Wow! I really needed that couple weeks of holiday break! Now that I'm rested and refreshed, time to get back to work. I'm really enjoying reading Richardson's book, "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms". As I've been reading, I keep coming across things that I can use right away, as well as sections I want to give my principal to read about how to use these tools in the classroom.
The first tool I want to use in my classroom is e-pals. I talked to Mary during the last class in this cohort and she gave me a lot of information about e-pals from her personal experience. I've always done pen pals with my third graders, and I really think they're ready to start e-pals, so they can collaborate and learn from other students across the globe. The part I didn't realize until this week is that they can use e-pals for blogging! Since I mentioned e-pals to my principal, our tech person has set up a school account, so I think I could be well on my way to doing blogs with my students. I REALLY liked the idea mentioned in Chapter 2 of Richardson's book about students using blogs as an online filing cabinet from kindergarten through twelfth grade. They would have a complete collection of their work when they graduate! How awesome! This idea I'm going to mention to my principal right away tomorrow.
This book has opened up a whole new realm of ideas for me. Before I always thought of blogs and wikis as something for much older students. After doing this week's readings, I realize there is so much I can do with my third graders, and I can't wait to get started!
Andi, you are so right about the class opening up so many avenues that we didn't know existed before. Sometimes it can be overwhelming! I'm very excited about a few projects that I want to start as well. If you want to have a class to practice on, or would like your class to practice on me, I would love to help you out!!!
ReplyDeleteAndi, that is great that you are starting ePals. I too have been looking into this and found it great that there are already teachers looking for projects to do with other teachers from around the world. I thought the second chapter of the text was good and recall the comment you referenced here, I just wonder how that may be possible in some districts where students may not have as much access to technology as other students. That has been my question all along.
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