tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61172919718829856862024-03-04T22:31:11.665-06:00Mrs. Cook's ClassA teacher site to share ides and philosophies.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-7321962794255549512014-12-13T12:44:00.001-06:002014-12-13T12:44:38.778-06:00The Power of the Internet in Education!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week's topics centered on extended and improving our use of the internet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> First, we 'powered up' our internet searches with Google. I have always been a Google-Lover, but this was a new level of love. I have even created a board in Pinterest solely for Google information in the classroom, click <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cookie68/school-google/" target="_blank">here</a>. I am referring you to my Pinterest board (which is a lot of YouTube tutorials) in lieu of embedding any videos to save space, and to not limit my post to my knowledge of today. Check it out, some of the titles/topics of the posts include but are not limited to:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Great Google Searches-learn how to expertly use the Google search engine to harvest the vast amounts of information on the web.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Google's Hidden Dictionary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Improving your Search Results</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Filetype Searching-Extra Cool-this is my personal favorite, great if you are looking for a PowerPoint to tweak, sound file, document, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep Up-to-Date with Google News-this would be great for a current events section in a Social Studies class.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use Google as a Calculator-It All Adds Up!-watch out Math teachers I plan on sharing this in the lab.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Google Book Search-great resource I am going to share with my librarian and LA teachers. However, they are wonderful, so they may already know about it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Searching a Single Site-I haven't used it yet and I am not sure of the application for me, but I added it to board for future review.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Google Search by Reading Level-Another great one to share with my librarian and LA teachers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NonVideos</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Google Cheat Sheet-love it and a definite must have</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">EHow-actually more videos, but another nice concise collection</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Second, I was introduced to <a href="http://www.wolframalpha.com/" target="_blank">Wolfram/Alpha</a>. According to my Google search: </span></div>
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<b>Wolfram</b>. | <b>Alpha</b> is an engine for computing answers and providing knowledge. It works by using its vast store of expert-level knowledge and algorithms to automatically answer questions, do analysis, and generate reports.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an impressive site. Watch the video:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> With that being said, I didn't get it. I couldn't really get it to work, so I do not have any application ideas. However, I have not given up. We have a discovery day in my classroom periodically. I think I will post a link to the above video and the website, and see what my phenomenal students will do. In addition, I will create a collaborative document or slide in their Google drive, and have them respond to some reflective questions or prompts about the site. <b>If you have suggestions or ideas, respond below.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Next, we reviewed Creative Commons and how to find Google images that are in the public domain (see the videos below). I do a large unit at the beginning of my course with copyright, fair use, and public domain, because of the direct impact an validity in my course. Following through and giving them ample areas to find the correct image, sound, or video file to use is a challenge. I cannot wait to use this knowledge early and often next quarter/semester.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Finally, we created a collaborative project. Which is too cool, I do 1/2 slides of information, but gain more than 20 slides of information. All the information that has been submitted by my classmates has been added to my Google Pinterest board, and as more students complete I will add them. Here is a taste of the topics or click <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_CgeC743V8UJO4pFqxl6UZaLcpgvMoDSihc9I1Ep42s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to check out the presentation yourself:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Search within a Specific Website-using Google or the Google sponsored site <a href="http://sitecomber.com/">sitecomber.com</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Currency Calculator-I am hoping to be a world traveler soon and need this.