Google Docs Fun Times

Working with Google Docs has definitely been a new experience for all of us. My students have slowly warmed up to the idea, but still prefer using Microsoft Office as to avoid the log-on process. However, we all just need to get over it because it's cheaper to work in the clouds and accessible to them at home if they themselves dont' have Microsoft Office! Below, I have written a few tips to help teachers using google docs for the first, second, third, or even fourth time not to go too crazy :)

Tip#1 Write this statement somewhere on your whiteboard:
Please check these things below before asking me to help you log-in...or else :)
(1) Press Fn + NumLK (this will turn numbers into letters and allow you to type normally)
(2) Do not use Caps Lock when trying to log-in for any reason (your password will not work)
(3) Use the Shift key to capitalize letters in your password (you must capitalize password letters)

If you choose to not follow this very essential tip, you will have twenty hands in the air at any given moment asking one of these three questions :)

Tip#2 Have students practice logging in and logging out multipe times for a warm-up assignment.
This will help get the process running smoothly by students logging on immediately vs. 15 minutes into the class period. It might be good to do this warm-up two days in a row. It's pretty surprising how difficult for the students logging on to google docs can be, so prepare and set aside time to practice, practice, practice!

Tip#3 Have students save files from Google Docs into their Norway student file as back-up.
To do this click "File" (within the google docs, not the Internet Explorere "File"), click "Download As", click whatever format you want the file to be downloaded as (their will be a list), Click "Save", Click the pull-down tab to find norway, Click "Norway", Click graduation year, Click student folder, Click SS Portfolio (or whatever portfolio your class is using), Click "Save, and you're done!

That's all she wrote!
Until next time,
Mrs. Williams

Facebook Profile Creation

"Williams' GeoWorld" is the page I have created on facebook for my students to blog, comment on other students' blogs, post pictures, and post videos onto. My students have had a blast creating academic and school appropriate facebook profiles connected to their mysbisd gmail accounts!

Step 1: Sign-up for facebook (www.facebook.com ) using mysbisd gmail accounts
Step 2: Open mysbisd gmail account to confirm e-mail before (open e-mail from facebook, click on blue link, this will get you back to the facebook site)
Step 3: Create facebook profile (Make sure to have a conversation before students begin sharing too much information on facebook about what is appropriate a.k.a. do not put things like phone numbers, address, cuss words, inappropriate pictures, etc.)
Step 4: Take a facebook profile picture using the webcam on the Asus

Signing up and creating their profiles took a full class period and a little of the next class for some. Most, however, were able to get write into blogging, commenting, and posting the next day.

The first question I asked them to blog is below. I also asked them to thoughtfully comment about at least two other student's blogs. This was a lot of fun! I put the Williams' GeoWorld page up on my Activboard screen, which they liked because they could see when people posted and all that good stuff!

Williams' GeoWorld
If you were a photographer for the book called “A Day in the Life of America” or the video “America Through My Eyes” what 10 things would you photograph? Give a brief explanation of why for each of your choices.

Notes via Ning

Today my class started to look more like what I dream it will eventually be by nature. I want be a "guide on the side" rather than a "sage on the stage". Today, I was a "guide on the side" and it was GREAT....mostly for my students! Today, my students took notes (that would normally be presented whole group) from the Ning.

The scenario: I add a blog post to our class Ning that include a link to a flip chart. The students logged on to the class Ning, opened the flip chart on their netbook, and took the outline notes on a cloze like/fill in the blank handout. The beauty of this was that every child worked at their own pace. Some students made connections quickly and finished quickly and were able to move on. Some students needed a little more time to read the notes and make connections. No one had to wait for anyone else. Each child controlled their own learning.

The students were required to reflect on this new note taking experience on the blog. I was very happy to see that those students who finished quickly provide very positive feedback/liked the experience because these are the students who I find get bored, impatient, and discouraged in class when they have to wait for everyone else to catch up to them. However, in general, all student feedback has been positive. Those students who need a little more time to learn new concepts/content seem to appreciate being able to work at their own pace and not being rushed by whole class time limits.

I excited about what tomorrow will bring, and I feel that my students are excited to be a part of this pilot!

Inauguaral Blog!!

It has finally happened...my students have completed their first official blog on the class Ning! I am so excited. It went very well! This is so powerful! This is the first time ever in my career that EVERY student has had there voice/thoughts heard/read by EVERY other student in a single class period. No one can hide, no one gets drowned out, everyone contributes!

The scenario: I posted a conceptual question based on the SS district curriculum on our portal for the Middle Ages unit. I figured this would be a good set for introducing the unit and to get the kids thinking about what they are going to learn. As far as blogging goes, I thought a conceptual/general question would be an unintimidating way to start because there really is not a wrong answer. The wrong answer is NOT answering/commenting on blog :)

This is very encouraging...it has been an uphill battle getting to this point, but, at the moment, I am a feeling like it is well worth the battle. The kids are loving it, I am loving it, and I think it is only going to get better!