Pinnacle Meeting

I really enjoyed meeting with Pinnacle members to discuss our projects. It was neat seeing how others incorporated technology into classroom learning. I loved getting some fresh ideas!

Last week some students presented a commercial about A Magic Cupboard using the flip camera. I had not used a flip camera before so it was neat seeing their project take shape. I was amazed at how easy it was to use!

Semester 1 Project

Click on the link to see our Island Study!

https://sites.google.com/a/gaston.k12.nc.us/pinnacle-xvi-projects/

I look forward to viewing other Pinnacle projects and discovering new ways to use technology tools in the classroom! See ya at our meeting in December!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EMJTbmyx39b8R9XKUjCRVFFd10sEiCffKPXroby_HXU/edit

Our Island Study

Our island study has been so fun! Students read Island of the Blue Dolphins and The Cay over the last 5 weeks. We are finishing up photostories about island life. The presentations must include 5 science vocabulary words and 3 social studies vocabulary words since this unit has been so well integrated with the other content areas which also included the 4 non-fiction stories in our textbooks. Students have participated in literature circle conversations using Voicethread. They also are participating in a wiki telling whether they think our principal, Mrs. Knight, should move to an island. I will discuss in detail through our first pinnacle project how these things were successful and identify assignments or activities that need to be changed or tweaked to ensure student success in our next novel study and when using this one next year.

Wacktastic Wiki Writers

Yes, I had to think of a wacky name because all the normal, ordinary domains are taken! So, this week, students are using a wiki to share their side of the argument- Should Mrs. Knight (our prinicpal) move to an island? We are having a blast discussing the pros and cons of her move to a deserted island. We have read Island of the Blue Dolphins, and will begin The Cay tomorrow. Students have also discussed Land & Water in Science and Social Studies. This is my favorite nine weeks because all of our content areas mesh so well! Students are continuing a Photostory to demonstrate their knowedge of island life. They discuss island life, climate, food, survival skills while using 5 science words and 3 social studies words in their explanations. Students will also continue the Voicethread literature groups and now begin the wiki. It sounds like a lot; however, the students are very excited about the use of technology in daily learning. Meanwhile, these projects promote teamwork, collaboration, compromise, time management, audience, formal language and digital responsibility.

Let the Voicethreading begin!

Today I introduced our Literature Circle Voicethread. I really think the students will enjoy responding in this format. Using Voicethread will encourage them to thoughtfully consider their answers before recording. It will support cooperative learning and higher order thinking. I look forward to seeing this project take shape with each discussion.

Wordling for homework!

My students really enjoyed using Wordle for a class assignment last week! Many of them began using Wordle to study their spelling words. They enjoy using the randomize button to see their creation in various colors and fonts. Wordle created excitement while making them think about their story vocabulary words!

Using the tools

For the the last two weeks my students and I have been practicing using the document camera, sentios and the slate. They picked up on how to use the tools quickly. I have introduced them to Wordle which will be one of their technology assignments with this week's story. We will also begin using the blog this week. I am very excited to see how they will respond to these tools and how it will impact their learning.

Digital Responsibility

The first two days of school went well! My students are very excited about the various technology that will be used in everyday lessons and assignments. We discussed at great length ways to be safe while using online tools. Procedures and guidelines will be reviewed repeatedly and monitored daily to ensure a safe learning environment for students at all times. Our first online adventure/assignment will be Voicethread!

A Whole New Mind

Reading this book has really helped solidify why I do what I do. I have enjoyed reading, discussing and learning how to apply this book's ideas in my classroom using technology. This week of training has been a culminating aspect of what I have learned in my graduate classes, professional development, and county workshops over the last few years. The neat things about Pinnacle Leaders Network are the professional relationships that have been formed among various grade levels, the new technology tools to use in my classroom and the training on how to use and implement when the new school year begins! I love Pinnacle!

I'm all aTwitter!

Today I learned about using Twitter as a Personal Learning Network. This web 2.0 tool will provide resources that are literally in my hands many times throughout the day. While this will require an phone upgrade, it's one that I will now look forward to!

Alignment

Today's tools Google Reader and Google Sites are helping me get in sync with technology so that optimal learning can occur in the classroom. If technology and learning are in sync, then it's not about the technology! The technology is a way to deepen understanding, spark interest and put students in the driver's seat of learning. It's using the tools to work smarter, not harder- both for the teachers and the students. Thanks to Pinnacle I have the opportunity to see a 21st Century Classroom in action!

Tell more stories!

As we pondered story throughout the day in various ways, it was Debbie who reminded my group to tell the stories of our classroom. Boy, have I failed on that one! Of course, there are days when I tell stories to the parents, or other teachers, but not every day. There are stories happening everyday. It is because of this notion(which I told Kyle earlier in the week that I didn't want to do) that I have decided to use kidsblog so those stories will be documented. Munch, munch-eating my "I don't want to!" words! I want an "Aha" page where kids can blog about those lightbulb moments to encourage and inspire the rest of us! I would also like a stories page where we can document the moments in class-the ones we will never forget and the ones that I am likely to forget too soon. I created a Lowell Elementary Friends group on Facebook for alumni, on this page, many of the students are asking "Remember me, or remember when..." It reiterates the fact that they do want to remember, they do want to blog and now, so do I!!!!

Podcasting...yikes!

Today we learned how to mix audio, voice and sound files. This was really neat! I know my students will really enjoy using this type of technology tool!

Google Docs

Today we learned how to use Google Docs. I really liked the forms so I could utilize spreadsheets for parent information, students surveys, and to check understanding of content. I really liked the ability to work on documents simultaneously. I plan to incorporate this in teaching fifth graders how to create and develop five paragraph essays. Students will enjoy this way of writing!

Questions??

On Day 2, we discussed Bloom's Taxonomy. We completed centers to help us think like students and like teachers simultaneously! Good activities and learned how to use some new tools also!

First Day of Pinnacle XVI!

Learning about the Pinnacle XVI team members and responsibilities of The Pinnacle Leaders Network. The new equipment was unveiled! I am so excited about the new technology that my students and I will be using this year!