For Thing 18, I decided to try Zoho Writer on another computer (did not want another thing to sign up for since all of these queries have wreaked havoc on my PC). Cloud technologies are catching on quick and although I thought it was fine, I am too attached to my beloved (ha ha) Google Docs. The way I am able to easily maneuver with all Google Apps - I just can’t give up that convenience.
For Thing 19, I already had a LibraryThing account set up when I took my ELIB literature classes. It sat dormant until I became a TL this past school year. I have actually used it more for my own investigations (e.g. looking at what other TL’s are reading, writing, recommending, etc) than for posting my own entries. I am happy to say most of the CSLA2 Team’s book entries are part my collection. In fact, David Pelzer’s A Child Called It was checked out most of the time. One of my wonderful student volunteers, 8th grader Anthony Ojeda, read the book so many times, I went and bought him the English and Spanish version from Borders (I received a nice teacher discount – he is worth it!).
It is good to rub and polish our brains against that of others.
- Michel de Montaigne
As I write my last entry for The 23+ Things (includes Assistive Technology), I reflect back on all of the tasks, the time involved and the personal gain. All of this School Library Learning has really been shared knowledge and shared exploration. I have enjoyed using Web 2.0 and look forward to 3.0. I also feel the 570 class (this being part of the requirements) has been my favorite ELIB class for CSULB. The exercises keep us cutting edge for our schools, for each other and for ourselves.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Week 7: Wikis and the Sandbox
Wikis are a great collaboration tool. Prior to this exercise, I already had a PB Works account with another group (CSULB Cybrarians 2009) and was familiar with the basics of managing a wiki. I had created a wiki for my webportal for the 570 class. If time permits, I plan to extend my webportal wiki to become a Columbus Middle School Wiki to use as a co-created and shared resource – a hub of information, not just for the LMC, but for the entire school.
Before this thing, I had not heard of a Sandbox. I thought the concept was cute, but think the only true value was to expose students of LibraryLearning 2.0 not familiar with wikis, opportunities to practice.
In exploring other wikis in this exercise, my personal favorite was Library Success. I liked having so much practical information all on one site. The set-up was similar to Wikipedia (probably same webmaster). I can see users equating the same idea of massive information just by the format. Anyway, I bookmarked this site.
Before this thing, I had not heard of a Sandbox. I thought the concept was cute, but think the only true value was to expose students of LibraryLearning 2.0 not familiar with wikis, opportunities to practice.
In exploring other wikis in this exercise, my personal favorite was Library Success. I liked having so much practical information all on one site. The set-up was similar to Wikipedia (probably same webmaster). I can see users equating the same idea of massive information just by the format. Anyway, I bookmarked this site.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Week 6 - Things 13, 14 & 15
Thing 13 confirmed that tag clouds are everywhere. They are artistic and just invite you to click. I believe there must be some financial incentives as larger clouds show popularity, thus more hits (thus more advertising, etc).
It took awhile to read the links for thing 15. As educators and ELIB students, we are confronted daily with the ever changing Future of libraries and Web 2.0 (with Web 3.0 on the horizon). Not only do we teach our students, much of the time, we teach the teachers. Noting OCLC’s Next Space Blog which stated “….remember your ABC’s – always be connecting” – it’s the nature (and future) of information specialists. And with cloud based technologies, the trend shifts from where information is stored to how it is accessed. The common idea across all readings was utilizing technologies to collaborate. Hmm, what we’ve always done, but now high tech.
The discovery exercises for thing 14 focused more about writing content (site optimization) in your blogs/websites that will draw readers to your site. Inspired by Dr. Farmer’s information about Tataouine (5/1 class), I decided to maneuver through Technorati to see what (and how) people were saying about the two holidays this week (Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo). I turned my findings into a lesson. At nutrition, I had the computer out, projector screen down and used the process to show students about blogs, tag clouds and what you can get from them. We also watched the movie trailer for Iron Man 2. Okay, so yes, the library can be a place to learn and have some fun!
It took awhile to read the links for thing 15. As educators and ELIB students, we are confronted daily with the ever changing Future of libraries and Web 2.0 (with Web 3.0 on the horizon). Not only do we teach our students, much of the time, we teach the teachers. Noting OCLC’s Next Space Blog which stated “….remember your ABC’s – always be connecting” – it’s the nature (and future) of information specialists. And with cloud based technologies, the trend shifts from where information is stored to how it is accessed. The common idea across all readings was utilizing technologies to collaborate. Hmm, what we’ve always done, but now high tech.
