Added a Calender Gadget today

I was playing around and decided to try to add a calender gadget to my blog. I read an article about how you can create an assignments calender to post on your class blog so I decided to give it a try. After a couple of size adjustments, it is now there.

Adding Widgets to Your Blog

After reading the article from Free Technology for Teachers about adding widgets to your blog, I think I'm going to give it a try.  I added a Google Calender to my Wiki awhile ago but didn't think about putting one on my blog.  So if by blog explores or disappears, it means I didn't do something right.  Read the article and give it a try.

A Few Widgets To Consider Adding To Your Classroom Blog

7 Things You Should Know About ... Second Life

I consider myself an up with the times kind of teacher but I have to confess that these types of programs are simply not something that interests me or do I have a desire to endeavor into.  I understand Second Life allows one to experience the "virtual world" and encounter situations in a safer way than actually doing the same thing in real life.  But the fact that things that are not appropriate or legal in the real world is acceptable in the virtual world simply goes against my moral values.  For those of you who think its worth something to pursue, good luck.  You won't be seeing me in your Second Life.
7 Things You Should Know about Second Life

Educational Blogs

For those of us who might be venturing out into the blogosphere this year and plan to create a class blog, Lisa Nielsen gives 8 easy tips to keep in mind before starting on.  Check out her suggestions:
Link to Article

7 Things You Should Know About Google Apps

I have become quite addicted to the use of Google Apps and can see the usefulness not only in my personal life but also that in the educational world.  I too have some concerns about the access rights Google allows but I have not had any problems up to this point.  I suppose that any time you provide information on the web it is subject to some form of misuse for those who do those kinds of things.  The fact that Google owns a number of resources that we use regularly (YouTube for instance) tells me that the upside far outweighs the downsides.
Link to Article

Weekly Wrap up

Just thought I'd pass this along for a little more information instructional technology articles.
Link to article

Google's Computational Thinking Lessons

For those who teach upper middle school and higher math, Google has created a site for you that provides a number of lesson plans on computational thinking.  At first I was excited to see the title but found that much of what is available is above my grade level.  But i thought that it could be useful to some.  It came from an article from the Free Technology for Teachers site.  Check it out to see if it fits your need.
Lessons in Computational Thinking

Teaching Students Real Life Skills

Probably one of the most important roles we have as teachers is to teach students skills the apply to real life.  I found an article on the MakingSenseMedia website, entitled 21 Apps That Teaches Real-Life Skills.  The links provide a review of the apps and the age appropriate level for them.  I'm not sure about cost associated with them but they look like children can really become engaged in learning by using them.
21 Apps That Teaches Real-Life Skills

Using Twitter in the Classroom

Once again I found another quality article from  The Innovative Educator site,  3 Reason for Using Twitter In Your School.  It includes a Prezi presentation with videos embedded to provide more information.

Apps for Cash Strapped School Districts

I found this article on the EmergingEdTech.com site that gives information about 5 apps that can be a great resource for those school districts that are experiencing a cash flow problem (isn't most school in this category these days).  Some of the have been mention on the blogs posts and some of them have been bookmarked on Delicious.  But I think it would be worth your time to check out the 5 apps.  The author, Ann Davis, provides a brief summary of each.

5 Ed Tech Resources I Used While Working in a Low-Income Class

by ANN DAVIS on JULY 23, 2013

7 Things to Know about Ning

I had never heard of the social networking site called Ning until reading this article.  I could really see the application of using such a concept for my classroom, however, I would feel the need to purchase the premier version to avoid advertisements that might cause issues or parent concerns.  The article addressed the fact that someone could participate in a number of different networks but mentioned the downside of trying to keep up with the number of contacts you are a part of.
Interesting enough, my POA just set up something very similar to Ning so the neighborhood can stay up with community events, safety and crime issues, and ways to meet your neighbor.  The site is called NextDoor and it has been very useful so far.  As a matter of fact, I need to go to cook my dessert for our neighborhood gathering for tonight.  Talk to you later!

Audio Recordings

Wouldn't you like to "get into your students heads" even when they are not in the classroom?  What better way than to create an audio recording of an important point or idea using anyone of the audio voice tool mentioned in the article from Free Technology for Teachers entitled
"5 Services for Creating & Sharing Audio Recordings Online"
I would also like to encourage you to search through the links under the article to help your students create audio recordings and slideshows.

Goggle Voice

I read this article about Google Voice and thought I'd share it.  I am thinking this is a perfect way to allow parents to "call" you without having to give out your number.  Place the widget on your wiki, blog, or webpage and stay in touch.  View on the Innovative Educator blog.
Link to article

Quick Read on Bloom's Taxonomy

I found this short like article on the iLearnTechnology.com entitled Bloom's Taxonomy Paint Palette that give a colorful and informative summary of Bloom's  I know most of us have seen many version by this was a little different so I thought I'd pass it along.

