple, just like I expected. However, I was a bit let down by the number of themes, pictures, and tools that were included in the free version of this software. To be honest, if I was in charge of the Marketing Department at Piktochart, I would be giving everyone a big fat raise, because I honestly wanted to pay money just to have a cuter background or to be allowed to upload a few more pictures.... haha!
This is indeed a STEAM-like activity. I couldn't quite figure out (with the limitations of the format and graphics) how to totally make this a Language Arts activity. However, if students were working on including data and information about a topic they researched outside of the language arts field, I can see how they could combine the two to make a stellar Piktochart! This is also just one more tool that you could give to kids with some sort of open-ended project. Letting kids explore and come up with something great on their own is something I would like to do more of this year!! :)
So, here you go!!
Maybe I'll give it out on Parent Night?
Have a good one!
- Stacey
I chose to create a Piktochart because I liked the intro video the best. No kidding, that is honestly how I made my decision!!! :) Anyway, the Piktochart was easy and simple, just like I expected. However, I was a bit let down by the number of themes, pictures, and tools that were included in the free version of this software. To be honest, if I was in charge of the Marketing Department at Piktochart, I would be giving everyone a big fat raise, because I honestly wanted to pay money just to have a cuter background or to be allowed to upload a few more pictures.... haha!
This is indeed a STEAM-like activity. I couldn't quite figure out (with the limitations of the format and graphics) how to totally make this a Language Arts activity. However, if students were working on including data and information about a topic they researched outside of the language arts field, I can see how they could combine the two to make a stellar Piktochart! This is also just one more tool that you could give to kids with some sort of open-ended project. Letting kids explore and come up with something great on their own is something I would like to do more of this year!! :)
So, here you go!!
Maybe I'll give it out on Parent Night?
Have a good one!
- Stacey
Sharing is Caring
Hello!
Well, time is running short to complete this Summer Camp 2.0 and there are still plenty assignments that I haven't been able to complete, so, the posts may be a bit shorter.... :)
Anyway, when it comes to creating and sharing documents, I feel pretty confident. We have been using shared documents at a pretty frequent basis over the past year and I feel comfortable creating them and sharing them. Thus the reason my document is not all that exciting, although, it is a creation of an idea I took from Pinterest!! :)
Let me explain. I was looking in the education section on Pinterest and saw an empty piece of paper with a few scribbles on it. The direction for the student was to "finish the picture." The student had created an elaborate drawing of a desert scene using just the few scribbles on the page. I was blown away!! It reminded me of how valuable the creativity and imagination of our students are; and, I was inspired to create a digital version of this. You could share it with your class and they could go ahead and add in some extra part of the picture. It is simple and not overly academic, but just an opportunity to let kids be kids, to keep them exploring their creativity and using imagination. It would be a fun way to introduce kids to shared Google docs. So, here it is, feel free to print it off and see where your imagination takes you!!
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1fSlQ6xJAp50dLlUd9-skzMnEpoFnnje3IUDgkLmyJ80/edit
As far as using cloud computing in the classroom, I am actually pretty excited about it! I would love to use it in a Writer's Workshop Setting where kids share their writing with me and I am able to make comments or suggestions and send it back to them. It is mostly a huge pro in my mind. Although, the cons include the issue of accessibility and the increased demand on teachers. I know that, for some, the idea of responding to student work on the weekend or in the evenings is burdensome. I, personally, like the opportunity to do such things, but I don't have the at-home responsibilities that other teachers have.
Anyway, that's all for now!!!
Happy Last Week of Summer!!
Stacey
Well, time is running short to complete this Summer Camp 2.0 and there are still plenty assignments that I haven't been able to complete, so, the posts may be a bit shorter.... :)
Anyway, when it comes to creating and sharing documents, I feel pretty confident. We have been using shared documents at a pretty frequent basis over the past year and I feel comfortable creating them and sharing them. Thus the reason my document is not all that exciting, although, it is a creation of an idea I took from Pinterest!! :)
Let me explain. I was looking in the education section on Pinterest and saw an empty piece of paper with a few scribbles on it. The direction for the student was to "finish the picture." The student had created an elaborate drawing of a desert scene using just the few scribbles on the page. I was blown away!! It reminded me of how valuable the creativity and imagination of our students are; and, I was inspired to create a digital version of this. You could share it with your class and they could go ahead and add in some extra part of the picture. It is simple and not overly academic, but just an opportunity to let kids be kids, to keep them exploring their creativity and using imagination. It would be a fun way to introduce kids to shared Google docs. So, here it is, feel free to print it off and see where your imagination takes you!!