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Conversation Search-Caution: I had the microphone on and was talking to my daughter, scary things came up in my search. WHOOPS!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Google Scholar-</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Measurement-</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using Symbols in searches</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Finally, Finally, as I reflect back over the last 7 weeks. I must say a big <span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank You</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to my instructor (get it, it was a big thank you). I am so glad to have a professional web presence in my blog, and I have great plans to continue. I can say this is the BEST class I have taken, while in my masters program. This course has had a positive and a very significantly positive impact on my classroom. Again, Thank You. I hope you all enjoy and find the benefits as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Signing Off, put hopefully only temporarily,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lori</span></div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-50246549749414907882014-12-06T09:53:00.001-06:002014-12-06T09:53:18.032-06:00Social Networks & Media in Schools.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">It was a busy week with a lot of learning, our class started off with this inspirational video. What are your thoughts when you watch it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As educators, it is important for us to embrace the social media/networking world we live in. However, we must do so wisely and not blindly. Educate ourselves, model for our children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a quick video with tips for using Social Media, it is simplistic in nature but effective. If you, your students, or your own children are or want to be involved in social media have a plan, educate, and practice safety.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our second topic is one I hold near and dear to my heart, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I was droning on and on in my post about Pinterest, I thought "Maybe I should have done an entire post about Pinterst!". So that is exactly what I did. Click the Pinterest label below to be taken to my Pinterest post.</span></div>
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<a href="http://mrscooksclass.blogspot.com/2014/12/pinterest-join-me.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0Ys581OuO8Bx0n8RLL5MK_HLYWOQgehy8v-T3ILCWRbThvB8ZKuhiMJjxrsPreQ7x_QZa4eILeneyK6fj080Hmoc_WdtO00AHCD_suvzFoMn6Vwm9UW80b8NW1a97c_botH8KuvsHmA/s1600/pinterest.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I say I LOVE IT! Check it out, use it. With all the time you save using it as a tool, you will have time to create one of the many craft ideas or cooking ideas you see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On of our final activities, or topics, this week in class was "Pros/Cons of Social Media & Networking in Schools". Through the research, I found tons of information, linked below:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/19/pros-and-cons-of-social-media-in-the-classroom.aspx" target="_blank">Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edudemic.com/how-students-benefit-from-using-social-media/" target="_blank">How Students Benefit from Using Social Media</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.edudemic.com/how-students-benefit-from-using-social-media/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Benefits and Drawbacks of Social Media in Education</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/news/social-media-usage-provides-educational-benefits-research-shows-4836/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Social Media Usage Provides Educational Benefits Research Shows</span></a></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the most powerful piece in this activity, to me anyway, was the Google Drive tool for research. I have already shared it with one coworker, and plan to revise my Google Drive post (or possibly a Google Drive Board on Pinterest) and share it with my building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Social Media/Networking</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">scary:yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">necessary:yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">possible:yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">educatable:yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">unavoidable:yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the future:yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Embrace it,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lori</span></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-66158361822260428052014-12-06T09:52:00.005-06:002014-12-06T09:53:57.528-06:00Pinterest! Join Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, I started this as part of my Social Media and Networking page, but I clearly had too much to say. Therefore, it received a post of its own. Enjoy!