Steve Cardwell, our new superintendent has unblocked facebook at Vancouver Schools!
So far, so good...I haven't heard of it being an issue.
Here's something I found interesting - I don't think all the students know about this yet - I told a couple today and they were shocked - happy but surprised.
For once, I knew something before they did! : )
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A quote that I like -from an article in Google Reader - Reading Break
"We don’t stop playing games because we’re getting older – We get old because we stop playing games." (author unknown)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bembo's Zoo - a very fun website! - Reading Break
A colleague of mine introduced me to a new website (well, new to me, at least) called Bembo's Zoo (click on 1 of the letters and see the magic begin!) and I had to mention it in my blog! What a creative way to use and introduce Flash to students! Lee (my colleague) is planning a shaped poetry assignment and when he came across this website, he told me that he realized new technologies have added an interested twist to this whole concept.
Another reminder (along with our article for our group wiki project) that we do have to think about the way we teach "old" concepts when new technology becomes available to us.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what his Technology Immersion students will come up with for this unit!
Another reminder (along with our article for our group wiki project) that we do have to think about the way we teach "old" concepts when new technology becomes available to us.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what his Technology Immersion students will come up with for this unit!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wikimatrix and WikiIndex - cool tools - week 6
I just wanted to make a quick comment about Wikimatrix and WikiIndex - what cool tools!
I really like being able to compare the different wiki options - this way we can pick the best one suited for our needs. Honestly, I didn't know there were so many different sites that provided wiki opportunities. Very Cool!
WikiIndex is also a great resource - again, I didn't know there were so many wikis out there! Something I definitely need to explore more in the future. Or better yet, get the students to explore them.
I really like being able to compare the different wiki options - this way we can pick the best one suited for our needs. Honestly, I didn't know there were so many different sites that provided wiki opportunities. Very Cool!
WikiIndex is also a great resource - again, I didn't know there were so many wikis out there! Something I definitely need to explore more in the future. Or better yet, get the students to explore them.
An example of a wiki I like as a TL - week 6
If I haven't said it before, I will say it now...I feel so fortunate to be a TL in the Vancouver district. We have amazing people at the school board that support and really understand what we need to grow and develop as TLs in the 21st century.
Our wonderful TL consultant, Moira Ekdahl, has created a wiki that other TLs have so graciously contributed to. Along with her blog, she really have provided us with many tools that I find invaluable.
I've noticed that I need to update some information about our school - and the beauty of a wiki - I just need to be added as a contributor and then I can be a voice in this wonderful community!
If you're interested, check out the TL wiki that was created by Moira and many other amazing TLs.
Our wonderful TL consultant, Moira Ekdahl, has created a wiki that other TLs have so graciously contributed to. Along with her blog, she really have provided us with many tools that I find invaluable.
I've noticed that I need to update some information about our school - and the beauty of a wiki - I just need to be added as a contributor and then I can be a voice in this wonderful community!
If you're interested, check out the TL wiki that was created by Moira and many other amazing TLs.
Reflection on Oatman's article and wikis - week 6
As I consider week 5 and 6 readings/lessons, I am realizing the potential of wikis as a powerful collaborative tool for both students and staff.
Some postive points that Oatman brings up in his article are:
- using wikis as a way to empower students and learners
- wikis can teach students to be tolerant and accepting of different points of view
- media is controlled by people who have the means to, and wikis give people equal opportunity to contribute.
I like this quote:
"young people develop "writing skills and social skills by learning about group consenus and compromise - all virtues you need to be a reasonable and productive member of society" ( Oatman 2005).
This point stands out for because we have a lot of tech savvy students at our school, but giving them opportunities to develop the social skills needed to apply their technical skills is just as important. They all need to be given the chance to celebrate each other's contributions and develop skills that they will need in the real world.
Some postive points that Oatman brings up in his article are:
- using wikis as a way to empower students and learners
- wikis can teach students to be tolerant and accepting of different points of view
- media is controlled by people who have the means to, and wikis give people equal opportunity to contribute.
I like this quote:
"young people develop "writing skills and social skills by learning about group consenus and compromise - all virtues you need to be a reasonable and productive member of society" ( Oatman 2005).
This point stands out for because we have a lot of tech savvy students at our school, but giving them opportunities to develop the social skills needed to apply their technical skills is just as important. They all need to be given the chance to celebrate each other's contributions and develop skills that they will need in the real world.
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