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1fSlQ6xJAp50dLlUd9-skzMnEpoFnnje3IUDgkLmyJ80/edit
As far as using cloud computing in the classroom, I am actually pretty excited about it! I would love to use it in a Writer's Workshop Setting where kids share their writing with me and I am able to make comments or suggestions and send it back to them. It is mostly a huge pro in my mind. Although, the cons include the issue of accessibility and the increased demand on teachers. I know that, for some, the idea of responding to student work on the weekend or in the evenings is burdensome. I, personally, like the opportunity to do such things, but I don't have the at-home responsibilities that other teachers have.
Anyway, that's all for now!!!
Happy Last Week of Summer!!
Stacey
Friday, August 17, 2012
Waitin' on the World to Change..... or at least for my oil to be changed!
Hello!
I was listening to the radio today and heard John Mayer's song "Waiting on the World to Change." If you haven't heard it, I suggest you listen to it. At least just for the experience, it is one of my favorites. When it comes right down to it though, the lyrics are a little depressing. Basically, he talks about this generation just waiting for the world to change because "the fight isn't fair," and "we don't have the power." It makes me think of those middle-schoolers that we are preparing for in these last couple of weeks of summer. Power may be lacking and the fight may not be fair, but I hope that my students don't ever feel like they just have to wait and hope for the world to change. I hope, that when they leave my classroom, they feel empowered to make the world change!
All that aside, I am not actually waiting for the world to change, today, I am waiting for the oil to be changed in my car. As I wait in Caribou, what else would I be doing but Summer Camp 2.0? (After about 15 minutes on Pinterest of course!)
So, study tools it is. I have to be honest, I wasn't blown away by any of these tools. They were good and interesting in their own ways, but I am not sure that any of them are the cure-all for students and their studying habits. I am hoping I don't sound negative, because I honestly came up with some good ideas to use with each of these study tools, but I am not convinced that any of these tools are "whole-class approved." They may work for some, but not all. I guess that is the reason we are spending all summer looking at different technology tools. Technology, like any other facet of our teaching, has its moments of great effectiveness and its moments of flops. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the tools that I worked with today.
#1 - StudyBlue
I did my best to stay with the Literary Terms as seen in my YouTube post. What I liked, above all, about Study Blue is that I didn't need to come up with the definitions myself. I could personalize the flashcards for my students but the website offered up many other flashcards with the same vocabulary word and definition!! This is simple and streamlined and a huge time saver!! My favorite part about StudyBlue is the mastery level. Students can test themselves with the flashcard and rate their mastery level. This builds in good, authentic accountability for students as they study. I don't feel like I got a great picture of how this really works, however, because I was only able to create and view the cards for myself. It will be interesting to explore this a little more when I actually have a classroom of students to test it out.
I only made 3 cards, but, here you go!
http://www.studyblue.com/#flashcard/view/3320769
#2 - Tagxedo
Ok, I have to admit that I totally love the whole word-cloud fad that has taken over the education world. It seems as though everybody is trying to figure out how to authentically integrate word clouds (like Wordles or Tagxedos) into their teaching. I mean, honestly, it is basically art made up of words.....what self-respecting teacher wouldn't LOVE that?!?! :) Anyway, last year I attempted to use Wordle a few times in my classroom; and, while it was fun and provided a good talking piece, I never really pushed it to an academic level that would justify using it on a regular basis in my classroom.
Today as I played with Tagxedo, I tried to imagine how it could fit into a study of main idea and, I think, I got it! Often times in Language Arts we ask students to read a text (fiction or non-fiction) and identify the main idea or main purpose of the text. While we can have some rich discussions about the main idea of a text there is never really a visual representation as confirmation. Until now!!! I read an article in yesterday's Pioneer Press about Jack Jablonski (the injured high-school hockey player) visiting Vikings training camp. As I read it, I tried to come up with what I thought the main idea or main purpose of the text was. Basically, in my own words, it was that Jack Jablonski, after visiting with Adrian Peterson and Chad Greenway, is going to blow the Gjallarhorn at the first preseason game. After reading the article and coming up with what I thought the maid idea of the article was, I typed the article in to Tagxedo, take a look below to see what it came up with.....(with a little bit of creative genius on my part!!)