ChatWing

I was very interested in the article on Free Technology for Teachers about the free program called ChatWing that you can embed into your website or blog.  It is a chatbox that allows you to set up a mini social network that could be used in the classroom on your blog.  I haven't tried it yet (chicken I'll mess up my current class blog to be honest) but would like to know if anyone out there has ever used it.

Use ChatWing Embed a Backchannel Into Your Blog  retrieved July 18, 2013 from Free Technology for Teachers

Do The Math...Right

I just read an article on Edutopia about why we are having so much trouble in the United States over reaching future STEM students.  The problem, according to the article, is the way math is being taught at the university level and how courses are set up and designed to weed out the less committed math students.  Little, if any, change in the way math is being taught at the university level over the years has dramatically affected the attitudes and desires for student to pursue math and science majors.  Being a math teacher myself, I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard parents say how they struggled in math in school and explain their shortcomings on why their children struggle.  I like the Ainissa Ramirez (blog author) statement that "we need to take math back" and "let's do the math...right".  Read the article by clicking the link below:
Do The Math...Right

Wikipedia Video

Prior to watching the video assigned for the week, I thought (and as what was pointed out in the video) that Wikipedia is not the direction I would steer my students if they were doing academic research on a given project.  But as the video pointed out, Wikipedia will certainly provide a starting direction in finding notable people, events etc. within the wiki to leads you to seek out information from more reliable, research based articles about these people and/or events.  The reference section will also provide a good source to explore when searching for source material for the project or paper.  The video also mentioned the use of imprtant vocabulary words and terms to help the student have a better understanding and, again, allow them to continue a search for other sources the made have a solid research foundation.  Like any academic research, student need to verify the reliablility of the information they use in their project/paper regardless as to where they find it. 

The Unengagables

This is a short little article by Dan Meyer about how affect the "unengagable" students and lots of quality responses that address the issue.  The link is below:
The Unengagables

Trying to keep up

I must confess trying to keep up with everything for the class and still trying to spend quality time with my new grandson has been more difficult than I thought. For all my classmates I want you to know I'm reading your blogs and your post.  And I have seen some really great points being made. I just haven't responded as much as I have. But know I'm still trying to keep up.

History of Aviation

I figure that few if any of you out there thought too much about the article from Free Technology for Teachers, The Timeline of Flight and Other Resources For Learning About Aviation  but I was a former helicopter pilot in the Army and I kinda enjoyed the video clips and looking over the
scholastic resources covering the history of aviation.  I know this may not be directly related to this class but I had to chase that rabbit a little in pursue of personal enjoyment.  Thanks for letting me "wander" a bit.
Free Technology for Teachers, A Timeline of Flight and Other Resources for Learning About Aviation viewed July 09, 2013

Chapter 8 Reading about Podcast

As I was reading through chapter 8 of this weeks assignment, I found that it took entirely too long to get through it.  Every time I got to a section where it would suggest you go to a particular site and check out other podcasts, I found myself chasing rabbits of the multitude of quality podcasts that are out there.  I was really impressed when I read the section about how you can go to the Itune store and find education podcast already assembled and, more specifically, how you can search down to K-12 podcasts relevant to your grade level.  I started to view several educational technology podcasts (some an hour long) and found myself only part way through my reading assignment.  I'm anxious to get started with our weekly podcast assignment to see how easy they are supposed to be to create.
Richardson, W.  "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. 3rd ed.  Corwin Publishing, Thousand Oaks, CA

7 Things You Should Know About...Instant Messaging

As I read the article about instant messaging, the first thing that came to mind was distracted and bored students "chatting" with friends about things that are completely off topic.  But the article pointed out how, if used appropriately, can be a valuable way of receiving information about what is taking place in class without disrupting the flow of class by having the capability of getting clarification from another member of the class.  I suppose that, with proper training, students can learn what is appropriate and not, and how to use IM as a tool not a toy.
I must confess that it never occurred to me that unsolicited Spim (IM version of Spam) was something to watch for and didn't give it much thought that it can be a source of viruses etc. because it oftentimes circumvents the security software on your computer.  All in all however, I can see it as one more available and inexpensive form of technology that can be incorporated into the classroom.
7 Things You Should Know About ...Instant Messaging

Transform Education thru Technology HR 521 Bill

A piece of legislation in Congress right now that will have a significant impact in our classroom is HR 521 Bill.  Read the article and, if you agree get involved.  The article can be found at http://www.emergingedtech.com/2013/07/transforming-education-through-technology-hr-521-bill/

