Student Babysitting Survey

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Sharing Book Titles

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Parent's Babysitting Survey

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Finally - a Website

After struggling in my attempt to create a meaningful project for the Web 2.0 class, I decided to create a website for my department. Please visit it at:

http://facs-bmhs.webs.com/home.htm

Manipulating Pics

My child development classes are currently creating their digital portfolios. After downloading pictures from http://photobucket.com/, taken during the in-class tots' classes, the students will develop a power point presentation. I introduced the creative photo manipulating site, http://fotoflexer.com/ . They seemed to enjoyed incorporating the tools and enhancing their pictures. What fun!

Podcasting into the Audio World!

CNN's Larry King exits his show each night, encouraging his audience to tune into his recent podcast. Knowing that Larry attracts an "older" demographic group, and seeing myself in that circle, I decided to think more carefully about podcasting and its value in and out of the classroom. At this point, I have yet to cross the paradigm shift for its usage in my particular classroom. However, on a personal side, the ability to capture these audio sessions and listen to them at a later time .... like the beach ..... is enticing!

Since I am a news junkie, I have embedded a podcast to CNN.

It really is "delicious"!

Bookmarking on my laptop has been a convenient way to locate my favorite websites - mostly related to my courses. When my school computer is not with me, however, I cannot always remember how to access those trustworthy sites for lesson planning. Fortunately, my recent discovery of the site Delicious.com has solved the problem. This website allows the user and others to access the bookmarks on any computer.

So, if you want to know more about your cars, children, and food ..... check out this link to my delicious account:


http://delicious.com/famconsumers

Dogs act like children ..... Right?

Years ago, exchanging information and ideas through shared documents often wasted valuable days, while waiting for a reply through snail mail or interdepartmental mail. Whereas email changed the accessibility, the challenge persisted when the response was collaborative and a consensus was necessary. Therefore, document sharing through Web 2.0 tools, expanded the ability for interaction within real time. Many Web 2.0 tools, such as Google Docs, offer versatility within the professional community as well as the classroom.


To understand the usefulness of document sharing, Margee and I created a document about our fondness for dogs, especially our own pets. Besides, my blog is about children, and my dog thinks he is a kid. This seemed to fit .... into my child development theme! If you have a pet and would like to share pictures, join in the fun:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dd6rztzn_1cftd92dw&hl=en


Later this spring, I plan to use Google Docs for an upcoming preschool project within my child growth and development course. In this project, students will be assigned sections to complete within their group. After creating a special document, they will be able to collaborate at home or at school.

LIfe as we once remembered....

Digital Storytelling

After viewing the various samples and resources for designing a digital storyboard, I created a simple video through Animoto. The illustration time is limited, but the site is easy to use. Going forward, I plan to use the Windows Movie Maker which provides many additional options, as shown through Beryl's How to Use Movie Maker video link.

Incorporating New Technology Continues

Thanks to a Partners in Education Grant, I have purchased a camcorder and started recording my student's hands-on activies with the Moms & Tots children. I am excited to see how these images will fit into the student's digital portfolios.

Also, check out my Wiki and provide feedback!
http://slishs.wikispaces.com/

Following the Child's Lead

Challenging the Child

Publish at Scribd or explore others: children child

Creating a Wiki

I have Wiki on the brain and decided to post “early” in the morning! So, here is what I did:

I developed a group activity for my very first Wiki attempt. Since the students in my child growth and development class are beginning to investigate the developmental stages of young children, I wanted them to consider the various ways to use toys as a learning tool. I created the Wiki page to contain different tables, ready for inserting the information. Since the classroom is already grouped by seating arrangements, the students will be asked to complete one section. Then after a few minutes, the students will visit a section that was worked on by a previous group.

Investigating Wikis

After examining the sites How to Wiki and Marshall Middle School Professional Sharing Wiki, I certainly have a greater understanding for the Wiki’s application in the educational field. The ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside the same building is valuable, whether to problem solve or contribute ideas. The Wiki, also, provides an avenue for veteran and novice teachers to forge an exchange of ideas.

Wikis

Today, I begin my investigation into the usage of "wikis" and how they can be incorporated into the classroom.

Integrating Technology into My Classroom

Just before the semester ended, the Advanced Child Development class submitted portfolios in a digital format in adddition to the standard hardcopy. The digital format is still a new concept for me; I am accustomed to taking pictures using rolls of film. But, I am trying to change - as with the older educators. So, this is the first of many attempts to document my trials and successes.