I was listening to the radio today and heard John Mayer's song "Waiting on the World to Change." If you haven't heard it, I suggest you listen to it. At least just for the experience, it is one of my favorites. When it comes right down to it though, the lyrics are a little depressing. Basically, he talks about this generation just waiting for the world to change because "the fight isn't fair," and "we don't have the power." It makes me think of those middle-schoolers that we are preparing for in these last couple of weeks of summer. Power may be lacking and the fight may not be fair, but I hope that my students don't ever feel like they just have to wait and hope for the world to change. I hope, that when they leave my classroom, they feel empowered to make the world change!
All that aside, I am not actually waiting for the world to change, today, I am waiting for the oil to be changed in my car. As I wait in Caribou, what else would I be doing but Summer Camp 2.0? (After about 15 minutes on Pinterest of course!)
So, study tools it is. I have to be honest, I wasn't blown away by any of these tools. They were good and interesting in their own ways, but I am not sure that any of them are the cure-all for students and their studying habits. I am hoping I don't sound negative, because I honestly came up with some good ideas to use with each of these study tools, but I am not convinced that any of these tools are "whole-class approved." They may work for some, but not all. I guess that is the reason we are spending all summer looking at different technology tools. Technology, like any other facet of our teaching, has its moments of great effectiveness and its moments of flops. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the tools that I worked with today.
#1 - StudyBlue
I did my best to stay with the Literary Terms as seen in my YouTube post. What I liked, above all, about Study Blue is that I didn't need to come up with the definitions myself. I could personalize the flashcards for my students but the website offered up many other flashcards with the same vocabulary word and definition!! This is simple and streamlined and a huge time saver!! My favorite part about StudyBlue is the mastery level. Students can test themselves with the flashcard and rate their mastery level. This builds in good, authentic accountability for students as they study. I don't feel like I got a great picture of how this really works, however, because I was only able to create and view the cards for myself. It will be interesting to explore this a little more when I actually have a classroom of students to test it out.
I only made 3 cards, but, here you go!
http://www.studyblue.com/#flashcard/view/3320769
#2 - Tagxedo
Ok, I have to admit that I totally love the whole word-cloud fad that has taken over the education world. It seems as though everybody is trying to figure out how to authentically integrate word clouds (like Wordles or Tagxedos) into their teaching. I mean, honestly, it is basically art made up of words.....what self-respecting teacher wouldn't LOVE that?!?! :) Anyway, last year I attempted to use Wordle a few times in my classroom; and, while it was fun and provided a good talking piece, I never really pushed it to an academic level that would justify using it on a regular basis in my classroom.
Today as I played with Tagxedo, I tried to imagine how it could fit into a study of main idea and, I think, I got it! Often times in Language Arts we ask students to read a text (fiction or non-fiction) and identify the main idea or main purpose of the text. While we can have some rich discussions about the main idea of a text there is never really a visual representation as confirmation. Until now!!! I read an article in yesterday's Pioneer Press about Jack Jablonski (the injured high-school hockey player) visiting Vikings training camp. As I read it, I tried to come up with what I thought the main idea or main purpose of the text was. Basically, in my own words, it was that Jack Jablonski, after visiting with Adrian Peterson and Chad Greenway, is going to blow the Gjallarhorn at the first preseason game. After reading the article and coming up with what I thought the maid idea of the article was, I typed the article in to Tagxedo, take a look below to see what it came up with.....(with a little bit of creative genius on my part!!)
I am excited about this!! The words used the most in the article are the biggest. So, you can verify main idea with the kids.
I also thought this could be an exercise in creative writing. You could give kids a Tagxedo and have them write an article or story, making sure they used the largest words the most!!! WOW!! The possibilities blow my mind!!! :)
Anyway, that is all my ramblings for the day. The phone just rang and my wait is over.... at least for now!!!
Happy Friday!!
- Stacey
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Yo Mama
Okay, it is confession time.
During my second year of teaching I had this great idea to use popular movies as examples of literary terms. You should know that the word LITERARY instantly causes me to run to a book. However, in the mind of 6th graders, LITERARY is just another word for boring. SO, I decided to show them, through movies, that the same techniques perfected by authors in novels are incorporated into the movies they love.
