Join a Mailring at the
Teacher Mailring Center
http://www.teachers.net/mailrings/
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Any of you use computers with your students?
cathie/nc/2 - we have a computer lab and we set up activities for them there
cathie/nc/2 - I only have one in my room
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I have been creating slide shows with Power Point to use in class. The kids sit around me and we do activities together. We also have a lab..but one pc in our room
eimmik - Marcia, do you use electronic portfolios?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Eimmik remind me. what grade do you teach?
cathie/nc/2 - that's a great idea, I do the same thing. I also use CDROMS and we sit around and do that together also. Plus I find websites that we visit together
Marcia/1-2/Ca - with first graders?
eimmik - I teach fifth
Marcia/1-2/Ca - oh , the ideal age to use technology.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I have been drooling over tons of webquests..but my students are too young.
eimmik - County just had a technology conference and my fifth graders did great! They do all their own power points, excel, etc but I want to do portfolios next year but have no idea how to get started!
eimmik - they love webquests! oh marcia, there are tons for your age group!
cathie/nc/2 - marcia, I use the enchanted learning website with my second graders
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Do you have access to a digital camera. Pictures fit in well with powerpoint and would make excellent additions to portfolios.
cathie/nc/2 - it has everything
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Well we have been looking for them. A gal has compiled a list and we are sharing.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - yes it's great.. My students are just beginning to read well. so far we have been using Kid Pix...
eimmik - we have dig cams...kids take their own...as a matter of fact while working on Boards we had to have a power point done for the job fair and two of my students did it for the school! So how do I do portfolios? more so, do I scan the work they want to show to incorporate in there or can you link to a pdf file or something?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - well I created a power point slide show as a portfolio for myself. I used the digital to take pictures of my items and inserted the pictures that way. It was easy.
Jo C - I moved to first grade this year and we have one computer in the room. So far there is no software for the kids to use directly. (A lot of political pushing and pulling) I use my digital camera for many books and stories.
eimmik - then do you load the power point onto a website or just keep it as a power point? should I have access for them to get to it via the net?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Jo the kids can create there own slide shows with just a few software items. Kid Pix is the cheapest..only about $30
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I tried and tired to figure out how to upload a slide show..I even asked all the people who I felt knew more than I...but I never could figure it out.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Power point can be saved "pack and go" that way if they don't have the software on their computer they can still run the slide show...Same thing is on Kid Pix
eimmik - pack and go? i didnt know that!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I haven't used Hyperstudio, but it is supposed to be similar.
eimmik - used to use hyperstudio but like power point better
Jo C - The powers that be want to control every computer in the district-something like linking them together so they can update from one site. I don't know, I just take direction. We have not been given any permission to install anything. Sounds like Kid Pix is one to keep in mind when we get the go ahead
Marcia/1-2/Ca - yes...look down the file column...pack and go saves all the files and everything needed to run the show...Of course no one can edit it once they do that...
eimmik - Marcia, I assume you have this webquest site for your age group but if not here you go! http://edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/K-3matrix.html
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Slide shows make excellent "bragging tools" for open house..
eimmik - but the graphics and everything still show up Marcia?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Power point has great animation. It's hard not to "overdue" the glitz.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Yes. I have been there. I have about ten big sites saved.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Hi Amy.. what grade?
eimmik - I am really excited about doing the electronic portfolios...want to develop a template for the kids to go by though
amy - 6-7-8- computer and reading/spelling
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Yes...pack and go...allows the student to take home the slide show and share it with the family even if they don't have the software. I have created some and put them on a zip disc...then I take them to school.
eimmik - thanks so much for sharing that Marcia!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Templates would be great. That way you'd have a "standard" for what they should achieve.
amy - I used Powerpoint with my 8th graders for book reports
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I have just discovered templates for everything from creating homework to using them for my own webpages.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Oh! that's a great idea.. a new and creative use.
eimmik - so should I go ahead and develop the sections? I need to find some examples to help me!
eimmik - actually I posted on the chatboard and got some good sites.,...just need to peruse through them
Marcia/1-2/Ca - and so much more fun then pencil and paper. I read a statement by another teacher that using power point is really a great way to teach outlining.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Any Eimmik's idea of using a template design for slide shows would work well for book reports. Students could also use the web and insert links to where they found information relating to what they read.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Hi Sandy and Liz....have any ways you use slide shows...that you care to share.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - You make it Kat...Just sent you a note.
liz - is there anyone out there who can help me
sandys - My second graders love the powerpoints I've done for the class. One of their favorites is one based on the song, "The Name Game". I downloaded the song from Napster, made up individual slides with the words to the song and graphics. They beg to play it on the class tv usisng the AverKey!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - The AverKey?
sandys - Yes, it is an appartus that connects my computer to the large tv in my class so that the whole class can see the slides. One of my most-used tools!
eimmik - oh cool idea sandy!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - well I did a fun one today..bet it would be better in a small group.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - OHHHH Sandy...I don't have such wonderful technology...smile.
