What is in YOUR toolbox?

If someone told me years ago that I would have the ability to talk with someone over the computer for free, I would have thought, "Yeah, that Jetson stuff is still a far off notion".  If someone had told me that I would be able to check email on my phone, I would have said, "why would I want to do that?".  And, if someone mentioned to me years ago that I would be able to use my phone to get VOICE directions to a destination, I would have screamed YES (because I am directionally challenged) and then become skeptical all over again.  Directions over the phone?  Not possible.  Well, here we are, with Skype and smartphones that could very well replace other technology devices given their souped up capabilities.  Who knew?  More importantly, what's next?  One of the downsides to all of this technology is the ability to know how to use it and when.  Technology is a tool....much like a hammer.  A hammer is great for hitting and pulling nails but not so good for cooking pancakes.  This year, we are focusing on different types of technology as tools.  Being mindful of the different goals and purposes for different types of technology and the importance of knowing how to use it correctly.  We will still cover our computer basics and learn how to use productivity software but we will also include Web 2.0 tools such as Spelling City, TuxPaint, and Glogster (just to name a few).  I am very excited about this school year and look forward to working with the students.  Welcome back!!  (Now where is my jet pack??)

Technology at its Best

This is a test post.  As with most things that deal with technology, tests are important so please be patient.  Cooler posts coming soon!

Is That Your's?

Have you ever copied and pasted text or images from the internet into a report, web page, or blog? Certainly you have seen that image you googled that is "perfect" for your new blog post. Did you know that you may not have permission to use that image? Did you know that, technically, you are stealing if you don't have permission to use the image? Well, most of us don't know and, furthermore, don't know how to determine if we can use an image or not.

The fourth and fifth grade classes have been learning about plagarism and using content from the internet. The internet is both a good and bad thing when it comes to mining information. It provides us with unprecedented access to all kinds of information. Remember when you used to use the encyclopedias at school to find information for a report? Once you were older, you could also use other non fiction reference books at the library, including articles from magazines. Those were the days when you traveled to the library with a lot of change in your pockets for the copy machine. Now, all you need is a computer, a search engine, and a printer. You also need to understand how copyrights and permissions work in cyberspace....that is where things can get complicated. Using text is pretty straightforward because the rules are similar to written materials....give credit and/or use direct quotes. Images are a little more complicated. One approach is to search only for those images that provide permission for use. To find those images in Google, select "advanced search" and choose the option "labeled for reuse" in the permissions field. Your choices will be somewhat limited, but they will be legal.

Getting Fit with Mousercise!

I cannot believe that it is already October!!! What happened to August and September?? One thing I love about October is that it usually brings the first signs of fall....specifically cooler weather. While it is not COLD yet, the cooler weather makes me think about comfort foods like soup, roast beef, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, any kind of casserole, pound cake, brownies, etc. With those thoughts also comes the mild panic of weight gain. Most of us won't think about working off the comfort food until January but why not start thinking about it now?

You might be wondering why I would pose such a question as part of the computer class blog. Well, we're doing a little exercising already in the second grade classes (and it is just the first part of October). We are not doing the type of exercise that would work off two big pieces of pound cake, but we are letting our hands and fingers get a good work out with the mouse. Second graders often lack the hand and finger control to use a mouse "gracefully". Double-clicking and dragging are particularly difficult so we are spending a little time getting some "mousercise". The site we use (see link on the left) provides several different exercises that allow the students to practice using the mouse. It is fun and also helps develop the coordination required use the mouse.

We won't be able to work off three helpings of roast beef and mashed potatoes, but we will be able to point, click, drag, and drop with the best of 'em!!

Where in the World?????

Not to be outdone by first grade, the fourth and fifth graders have been visiting the wonders of the world. We have been to Colorado, Brazil, Japan, and a few other really cool places that are home to some of God's most wondrous creations. Growing up, I had hear of the seven of the wonders of the world but if I were forced to name them, I would not have been able to. In researching our trip, I found out that God's wonders can not be limited to seven. I also found out that there are some very incredible natural works of art on our planet that are remarkable and inspiring. If your interest has been piqued, click on the link on the left. Bon Voyage!

Going On A (Virtual) Field Trip!

Well, I took the prefirst and first grade classes to the New England Aquarium. We saw moon jelly fish, penguins, a huge octopus, an anaconda, and many other aquatic creatures. We learned about their specific habitats, life spans, and sizes. In fact, I let each student tour the aquarium on their own so that they could find the animals that interested them the most. Miss Shannon's class decided that they would also like to go to the Bronx Zoo so off we went! We were back in time for lunch.

The prefirst and first grade classes are learning about being safe and smart on the internet. We recently discussed how the internet allows us to go different places without leaving home (or school). Students told me that they have visited Germany, Africa, and experienced American Girl from home! The purpose of the lesson was to show students how the internet provides access to really cool places and stress that they should always go with an adult.

Wow!! I wonder where we will go next time????

Let it Snow!

Mrs. O'Dell's class strikes again! We had another opportunity to take a break from keyboarding so the third grade created snowflakes. Remember the ones you would make by folding a piece of paper and then using scissors to create a really cool snowflake design? Well, welcome to the "high tech" version of the same craft. These snow flakes were created on the computer! The children enjoyed this activity so much that I am posting the link to the website. Enjoy!