Good idea, right?
I thought so too, and from the first minute that I started this project (with video editing and tons of work) I knew what movie clip I wanted to use for hyperbole.
Picture the scene.... 30 sixth graders (the majority of them boys) sitting around watching a clip from Sister Act 2 where Whoopi Goldberg, in all her nun glory, gets control of the class by telling a Yo Mama joke!
CLASSIC...... PERFECT........RELEVANT AND FUNNY....... & AN EXAMPLE OF HYPERBOLE!
Wondering about the confession?
Well, here's the deal. Not a week later, I sat in a 6th Grade Team Meeting where we discussed the increased number of Yo Mama jokes circling the halls of Highview and the need to "nip those jokes in the bud" before things got out of control.
YIKES!! I am embarrassed to say that I stayed silent in that meeting. :)
So, in light of all of that, I have uploaded the infamous video below, for you to enjoy and am taking suggestions for movie clips with examples of hyperbole that are school appropriate.
By the way, I LOVE the idea of having a YouTube account to share with my students and parents!!
Happy Tuesday!!
- Stacey
P.S. Want to see the other Literary Terms Videos I have created? Take a look at my YouTube account!
Stacey Olinger's YouTube Account
During my second year of teaching I had this great idea to use popular movies as examples of literary terms. You should know that the word LITERARY instantly causes me to run to a book. However, in the mind of 6th graders, LITERARY is just another word for boring. SO, I decided to show them, through movies, that the same techniques perfected by authors in novels are incorporated into the movies they love.
Good idea, right?
I thought so too, and from the first minute that I started this project (with video editing and tons of work) I knew what movie clip I wanted to use for hyperbole.
Picture the scene.... 30 sixth graders (the majority of them boys) sitting around watching a clip from Sister Act 2 where Whoopi Goldberg, in all her nun glory, gets control of the class by telling a Yo Mama joke!
CLASSIC...... PERFECT........RELEVANT AND FUNNY....... & AN EXAMPLE OF HYPERBOLE!
Wondering about the confession?
Well, here's the deal. Not a week later, I sat in a 6th Grade Team Meeting where we discussed the increased number of Yo Mama jokes circling the halls of Highview and the need to "nip those jokes in the bud" before things got out of control.
YIKES!! I am embarrassed to say that I stayed silent in that meeting. :)
So, in light of all of that, I have uploaded the infamous video below, for you to enjoy and am taking suggestions for movie clips with examples of hyperbole that are school appropriate.
By the way, I LOVE the idea of having a YouTube account to share with my students and parents!!
Happy Tuesday!!
- Stacey
P.S. Want to see the other Literary Terms Videos I have created? Take a look at my YouTube account!
Stacey Olinger's YouTube Account
Monday, July 23, 2012
Screencasting....Take 3
Ok, let's be honest, so far this whole Summer Camp 2.0 thing has been fun! I pretty much have loved searching for videos about Justin Bieber, writing stories about myself, and then talking about it in each blog. However, things got a bit dicey as I worked on this next assignment.
Simply stated, Screencasting, FREAKS ME OUT!!
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the idea! I love that I can record things that I say and my presentations for students. This could be used as a Sub Lesson or for extension activities or for students who have missed class. The problem that I seem to have with screencasting is making the screencast look as good as my actual powerpoint. I did three, yes I said THREE, different screencasts all with the same result. The animation on my ppt or the video clip I had embedded would not show clearly in my screencast. Actions seemed to be delayed and at one point the music from the embedded video was almost 30 seconds ahead of the picture. Maybe it is not always like that, but I was frustrated as I worked to complete this assignment. I guess I will have to keep working on it. (Jeremy, expect me to stop by at some time!!)
Here is what freaks me out about screencasting, and it is the same thing that freaks me out about listening to myself on video or on the answering machine. No one likes to hear his/her voice! I don't like it, I say the word "umm" do awkward pauses, and am pretty positive that my voice is much more angelic in all other areas of life!! :) Oh well, it is what it is....
Anyway, here is what I did to complete my screencast:
1. Downloaded SMART Notebook on my home computer.
- This was a good decision because I think it makes sense to use the same screencasting software at home and at school, however, it took a while to download.