The discovery exercises for thing 14 focused more about writing content (site optimization) in your blogs/websites that will draw readers to your site. Inspired by Dr. Farmer’s information about Tataouine (5/1 class), I decided to maneuver through Technorati to see what (and how) people were saying about the two holidays this week (Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo). I turned my findings into a lesson. At nutrition, I had the computer out, projector screen down and used the process to show students about blogs, tag clouds and what you can get from them. We also watched the movie trailer for Iron Man 2. Okay, so yes, the library can be a place to learn and have some fun!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Week 5 - Fun Week Things 10, 11 & 12
I love comics (Iron Man 2 comes out this weekend) and enjoyed the Sign Generator, until I hit a bump in the road where to continue, I was asked for pay pal verify. I never got to complete anything, so I moved on to Image Chef. It was nice to access without signing up. It’s just like Wordle which needs the latest Java Script (I had to download onto all of the LMC computers). Surprisingly, at school no one had heard of Wordle or ImageChef when I introduced them. Consequently, I showed teachers how to incorporate them into their lessons. The kids (and teachers) love it!
There were many award winning webapps (see link) I’ve already used and written about. I decided to comment on my favorite, Google. What else can I say, I love them all! I even set up two accounts of Google everything for business and for my personal use. With regards to ELIB classes, so much of what I need to access, Google reader lets me view everything on one screen. Even my smart phone interfaces with Google!
The Travel IQ Challenge was fun (although I didn’t score too well – too slow), so I added it to the Blog. I plan to add it to my website later. Although I have already created a custom Google search, I must admit, I liked the ease of Rollyo, especially not being another thing to sign up for. I also like the fact that many rolls were already set up and I could access them. Time’s not my best friend these busy days, so that was sweet!
There were many award winning webapps (see link) I’ve already used and written about. I decided to comment on my favorite, Google. What else can I say, I love them all! I even set up two accounts of Google everything for business and for my personal use. With regards to ELIB classes, so much of what I need to access, Google reader lets me view everything on one screen. Even my smart phone interfaces with Google!
The Travel IQ Challenge was fun (although I didn’t score too well – too slow), so I added it to the Blog. I plan to add it to my website later. Although I have already created a custom Google search, I must admit, I liked the ease of Rollyo, especially not being another thing to sign up for. I also like the fact that many rolls were already set up and I could access them. Time’s not my best friend these busy days, so that was sweet!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Week 9 – Podcasts, Videos & Downloadable Audio
To teach is to learn twice over. - Joseph Joubert
By now, everyone knows YouTube and its subsidiaries (e.g. TeacherTube, even FarsiTube, which my daughters love!). I’ve enjoyed the entertainment aspect for years. I used to not consider using web-based videos as a classroom resource, since most sites are blocked by LAUSD. For other sites, streaming videos were subject to the Internet working, or working too slow. However, once I figured out how to convert files, they are now a staple in my curriculum. Just today, I had a scheduled author visit, who wanted to show a video she had made as part of her presentation. Although I had offered to prepare anything she needed for her presentation, she didn’t tell me she needed access to YouTube until she arrived at our school (with her camera crew – more on that later). All efforts failed to circumvent the block so she rescheduled for another day. Of course I had to use Plan B for the classes I had scheduled! Point – videos are a vital aspect to engaging students. It takes planning and preparation to streamline their use.
In undergraduate school, I had the opportunity to work in college radio (MIT’s WMBR) as an engineer (11pm – 3am shift). I had obtained my third and second class engineer’s license. If I had stayed in Massachusetts, I would have gone on for my first class license and probably made it a career. Point – this exercise allowed me to think about the progression of digital media over 20+ years. With podcasts, anyone can become an “air personality”. It’s an effective communication tool for those who prefer to be “off camera”. I linked a podcast for educators to my Blog since teachers are following.
I first used audio books as a parent and found them a wonderful resource. With my first iPod, I started importing books on CD. Having been an ELL teacher most of my teaching career, I am an advocate of audio books for language learners, struggling readers and those with time constraints. And I certainly welcome tips on resources for free e-books. I hope future funding allows us to purchase and use them more.
