This is Why Students Students Should Use Google Apps

So at the beginning of the year my district decided to give our students Google accounts so that students could use Google Apps, specifically Google Drive. We started with the basic functions of documents and presentations. It wasn't much different than your typical word processing and powerpoint lesson. We then showed them how to share documents. I graded them and they could see the results instantly. I told them that the best was yet to come.

They have been studying the Solar System in Science. We let them choose any topic to research and make a presentation. They knew how to make presentations, but I showed them how to share them with their classmates. They thought that was pretty cool. THEN I showed them the chat feature. You would have thought I let I doled out extra recess. They went nuts. I was a little nervous that they would misuse it and just chat about everything but their projects, but they amazed me at the level of conversation. They were not only discussing the project, but how to make it better and complimenting each other along the way. Now, I went nuts.

As it turns out, I didn't have to give a big speech about not using the chat to talk about non-school related stuff. They just did it because they were caught up in how well it worked as a communication tool.

So the biggest reason why I think students should use this technology is communication. I told them that face-to-face communication is not always needed and we can learn how to adapt without it. They weren't silent while working on the projects, but the majority of their communication was through their writing. This is the kind of work that they will do and the way they will communicate later in their lives, and they are seeing the value of it at a very young age. In my technology class, my students aren't just learning about technology, they are also learning better communication skills and how to leverage available technology to accomplish tasks. So that is why I believe students need to use Google apps.

The Difference Between Search and Research

This post was inspired by Wendy Eiteljorg. She posted about teaching students about the difference between searching and researching a topic. This could not have been timed better. I read this post about a week before my students were going to start a research project about explorers. I had great intentions of teaching the best lesson on research EVER! It didn't go as well as planned, but just keep reading.

I started with my first group by using a T-chart to list some differences between search and research. I used examples like a dog fetching a ball and Trick or Treating and examining candy after Trick or Treat (both suggestions made by Wendy). It was great. We talked about how I LOVE Google, but not for research. We can't always trust everything we find on Google and Google doesn't give us the kind of information we need for research reports. It is great for finding quick answers (search). I love Google, I mean I am using the blogger platform after all, just not for kids doing research reports. And the Teacher of the Year award goes to ... Mr. Evans!

Then we get to the computer lab. I caught two students using Google to search for their explorers. Do I have to give my award back now?

I tried with the next class and I think it went better. I made the students tell me more about why they shouldn't use Google and why they should use INFOhio instead. I was surprised at how well they already understood the concept. We got to the computer lab. Nobody tried to use Google. SUCCESS!

I feel bad for my first group of students. I feel that I shortchanged them. I will continue to work with them on the differences, but I feel this is a good start.

I'll let you know when the award comes in the mail :)

Goals

In completing my master's degree in the last few years, I read some literature about goal setting. So when my students recently completed a common assessment I decided to have them write some goals for themselves. I may catch some flack for placing emphasis on assessments, but I saw an opportunity and took it.

I had them write their results and what they would like to improve upon for the next time. I then had them write what they would do to achieve these goals. As Carol Dweck has pointed out, I had them focus on hard work. I didn't tell them what to write, but gave them an example. I told them I recently took up running in an effort to be more physically fit. My goal from the beginning was to run a 5k. I told them that I had to start running and fit it into my schedule a couple times a week.

Well on Thanksgiving, I did it. I ran my first 5k. I finished. I ran the whole time and never walked. I was so proud, and very happy to see my family at the finish. As I looked at my number that identified me as a runner. I thought it would be great keepsake, but then I couldn't wait to take it and show it to my students. I cant wait to share my pride with students and to show them how hard work can lead to accomplishing your goals.

Rarely do we get the opportunity to share real world examples in realtime as they happen. It feels like at teachable moment, I just hope I can articulate this into a learning moment for the students. I want them to understand that my hard work translated into results that I am proud and I want them to do the same. If anyone actually reads this little blog and would like to give me some advice on how to give my students some inspiration, your help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. Try not to laugh too hard at my slow time at the finish line.

TMI

Too much information. We live in the information age, but sometimes it can be too much. In my school, the previous years teachers send "Notes to Next Year's Teacher" and we get them at the beginning of school. I really have a rough time with this because I know that they are just trying to help us by giving us some information. I usually try to ignore them for a few weeks until I can get a good idea of the kids that I have. This year I couldn't because many of the notes had issues that would need immediate attention, like IEPs and 504s. I was worried that it would completely jade my view of these kids. I was told to look at them, and I did.

I read them and was not surprised, that some of these kids would need a lot of help. I was afraid that I would have a preconceived notion about these kids. I really try not to judge and I am glad that I didn't. These kids are amazing. Moral of the story: Don't judge. I hate when people judge me. Do you feel the same way? How do you deal with judgement?

New Beginnings

Well after using blogger for our 5th grade class newsletter, I have decided to start using it for my personal and professional blog. I'm not sure why I used wordpress to begin with, but here are some reasons why I am making the switch.

1. I tried to set up our blog on edublogs and found it very clunky. It is owned and run by wordpress, so it makes sense that they are so similar. I was just very confused by many of the features and found blogger more user friendly.

2. I haven't really used wordpress that much lately. I use my google reader everyday and I hope that this will sync better and will lead to me using it more.

3. I love everything that google does, so I hope this won't disappoint me.

So here it is my new beginning. Kinda lame, but I have to write something for my first post.