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This topic is one I hold near and dear to my heart, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Pinterest</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> is a visual discovery tool that you can use to find ideas for all your projects and interests</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was introduced to Pinterest several years ago, and weirdly enough, had a hard time getting an account. At the time, you had to be invited, or link it to your Facebook. I had not and still do not have a Facebook page, luckily I had a coworker who invited me to join. I LOVE IT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why I love it, and how I use Pinterest.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Primarily as a <b>bookmarking tool</b>. When I find something I like: clothes, hairstyles, decorating ideas, recipes, websites, blogs, school projects, quotes, gift ideas, holiday ideas, organizational ideas, ideas, ideas... I pin it to a board to easily find it later. I am a visual person and the image bookmark appeals to me. In this class we have learned a lot of bookmarking sites, but I still find Pinterest to be the one that appeals to me most. It is easy to Pin something you find online, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUVdaX79iuc" target="_blank">here</a> for a tutorial on how to add a button to your browser. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8szrFilYJU" target="_blank">Here</a> is a tutorial for how to add a pin to safari for your ipad. So as I am doing research for my projects in my classroom, decorating ideas for my home, gift giving ideas for Christmas, etc, I pin it and come back later.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdOwkPqa8Kk" target="_blank">Click</a> here for a tutorial for keeping your board private, so your followers wont know what you are getting them for Christmas.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2jwOSTJ76k" target="_blank">Click</a> here for a tutorial for sharing your boards, if you are working on a project with others and want to have a collaborative board.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Inspirational or research tool</b>. I use it to research for new ideas and inspiration. I can search the entire Pinterest site, I can peruse or search through themed public areas (I think the mobile version is the best for this), I can search through my boards, or I can follow people with similar likes and interests. For example; I have a pork loin and I want a creative new recipe. I can search pinterest public, or pinterest 'food & drink' (which allows me to further specify; desserts, healthy eating, sandwiches,...), or I can search my boards for something I previously pinned (I currently have almost 4000 pins).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Professional Learning Community</b>. I follow many educators and gain powerful ideas and knowledge through their pins. I am the only teacher in my building that teaches my particular content, so the abilty to collaborate on my content within the building is limited. Therefore, a social media tool such as Pinterest lets me collaborte virtually. When I see something one of my followers pins, that I am inspired by or would like to use in my classroom I can repin it. Or as mentioned above, we can share a board and be co-contributors to the items on a particular board.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Networking</b>. Several years ago my sister and I started a blog, just for fun. My sister is amazingly creative and crafty, and this seemed like a great way to showcase her 'stuff' and my attempt to emulate her. Linking your blog posts on social networks such as; Pinterest, twitter, Instagram, and Facebook increase your community, visibility, and traffic. We will never be the Pioneer Woman, but we do have our own little niche in the blogging world. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would like to end with a final tip: organize, organize, organize. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep your boards appropriately labeled and organized as you progress through your pinning experience. If you visit my boards, please be patient as my OCD has me often creating and resorting boards and board content.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cookie68/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPj7t_9CmO5XgEYDVdqMJQxlZKX96XnYV1Kil3zICacTQ2H3LOu5MEbbvyPyiGQsI7GvfEoPp_8my9Qt9yswCp4IIO4hFQ4AByeXHq64LwgoQjX_-hfV_gipno8hLyIxVdeHwgJqDEvwg/s1600/click+her+to+follow+me+on+pinterest.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mrscooksclass.blogspot.com/2014/12/social-networks-media-in-schools.html" target="_blank">click here to return to the Social Media & Networking in Schools post</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pinning away,</span></div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-18281728412137787062014-11-23T11:11:00.001-06:002014-11-23T11:11:51.026-06:00Google Drive-Know the Power!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVyIz9iyZvffm-dWYF0fwAmtK5QKYOjMjaMMMRI-HDSryzaA0_PK2Atyjwu-tbR_IwLWJx4Vb66-SJUHozhyphenhyphendHSHD_ZmUnA_cstOtG1D86UBpxiGtf8rDfUB9EzgbEn8OqOrJIvLCv3s/s1600/google+drive+know+the+power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVyIz9iyZvffm-dWYF0fwAmtK5QKYOjMjaMMMRI-HDSryzaA0_PK2Atyjwu-tbR_IwLWJx4Vb66-SJUHozhyphenhyphendHSHD_ZmUnA_cstOtG1D86UBpxiGtf8rDfUB9EzgbEn8OqOrJIvLCv3s/s1600/google+drive+know+the+power.