2. Found a previously created powerpoint.
- Perhaps the ppt was my issue. I don't use SMART Notebook to create presentations because I do not have a SMART Board, and it may be that all the bells and whistles of ppt are too difficult to capture smoothly with the screencast.
3. Found another previously created powerpoint.
- Same issues!!
4. Decided to do a screencast on Pinterest instead.
- Have you taken the STEAM institute? You know that whole fear of failure thing? Well, I have it, MAJORLY, and I was so frustrated with the failed screencasts that I decided to, once again, go with something totally non-educational so that I didn't give off the impression of an incompetent teacher! :)
5. Did my screencast on Pinterest, same results, planning to post anyway.
- Once again, the recording can't seem to keep up with my movement on the screen, but I have given up and am posting anyway.
Here is my first Screencast:
Ok, so, there it is. Obviously it needs some work still, and I will plan to use screencasting during the school year at some point once I work out the glitches.
I hope you all are having a wonderful summer!! The countdown has begun!!!
Have a nice day!!
Stacey
Simply stated, Screencasting, FREAKS ME OUT!!
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the idea! I love that I can record things that I say and my presentations for students. This could be used as a Sub Lesson or for extension activities or for students who have missed class. The problem that I seem to have with screencasting is making the screencast look as good as my actual powerpoint. I did three, yes I said THREE, different screencasts all with the same result. The animation on my ppt or the video clip I had embedded would not show clearly in my screencast. Actions seemed to be delayed and at one point the music from the embedded video was almost 30 seconds ahead of the picture. Maybe it is not always like that, but I was frustrated as I worked to complete this assignment. I guess I will have to keep working on it. (Jeremy, expect me to stop by at some time!!)
Here is what freaks me out about screencasting, and it is the same thing that freaks me out about listening to myself on video or on the answering machine. No one likes to hear his/her voice! I don't like it, I say the word "umm" do awkward pauses, and am pretty positive that my voice is much more angelic in all other areas of life!! :) Oh well, it is what it is....
Anyway, here is what I did to complete my screencast:
1. Downloaded SMART Notebook on my home computer.
- This was a good decision because I think it makes sense to use the same screencasting software at home and at school, however, it took a while to download.
2. Found a previously created powerpoint.
- Perhaps the ppt was my issue. I don't use SMART Notebook to create presentations because I do not have a SMART Board, and it may be that all the bells and whistles of ppt are too difficult to capture smoothly with the screencast.
3. Found another previously created powerpoint.
- Same issues!!
4. Decided to do a screencast on Pinterest instead.
- Have you taken the STEAM institute? You know that whole fear of failure thing? Well, I have it, MAJORLY, and I was so frustrated with the failed screencasts that I decided to, once again, go with something totally non-educational so that I didn't give off the impression of an incompetent teacher! :)
5. Did my screencast on Pinterest, same results, planning to post anyway.
- Once again, the recording can't seem to keep up with my movement on the screen, but I have given up and am posting anyway.
Here is my first Screencast:
Ok, so, there it is. Obviously it needs some work still, and I will plan to use screencasting during the school year at some point once I work out the glitches.
I hope you all are having a wonderful summer!! The countdown has begun!!!
Have a nice day!!
Stacey
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Garage Sales and StoryBirds
Hello!!
It is Saturday and I am praying away the rain and praying in the customers as I am hoping to make a few more big sales at my garage sale today.
Whew!! Having your own garage sale is hard work!! I think I am going to stick to attending garage sales from now on.... last night I dreamt of price stickers and hangers!! :)
Anyway, since it is a slow Saturday, I decided to jump into my third assignment, Digital Story Telling. I explored StoryBird as I worked through this process. There are a couple of things I really liked about this tool!! First, I LOVE that the pre-entered art is the inspiration for the story!!! We write stories in Language Arts during the year, but they are simply typed out, without illustrations, etc. due to time constraints. StoryBird is a great way to get around that!! There are two ways to search the art, first, is to just look at it (all categorized by the same artist), the other is to choose a theme word and all sorts of pictures with that word come up. The process of creating the story was quick and easy, although, I was a little disappointed at the lack of choices as far as font, picture placement, etc. I think that this could be much more personalized (maybe I will trade in my day job!! Ha!). Anyway, I see a lot of uses for this in the classroom and am excited to work it into my curriculum next year. This is a simple process that would work great for getting kids inspired to create stories. PLUS, I totally loved the fact that you can publish or print these.... honestly, we all have a few parents that would jump at the chance to order a printed, softcover book of their kids' creation.
