Facebook in the Classroom

Facebook in the Classroom 

Richardson, W. 2010, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. 3rd Ed. Corwin Publishing, Thousand Oaks, CA. Chapter 9.

After reading the section from Richardson's book about using Facebook in the Classroom, I felt compelled to try and set up a course. I had no idea that Facebook had the capability of setting up a course in such a manner. I went to Facebook and set up a course for my Work Readiness class this fall. I have never been a fan of becoming friends with my students and will not when they send me requests. This is a great way to grab the students attention without getting to personal. It is something they are all familiar with and can easily use. I am excited to get this course going in the fall.

Is Wrongdoing Right?

School Change: Make Room for "Wrongdoing"

By: Matt Levinson

Link to Article 

This is something that I totally agree with. I have always felt that we need to let kids fail in order for them to grow. In my opinion, learning from mistakes makes a person who they are. It helps people develop beliefs and opinions. I feel that the growth from failure or wrongdoings is by far more motivating than alternative measures.

Collaborative Editing

7 things you should know about... Collaborative Editing    

Link to Article 

The importance of collaboration in any profession is essential to be successful. This is a very interesting article defining collaborative editing and explaining the next steps in the progression. I have recently been using a collaborative editing tool with my wife to track our finances. I think it is a very effective idea and can be very helpful and efficient. Like they discuss in the article however, the people you choose to share the document with need to be trustworthy. I am anxious to see where collaborative editing goes in the future. 

Integrating Ipads

The Dos and Don'ts for Integrating iPads

By: Ben Johnson 

Link to Article 

A great article discussing the implementation of iPads in the classroom. It is especially eye opening to read some of the reasons teachers do not use iPads in their classroom's even though they are readily available. Most of the examples highlighted in the article are the same complaints teachers in my school use even though every student has a laptop. Interesting read.

RIchardson Chapter 8

Diigo

Richardson, W. 2010, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. 3rd Ed. Corwin Publishing, Thousand Oaks, CA. Chapter 8.


After reading the chapter, specifically about the tool Diigo, I went online to set up an account. I can see this being a very valuable source not only in the classroom but in my personal life as well. Being able to bookmark different sites and webpages while having the ability to use digital highlights and add interactive sticky notes is very intriguing. I can see myself finding tools on the web and highlighting the portion I want my students to read. It is also nice that these articles or webpages can be accessed anywhere on a number of different devices. I plan on using this tool in my classroom this school year. 

Transforming Direct Instruction

Tools for Teaching: How to Transform Direct Instruction

 By: Rebecca Alber

Link to Article 

As Rebecca quoted Confucius in her writing: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." With PBL and technology taking over the classroom predominantly direct instruction is becoming a thing of the past. While Rebecca still recognizes the significance of direct instruction, she talks about the importance of spending more time preparing lessons that challenge students to discover their own learning.

Better Leadership

Six Paths to Better Leadership

By: Maurice Elias

Link to Article

This article hits home for me as we found out today that we are losing two assistant principals and our superintendent to other school districts in the area. Changes in leadership are ahead in our district which will hopefully be a good thing.

Teacher Burnout

 Teacher Burnout: You're Not Alone

By: Nicholas Provenzano

Link to Article

This is an article I think all teachers can relate to. I definitely feel the effects of teacher burnout when it comes time to do that fifth IEP in a week or complete the ridiculous amounts of paperwork that comes with the job. All it takes to get out of that slump is five minutes with my students. It's nice to know I am not alone!

Summer Work?

Summer Planning for Successful PBL

 By: Bob Lenz

Link to Article

This is a real quick article about planning Project Based Learning projects over the summer. I can relate to Bob when he says creating and implementing projects during the school year is a lot like "building an airplane while flying it". While I have done quite a bit in the summer in the past to get ready for the school year, I have to admit this year, I am feeling a little less motivated. It may be the beautiful summer we are having, or it could be the additional pay-cut we are taking next year on top of increased insurance costs and the step and lane change freeze for the third consecutive year.

iPads in the Classroom

iPads: From Pedagogical Crutch to Education Innovation

By: Beth Holland 

Link to Article 

A really good article about the effectiveness and support an iPad can offer in the classroom. We have used iPads for many of our special education students to support them in their independence in the general education classes. Many of their IEP goals relate to independence in the general education setting. Very interesting read!

Less Suspension = Decreases in Dropout Rates

The Link Between Suspension and Dropout

By: Robyn Gee

Link to Article 

This is a very interesting article I found regarding suspensions and dropout rates. Working in the field of special education, we work a great deal with the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports discussed in the article. There are also a few other strategies that school districts are using to reduce the amount of suspensions. The strategy the Richmond High is using in California is very interesting. Really quick and informative read!

College and Career Ready: Soft Skills Are Crucial

By: Ben Johnson

Link to Article 

This is a great read discussing the 21st century skills schools need to be implementing in their teaching. I especially like the section of the article when it sheds light through the eye of the business or corporation. They are saying that since schools aren't collaborating with businesses, they are not producing the product that is needed. Critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, and adaptability are just a few to these critical skills highlighted in this article.

Meet The Robot That Will Teach Your Child To Program

By: Lauren Orsini

Link to Article

Toys have drastically changed since I was young. This interesting article introduces a new robot that is kid friendly. Children ages 5-12 are supposed to be able to use these robots to program in order to complete basic tasks. Children are encouraged to use their imagination. The article also states that the creators are encouraging programming to be taught in schools. Times have changed!

Google+ Turns Two: Why I'm Becoming A Convert

By: David Sobotta 

Link to Article  

I thought this was an interesting article given that I just learned about Google+ in our last graduate course. I had no idea it has been around for two years. Since I was introduced to Google+ about a month ago now, I have started using it more and more. We have family all over the US in which we have been able to have group conversations with. The article talks about how Google+ is just now starting to catch on after two years of existence.

Great Teachers Don't Teach

 By: Ben Johnson 

 Link to Article  

This article emphasizes the importance of students taking control of their own learning. In the article, Ben mentioned project-based learning and inquiry as two of the most important aspects in teaching. He mentioned that the teachers role has changed dramatically in the classroom stating "great teachers stack the deck so that students have a reason to learn and in the process can't help but learn mainly by teaching themselves" (Johnson, 2013).  An interesting read for sure!

Creative Commons - Get Creative

By: willmed

Link to Video

Are you constantly using images, quotes, and information from the web? Have you ever checked the copyright protection on this material? Creative Commons developed an easy way to allow others to use their work. Once a piece of work is complete, it is automatically protected by copyright laws. One must then ask permission to use this piece of work. Creative Commons skips this piece and allows the creator to grant permission for public use. Take a look at the video for a better understanding.

Educators: How to Give Your Great Ideas Wings (and Cash)

 By Suzie Boss

Link to Article   

Here is an interesting article about how some educators are funding and putting their creative ideas to work. I feel the biggest road block when trying to implement ideas / activities into the classroom is always money. I find myself asking "where am I going to get the resources for that." Here are some ideas to find those resources.