Reflection on Summer Tech Challenge

I'm so glad I participated in the Summer Tech Challenge.  I am always game for a challenge!

The first challenge talked about the 10 Skills Modern Teachers Must Have.  Though I don't have all of these skills perfected, I am on my way.  I remember this article talked about slowing down.

"No need to try and revolutionize your classroom in one afternoon.  That's a recipe for failure."    

Each of the technology tools I explored in this challenge are tools I see my fourth graders using in the classroom.  Will I use all of these skills this year?  No, probably not.  But my eyes have been opened to the power of technology and the importance of understanding the digital learner.

I am also feeling more comfortable with Twitter (I'm no longer a Twitter-newbie:) and blogging.  Before this session started, I couldn't tell you what an embed code was.  Now I have my own family blog and adding to it almost daily!

I'm excited to try Glogster, Voki, and Go Animate in the classroom.  I see these tools as a way to add a little Vegas to my instruction!  If the tool helps to engage my learners, I'm interested!

Again, I proud to have completed the NPS Summer Tech Challenge. Thank you for all the kind comments.  I do hope to keep this blog updated this year, but I know how time flies once we are teaching. Check back for more teaching tidbits!  Signing off for now.  :) Meagan

Go Animate

I had a blast creating this video an GoAnimate!  

GoAnimate is a super easy video maker. What I love about GoAnimate, and all the other challenges on the Summer Tech Challenges, is the social networking capability.  With this tool, you have the capability to follow other video makers.  After looking at several videos and gaining lots of ideas, I created this silly video to start a discussion on classroom behaviors and expectations.

Classroom Expectations by Meagan Priebe on GoAnimate

In addition to spicing up lesson delivery, students can also use GoAnimiate.  I can see my students using this tool to create book talks, presentations, and other videos to show learning.

Have fun and GoAnimate!

LiveBinders

I'm starting to fall in love with LiveBinders!  Three-ring binders were my best friend... but you can only three-hole punch and clip and snap so often.  Now there is the perfect alternative... LIVEBINDERS!

LiveBinders replaces your old and dusty 3 ring binder for a new online storage device to organize anything and everything!

Here are a few ideas I found off the LiveBinder website:

• ePortfolios (students add collections of work to showcase in their binder)

• Substitute Packages (create a binder for your substitute to access... everything is located in one place!)

• Parent Packages (binder full of resources for parents to access)

• Teaching Tools (organize your curriculum)

Fourth Grade Resource

Currently, I have two LiveBinders in the creation phase.  The first binder I created is for my fourth graders and their parents.  It's a collection of resources (websites, videos, and documents) that will assist them in their learning.  I've enjoyed using the LiveBinderIt tool (so easy!!) to add websites and other resources for my fourth grade students!

Eventually, I'd like to share my teacher evaluation binder.  This binder will be a collection of all my teacher evaluation documents and evidence!

Google Presentation

PowerPoint VS. Google Presentation!?!

I've heard many compelling arguments for and against each of these presentation tools.  I haven't used either one enough to be an expert, but I believe each has it's benefits.

PowerPoint may be a more robust presentation program, but nothing can beat the collaboration that Google has to offer.  With Google Presentation, the presenter can publish the slides online.  With access to the URL, the other students can pose questions and post comments during the presentation.  Though I haven't done this with my fourth graders yet, I'm sure the students would be more engaged than sitting back listening with nothing better to do.

In addition, PowerPoint files easily convert into Google Presentation slides.  Here is an example of a Google Presentation I made for open house this year.