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I Love Google Drive!</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have just recently embraced Google drive, I mean within the last month. Therefore, I was excited to see Google drive as a topic this week, in addition to <a href="http://tinyurl.com/" target="_blank">tinyurl</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>First and Foremost Google Drive:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I had been introduced to Google docs years ago, but had not embedded it in any of my classes. This year, my children had a couple of unfortunate 'crashes' of projects on their flash drives, and that is what motivated me to embrace the Google drive. My children are lucky, the district they attend creates a district gmail account for them, and of course a Google drive. I have been playing around with how to handle the creation, parent permission, and district policy in my class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Because of the experiences my children had with their flash drives, I started teaching my students how to use their Google drive as well. Before this class, our use for the Google drive was purely storage. But I am excited to embed many of the things I have learned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here is a great video for inspiration, 10 ways to use Google docs/drive in the classroom.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5UXkPDSW1Cs" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If that is a little overwhelming and intimidating, here are some great YouTube channels, websites, and articles to help:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs7zxED4oCeqRgLjLzoVShif5RoDEIOSC" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is a great link to a YouTube play list of Google tutorials by Anson Alexander</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUjWdLq3OrdDxS32etPNe50vlKn62VJ4c" target="_blank">Here</a> is a great link to a YouTube play list of Google tutorials by Karen Canfield.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.edudemic.com/10-things-every-teacher-know-google-docs/" target="_blank">Here</a> is a great link to an article titled "10 Things Every Teacher Should Know How to do with Google Docs."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.google.com/edu/training/docs-and-drive/level2/" target="_blank">Here</a> is link to a great Google Education site titled "Docs & Drive Level 2: Classroom Application.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If you are still not convinced to use Google docs/drive, this video is very persuasive, and you may even switch from your dropbox account.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tinyurl:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was very glad to be exposed to tinyurl this week. However, at this time I don't think it will be advantageous to use in my classroom. I am lucky to be in a lab, and connecting to preferred sites is not a challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Join the drive, you will love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lori</span></div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-19287464312463714162014-11-14T15:10:00.000-06:002014-11-14T15:10:50.895-06:00Social Bookmarking, Google Calendar, & other Organizational Tools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8UZdHDDseYAMGSo6oTLG2Ly3HRYK4h2uENPLt2VgJY7MgBXV4RbLa1Q32YcZzicQmZ83uMh2OoL6qa0ZZPkdOKdqe_QKsevlfX4O4B1Giz4ZiEFZ1AVwm87yor8Ux_pvS7fMZYhrXlM/s1600/social+bookmarking+google+calendar+and+organizational+tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8UZdHDDseYAMGSo6oTLG2Ly3HRYK4h2uENPLt2VgJY7MgBXV4RbLa1Q32YcZzicQmZ83uMh2OoL6qa0ZZPkdOKdqe_QKsevlfX4O4B1Giz4ZiEFZ1AVwm87yor8Ux_pvS7fMZYhrXlM/s320/social+bookmarking+google+calendar+and+organizational+tools.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, another week packed full of learning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Social Bookmarking-Diigo</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I loved the organization of this tool on a personal and professional level. I am often doing research or stumbling around the internet and find tons of ideas and resources. Bookmarking them is a pain and unrealistic. I have even been known to create a word document with all the links. I have even tried 'onenote' unsuccessfully. Diigo is great. However, there is one draw back. I am a very visual person, and the presentation is somewhat bothersome. I hate that there is no thumbnail image, or snapshot. I think it would help me find things, if there was an image too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You can use this tool with your students too. One site, mentioned having a separate account as your student sharing account. It definitely makes sense to have a separate account, but I am not sure I would like the management of a separate account.