Thing 23: Reflection

The fact that I started this task many months ago means there is a huge gap of not working on it.  But, I retained a great deal from the early months.  I used what I had already learned.  There is so much out there; the Simple K12 webinar illustrated that when they went over about 10 Google labs and said they were just scratching the surface. 

For me, I know all of these technological items will not be used.  The good thing: I get to pick and choose what is out there.  They make these programs/applications easy to use and you hit the ground running; you can get better at using them and you can become an expert.  You don't have to use them all, though, and you don't have to be a total expert on all of them. 

This is the time to pick and choose what works for you.  I am a visual learner with visual learners in my classroom.  I have students with no patience to complete projects; I have knowledge now about programs that work in two seconds and give students results immediately. 

I am able to share.  I'm the obnoxious teacher who comes in with something I think hot and wonderful and shove it a little in front of a friendly being.  They latch on to my enthusiasm and patiently listen and observe what I perceive to be a gift from the gods.  Maybe they will use it. 

I loved learning all of this.  It's been a treat.

Thing 22: Reflect on Presentation at Conference

The Mimio woman was strong and dynamic.  She had some pot holes in her presentation and she just went ahead and worked around them.  They gave her a room where she couldn't set up her Mimio with other presenters bookending her so she had no prep time.  She had different ways to show what her product could do and she included the audience all the time in the demonstration. 

I like how the Mimio works and that was the one thing I wanted in my room(s).  As it happened, I didn't need it too much in my environmental class and it was impossible to use in my inclusion class. 

Thing 21: Webinar

I've done numerous webinars in the past 6 months, some for school, some for this class, some for special projects with my students, with such diverse topics as: How to design a jet wing for fuel efficiency, Google labs for teachers and students, bringing your classroom to the 21st century, and how to be a Siemens STEM Fellow, and what you can accomplish as a Fellow.  Whew!

Yesterday is fresh in my mind and Simple K12 had a whole day of webinars.  The one on all of the Google tools out there was stupendous.  That was on July 20th and the Google one was in the morning. 

Thing 20: Creative Commons and Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neighya/5954435372/in/pool-creative_commons-_free_pictures

This is the photo I linked below.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/za/deed.en

Thing 19: Skype

I have enjoyed the use of Skype in several workshops.  This capture is from a session during a Dow - water management all day workshop.  The woman was in China with a non-profit clean water intiative.  I tried to Skype my students while I was in San Francisco, but the substitute was an idiot and my students weren't allowed to open up the laptops.  I had to call a fellow teacher and get the guy to follow directions. 

This is how I would Skype.  How great would it be to visit gardens around the world or talk to someone with the Marcellus shale oil project. 

I Skype with my daughter, Ann, because she isn't in the country a lot these days.  When we did talk, I got to meet her roommates and she would tour her room with the computer and show me her living accommodations.

I have several accounts: TheByb, Hurricane Finley, Kris Finley.

Thing 18: Acceptable Use Policy

PUTNAM COUNTY SCHOOLS

Secondary Technology Acceptable Use Agreement Form

OVERVIEW

Computers and technology can support learning and enhance educational instruction. Computer networks and

telecommunications allow users to retrieve and share information with others around the world. It is a general policy that all

computers and other technology used through Putnam County Schools are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and

legal manner. Failure to adhere to this policy and the guidelines established below shall result in the revocation of access

privileges and/or disciplinary actions involving local, county, state, or federal agencies.

Internet, a network of networks, allows users to interact with millions of people who are also using computers connected to the

Internet. It is the belief of Putnam County Schools that the educational benefits to students and teachers, who access various

online services and the Internet, far exceed any potential disadvantages. The majority of sites accessed can provide a wealth of

educational opportunities including collaboration and shared learning experiences. It is the intent of Putnam County Schools to

provide access to such services to further the educational goals and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Education, in

full compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). However, parents should be aware that students using

telecommunications have the potential to access unacceptable sources if they disobey or disregard school and county rules and

guidelines. Even through the vast majority of Internet sites provide useful information, some sites may contain information that is

offensive, defamatory, sexually oriented, or inaccurate. The intent of Putnam County Schools is for technology resources to be

used as a valuable educational tool.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES WITHIN PUTNAM COUNTY SCHOOLS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

As the user of technology resources provided by Putnam County Schools, each student must read, understand, and accept all of

the following rules and guidelines stated in this section. Failure to abide by the following statements may result in permanent

revocation of access privileges and/or disciplinary actions involving local, county, state, or federal agencies. Disciplinary actions

will apply to all sites when students have multiple schools or community based learning experiences outside of the home school.

1. I understand that telecommunication resources (Internet) are provided for educational purposes.

•

my teacher.