By now, everyone knows YouTube and its subsidiaries (e.g. TeacherTube, even FarsiTube, which my daughters love!). I’ve enjoyed the entertainment aspect for years. I used to not consider using web-based videos as a classroom resource, since most sites are blocked by LAUSD. For other sites, streaming videos were subject to the Internet working, or working too slow. However, once I figured out how to convert files, they are now a staple in my curriculum. Just today, I had a scheduled author visit, who wanted to show a video she had made as part of her presentation. Although I had offered to prepare anything she needed for her presentation, she didn’t tell me she needed access to YouTube until she arrived at our school (with her camera crew – more on that later). All efforts failed to circumvent the block so she rescheduled for another day. Of course I had to use Plan B for the classes I had scheduled! Point – videos are a vital aspect to engaging students. It takes planning and preparation to streamline their use.
In undergraduate school, I had the opportunity to work in college radio (MIT’s WMBR) as an engineer (11pm – 3am shift). I had obtained my third and second class engineer’s license. If I had stayed in Massachusetts, I would have gone on for my first class license and probably made it a career. Point – this exercise allowed me to think about the progression of digital media over 20+ years. With podcasts, anyone can become an “air personality”. It’s an effective communication tool for those who prefer to be “off camera”. I linked a podcast for educators to my Blog since teachers are following.
I first used audio books as a parent and found them a wonderful resource. With my first iPod, I started importing books on CD. Having been an ELL teacher most of my teaching career, I am an advocate of audio books for language learners, struggling readers and those with time constraints. And I certainly welcome tips on resources for free e-books. I hope future funding allows us to purchase and use them more.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Week 4 - RSS Feeds
I am not a teacher but an awakener. - Robert Frost
Prior to this “thing”, I had discovered Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds and started using them for personal use. Like most people, I wanted breaking news sent to me. I had also put a feed into the web portal. I was to soon find out how valuable feeds were. On April 4th (Easter), I was sitting at my computer working on ELIB assignments when the Baja earthquake struck. There was strong rolling, but no loss of power. I had added the United States Geological Survey (USGS) feed awhile back. I was notified instantaneously and knew the magnitude before the television media. Seeing it work so efficiently, my interest in RSS soared and consequently, I began to subscribe to sites to use for everything!
In this assignment (thing 8), I set up the RSS feed in Google Reader. Was I ever impressed! In Google Reader, you can just add a subscription just like a search and you will get links to choose from. This is good if you are just building your sources. If you are already on the web, you can add feeds by the orange button in the tool bar.
As for Library Blogs, I found using the Google Blog Search to be the most convenient since many of the tools I use link to Google (Blogspot, Reader, G-mail, etc). The most impressive feature for me was the ability to see all subscriptions, blogs and feeds, on one screen. Very practical! In the last few weeks, I have become an enthusiastic user of Google apps. I just wish I had money to buy Google stock (LOL)!
Prior to this “thing”, I had discovered Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds and started using them for personal use. Like most people, I wanted breaking news sent to me. I had also put a feed into the web portal. I was to soon find out how valuable feeds were. On April 4th (Easter), I was sitting at my computer working on ELIB assignments when the Baja earthquake struck. There was strong rolling, but no loss of power. I had added the United States Geological Survey (USGS) feed awhile back. I was notified instantaneously and knew the magnitude before the television media. Seeing it work so efficiently, my interest in RSS soared and consequently, I began to subscribe to sites to use for everything!
In this assignment (thing 8), I set up the RSS feed in Google Reader. Was I ever impressed! In Google Reader, you can just add a subscription just like a search and you will get links to choose from. This is good if you are just building your sources. If you are already on the web, you can add feeds by the orange button in the tool bar.
As for Library Blogs, I found using the Google Blog Search to be the most convenient since many of the tools I use link to Google (Blogspot, Reader, G-mail, etc). The most impressive feature for me was the ability to see all subscriptions, blogs and feeds, on one screen. Very practical! In the last few weeks, I have become an enthusiastic user of Google apps. I just wish I had money to buy Google stock (LOL)!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Assistive Technology: Module 5 - Curriculum
As the AT Discovery Modules conclude, I think of the many hours put into the various exercises. If we hadn’t had to do this, I don’t think I would have learned a much.
Doing these exercises in March, and not October (Disability Awareness Month) made it difficult to do a whole lesson (teachers are busy with District Assessments and STAR test preparation). However, I had the art class in the LMC this past Thursday where there was a “teachable moment”. This class is taught by the MR teacher and 1/3 of the class are students with severe disabilities. The special ed students were dismissed before the general ed students allowing time to get to PE. The remaining students had not been the best behaved. The teacher and I started a discourse on the maturity and self-control of the special ed students, something the remaining students should model. One student spoke up in admiration for the special ed group. I think they got the point.