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Google Calendar</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> How did I not know about this. Not only do I plan on exploring the option of using this as a checkout calendar with my staff, but there are so many more applications. It would be a great way to have a 'family' calendar. My husband, I , and my three kids all have smart phones. What a great way to manage a crazy family schedule. Finally, I think I will encourage my husband to use this for his club lacrosse scheduling (share with parents and players).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Other Organizational Tools</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What a great PLN our class is. I have some great ideas, I am excited to try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.signupgenius.com/" target="_blank">SignUpGenius</a> for conferences, why not?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.classdojo.com/" target="_blank">ClassDojo</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.classcraft.com/" target="_blank">ClassCraft</a></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MwX47VlJgsA" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tough choice. Click <a href="http://www.educatoral.com/wordpress/2014/09/11/classdojo-or-classcraft/" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://gamificationnation.com/gamification-stuff-love-class-dojo-classcraft/" target="_blank">here</a> for some reviews and comparisons</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.remind.com/" target="_blank">Remind</a>-easy to use! Could this be a tool for emergency contact during a crisis event?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://free-alarm-clock.en.softonic.com/" target="_blank">Alarm Clock</a> software for your computer. I love this tool it is free, and helps us remember to save and log off for the bell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a list of sites my class shared:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.thoughtbox.es/" target="_blank">Thoughtboxes </a>, <a href="http://planbookedu.com/" target="_blank">Planbookedu</a>, <a href="http://doodle.com/" target="_blank">Doodle</a>, <a href="http://doodle.com/" target="_blank">Livebinders</a>, and <a href="http://whensend.com/" target="_blank">Whensend</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Organizing,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lori</span></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-69487060452234250042014-11-05T15:20:00.000-06:002014-11-06T17:54:44.029-06:00Edmodo for Professional Development<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vBQ6-OY08sfXbX4R_PsasT75a4cX4_pb1Zkh1lVpIRgajxxe2abnLL9Rv_4pCztWN3rFjB-ovB6sBG5ptlDIAUfzjc2uPrcPPIB-8EjakmynXZNwRNBLDiMnkQQJbxSg0Dc5v65tbso/s1600/edmodo+for+professional+development.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vBQ6-OY08sfXbX4R_PsasT75a4cX4_pb1Zkh1lVpIRgajxxe2abnLL9Rv_4pCztWN3rFjB-ovB6sBG5ptlDIAUfzjc2uPrcPPIB-8EjakmynXZNwRNBLDiMnkQQJbxSg0Dc5v65tbso/s1600/edmodo+for+professional+development.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, who knew <a href="http://www.edmodo.com/" target="_blank">Edmodo</a> for Professional Development! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Let me share my history with Edmodo. In the past, I had heard of it, but thought I don't need it. But last spring, my district notified us that they would be adjusting, and eventually ending, their relationship with School Fusion. School Fusion was our website host, loved it! I had a website for all my hours, my students could blog, take quizzes, turn in work, .... Right away I started looking for something to replace our School Fusion functions. A colleague mentioned Edmodo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is Edmodo? </span><br />
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<b>Edmodo</b> is an educational website that takes the ideas of a social network and refines them and makes it appropriate for a classroom. Using <b>Edmodo</b>, students and teachers can reach out to one another and connect by sharing ideas, problems, and helpful tips.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I started this school year with Edmodo, and I have to say at first I hated it. I wanted the freedom to make my site prettier, I hated the posting format (I am not a facebooker), on and on and on...Change is difficult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Now I love Edmodo. My students have their own backpack to store their items and access at home, more reliable then a flash drive. Parents have a code and can access it. This just names a few of the pluses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The best thing about Edmodo now, is the networking abilities. I have joined some very large communities (Computer Technology & Career and Tech Education) and some smaller groups (TV Video and Movie Production). Follow this link for instructions <a href="https://support.edmodo.com/home#entries/21771925-browse-for-and-follow-a-community-or-publisher-teacher" target="_blank">How to Join Communities</a>. I hope to create some phenomenal groups as well; Allison Tech help for my building, and Explorations in Technology for my content colleagues across the district.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Don't believe me, then here is what kids say about Edmodo!