One obstacle to get over, however, is the class size. StoryBird is educator friendly in that they have class accounts, where one email address can cover up to 30 accounts, HOWEVER, in middle school not only do we have more than 30 kids per class, but we also have 6 classes... I guess kids with their own email address could create their own account and then the ones without an email address could be grouped into the class account... I am not sure.
Anyway, I created my StoryBird as just something silly, not curriculum related, but just to use as an example and an opportunity to get used to the program.
Enjoy!!
Liquid Gold - StoryBird
It is Saturday and I am praying away the rain and praying in the customers as I am hoping to make a few more big sales at my garage sale today.
Whew!! Having your own garage sale is hard work!! I think I am going to stick to attending garage sales from now on.... last night I dreamt of price stickers and hangers!! :)
Anyway, since it is a slow Saturday, I decided to jump into my third assignment, Digital Story Telling. I explored StoryBird as I worked through this process. There are a couple of things I really liked about this tool!! First, I LOVE that the pre-entered art is the inspiration for the story!!! We write stories in Language Arts during the year, but they are simply typed out, without illustrations, etc. due to time constraints. StoryBird is a great way to get around that!! There are two ways to search the art, first, is to just look at it (all categorized by the same artist), the other is to choose a theme word and all sorts of pictures with that word come up. The process of creating the story was quick and easy, although, I was a little disappointed at the lack of choices as far as font, picture placement, etc. I think that this could be much more personalized (maybe I will trade in my day job!! Ha!). Anyway, I see a lot of uses for this in the classroom and am excited to work it into my curriculum next year. This is a simple process that would work great for getting kids inspired to create stories. PLUS, I totally loved the fact that you can publish or print these.... honestly, we all have a few parents that would jump at the chance to order a printed, softcover book of their kids' creation.
One obstacle to get over, however, is the class size. StoryBird is educator friendly in that they have class accounts, where one email address can cover up to 30 accounts, HOWEVER, in middle school not only do we have more than 30 kids per class, but we also have 6 classes... I guess kids with their own email address could create their own account and then the ones without an email address could be grouped into the class account... I am not sure.
Anyway, I created my StoryBird as just something silly, not curriculum related, but just to use as an example and an opportunity to get used to the program.
Enjoy!!
Liquid Gold - StoryBird
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Knockin' em Outta the Park!
That's right folks! It's my second post of the day!! :)
Today, after realizing just how much there is to do this summer (including a garage sale that I am preparing for this weekend), I attempted to step out of my comfort zone and make a TimeToast presentation.
I like TimeToast because of the fact that it is an interactive timeline. I can see the benefit of using this timeline during class and especially having students use it! I created my presentation as if I would be presenting it to the kids, however, it would be great to have them create a timeline after researching some event (Social Studies) or to trace a timeline of events in a novel or other piece of literature (Language Arts). I keep getting hung up on the fact the students will need to constantly create new accounts, etc. but ultimately, I see alot of value in this activity.
My timeline is something that, with some more editing, could be used to discuss Minnesota's impact on the American Civil War. I found that the timeline creator was very easy to use, and the word limit on each event description helped me keep it brief (I bet you are wishing their was a word limit on my blog)!!! Anyway, I also liked that you could link your brief description with an outside resource (I linked to videos and other websites). Adding pictures to the timeline is of course a great way to keep people engaged but it would involve teaching students to save pictures to their computer and then upload them into the presentation.
My TimeToast Presentation
Okay so here it goes, my pros and cons for TimeToast:
Pros:
- Easy to Use
- Short and Sweet (nothing too confusing)
- Logical presentation of ideas
- Quick and painless!
- Student Use would make the most sense!
Cons:
- No "bells and whistles"
- Not alot of room for creativity and personalization
- Some pre-teaching and account creating
- Not for whole-class presentations
That's all folks!! I am headed home to finish pricing clothes and setting up my FIRST EVER garage sale!! If you are looking for something to do this weekend, feel free to stop by!
Friday and Saturday from 8-5
8444 Yates Ave N, Brooklyn Park MN
Enjoy your week!