It’s difficult to think of just one thing when there was so much information. I was impressed with many of the websites that brought attention to the plight of the disabled. I was overwhelmed with the products available to the disabled and their supporters. I was humbled by the courage of the disabled. Most important, I was motivated by what I learned in these modules to be a proactive educator – seeking equality for all.
I believe Librarianship programs should make this a requirement. Although time consuming, you can’t put a price tag on the wealth of knowledge provided. In the Teacher Librarian role, I will continue to teach my teachers about servicing the disabled through modeling lesson plans, acquisition of software, hardware, furniture and equipment and through promoting literature that make us more sensitive to those with special needs (which I can do through many sources including LibraryThing).
Doing these exercises in March, and not October (Disability Awareness Month) made it difficult to do a whole lesson (teachers are busy with District Assessments and STAR test preparation). However, I had the art class in the LMC this past Thursday where there was a “teachable moment”. This class is taught by the MR teacher and 1/3 of the class are students with severe disabilities. The special ed students were dismissed before the general ed students allowing time to get to PE. The remaining students had not been the best behaved. The teacher and I started a discourse on the maturity and self-control of the special ed students, something the remaining students should model. One student spoke up in admiration for the special ed group. I think they got the point.
It’s difficult to think of just one thing when there was so much information. I was impressed with many of the websites that brought attention to the plight of the disabled. I was overwhelmed with the products available to the disabled and their supporters. I was humbled by the courage of the disabled. Most important, I was motivated by what I learned in these modules to be a proactive educator – seeking equality for all.
I believe Librarianship programs should make this a requirement. Although time consuming, you can’t put a price tag on the wealth of knowledge provided. In the Teacher Librarian role, I will continue to teach my teachers about servicing the disabled through modeling lesson plans, acquisition of software, hardware, furniture and equipment and through promoting literature that make us more sensitive to those with special needs (which I can do through many sources including LibraryThing).
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Assistive Technology Module 4 - Basic Etiquette
The exercises in this module seemed to overlap with other modules, in that, many of these issues had been addressed through various investigations (e.g. reading articles from NFB, etc). In the quiz, my only wrong answer was the issue of offering my left hand to someone with prosthesis.
It was not possible to get an “official” person with disabilities to come speak at our school within the past week. However, our site has many students and staff who model courage and confidence with their specific disability. I believe their lives teach others not only sensitivity, but also to reinforce “ability”. One of my favorite classes that visit the library regularly is the MR (Mentally Retarded) Class. The students have varying disabilities (e.g. some in wheelchairs with minimal mental impairments) and are able to perform a wide range of functions. Their love for learning is something all students need (and perhaps should see more of)!
Over the past several weeks, I have spent hours researching Assistive Technology, mostly for ELIB assignments. This process has become my education of Universal Design and has enlightened me to what resources can impact the teaching and learning conditions for the entire school community.
It was not possible to get an “official” person with disabilities to come speak at our school within the past week. However, our site has many students and staff who model courage and confidence with their specific disability. I believe their lives teach others not only sensitivity, but also to reinforce “ability”. One of my favorite classes that visit the library regularly is the MR (Mentally Retarded) Class. The students have varying disabilities (e.g. some in wheelchairs with minimal mental impairments) and are able to perform a wide range of functions. Their love for learning is something all students need (and perhaps should see more of)!
Over the past several weeks, I have spent hours researching Assistive Technology, mostly for ELIB assignments. This process has become my education of Universal Design and has enlightened me to what resources can impact the teaching and learning conditions for the entire school community.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Assistive Technology Module 3 - Software
Although I had set up the Discovery exercises in a table/rubric format, the "paste" function did not work for this Blog (I had to reformat it). I hope the hyperlinks also "copied" (we'll see in view format). Never-the-less, the following is the summation of my investigation.
Rubric: Assistive Technology – Software
Category: Learning Disability, Teacher Resource
Name: Inspiration
Comapny: Inspiration Software
Price: $69 – $899
Features: Emphasizes visual thinking and visual learning. Uses innovative software tools to inspire thinkers and learners to brainstorm, organize, plan and create
Positives: Can be used with multiple curriculum (e.g. ELA reading and writing, math, social studies and science)
Negatives: Cost
Category: Low Vision, Physical and Learning Disability, Language Learners
Name: Kurzweil 3000
Company: Kurzweill Educational Systems
Price: $1995 - $2695
Features: Can save user settings and files on a USB flash drive which enables students to have ready access to their important files regardless of what computer they are using.
