BP3_Dipity

I have to admit I was baffled at how many resources are out there for Web 2.0 tools that I have never heard of. I spent a lot of time going through all the different tabs and finding many different tools I could use during the year. I was excited to see so many reading resources including books that can be read to kids, and programs where students can go and publish stories they have written.

I decided that my focus at this point will be on adding some technology to an upcoming unit. After hearing positive comments about Dipity, I decided to check it out. I liked that there are many options to use on the timeline maker. The instructional videos on YouTube provided a simple run-down of how the program works.

My students will soon be researching people from Colorado history. Last year this unit was very light on technology. I would like to use Dipity for my students to create a timeline about the one person in history they are focusing on.

After students have created their timelines they will upload them to their Google accounts to share with other students, as well as their families. The video and link features will be a great way for everyone to learn new information. I also like that the timeline can be seen in multiple formats. Possible formats are: a timeline, a list, a flipbook, and also a map. The map will be a wonderful way for students to show where their personlived, and how they affected others in Colorado.

I did have a few problems when creating my own timeline with organizing information, so I am glad I have a bit of time to play with the tool and find ways to make this a fun and educational resource for my students to use.

Pictures on timeline from-Googleimages.com

Colorado Information from- HistoryColorado.org

BP2_iGoogleScreenShots

Home Tab

I have to admit it will be good for me to have Twitter a bit closer to my mind. I am not very good at checking or using Twitter, but maybe if I see it more I will remember. I also like the Facebook gadget in a convenient place to check. I included a gadget with quotes because I love finding new quotes everyday.

FSO/AR Tab

I love the box of links. I can't believe I have never seen this before. Everyday at school I search through my bookmark folders to find information I need. I can definitely see myself using this gadget for my school life, as well as my personal life. I am already thinking of adding a page to sort out all of my bills and sites I check weekly. I will be sharing this info with other teachers I work with who I am sure would love to use it. I also included a clock and To Do List to help keep me on track.

Resources Tab

With all the resources I use each week it will be nice to have one place to go to find them. I am sure I will be adding more to this page shortly. The Google Reader looks like it will be a great tool to use with many types of information available. I also included a Wikipedia gadget for quick searches on topics, and just for fun some penguins running around my page to keep me entertained. And to keep my brain always moving I can hop on and play a game of Sudoku.

BP1_Welcome to my blog

Welcome to my adventures in blogging! I am so excited to continue on this journey in EMDT. I look forward to all that we are going to learn, and I am thrilled with everything that I have already added to my classroom to improve student engagement and understanding.

I am a fourth grade teacher at an International Baccalaureate school in Lakewood Colorado. I absolutely love my school and the amazing group that I work with. This is my fourth year of teaching forth grade, and I decided they are a great fit for me. I love that they understand my humor and sarcasm, and they are still excited to learn. I also enjoy that they are willing to have fun with me without the fear of not looking cool. Like today, when we all played Just Dance on the Wii (and yes I won). I only wish I had a picture I could share with everyone.

I love to travel and spent a semester abroad in London. I am now slightly obsessed and can't wait until I have a chance to go back again. One of my goals is to teach abroad, and I am hoping to take my new ideas to other countries and share what I know. This will be a great opportunity for me to inspire others. I have applied for the upcoming school year, so keep your fingers crossed that everything works out!

I hope to use what I learn in this program to increase the amount of technology that I use in the classroom. I am thrilled that by month three I have already been able to add new technology to our everyday learning, as well as convince other teachers to try new things.