Final Farewell....For Now!

I have always wanted to start a blog, but really had no idea what I was doing. That was until I took this class. I have learned soooo much this semester, and I can't wait to use it in my future classroom! I hope to keep a blog going for my students and their parents because I think it is a great way to stay caught up on what is going on in the classroom. Technology can be a great thing as long as it is handled right. Another idea is to post random worksheets, games, or tips for parents to do with their children at home. These wouldn't count as anything, but would be an extra little something for them to keep their skills sharp. =)

I hope you all enjoyed these projects as much as I have! =)

Thank you all for a GREAT semester!!!!!!!!

Glogster

I really wanted to try Glogster, so I signed up for the 7 day free trial. To make this, I used one of their templates, but to my understanding you can make your own from scratch. I absolutely love this app, and will most likely consider buying full membership for my classroom. This can be a super creative way for students to present different topics, or even create announcements to post on your classroom blog. Anything that is colorful and attractive will most likely catch a persons eye, so this is a visually appealing way to get your information across. I was actually sitting here thinking of different ways I could incorporate this into my home life and my Norwex business as well. =) GREAT application! Can't wait to create something else with it!

P.S. I know this is a little wide for my blog format, but I wanted you to be able to see the whole picture! =)

Khan Academy

I didn't find this website to be as useful, at least for me. This website is geared more towards older students. It would be a great website to high school students to log onto and practice their skills. Math seems to be the only website that is geared towards younger students. The lessons are also interactive, but not really what I was looking for.

Opened.io

I really enjoyed this website. I believe this to be a website that I would use in my classroom. I will post my pros and cons below. This website is full of interactive games and activities that would keep even the youngest student occupied during class. With lessons turning more towards computer based lessons, this would be a great place to start. I am not 100% sure, but I think the lessons are already matched up to the standards that our students will need to know. This would make it a lot easier to find assignments that our students need to know, or even need to review. This site has games also. These could be used as "I'm done with the assignment, now what?" type of activities. While they are playing games, they are still learning. This is a good website, and I suggest that everyone should check it out. =)

Teaching about Digital Foodprint

I found a resource that has a pretty good outline on how to teach older children about their digital footprint. It incorporates videos as well as class questions. I don't think children know how important it is to pay attention to their digital footprint and the potential destruction it could have on their future.

Guide on Teaching Student's About Their Digital Footprint

 THIS looks like a GREAT activity and one I would use in my classroom! This video shows a class doing an interactive activity that discusses digital footprints and helps them determine what is safe to post online and what is not safe.

Link to MindMap

Here is the link to my mindmap:

MindMap

Copyright Websites

There are many websites out there that will help teachers explain copyright to their students. I found two websites that I would use in my classroom. I would use Common Sense Media because of the videos. Students respond well to watching videos in the classroom. I feel that it changes things up rather than I be up front lecturing them.

I would also use Copyright Kids. This information is also geared towards students which makes it easier for them to understand. I do like The Copyright Challenge on the website and would most likely have my students complete this so I knew where their understanding of it was.