Postives: Gives access w/o installing software via USB port; allows for comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, attention deficit disorder) or those who are English Language Learners
Negatives: Costly
Category: Physical Disability, Low Vision
Name: Windows Vista Accessibility
Company: Microsoft and partners
Price: Varies by impairment
Features: Interfaces with many AT devices as well as integrated into existing software
Positives: Ease of use, makes computers easier to see, use of computer w/o a display, make keyboard easier to use, control w/o mouse or keyboard, use text or visual alternatives for sound, make it easier to focus on tasks, has windows speech recognition, make internet easier to use
Negatives: Works on MS platform
Category: Low Vision
Name: InfoEyes
Company: Non profit partners w OCLC
Price: free
Features: Access to participating Libraries
Positives: Allows for user to communicate w human Librarian
Negatives: Requires use of Talking Communities Software and QuestionPoint software) which can be costly.
Category: Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Physical & Learning Disability
Name: iCommunicator
Company: Interactive Solutions, Inc.
Price: $4999 - $6499 plus upgrade $1999-2499
Features: Speech to Text
Postives: Speech/Text to Video Sign-Language, speech/Text to Computer Generated Voice, makes effective two-way communication possible for persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or experience unique communication challenges
Negatives: Costly w/ Annual renewals
Although it was time consuming, I found this module a bit more interesting than the hardware. I particularly enjoyed the demonstration videos and facts regarding software I currently use (Microsoft) and plan to implement some of the accessibility features. I had used earlier versions of Inspiration in the classroom and found the newer version very enticing. It’s on my list of “must haves”. I also liked the fact that YouTube (e.g. iCommunicator) was a component reinforcing digital delivery.
My plan is to use the resources of this investigation for the Grant and Tech Plan/RFP assignments.
Rubric: Assistive Technology – Software
Category: Learning Disability, Teacher Resource
Name: Inspiration
Comapny: Inspiration Software
Price: $69 – $899
Features: Emphasizes visual thinking and visual learning. Uses innovative software tools to inspire thinkers and learners to brainstorm, organize, plan and create
Positives: Can be used with multiple curriculum (e.g. ELA reading and writing, math, social studies and science)
Negatives: Cost
Category: Low Vision, Physical and Learning Disability, Language Learners
Name: Kurzweil 3000
Company: Kurzweill Educational Systems
Price: $1995 - $2695
Features: Can save user settings and files on a USB flash drive which enables students to have ready access to their important files regardless of what computer they are using.
Postives: Gives access w/o installing software via USB port; allows for comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, attention deficit disorder) or those who are English Language Learners
Negatives: Costly
Category: Physical Disability, Low Vision
Name: Windows Vista Accessibility
Company: Microsoft and partners
Price: Varies by impairment
Features: Interfaces with many AT devices as well as integrated into existing software
Positives: Ease of use, makes computers easier to see, use of computer w/o a display, make keyboard easier to use, control w/o mouse or keyboard, use text or visual alternatives for sound, make it easier to focus on tasks, has windows speech recognition, make internet easier to use
Negatives: Works on MS platform
Category: Low Vision
Name: InfoEyes
Company: Non profit partners w OCLC
Price: free
Features: Access to participating Libraries
Positives: Allows for user to communicate w human Librarian
Negatives: Requires use of Talking Communities Software and QuestionPoint software) which can be costly.
Category: Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Physical & Learning Disability
Name: iCommunicator
Company: Interactive Solutions, Inc.
Price: $4999 - $6499 plus upgrade $1999-2499
Features: Speech to Text
Postives: Speech/Text to Video Sign-Language, speech/Text to Computer Generated Voice, makes effective two-way communication possible for persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or experience unique communication challenges
Negatives: Costly w/ Annual renewals
Although it was time consuming, I found this module a bit more interesting than the hardware. I particularly enjoyed the demonstration videos and facts regarding software I currently use (Microsoft) and plan to implement some of the accessibility features. I had used earlier versions of Inspiration in the classroom and found the newer version very enticing. It’s on my list of “must haves”. I also liked the fact that YouTube (e.g. iCommunicator) was a component reinforcing digital delivery.
