Tech+Ideas

=Wikis=

[|WikiEd - Wiki in a K-12 Classroom] [|WikiEducator]

Class example SS - WikiSpaces Class example Math - Wikispaces [|Class example - Jottit.com] [|Google Sites Example] [|Weebly Example] [|Example - WetPaint],
 * [|Blog post supporting wiki]

[|Sample e-Portfolio Project]

[|Wikidot] [|PBwiki] [|Wetpaint] Wikispaces [|Google Sites]

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Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries.
 * Wikipedia Definition**: A blog (an abridgment of the term web log) is a website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. “Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

[|PBS Teachers on Blogs] – by Andy Carvin [|Why Every Teacher Should Blog] by Darren Draper

[|Introduction to Blogging] by Sue Waters

[|Mr. Waghorne's Math Blog] [|Mr. Waghorne's Texas History Blog] [|Personal Reflection Blog]

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=Student Feedback Poll= The following was originally published January 31, 2011 at http://r--t.blogspot.com/2011/01/student-feedback-with-poll-anywhere.html One of the directives from our administration this year was to seek feedback from students about our performance. I have tried a few different methods, including paper surveys and Google Docs Forms. I really liked the last survey I used, called pollanywhere.com. Students can submit feedback via mobile devices, an internet link, or an embedded widget.

Try this [|audience polling system] at [|Poll Everywhere]

The following was originally published November 11, 2010 at []

=Web 2.0 Presentation Options=

Project Description: [|HFP Project]
PowerPoint/Prezi Rubric: [|PPT_Prezi RUBRIC] Animoto Rubric: [|Animoto RUBRIC] Critical Evaluation of a Website: [|website evaluation] Easybib: [] Students have the option of using Microsoft PowerPoint, Animoto, or Prezi. to present.

Lorenzo Zavala by Billy L
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[|Anson Jones] by Justin G
==[|Davy Crockett] by Jen-Li D ==

The above was originally published December 15, 2010 at http://r--t.blogspot.com/2010/12/primary-source-documents-and-wordle.html =Wordle Literacy Activity=

So I love love wordle, but have not had the opportunity for kids to make their own with laptops, so I decided to give the kids some Wordles and have them figure out from, which primary source document the Wordle was created.


 * Click to enlarge images**

**C**


Which of the documents do the Wordle Images match: [|Travis’ Appeal for Aid at the Alamo] [|Report on the Battle of Mier] [|Texas Declaration of Independence] [|The Constitution of Texas] [|Sam Houston's account of the Battle of San Jacinto] [|Treaty of Velasco] [|Mexican Constitution of 1824] [|Resolution Annexing Texas to the US]

The above was originally published December 14, 2010 at http://r--t.blogspot.com/2010/12/qr-codes-for-student-links.html =QR Codes=



As I continue to encourage students to utilize their mobile devices for information gathering, school and study, as well as communication, I decided to give QR barcodes out on a handout to increase interest and engagement.

I started with a simple 2 step project: go to the website and recreate a historical flag including an explanation. [] gives QR barcodes on its "info page" option when you shorten a link. Students may need to download a scanner/reader, but most phones that feature cameras can scan the image.



The above was originally published September 7, 2010 at http://r--t.blogspot.com/2010/09/google-voice.html =Parent/Teacher Communication via Google Voice=



I wanted to use some kind of service to help fill-in the gaps in parent/teacher communication due to the fact that I rely mainly on a classroom telephone line and district email service. There are lots of times that I miss messages or emails due to the fact that they are not accessible as easily as normal cell voicemails or web-based emails. I received an email about Google Voice months ago and let it sit unopened, but at a professional development another teacher shared how he utilized Google Voice to give parents another way to leave messages that are accessible from home. I set up an account and I really like its features: Unfortunately, Google Voice is being offered on a limited basis for now, but keep your eyes peeled for notices around the web when they roll out a service for the general public.
 * You can choose a (local) number with the same last four digits
 * You can forward the number to an existing number (I use my cell) or multiple phone lines
 * Listen to voicemails in real-time (as they leave it)
 * Don't forward the calls and just have them appear as mp3 files and transcriptions in your email inbox

=Distance Learning via Moodle=

Our school ITS has been using Moodle this school year to get teachers to collaborate and share ideas about using technology in the classroom. I thought I might give the Course Management System a shot, as it is supported by the district servers. After setting up a class through the district point man, I found it really easy to upload documents and loaded with lots of features.

I thought I would benefit from a CMS like Moodle for a few reasons. I can set up online and extension assignments without requiring students to navigate the blog, scrolling down, etc. I can move appropriate assignments to the top, instead the obvious limitations of a traditional blog website. Also, the password protection helps protect identities and copyright infringement when I supply the class with resources. One feature I really liked as I set up the class was unzipping folders of documents within Moodle.