eimmik - we have a projector that I have basically taken over that I use with my laptop!
eimmik - so Marcia, any other ideas or tips for us?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - then I rolled a dice..the students could choose to use individual cubes or ten sticks.. The object was to get as close to 100 as possible in 6 rolls of the dice....and not go over..I found it in a book. If you are interested I can explain it better.
sandys - thanks,eimmik! I also spent a lot of time last summer putting together some science presentations since we don't have many resources. I designed introductory activities and student activities to use during center times. the kids really love it! Marcia, the AverKey is wonderful. I don't know where you get it because our media specialist ordered them for the teachers who use their class computers a lot.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I am jealous. what technology I have is my own. No school materials but in the lab.
liz - yes
sandys - marcia, if you're interested, I'll try to find out details--cost, where to purchase. it may not be too much.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - tips for using a slide show.. I have created lessons for my students.. It's more engaging then reading a worksheet.
eimmik - okay so here is my BIG idea...not sure where to find the money, but I want laptops for all my students......
eimmik - sandys I want that info as well!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - ohhhhh good idea...
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Sandy I could never find that much money...![]()
Marcia/1-2/Ca - but sure would like to know where to go..I see there are lots of grants out there. Then I would need someone to write one for me..
eimmik - Marcia, I can help you with the writing of the grant! Just got to find the right one....The new Tech Learning mag had some in there that I havent had a chance to check out yet
sandys - okay, i'll ask about the details tomorrow and get back when i find out. for some reason, i think it is not expensive. it's basically a special kind of cable and control box. it allows the presenter to zoom in and out, focus on particular sections, and is great for whole-class instruction or internet research.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Laptops or enough computers would be fun for the kids to do writer's workshop...what books they could make..
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Oh thanks...Creative Classroom has a sure grant everyyear. I'd love to use it for technology.
eimmik - Creative Classroom does? ohh didn't know that! Need to check that out as well
eimmik - Marcia, we have a grant board here at TNet now as well
Sylvia/CA - I just got 7 new MacG4's in my classroom...
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Yes. I think it's limited to $1000 per person and I believe four qualify
eimmik - I have been swamped and havent been able to put any new grants on there
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I know about the board...but I never feel I can "WRITE" well enough. Guess I will have to find a friend.
eimmik - 7?????? wow!!!!
Sylvia/CA - When I move to my next school, I'll probably be needing to write some grants, too. This year we got a million dollar grant from UCLA and Microsoft
Marcia/1-2/Ca - How nice...Our lab has 30 IMAC....but I am a pc person..I feel disabled..
eimmik - i am a pc person as well
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I participated in an INTEL program this fall. I ended up with a new pc... for as long as I am in the district.
Sylvia/CA - We are getting training on all the Microsoft apps, and we are trainning the parents, with their kids to use laptops. I'm looking for joint projects we could do with both parents and their kids.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Well there is a good site on primary literacy...http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/littlekids/training_resources.htm#Classroom%20Resources
Sylvia/CA - I got a PC laptop that I'm currently using. Most of the teachers use Macs. I want to learn both platforms, so I can be bilingual in operating systems, too.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - It has tons of ideas for parents, teachers and students
eimmik - any other sites for upper grades Marcia?
Sylvia/CA - thanks, Marcia.. I copied that URL.
eimmik - well upper elementary
Marcia/1-2/Ca - The Intel project was on Microsoft apps.. I had a blast.. I had never used powerpoint before..
Marcia/1-2/Ca - hummm I'd have to look... I don't know what else the MCPS site has...
Sylvia/CA - I use PowerPoint, but prefer HyperStudio over PP.
Sylvia/CA - eimmik, I have some tech sities I can send you in email.
eimmik - oh really sylvia? How come? I just shared the opposite! LOL
Marcia/1-2/Ca - check out the intel teach to the future site. the lessons span the grade levels. Mine was chosen to go up there soon.
Sylvia/CA - PowerPoint is very linear.. With HyperStudio you can go out in all sorts of directions!!
Sylvia/CA - Plus, with HS kids can create their own illustrations or import clip and sounds from all sorts of places...
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Sylvia I think that's the answer to many teachers problems. Access to software. We are able to develop and use what we have available. I'd love to try Hyperstudion but I don't have it.
Sylvia/CA - Marcia, What's the specific topic of this chat supposed to be? Am I taking it off topic? If so, I apologize!
Sylvia/CA - Marcia, currently we have PowerPoint, but I've been campaigning for Hyperstudio so we are finally getting it..
eimmik - Marcia, bet you could get a demo copy....my new addiction this past year besides kids producing power points and excel, was Inspiration
Sylvia/CA - eimmik! YESSSSSSSSSS!! I LOVE Inspiration!!!!!!!!!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - no...Kat never got any word out. but she wanted to me bring technology into the light. I had thought teachers need enlightening on the many ways to use slide shows...and that's where we are.
eimmik - http://www.intel.com/education/teach/teach.htm this is the site Marcia was just talking about!