My plan is to use the resources of this investigation for the Grant and Tech Plan/RFP assignments.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Assistive Technology - Module 2 Hardware
This week I went to visit classrooms specifically looking to see what AT was being used. The MR class, which also includes students with physical challenges, had nothing except headphones. I commend the teacher using what resources were available to her, but believe having access to current AT, this class would benefit from modified keyboards and mice.
As they often come to the LMC with their one-on-one adult aides, the ED class (consisting of 5 boys) could utilize a teacher DVD series resource Know the Code for students (with special needs, including Autism) to learn and reinforce appropriate behavior.
Along with current programs such as Read 180, the resource group with various learning abilities would benefit from programs such as Building Writing Skills which I could use collaboratively with the teachers.
Seeking funds via grants for these technologies and other support for the instructional program is a goal in progress.
The inquiry for this assignment revealed many devices that were previously unknown to me. I was inspired by information that showed so much progress in resources for low vision patrons (e.g. National Federation for the Blind) as well as other disabilities (e.g. Infogrip). With implications for my LMP, having access to the vast available resources could provide a more equitable learning environment for our special needs students and their families.
As they often come to the LMC with their one-on-one adult aides, the ED class (consisting of 5 boys) could utilize a teacher DVD series resource Know the Code for students (with special needs, including Autism) to learn and reinforce appropriate behavior.
Along with current programs such as Read 180, the resource group with various learning abilities would benefit from programs such as Building Writing Skills which I could use collaboratively with the teachers.
Seeking funds via grants for these technologies and other support for the instructional program is a goal in progress.
The inquiry for this assignment revealed many devices that were previously unknown to me. I was inspired by information that showed so much progress in resources for low vision patrons (e.g. National Federation for the Blind) as well as other disabilities (e.g. Infogrip). With implications for my LMP, having access to the vast available resources could provide a more equitable learning environment for our special needs students and their families.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Assistive Technology - Module 1
Assistive Technology – Module 1
Reading various articles and perusing the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) took me back to my childhood. I was born with an optic nerve defect that put me into the hospital and consequential surgery the first few years of my life. I remember hearing my parents discuss having me learn Braille “just in case”. Thankfully, I didn’t have to learn Braille and made it through mainstream education fairly okay. But I remember how it felt to be different. In viewing today’s education processes for low vision students, I marveled how technology makes such a difference. The students don’t feel “deprived” of their vision, but accept it as part of who they are. Education is exciting (in particular, the Science project http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/Default.asp) and supports not only curricular goals, but also building self-esteem. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides resources not only for those with disabilities, but for employers and others to support inclusion into the mainstream of society.
As a new TL, one of my goals has been outreach to the special needs of the school community (in particular, the MR class, the resources classes, and language learners). These classes never came to the LMC prior to this year and now feel welcome and come often. Today, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America Day, I have four classes scheduled. I converted some YouTube Video’s into windows media files and plan to show them with some fun worksheets that teach vocabulary. I am always seeking lesson plan ideas and resources to engage these students (and teachers) and support the instructional goals of this special community. Let me know if you have any!
Reading various articles and perusing the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) took me back to my childhood. I was born with an optic nerve defect that put me into the hospital and consequential surgery the first few years of my life. I remember hearing my parents discuss having me learn Braille “just in case”. Thankfully, I didn’t have to learn Braille and made it through mainstream education fairly okay. But I remember how it felt to be different. In viewing today’s education processes for low vision students, I marveled how technology makes such a difference. The students don’t feel “deprived” of their vision, but accept it as part of who they are. Education is exciting (in particular, the Science project http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/Default.asp) and supports not only curricular goals, but also building self-esteem. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides resources not only for those with disabilities, but for employers and others to support inclusion into the mainstream of society.
As a new TL, one of my goals has been outreach to the special needs of the school community (in particular, the MR class, the resources classes, and language learners). These classes never came to the LMC prior to this year and now feel welcome and come often. Today, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America Day, I have four classes scheduled. I converted some YouTube Video’s into windows media files and plan to show them with some fun worksheets that teach vocabulary. I am always seeking lesson plan ideas and resources to engage these students (and teachers) and support the instructional goals of this special community. Let me know if you have any!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Week 3
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
-Robert Collier
This week’s Thing was to engage the Flickr app. As one who lets pictures stay on a memory card, I was forced to upload pictures I had taken (I probably needed the impetus!). I tried a variety of ways of getting pix from various sources (e.g. digital camera, phone, laptop, etc). Nothing was hard, just time consuming. After experimenting for a couple of hours (yes, I must get on to my other assignments – haha), I discovered how to send my phone pix directly to Flickr to upload. Time beckoned me to move on to other tasks, so I put that URL in my contact list and it was done!
