Mashups

I created the example map below that highlights five attractions found in Chicago, Illinois. This map would be appropriate to use within a 5th grade history class.

Mashups is a great tool for introducing new places and things to a group of students. Not only is it interactive, it also allows students to further explore. As the teacher you are given the opportunity to enter all the desired information about the area you are highlighting. Then you can chose to add an additional link or picture to further enhance your placemark. I would use mashups in my class as part of a history lesson where I would allow students to create their own map referencing my example.


View All Around Town in a larger map
View All Around Town in a larger map

Google Calendars

Google Calendars is a great tool to use when creating an organized calendar of events.

Here is an example calendar I made for a mock 5th grade classroom which includes 5 events and their details that could hypothetically have taken place.

Here is a tip sheet that will help those who are unfamiliar with Google calendars.

RSS Feed

RSS Feed is a great tool to use in most classrooms. Not only can it provide insightful material from exterior sources. This tool will allow for individuals to manage several links to things such as blogs, online articles, or websites. It can additionally be used to set us a classroom feed in which the teacher communicates with both students and parents outside of the classroom.

Audio Podcast

Audio Podcast

Here is an example of an audio podcast that I created explaining some ideas for implementing podcasts into classrooms

Video Podcast

Below are two examples of how I plan to use podcasting in my classroom. The first is a podcast using only audio, while the second link displays a podcast which incorporates audio and video.

Involving Images In School Curriculums

Photo Attribution:

Orininal Image "Secretary Bird"
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2590979249_407974375b_m.jpg
By: Picture Taker 2

Released under a Noncommercial-Attribution License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en

This is a great example of an image I would incorporate into my future classroom. As a teacher, I believe that it is my responsibility to keep the students interested and engaged in all lessons and activities. A great way to do this is by providing them with tangible objects that bring their lessons to life. This particular picture, of a secretary bird, could be used during a lesson on of either birds or nature. I think it is an efficient picture, because the bird being displayed is not one that children will encounter out in their typical everyday lives.

Images are also necessary to include into any curriculum because they can provide a starting point or evidence that supports a new topic or subject being introduced. Due to children each having their own learning styles, some are able to comprehend and interpret knowledge with the input of hands-on activities. Pictures provide just this. They are a tangible object for the students to manipulate and study to further increase their knowledge of the subject.


Check out my image at http://www.flickr.com/photos/35412306@N07/3282249588/

Classroom Blogging

Blogging is a new method introduced to expand communication using the internet. Recently, however, the idea of implementing blogs into classrooms has evolved. As I prepare to receive my teaching degree I begin to consider the advantages of using a blog within my classroom.

One important purpose I feel a blog can fulfill is that of the facilitator between the teacher and the parents. A blog could contain weekly announcements and remainders as well as providing parents feedback as to how their child is doing within the class.

Students and teachers can use blogs as a substitute for assignments. When a child would typically record a reading response on paper, they can now share their feedback as a blog post. I envision classroom blogs providing those children who are shy and often don't speak out to find a voice and share their opinions. Also blogs help create unity as well as a sense of community within the class and among its students.