Module 6

What fun to work with Picasa Web Albums.  I have had a blast uploading and creating my first album.  I can see how you could use Picasa to upload and store the many photos that are taken in the classroom.  The amount of memory saved on the computer, WOW!!!

Here's the link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111031623742694785212/MyDogCuddles?authuser=0&feat=directlink

The copyright component of this module has been very useful and it I believe it to be an excellent resource to use in the classroom as the students need to learn about this, it affects them.  The photos that are uploaded are there for ever and students need to know this and understand that anyone who has access to the iternet can view and use them.

I hope you enjoy the cute photos.  At the moment, Cuddles needs a hair cut!!! So he doesn't really look like this.
I'm going to make an album to use in Religion next week, just to try it out.  I will let you know how it goes.

Module 5

Well, I must admit, I am a bit overwhelmed by how much there is out there that could be used in the classroom.  Mindmapping with Bubbl.us what a great tool to use to brainstorm a new topic.  In the 1/2's we are about to begin a new topic in Religion on the Holy Spirit and Pentecost, may be we could use Bubbl.us to brainstorm what we know and what we wonder about in this area.  We could also use it to then map out what was learnt during our unit.  But, then I looked at Glogster and what a great way to create a poster to sum up our unit.  We can also use Glogster in Inquiry as we are now focusing on Mini-beasts.  We can create posters that the children could access from home.  Not sure about Prezi though, have had trouble getting into it.  I guess I will have to wait until I have better luck.

Module 4

Wow, I have just tried Animoto, how much fun!!!  I can see the real value in using this program to make short and sharp videos for the students to view when working on a particular topic.  I think this is also a powerful and fun way for the students to present their work, findings etc.
I have always relied on YouTube for video clips to support my lessons, but I am now aware of other sources such as school tube.  I have lots of navigating to do now.  It is exciting to think that there is so much out there to support and reinforce our teaching.

Module 3

In the 1/2 level we have set up a gmail account so that we can all access it.  In this google docs drive we have devised a weekly planner for our level, which can be accessed by all anywhere.  We can add, delete, modify etc.  to this document as we need.  The advantage of having such a document is that we can all work on the same planner at the same time without causing any problems or delays as we all plan on a Wednesday.  We have created a folder where we keep all our files and documents tidy and easy to access.  It's interesting to hear comments from people who are not aware of the things that can be done using Google. People generally see Google as a search engine only.  I have tried setting up a quiz on Google docs.  I have learnt to share and invite people to access folders and documents.  Refining your search is so important particularly when we work with young children.  I have worked with 'excel' in Google docs too.  Explore and have a go, is my advice as by exploring one can only learn.

Module 2

Well, I have just looked at how to use blogs within the classroom and it's very exciting to think that we could share information that the students could actually access from home.  I teach 1/2 and I know that it will take a little bit of time to set up and train the children on how to access and use a blog.  However, it is exciting to think that this could be part of their homework!! It will give the children an opportunity to express their ideas and thoughts about topics that we may cover in class.  It will also give them access to extra information or articles that may be needed to complete tasks at home and save on paper and photocopying!!! All the benefits.  My concern though is how do we cater for those students who are not fortunate enough to access this sort of media...