Sylvia/CA - Marcia, I'll be attending the CUE conference tomorrow night and on Friday, I'll bet I could get some demo copies for you!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I have a friend Lisa, in NC....we were discussing Inspiration yesterday...How is it for primary students.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - OH! I'd love it....
Marcia/1-2/Ca - You are fast eimmik.
eimmik - Kidspiration for your grades Marcia
eimmik - fantastic!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - ok will let her know..I guess her school was letting the teachers choose.
Sylvia/CA - marcia, email me your address at sylvia@teachers.net
eimmik - you can download that at their site to check it out Marcia!
Sylvia/CA - I'll send you demos of whatever I pick up.
Sylvia/CA - Those commercial publishers love to give out demo CD ROMS!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - my problem with downloading is that I can't carry them to school.They'd have to go on a disc. My classroom computer doesn't have net access.
eimmik - http://www.inspiration.com/press/kids_npc.html
eimmik - ahhhhhhhh ok
Sylvia/CA - eimmik, would you mind sharing the ideas for things you've done with inspiration and/or powerpoint?
eimmik - Sylvia, kids do everything with inspiration.....character graphs, cause and effect graphs, characteristic graphing, character comparising...and they grab pics off the net to download on there too
Marcia/1-2/Ca - well we definately are sharing ideas..
Sylvia/CA - Since we recently got all those computers, I can really get the kids into EVERYTHING technology! LOL
eimmik - with power point they research their information, for example with the Mexico unit they researched their info then produced power points
Kathleen - Marcia, how difficult is Powerpoint for the neophyte?
Joan - I have only used it once for a grad class I was taking.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - easy as WORD...maybe easier
eimmik - Sylvia, you missed Marcia's ideas and suggestions on electronic portfolios! my goal for next year!
Joan - It is quite easy to use.
Kathleen - Marcia, any prerequisites? Must one know Word or any other program first?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - I think the hardest part is learning how all the parts work together...There are so many things you can do and create. Start simple.
Sylvia/CA - eimmik, you're right. I did. Maybe you can send them to me in email?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - no... no previous skills needed...
Joan - We don't have it at our school.
Sylvia/CA - Kathleen, we taught our Spanish speaking parents to use powerpoint with 'wizards'. They just filled in the blanks.. they loved it!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Powerpoint has templates...Sometimes that would be an easy place to start.
eimmik - okay Marcia, thanks for all your great ideas tonight...any last minute ideas before I leave?
Sylvia/CA - Marcia, do you have your PP ideas on your website?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - let the students come up with their own ideas. Sometimes they are more open to new ideas
Kathleen - Marcia, anything about Powerpoint you didn't cover that you'd like to?
Mary/PA - Don't mind me, just want to add this, it's loaded with lots of great stuff for slide shows - http://www.presentersonline.com
Sylvia/CA - right, Marcia! I agree! The kids who were attending with their parents taught the rest of my class the powerpoint basics and off they went!!!
Marcia/1-2/Ca - No...I have just been playing around myself. It's hard to find any ideas for lower grades...most is for upper...but there are out there.
Mary/PA - here's another http://www.actden.com/pp/unit1/1_main.htm
Sylvia/CA - Marcia, are you on the computer tech mailring?
Kathleen - Mary, do you use powerpoint with your students at all?
Marcia/1-2/Ca - no.....just experiment. there is so much the software can do...Think technology for your lessons...kids are open to using computers. they think they are playing a game..so if you can put any of your learning ideas onto the computer the students will suck it up..
Sylvia/CA - Marcia, the Califonia Technology Standards book put out by the ISTE has some GREAT lesson plans for a variety of tech levels, too!
Kathleen - Marcia, thank you for doing the chat tonight...it's appreciated . I don't know how you do everything you do with a family and all
Mary/PA - Kathleen, not with my students, but for them, yes
Sylvia/CA - I'm so glad I skipped out on the meeting at work, tonight! I should do that more often! LOL...
Marcia/1-2/Ca - Where would I find that book Syliva?
Mary/PA - Staring them as well
Kathleen - Sylvia, LOL glad you did, too!
Marcia/1-2/Ca -![]()
Sylvia/CA - Marcia.. Hmmm.. OH.. Hold on.. I've got it right here...'
Sylvia/CA - It's called: National Educational Technology Standards for Students
Sylvia/CA - with a subtitle: Connecting Curriculum and Technology
Sylvia/CA - It says it was published in collaboration with the U.S. Dept. of Education.. ISBN to follow
Sylvia/CA - ISBN 1-56484-150-2
Marcia/1-2/Ca - where would I find the book?
Sylvia/CA - Marcia, I'm not sure. Was given to me by our district tech coordinator
Sylvia/CA - Maybe from the State department.... wherever "Standards" books come from..??
Sylvia/CA - OK... Thanks again for everything!!
eimmik - http://cnets.iste.org/profiles.htm
Sylvia/CA - Yes!! that's it! I saw it as I logged off! LOL.. but I checked it out, and yes.. that's the one.
Marcia/1-2/Ca - thanks for joining in everyone