</span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://www.schooltube.com/embed_force/6ca5d08f7ec94e71b844/" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe></span></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-91456540898801397822014-11-01T09:11:00.002-05:002014-11-01T09:12:16.884-05:00Personal Learning Networks and Twitter For Educators<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4HFIN2Nwp52ZF1An8W0uZWtrKgN7eL1vbgyyX7AXmUg3IhzN-vQWvKEO9aflzYx2u366o6SdyxDOVv0gsUYJ2LA8_RIFFAHCkex4rak17eMT9RNC6Fph6CDEJGy_TjkYT7aowPh89XA/s1600/PLN&Twitter+for+Educators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4HFIN2Nwp52ZF1An8W0uZWtrKgN7eL1vbgyyX7AXmUg3IhzN-vQWvKEO9aflzYx2u366o6SdyxDOVv0gsUYJ2LA8_RIFFAHCkex4rak17eMT9RNC6Fph6CDEJGy_TjkYT7aowPh89XA/s1600/PLN&Twitter+for+Educators.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Wow,</b></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>what a lot of learning I encountered this week!</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Networking is not a new concept, but it is new to me with concerns to my professional self. I never considered my collaborating with my building, district, and colleagues as networking. Now, I not only see that as networking, I see the possibilities of networking with the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have fought social networking on a personal level for years. To this day I still do NOT have a Facebook. But a couple years ago, as my children were getting older, and I felt out of touch with my students; I created an Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter account. Pinterest of course was addicting for my crafty nature, and as my children created Instagram account owners it became my 'lurking' place. Twitter however, has just recently bloomed. We attended an inservice with </span><a href="http://kevinhoneycutt.org/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Kevin Honeycutt</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.wesfryer.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Wes Fryer</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (2 very dynamic speakers who utilize technology extensively), and my twitter knowledge and comfort was expanded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have to be honest, the twitterchat process was frustrating and confusing for me. I was excited however, to make some new connections after my posts. I now see why my student's currency is in likes and follows. It feeds the narcissism in me. The twitterchat experience became more successful when I used my computer to follow the conversation; <a href="http://twubs.com/asiaED" target="_blank">Twubs</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have added a couple gadgets to my right side bar. Here is a video on how to add a blog list (love mine) and labels. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Now all I need is a couple extra planning periods everyday; to check my networks, learn from my networks, plan from my networks, grade from my networks, ......etc. I better stop, I am overwhelming myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> How do you juggle it all, any advice?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lori</span></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117291971882985686.post-64256220104767778432014-10-25T21:38:00.000-05:002014-11-01T09:11:42.488-05:00Educational Blogs & Feedly<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80jA95rY9SEBbRhXE9yBitLqn3RKC62kQCbYR-2sRc_8msgUdPFwD0EgSXmZtpDvxL8dd1vvCkbe9yPG8c5a0LO2t-WEeu6JmKMu-0CuOlLPYfAhNiJ09lEHtB5sfNFuTO7RIEaLXvxA/s1600/educational+blogs+and+feedly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80jA95rY9SEBbRhXE9yBitLqn3RKC62kQCbYR-2sRc_8msgUdPFwD0EgSXmZtpDvxL8dd1vvCkbe9yPG8c5a0LO2t-WEeu6JmKMu-0CuOlLPYfAhNiJ09lEHtB5sfNFuTO7RIEaLXvxA/s1600/educational+blogs+and+feedly.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> This week in class we had the opportunity to explore educational blogs. This was somewhat challenging for me, because I quickly became distracted. I found so many with so many posts, I had a hard time pulling back and completing the assignment. The blogs varied from providing content, philosophy, and/or organizational ideas. I have added a blog list to the side of my site, check them out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We also learned about RSS feeds and feed readers. I was a little familiar with RSS feeds, but the feed readers were new to me. We created <a href="http://feedly.com/" target="_blank">Feedly</a> accounts, which is a free feed reader. I am excited to use this tool for all the educational blogs I am now following, in addition I may add some personal blogs I follow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Finally, we created our own professional blogs here on blogger. I am excited to have an avenue to showcase my thoughts. Of course, I had to choose a color theme that matches my classroom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As I read through the syllabus, I look forward to many of the upcoming topics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lori</span></div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02629592041087745235noreply@blogger.com0Wichita, KS, USA37.688889 -97.33611100000001737.286664 -97.981558000000021 38.091114000000005 -96.690664000000012