Stacey
Today, after realizing just how much there is to do this summer (including a garage sale that I am preparing for this weekend), I attempted to step out of my comfort zone and make a TimeToast presentation.
I like TimeToast because of the fact that it is an interactive timeline. I can see the benefit of using this timeline during class and especially having students use it! I created my presentation as if I would be presenting it to the kids, however, it would be great to have them create a timeline after researching some event (Social Studies) or to trace a timeline of events in a novel or other piece of literature (Language Arts). I keep getting hung up on the fact the students will need to constantly create new accounts, etc. but ultimately, I see alot of value in this activity.
My timeline is something that, with some more editing, could be used to discuss Minnesota's impact on the American Civil War. I found that the timeline creator was very easy to use, and the word limit on each event description helped me keep it brief (I bet you are wishing their was a word limit on my blog)!!! Anyway, I also liked that you could link your brief description with an outside resource (I linked to videos and other websites). Adding pictures to the timeline is of course a great way to keep people engaged but it would involve teaching students to save pictures to their computer and then upload them into the presentation.
My TimeToast Presentation
Okay so here it goes, my pros and cons for TimeToast:
Pros:
- Easy to Use
- Short and Sweet (nothing too confusing)
- Logical presentation of ideas
- Quick and painless!
- Student Use would make the most sense!
Cons:
- No "bells and whistles"
- Not alot of room for creativity and personalization
- Some pre-teaching and account creating
- Not for whole-class presentations
That's all folks!! I am headed home to finish pricing clothes and setting up my FIRST EVER garage sale!! If you are looking for something to do this weekend, feel free to stop by!
Friday and Saturday from 8-5
8444 Yates Ave N, Brooklyn Park MN
Enjoy your week!
Stacey
Time Flies When You Are Having Fun!!
Can you believe it is the middle of June? YIKES!!
I just got home from NYC late Sunday Night. What a fabulous trip I had with some girlfriends from college. It felt as if we never sat down! We walked from sun-up to sun-down and at the end of each night, dropped in to bed only to get up in a few hours and do it all again!! Diane S, it reminded me of San Francisco!!
I looked forward to so many things on this trip, one of which was seeing the Newsies on Broadway!! It was AMAZING and I can't wait for it to come to Minneapolis to see it again. As I watched, I was reminded of all the young boys we teach who are interested in things like music and theater and dance but aren't given the opportunity to pursue it because of social norms and pressures. It was pretty incredible to watch a cast of men perform a manly show on Broadway! LOVED IT!!!
We also spent time at St. Paul's Chapel and 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. We all have our stories about where we were when the events of this day took place, I was a high school freshman sitting in class and watching the events unfold on tv. The events of September 11th changed me deeply, and I have been waiting 10 years to see Ground Zero. It was incredibly moving and hopeful. Each night we would ride the Staton Island Ferry away from NYC and the new Trade Center Building would be lit up, red, white, and blue. I couldn't get enough of that sight and what it stands for. In a country WAY TOO DIVIDED, I was drawn to the hundreds around me taking in the same sight.
If you know me at all, you know that I am a middle schooler at heart and therefor was unbelievably excited to learn that Justin Bieber would be performing on the Today Show on the Friday Morning we were in NYC! My friends and I took the ferry in to the city at 3:30am and road the subway to Rockefeller Plaza. We were thrilled to be in sight distance of the stage until we realized we were actually at the back of the stage.... We stood on tip toes, eagerly trying to get a glimpse of the Biebs leg during rehearsal. Believe me, we had no shame as we stood around thousands of middle school girls doing the same thing!! :) Eventually, we used our adult brains, and found a way around to the front of the stage, although the view was virtually the same.... nothing! We listened, we screamed, we raised our cameras above our heads and snapped with fierce speed, hoping to catch a glimpse of that signature hair and angelic voice! But alas, we were not successful. The video below is what we might have seen had we not sacrificed our sleep and sanity and instead stayed home to watch it on TV.... oh well, life is about experiences!!
I suppose I should start writing about how to use blogs in my classroom!! Ha, I am easily sidetracked as you can see!!