I will limit my use of the school’s technology resources and telecommunications to academic purposes as directed by

•

I will not download or play any non-educational games on a school computer.

•

activity.

I will only use instant messaging or chat after receiving permission from my teacher and as part of an educational

•

I will not stream any multimedia content from the Internet, unless directed by my teacher.

•

communications on this account are for educational use only.

I will only use a school provided e-mail address such as access.k12.wv.us while at school, and I understand that the

•

use telecommunication resources for any illegal, immoral, harassing, or unacceptable purposes.

I will follow the rules of network etiquette, which include use of appropriate language and polite responses. I will not

•

I will not access social networking sites using telecommunication services provided by Putnam County Schools.

•

I will use Web 2.0 tools (wikis, blogs, pod/vodcasts, etc.) for educational purposes as directed by my teacher.

•

of Education.

2. I respect personal privacy for myself and others.

I will not try to bypass any Internet or content filtering devices installed by Putnam County Schools or WV Department

•

but is not limited to home address, telephone number, age, or images.

I will not reveal any personal information about myself or anyone else while on the Internet. This information includes

•

program accounts.

I will not share my network login (username and password) with anyone else, and I will only use my network and/or

•

Exit Year_________ Student #_____________Name______________________________

Revised May 2008

I will not copy, change, read, or use files that belong to another user.

THIS SIGNATURE PAGE MUST BE ON FILE AT THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE

STUDENT IS PERMITTED TECHNOLOGY ACCESS

3. I understand copyright laws protect a variety of materials (print, non-print, and ideas), including those found on the Internet.

•

I will not copy information received from any source and say that it is my work.

•

I will cite all sources of information that I use in my projects and work, acknowledging the creator’s work.

•

keep, give, or sell.

I will not make copies of any software belonging to Putnam County Schools and its community-based learning sites to

•

I will not install any personal software onto any computer at school.

•

have received permission from the teacher.

4. I understand that educational technology is available for the use of all students.

I will not download any executable file from the Internet unless it specifically relates to an educational assignment and I

•

I will not deface, damage, or destroy any equipment, including changing hardware, software, or network settings.

•

I will not waste or take supplies such as paper, printer supplies, or storage media provided by the school.

•

distribution of unsolicited advertising, using instant messaging services, unauthorized streaming of audio and video, file

sharing software, online gaming, propagation of computer viruses, or unauthorized access of system programs.

I will not interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to,

•

the prior approval of Putnam County Schools Technology Department.

I will not remove or attach any device(s), including notebook(s) and wireless device(s), to the school network without

•

school sysops, sign a wireless agreement form, and load required software on my device(s).

Before accessing any wireless network(s) with my personal mobile device(s), I will register my device(s) with the

•

harassment.

5. I understand that I must follow county, state, and federal rules when using technology.

I will follow the rules of network etiquette and not prevent others from using resources through intimidation or

•

computer equipment.

I will not try to bypass the security measures built into the network to gain unauthorized access to system programs or

•

I will not knowingly create or introduce any virus to district equipment.

•

electronic mail or telecommunications.

I will not send or distribute unethical, illegal, immoral, inappropriate, or unacceptable information of any type through

•

I will not use the network for commercial activities, product advertising, or political lobbying.

•

wireless devices (personal or commercial) to access the Internet while on Putnam County Schools’ property.

I understand that CIPA requires that all Internet access for students be filtered; therefore, I will not use any outside

•

I will follow the rules listed above or lose my computer privileges and face other consequences.

STUDENT

I, ____________________________________, have reviewed the information in the Putnam County Schools Technology

Acceptable Use Agreement Form with my parent(s) or guardian and my teacher. I understand the rules that I am to follow. I

also understand that failure to follow these rules will result in the loss of my computer access and technology privileges at school.

Student Signature____________________________________________ Date__________________ Grade _________

Signature

PARENT or GUARDIAN

As the parent or guardian of _________________________________ (student), I have reviewed the Putnam County Schools

Technology Acceptable Use Agreement Form with my child and understand the terms, rules, and guidelines as stated in the

document. I also understand that information distributed through the Internet and other online services cannot be entirely

controlled by Putnam County Schools. I therefore realize that during the course of educational studies and/or communication

projects there is potential for the student to encounter controversial or offensive material. I give Putnam County Schools

permission to grant technology access to my child. I understand that my child may maintain access as long as the procedures

and guidelines described above are followed. I also understand that failure to abide by these rules may result in the revocation of

my child’s access and/or disciplinary action.

Parent or Guardian Name (please print) _________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian__________________________________________________ Date _________________

Signature

I think the policy is fairly current.  There may be some things missing, Creative Commons usage, etc.  I'm not seeing anything about Web 2.0.  Students cannot get on the computer unless they have this form signed, and the files are in the office with a checklist on line.

