Learning Lots!

Today we looked at Twitter, Gooru, Learn 360 and Flickr.  Wow! This is a lot to take in, but all worthwhile websites to explore further!!

Twitter

What is Twitter?

YouTube Video

Please see Tweets from #edresources on the top right hand side of the blog. I enjoy using Twitter as it is a great tool for Personal Networking!

Classroom Use:  back channeling; tweet about upcoming assignments or due dates; tracking hashtags; connect with the community; following issues; Live tweet field trips; ask questions; take and share notes; sync with a blog; chat with industry professionals; make recommendations; post videos; direct message students or parents

Gooru

Gooru is a search engine for learning and therefore a teacher's search paradise! Not only does it have search capabilities, but also the ability to study and create! Please allow me to practice linking a webpage to my blog.  To learn more about Gooru click  here.

Classroom Use:  find resources for students & classrooms; study skills

Flickr

Check out Flickr for interesting photos made by everyday people.  Store, Search, Sort and Share your photos here.

Classroom Use: visual literacy skills; writing prompts; story telling projects; create virtual field trips; create digital portfolios;

D2L/e-Learning Community

D2L/e-Learning Community will eventually be used by each student in the board for at least one course per year.The first screen you encounter is "like walking into the school building and is controlled by an administrator".  The second screen is "like walking into a classroom and is controlled by a teacher".  The information here is like a bulletin board in the classroom.  This site allows teachers to communicate and collaborate with other teachers in the province. According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, Ontarion students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will benefit from blended learning within the next 3 years (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/elearning/). 

Blogging

Blogger

Today we were introduced to Blogger which is a web-based program that allows one to create and customize a blog. What is a blog?
See the video below:

YouTube Video

We are using Blogger and are learning how to insert videos into our blogs. The video below will provide helpful information describing how to set up your Blogger Blog as well as embed a video.

YouTube Video

I have added one person on my blogroll!!
Did you know that Will Richardson has been blogging for over 10 years!

Classroom Use: create & share class/school information; post field trip information; post parent helper calendars; daily lessons for students who are ill or on vacation; creative writing prompts, striking visual images;