Digital Video

Video is all around us. We are constantly watching them but rarely are we making them. When we are watching videos we are taking the message and making meaning out of it even though we do not realize it. Our primary goal is to decide what is this video about,  how does it relate to me, and how do I feel about it. Everyone knows that the best way to understand something is to become involved in its process. So....what better way to understand something like videos than to make one. If our students are going to be proficient video watchers they should more importantly be video makers. Especially in a world where many print based learning tools are being replaced by video ones. Here are some ideas on how to integrate digital videos into your classroom either by viewing or creating.

1. Students can watch a video on a specific topic and answer questions or even create questions to go along with the video. 
2. Students can listen to video and not watch it, draw what they think they will see and then compare it to what they actually see. 
3. Students can act out a topic or demonstrate a skill they are learning in school on camera, they can write a script and rehearse and go through all the necessary steps involved in video making. 
4. Students can be recorded reading or speaking and then watch themselves back to critique themselves. 
5. Students can take a stance and persuade the audience to take their side, maybe this could turn into a debate where the class can vote! 
6. Students can write a book report through video, it could be a trailer or scene reenactment or just a summary, whatever they decide works best for their video. 

The list is endless. How do you use video in your classroom?

Social Networking - The Bad

 (Are they really?)

Following up my previous post on Social Networking - The Good, I need to look at the other side of social networking, "the bad", as it relates to education. All to often teachers are hesitant to use technologies like social media in fear that they are not appropriate or educational enough for the classroom.

Here are some of the challenges faced with using social networking. (I posted some possible solutions to these challenges as well.)

1. Students might not be making the best choices on what they are choosing to do and say. (Teach responsibility and rules and monitor student use with consequences as needed.)
2. Students may be accidentally exposed to things that are inappropriate. (Teach students what to do when something inappropriate does pop up, close the window and report it to a teacher, etc.)
3. Resistance from administration, parents and colleagues. (Have a clear plan of action and be an advocate by clearly explaining how it can be used and its benefits, throw in some research and examples as needed.)
4. Difficulty choosing and implementing social networking in the classroom. (Start out small and use educational versions of social networking sites, take one small step at a time.)

Now that you have the good and the bad will you or will you not use social networking in your classroom?

Social Networking - The Good

Social networking is has exploded and is now part of everything we do. It is no surprise that it has become part of the classroom and the education world.

Here are some of the reasons social networking is good for and should be used in education.

1. It allows students to reach out to other students with similar interests instead of those in the immediate area. 
2. Students can connect to and follow famous and important people and their lives/work.
3. It allows them to get social networking experience in a safe environment where they can learn and practice the rules. 
4. Students can take ownership over their thoughts and shy students can come out of their shell.
5. It provides an authentic and engaging learning environment for students. 

With these and many other benefits in mind it is up to you to decide how and if you will use social networking in the classroom. 

What other benefits of social networking are there?

I Remember Podcasts

When I bought my first iPod I remember going into iTunes and quickly passing over the podcast section thinking (don't know don't care). Knowing what I know now about podcasts I am literally kicking myself for not listening to podcasts sooner. After researching some of the topics I am interested in I found an endless source of podcasts on all of the things I love (healthy eating, education, technology and fashion).

As I starting listening to the podcasts I started realizing all of the ways I could make this work in my classroom. Podcasts offer learning opportunities that reach into every subject taught in school. Before getting my students involved in podcasts it would be a great idea to have them listen to some podcasts written for kids by kids so they know what they are getting into. Through podcasts my students can become better writers, especially because they are writing for a larger audience instead of each other. Podcasts offer a way to really refine my students oral language skills as they practice speaking and listening to themselves and others. You can really learn a lot about the way others see and hear you by listening to and watching yourself on video. This is especially powerful for my english language learners who need as many good role models as they can get. My students could narrate what they are working on in school, make podcasts in response to other students' podcasts, or even make podcasts for their parents.

I can't wait to get started on podcasts in my classroom. Here are a few great podcasts for teachers and kids:

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/10-podcasts-teachers-and-kids

Wiki-Wiki Means Quick

Wikipedia never ceases to amaze me. The fact that a collaborative website exists on pretty much any topic you can think of for all to read says a lot about where information and knowledge are heading. I have to admit I use Wikipedia as a main source of information more often than I should, but every time I have checked another source for backup the information has always matched up. The fact that Wikipedia is so accurate says a lot and we are fortunate that there are more people who want information to be correct than not.

When it comes to using a wiki in the classroom the possibilities are endless. Wikis are the perfect example of collaboration; a skill students must be proficient in if they are going to make it in today's world. These days everything is done with a group of people and we need to start teaching our students using collaboration now if they are going to be successful. Besides collaboration wikis provide the opportunity to understand respect for others ideas, intellectual property and so much more.

Since my students are not quite ready to dive into the world of wikis on their own yet I will most likely start with creating a class wiki that we edit together. Eventually, I can move into small groups creating wiki posts about specific topics we come up with as a class. I could see my students getting really excited about having a class wiki, especially if they are the ones in charge of the content that goes up.

For my first classroom wiki, I think it will be a topic answer type wiki. The topics will come from what we are learning this week and students will write entries about what activities they did and what specific information they learned each week. The wiki link will be sent to parents, but only students will have access to edit it in the classroom. This would be a great way to introduce wikis to both students and parents at the same time.

What other ways could I start a wiki in an elementary school classroom?

Why Blog?

As this is my first time blogging, I am still getting used to the rules of blogging. Most of the blogs I follow are about fashion and fitness, so I am excited to use my degree and teaching experience to help me with this blog. Before beginning my masters program I had never thought about using a blog in an educational setting. After seeing examples of educational blogs my eyes were opened to the possibilities.

Now that I have started this technology journey I am excited to use blogging to share my experiences, struggles and success. I hope to collaborate with other teachers and people of the education world to share my experiences and thought processes as they pertain to integration of technology. Technology plays a huge part in education and society so it feels good to know that I will be equipped and ready for whatever technology comes my way. 

Back to blogging....no matter what age the students, they have the capabilities to become excellent bloggers. I can't explain how much my students love to write stories about themselves and share with the class. What better way to write and share your thoughts. You have complete control of the look and feel to match your style and personality. The ability to share ideas with students across the globe is a huge cultural learning experience. Blogging allows students to take ownership of their work and really do their best work as it will be published for all to see. The learning opportunities are endless when it comes to blogging.

About the Author/Blogger: My whole life I have known that I wanted to be a teacher. I have always taken it upon myself to help others and enjoy teaching and learning. I received my Bachelors of Science from Penn State University in elementary and kindergarten education. I am currently receiving my Master of Education from George Mason University in Integration of Technology in Education. I teach second grade at Sanders Corner Elementary School. I teach in Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia which is highly regarded as a high achieving school system. I feel very honored to work for such a prestigious school system and have loved my experience.

As an educator, I feel that I am most passionate about students being as involved as possible in their education.

• Students should have goals and set out to reach them through the lessons and activities I provide. 
• Students should be able to demonstrate their learning though a variety of activities using various learning strategies. 
• Students should be participating actively and not passively listening. 
• Students should feel safe and comfortable participating, and willing even if they are unsure of the answer.

What do you feel is the best educational philosophy that fits who you are? 

This is the most important one for me: Active Engagement