Revised May 2008

Thing 17: Twitter

Twitter is not going to happen in my classroom for quite a while.  It means cell phones all around and that means being able to afford one.  What would I do with twitter?  Take polls, get opinions.  My daughter follows several people, including our favorite actor, Nathan Fillion.  Above is the best thing that has happened to my Twitter account.

Thing 16: Twiddla

Screen capture from a Twiddla visit.

Thing 15: RSS

RSS, RDF Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication,  is basically a feed of updated information; it may appear on a web page you have visited, or you can subscribe to said feed for your own use.

I subscribed to two science feeds to keep up to date.

Thing 14 Continued: A Reader of Blogs--Again

http://annfinley.blogspot.com/

The only blog I follow regularly, because I am her mother.

http://greenmatters1000.blogspot.com/

This was spring semester, 2011, class blog.  Next time, I think I will have them edit for spelling and such.

Thing 14: A Reader of Blogs

http://scienceoftheinvisible.blogspot.com/

I chose Professor Cann's "Microbiology Bytes" and his science of the invisible.  He is really a techy hiding under professorial cloaks.  He likes trying new websites and technology, reviews it, goes to different places, writes a lot and puts in a lot of graphics. I chose him because of his science angle, but didn't get much science out of him, even after 20 blogs or so.  He also has Scoop on there with new headlines.  He's British; at least I think he is.  His bio is rather scant.

He has referred to 2011 Science OnLine in London, so I will head over in that direction to see what they have to offer.  This is why I don't finish things:  I follow the breadcrumbs of information and end up lost or unfinished and wondering how to get back or if I even want to get back. 

What am I supposed to be doing?  I have no idea.

Thing 13: Reflection on other Blogs

A little more than halfway done and of course I am thinking: why didn't I do this sooner.  Well, being the queen of procrastination has its obvious affects. 

When I'm in school--I'm IN school, even at home.  Now, I'm not in school, but I'm doing so many other things that are essentially school related. 

This has been an incredible journey into the on-line world.  I was doing so much research with the Learn 21 website position and with this added knowledge, my peers will have to contend with a greater ego and a more obnoxious persona.  Such are the wages of developing a broad base of sources and tactics. 

I went to my 'go to' girls: Carla and Deb to check out their blogs and found them so reflected there.  I enjoyed their highlighted sites and their gushing over new stuff.  I wish we lived closer; I wish they were at my school.  We would be forces to reckon with.

Valerie, your trust and faith in my is wonderful.  It does make me work harder to complete these tasks.  Somewhere along the way you left me and now you have returned as Gandalf the White and I will continue on my path to throw the ring into the volcano (facsimile seen above). 

Thing 12: Finding Something New on Web 2.0

I found SciVee which is televison for science.  There is everything from quick clips to full-length documentaries on all sciences. 

http://www.scivee.tv/channels

Thing 11: Video

http://www1.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?title=Inside_the_Cell&video_id=53676

This is a video created by XVIVO, an animation company that produces medical information for universities, research institutions, and medical companies.  I use this (when I can) to introduce the inner workings of a cell.  It makes all the little, tiny things inside a cell become large and alive.  It is one of my favorite animation videos of all time.

Thing 10: Four Corners

I like the Four Corners strategy; it's involved, physical, and can be a lot of fun.  It's a good way to review for a test or to introduce new information.  And, for voicing opinions, there is nothing like a mad dash to the 'Strongly Disagree' corner.  I would use some of my information sheets on different types of energy and pose questions to my environmental class.  My 9th grade science class is not much for opinions and it's always a big class in a small space. 

Thing 9: Podcast on NPR, Climate Change Trends

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121240453

This is a series of podcasts from throughout the world along with interactives, maps, photos, and videos that are presented in conjunction with National Geographic. 

I like that these informational bits are from so many different cultures and climates, that there are visuals, and each podcast addresses all of the aspects of climate change, energy, and effects on biological living conditions. 

List of things I have to do today--not totally linear, but neither am I.

Thing 7: Images

The peony on the top was a simple snapshot I took at a farmers' market in Idaho.  I used a lighting effects filter and added texture to the edited photograph. 

Thing 5: Wordle

My non-linear to-do list.

Thing 6: Voicethread

https://voicethread.com/?#u1889481

There are no student comments, but I did comment three different ways: recording, typing, and phoning (which was fun and easy).

Thing 4: Wallwisher

http:www.wallwisher.com/wall/Getting-it-done

Hopefully I will gather lots of comments--if not, it will be out there for eternity. I tried wallwisher in my class, but students hesitated to put anything in writing--that was for my special education class. My inclusion classes were not in the computer lab enough and when we went in there, it was for a very specific assignment.