Exploring Web Resources for the Classroom

What internet resources are you using in your classroom?

As I was exploring of all the many Web 2.0 tools, I discovered many new resources and went deeper into some resources that I am already using.  I was amazed to see the many possibilities of using these technologies in the classroom with students, rather than just for my own professional growth, planning, and knowledge.  As an elementary teacher with limited resources, I found Google Drive to be the most beneficial tool.  Although my school district uses Google for Gmail and other activities at the high school level, it is rarely discussed when working with young students.  I was never aware of the awesome, additional features that were available to me, most of which are free.

I am excited to start using Google Forms and Google Sites in my classroom with my third grade students.  As the oldest students in my elementary building, they take the most paper and pencil assessments, and using Forms will be a tremendous time-saver with the automatic grading options.  It is also a great way to teach basic technology skills to my young students. Often students ask about a particular song, video, or composer that we studied, and they will write the name down on a paper to look up later at home.  Google Sites can be a great way to provide this information to both students and parents.  Also, parents can access my Sites page for information on assignments, upcoming projects and tests, concerts, special days, and after-school club announcements.

When working with students on biographies, poem-writing, or group projects, I plan to utilize Google Docs.  I have already created a document to use where students listen to a piece by our composer, and then add their thoughts and observations in the shared Doc and respond to their classmates’ opinions.

As I said, I already have been using Google Drive, but I realized that I am barely touching the surface.  There is so much more available to me.  For my own planning, I can’t wait to share resources with other teachers, collaborate in live-time on a project, translate parent letters for those that speak a different language, and so much more!  I am especially excited about the many music and writing add-ons and extensions that I discovered.

For me, I think one of the major advantages of Google Drive is the ability to be access files anywhere over the internet.  In any given day, I probably am using 4-5 different technological devices, and I may need to access something at home that I created at school, and it can be easily done with Google Drive.

As I look forward to another school year, I am excited about the potential of using Google Drive and its many add-ons and extensions.  I just can’t wait to share these features with my coworkers and family members.

If you want to check out Google Drive, Docs, Forms, or Sites further, you can check out my videos here.

~Your not-so-techie teacher

Setting Up Google Forms - Video

Are you interested in setting up some online lessons and assessments for your students?  Are you looking for ways to "FLIP your classroom"?

Google Forms is a great online resource, easy to create and use with students of all ages.  It can be used as a pre-test, video lesson with follow-up questions, quiz/test, or even a survey.

Check out this video that I made to help you set up your own Google Forms:

If you're not currently using Google Drive and are interested in starting, check out my Google Drive Basics video first:

On my YouTube channel, I have several other technology-help videos.  Check them out here!

~Your not-so-techie teacher

Do You Flickr? Photo-Sharing Sites

Do you Flickr?

If I was asked that question last week, I would have no clue what you were talking about! So let me tell you!

I love photography and clipart, and I often am on the search for images to use in my classroom presentations.  After perusing the various online collaborative photo-sharing sites available out there, I decided on Flickr.  I really like the look of the site, and it was very easy to sign-up, activate my account, and upload my first pictures.  I also found a large number of amazing pictures upload by other users.  I like to use pictures for a variety of purposes - personally, educationally, and commercially, so I quickly discovered the license options with every picture.  They have a helpful feature to search for pictures of certain sizes/dimensions, patterns, tags, dates, and more.  Those options ca significantly slice your search time and ensure that you find what you actually want.  Google Images also has an Advanced Search that you can specify some of the same features.

Finding clipart and photography can definitely help in student projects, presentations, and research papers.  Digital stories and movies are today’s learners common assignments.  Flickr and other sites can help students find quality photographs to add to their work.  When teaching a lesson on a geographic landmark, country, or architecture, educators can access these sites to help their students experience, gain an appreciation, and develop a deeper understanding for the content of the lesson, helping to accomplish the content standards.

I found some great pictures on Flickr.  Here are 2 that I would potentially use in a future lesson:

    

Here are 2 of my personal photos that I uploaded:

          

Maybe you've already heard of and become a member of Flickr. I'm not really sure why I've never heard of it before, so I say - Flickr, where have you been all my life?

ISTE Standards used:  6. Creative Communicator

a. choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.

b. create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.

c. communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.

d. publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.

~Your not-so-techy teacher