Well, I have used blogging two different times in my classroom. My first year of teaching I used it during a Social Studies Unit on the Middle East, students responded to questions I posted each week. I felt like it was successful, but it ended up being alot of work for me as many students did not have email addresses computers at home, etc. I think that when all students have email addresses of their own, blogging will be easier to integrate into the classroom. I used blogspot last year as a replacement for my teacher webpage. If you can't tell already, I like to write and speak in narratives and blogspot was the perfect outlet for me to describe to parents and students what was going on in the classroom. I like to think that hoards of people read my blog every day, however, that is just the wishful thinking of a blogger at heart!! Either way, blogspot was an easy way for me to keep my website updated, it fit into my life and personality.
Speaking of wishful thinking, I suppose it is wishful thinking to assume that you have read this far through my blog!! So, I will leave it at that!!
Enjoy your week!
Stacey
I just got home from NYC late Sunday Night. What a fabulous trip I had with some girlfriends from college. It felt as if we never sat down! We walked from sun-up to sun-down and at the end of each night, dropped in to bed only to get up in a few hours and do it all again!! Diane S, it reminded me of San Francisco!!
I looked forward to so many things on this trip, one of which was seeing the Newsies on Broadway!! It was AMAZING and I can't wait for it to come to Minneapolis to see it again. As I watched, I was reminded of all the young boys we teach who are interested in things like music and theater and dance but aren't given the opportunity to pursue it because of social norms and pressures. It was pretty incredible to watch a cast of men perform a manly show on Broadway! LOVED IT!!!
We also spent time at St. Paul's Chapel and 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. We all have our stories about where we were when the events of this day took place, I was a high school freshman sitting in class and watching the events unfold on tv. The events of September 11th changed me deeply, and I have been waiting 10 years to see Ground Zero. It was incredibly moving and hopeful. Each night we would ride the Staton Island Ferry away from NYC and the new Trade Center Building would be lit up, red, white, and blue. I couldn't get enough of that sight and what it stands for. In a country WAY TOO DIVIDED, I was drawn to the hundreds around me taking in the same sight.
If you know me at all, you know that I am a middle schooler at heart and therefor was unbelievably excited to learn that Justin Bieber would be performing on the Today Show on the Friday Morning we were in NYC! My friends and I took the ferry in to the city at 3:30am and road the subway to Rockefeller Plaza. We were thrilled to be in sight distance of the stage until we realized we were actually at the back of the stage.... We stood on tip toes, eagerly trying to get a glimpse of the Biebs leg during rehearsal. Believe me, we had no shame as we stood around thousands of middle school girls doing the same thing!! :) Eventually, we used our adult brains, and found a way around to the front of the stage, although the view was virtually the same.... nothing! We listened, we screamed, we raised our cameras above our heads and snapped with fierce speed, hoping to catch a glimpse of that signature hair and angelic voice! But alas, we were not successful. The video below is what we might have seen had we not sacrificed our sleep and sanity and instead stayed home to watch it on TV.... oh well, life is about experiences!!
I suppose I should start writing about how to use blogs in my classroom!! Ha, I am easily sidetracked as you can see!!
Well, I have used blogging two different times in my classroom. My first year of teaching I used it during a Social Studies Unit on the Middle East, students responded to questions I posted each week. I felt like it was successful, but it ended up being alot of work for me as many students did not have email addresses computers at home, etc. I think that when all students have email addresses of their own, blogging will be easier to integrate into the classroom. I used blogspot last year as a replacement for my teacher webpage. If you can't tell already, I like to write and speak in narratives and blogspot was the perfect outlet for me to describe to parents and students what was going on in the classroom. I like to think that hoards of people read my blog every day, however, that is just the wishful thinking of a blogger at heart!! Either way, blogspot was an easy way for me to keep my website updated, it fit into my life and personality.
Speaking of wishful thinking, I suppose it is wishful thinking to assume that you have read this far through my blog!! So, I will leave it at that!!
Enjoy your week!
Stacey
Friday, June 1, 2012
Hello!
I am excited to be doing this throughout the summer because I am always interested in finding new ways to make technology applicable and easy in my classroom. I am looking for ways to enhance my teaching with curriculum rather than having the technology be cumbersome and inefficient.
Throughout the summer I am TRAVELING!!! To NY with a group of girlfriends from college, to Boston with my family to watch my brother play baseball, to Anchorage to visit my sister, and home to Montana for a couple of weddings!! I am looking forward to taking lots of pictures, eating wonderful food, and enjoying my time off!!
Enjoy your day!!
- Stacey
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