Each Thing teaches or causes me to practice a new skill and creates the desire to utilize it. Flickr is blocked by LAUSD and I cannot use this directly for instruction, but I can see purpose in using it (or similar apps) such as sharing pix with my professional peers (e.g. I love seeing other libraries to get fresh ideas!). And speaking of colleagues, I did a contact/friend search, looking for 570 classmates and only found Lesley Farmer (I hope it’s our Lesley Farmer, because I invited her to be my contact!). :)
-Robert Collier
This week’s Thing was to engage the Flickr app. As one who lets pictures stay on a memory card, I was forced to upload pictures I had taken (I probably needed the impetus!). I tried a variety of ways of getting pix from various sources (e.g. digital camera, phone, laptop, etc). Nothing was hard, just time consuming. After experimenting for a couple of hours (yes, I must get on to my other assignments – haha), I discovered how to send my phone pix directly to Flickr to upload. Time beckoned me to move on to other tasks, so I put that URL in my contact list and it was done!
Each Thing teaches or causes me to practice a new skill and creates the desire to utilize it. Flickr is blocked by LAUSD and I cannot use this directly for instruction, but I can see purpose in using it (or similar apps) such as sharing pix with my professional peers (e.g. I love seeing other libraries to get fresh ideas!). And speaking of colleagues, I did a contact/friend search, looking for 570 classmates and only found Lesley Farmer (I hope it’s our Lesley Farmer, because I invited her to be my contact!). :)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Week 2
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
- Chinese Proverb
The directive this week was to create an Avatar and to register with CALIBK12. First, CALIB received my request to join, but the links to verify my e-mail didn’t work right away. I had to resubmit my request three times. Second, the Avatar task was fun. I remember not too long ago when my waistline looked like my Avatar’s. I believe I can get it back (probably after I finish my TL credential and have more time to exercise - LOL)!
I learned, or better yet, remembered, that the more we learn, the more we know about what we don’t know. Technology is ever evolving and although fun, keeping up takes work, time and resources (should I say money?)!
I plan to create a Blog for the English Department where students can do book reviews. Although teachers will love the idea, I think there won’t be as much enthusiasm until our school has more digital resources. Until then, I will encourage my staff to continue to grow and learn so that they are prepared for the future.
- Chinese Proverb
The directive this week was to create an Avatar and to register with CALIBK12. First, CALIB received my request to join, but the links to verify my e-mail didn’t work right away. I had to resubmit my request three times. Second, the Avatar task was fun. I remember not too long ago when my waistline looked like my Avatar’s. I believe I can get it back (probably after I finish my TL credential and have more time to exercise - LOL)!
I learned, or better yet, remembered, that the more we learn, the more we know about what we don’t know. Technology is ever evolving and although fun, keeping up takes work, time and resources (should I say money?)!
I plan to create a Blog for the English Department where students can do book reviews. Although teachers will love the idea, I think there won’t be as much enthusiasm until our school has more digital resources. Until then, I will encourage my staff to continue to grow and learn so that they are prepared for the future.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Week 1
2/12/10
By learning, you will teach; by teaching you will understand.
- Latin Proverb
After viewing the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners, I thought of the very nature of taking classes for a Librarian credential is the essence of lifelong learning. In my mid-career change, I am venturing into a new corner of the universe.
I learned setting up the Blog was fairly easy. The challenge will be maintaining it (due to time constraints).
There’s always the desire to be creative, but with other critical deadlines, utilizing many innovations often get pushed to back burners. The assignments for the 570 class force us to weave new things into our library programs. As referenced in the above quote, what I learn, I will teach and hopefully inspire.
By learning, you will teach; by teaching you will understand.
- Latin Proverb
After viewing the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners, I thought of the very nature of taking classes for a Librarian credential is the essence of lifelong learning. In my mid-career change, I am venturing into a new corner of the universe.
I learned setting up the Blog was fairly easy. The challenge will be maintaining it (due to time constraints).
There’s always the desire to be creative, but with other critical deadlines, utilizing many innovations often get pushed to back burners. The assignments for the 570 class force us to weave new things into our library programs. As referenced in the above quote, what I learn, I will teach and hopefully inspire.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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