7 Things You Should Know About... Twitter

After reading the article from our class reading about the use of Twitter, I can say that I still haven't been able to see the relevance to its use in a classroom setting.  I have used Twitter over the years, primarily to keep up with a few missionary friends in  Africa,  Recently, however, I started  to follow some "math experts" who are addressing issues with the new Common Core and he has been interesting and insightful at times.  And it lend itself to a few laughs as well.  I guess you really have to get committed to Twitter to fully understand its importance to the educational setting.
7 Things you should know about ... Twitter

Project Based Learning

How do we as educators truly get our students involved in the learning process?  Are we simply trying to convince ourselves that, if a student scores well on a formalized test, they have really mastered the skill?  One way to truly see if your students are comprehending the skills and objectives are through project based units. They are a little scary for most teachers because it takes them out of their comfort zone.  Here is an article, with video included, that gives an excellent justification for moving toward PBL (Project Based Learning).
Project Based Learning:  Start to Finish
viewed on Edutopia July 1, 2013

Math Folks

For those of you who teach math and want a great resources to use to extend children's thinking and make them think out side of the box, a guy you should look into following is Dan Meyer.  Here is an example of some of the things he comes up with:
Makeover - Bedroom Carpet

Wanna Flip your Classroom? Here's some help!

Just read the article I found on the Emerging Educational Technology site that gives 8 great videos resources that tells you just about anything you might want to know about flipping your classroom.  It has some really helpful ideas and keen insight into what it can do for you.  The article can be accessed by clicking on the link below:
8 Great Videos About the Flipped Classroom 
Written by K. Walsh on June 30, 2013 and found on the website www.emergingedtech.com

Copyright and Fair Use Article

I would feel remiss by not sharing with the class the article from Free Technology For Teachers regarding copyright rules and what constitutes "Fair Use" by us teachers.  We probably have all be guilty of taking the shortest means possible to "create" a powerpoint, presentation etc. without taking the time to give due credit to where we got our materials.  Or maybe it's just me!  But this degree program has made me so much more aware of the requirements.  Before I didn't give it much thought, but as I truly begin to create new, fresh ideas, I don't want someone taking my hard work and claiming it as their own.  Here read the article and see what you think,
Fair Use, Copyright, and Educational Blogging

Ben Johnson | Edutopia

Ben Johnson | Edutopia
He has some very interesting articles focusing on the "new Classroom instruction"  Some one you might be interested in reading some of his articles.

Free Tiiu Pix

Free Technology for Teachers.  Viewed Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The article I found on Free Technology for Teacher provides a great additional resource for images one might need in a presentation or other digital imaging requirement,  The site is names Free Tiiu Pix and is maintained by a retired teacher who knows the importance to easy access to resources.

Rethinking Whole Class Discussion, Edutopedia Viewed June 25, 2013
The article about classroom discussions and the art of questioning has hit the heart of the issues our school was dealing with as we transitioned into the new Common Core standards and the approaches we were using in an attempt to successfully integrate them into our classroom.  The main point that I tried to emphasize  to my co-workers last year was moving from convergent thinking to divergent thinking and how our questioning techniques have to lead our students down that path.

Week 2 Assignment

Just finished writing a pretty intense argument for supporting national Internet filtering, posted it on the class Wiki, then realized that I was supposed to be working on the No argument.  I love it when I do double work.  It's not like I have anything else to do.

I've got to say I'm excited.  I know for some of you tech savvy folks out there, the tools and resources are common place.  But today, I created my first ever Prezi presentation and figured out how to include narration.  It's far from perfect but at least I gave it my best (and limited) effort.  Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.  Go view it at  http://mtayloredu653.wikispaces.com/.  Critic it and let me know how I can improve it (or trash it).

All These Tools, Now How to Use Them

As I first began to search through the requirements and expectations of this course, I was beginning to have thought about dropping out and finding another master's program.  Well maybe it wasn't that extreme but I was having trouble trying to figure out how all these pieces fit into the puzzle of effectively using them in the classroom.  But the course text we have, "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms" by Will Richardson really put things into perspective.  On pages 9 - 11, he does a remarkable job of explaining each of the tools we will be learning about and how they all relate to on another.  I was trying to see a practical application for these tools but as I read through the chapter, it started to make sense.  Now mind you, that doesn't alleviate the stress about having to learn the details on how to use each one, but it certainly helped me to understand that it is "doable" if I take the time to effectively employ them for my class.

25,000 Images of Art That You Can Use For Free

Here is a handy little article about art images that you can access for free from the U.S. National Gallery of Art. Not only are the images downloadable but you cab enlarge them and get information of the painting and the painter as well. You can even extend your research to view related sites about the pictures,
25,000 Images of Art That You Can Re-use for Free,
written by Richard Byrne
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/06/25000-images-of-art-that-you-can-re-use.html?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29#.UcIAK_lvPTw

Math Articles to inform

http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/

Another Class has begun

Been a busy summer thus far and I'm getting ready for a new class full of new resources to learn.