Wonderful Job!

I have truly enjoyed working with the Highland Park team. I have to admit, there were times when I was a bit worried, but I know how busy life in the school can get. In the end though, you ALL created amazing projects. You truly should be proud of yourselves. I hope that your participation in STEP has inspired you and that you will not only continue to bring technology into your classroom and school, but that you will also share what you have learned with others.

Thank you!!!

Wow! This has been fun.

This is my final post for the year. It has truly been a great experience to participate in S.T.E.P. The information gained this year will certainly benefit me and the staff that I work with in the future. All of the information provide at the training sessions was new to me. I was very surprised to learn how little I actually knew about digital cameras. And I professed to be an above average technology user. Well, I can only say that now because my knowledge base has been enriched by S.T.E.P. Have a great summer to all.

Last Blog of the Year

Well today is my last day to blog :-(!!! Today I saw how the entire Highland Park staff came together to respond to a PodCast for our school. I thought it was an awesome idea of the principal to give the entire staff an opportunity to view the podcast and respond to the cast by either typing their response or verbally speaking their response into the headphones.

PreReferral & SIT Process Story

At first I did not have a clue as to what other photo story I could create. Then I was in conversation with Megan and she asked which grade do I teach. I said special education and as soon as I said that the idea popped in my head. There are always so many questions, concerns, and comments as to how a child gets into special education. So I decided to create a story that explains the prereferral and SIT process. As I started the story I found myself getting more and more detailed. It was extremely hard to depict the most important details needed to share my story.

Project Completed

I completed and submitted the Administrator's Step Project to Ronlyn. The Red Across America movie included pictures from the Read Across America Event held in February and March. I included a title, transitions, narration and background music. I told the story in a way in which teachers would be engaged and hopefully utilize this tool in the classroom.

I aslo submitted a Podcast VoiceThread that I set up with the staff's pictures. After looking at some lessons, teachers will be able to scroll to their picture and respond to three questions. This will allow teachers an opportunity to interact in a non-threatening manner with podcasting and be prepared to learn more in August. If we receive the grant for Year II, I plan to take Podcasting to another level as I learn more information.

A Blog was created for Tech Tips that the staff used this year. They were sent an invitation to join and will comment on at least one of the tips used in their classroom. This will familarize Blogs with the staff an area we will focus on in next year school-wide.

NLNS, Resident Principal

The Digital Camera was used to begin taking pictures of the New Leaders New Schools Resident Principal, in the role of a principal, as she conducted the Awards Program.

Last Training Session

Today was our last training session of the year. I really appreciate how patient Megan and Joy are with us. There is a lot of work to complete (if you haven't kept up like you should) and they continue to be patient and helpful. It really makes putting the final touches on my projects a lot easier to manage. So today I wanted to send a special "THANK YOU" TO Megan and Joy!!!! You ladies have been extremely helpful to myself and the Highland Park Team!!!

6th Grade Girls Skit-Day 2

Today the girls finalized their portion of the skit by adding their voice. That was hilarious!!!! They wanted to practice, record, listen to what they recorded, rerecord if they didn't like it, and then preview it one final time. With all the slides we have in the skit, this took a very long time. However, it was extremely fun creating this photo story with the girls. I didn't realize that adding the transitions, music, etc. would be so much fun. I even remembered the steps of how to save the story without the help of my good friend Mr. Silberman :-)!!!

Photo Story Training

Today, I learned something new. It was how to use MS Photo Story. What a great tool for everybody. I am so mad that I have not know about this sooner. I have been searching for ideas on how to share all of the digital photos that I take throughout the year. This is an "easy to use" tool that allows you to develop eye-popping presentations. And it only takes minutes to create them. I look forward to using the technology with my students and staff.

Photo story

I think the photo story was the best project that I created with the students..Not only did they enjoy the art project, but the creation part was fun too. I feel like I was really able to get creative with this one the most. I am sure that I will use this program again.

6th Grade Camera Skit

Today my 6th grade girls and I started preparing for the skit titled "3 Girls Going to Middle School." The girls were excited about actually creating the skit, being the characters in the skit, and utilizing the camera to take pictures of their skit. It was interesting to see how the girls were very interested in the operation of the camera. I was even more surprised that I was able to actually tell them the names and functions of the camera.

Staff Pictures for Podcast

I took indivudual staff pictures that would be utilized for a Podcasting VoiceThread project. In a few weeks, I will allow teachers to view lessons that have been developed using Podcasts integrated in lesson. Teachers will respond to three questions related to podcast lessons and training.

Mother's Day Project

Using the digital cmaera for the Mother's Day project was such a great idea. Considering I have a camera of my own, I found it to be very easy to use and navigate. During the project, I was able to use the zoom and protrait finctions to ensure that I took the best pictures. One of my favorite functions on a camera is the self timer. I think it is so handy when you are in a group and there is no one around to take the picture.

When the students used the camera, they really enjoyed it. One of the most frequently used functions was the zoom. This project made them feel like they were completely involved. Also, creating the photo story was pure excitement. All of the students were eager to add narration to their pictures. This was probably the most engaging projectof them all because it documents student work all throughout.

Staff Meeting

A madatory staff meeting was held to discuss the End-of-the-Year Procedures as well as the vision utilize technology in the 2009-2010 school year. Teacher's will be provided with tutorial sites to view over the summer as well as other links that can assist with lesson development integrating technology.

Students using Technology

Pictures were taken of students using technology in the school. Students used the digital camera to take pictures of the Student of the Month, students were using I station computer program in Special Education class; students were using the laptop responding to a URL that was displayed using the Elmo; students assisted the teacher by using the digital camcorder to video a lesson.

Podcast

I finally had the opportunity to try Voice Thread. I used the technology to create my slide show for the Elmo Document Camera. This technology allowed me to seamlessly transfer the PowerPoint presentation into a Podcast, where I was able to add my voice to each slide and incorporate video clips. I found that the technology was very easy to use and the presentation was enhanced with the voice over.

Miya Thomas: Digital Camera

I really enjoyed working with the Digital camera. I have a great idea for our classroom project. I am planning on using an art porject that the students will do for Mother's day. I will document the process of them creating their Mother's Day gifts from start to finish.

I-Station Voicethread-Day 2

"WE DID IT-THAT WAS FUN!" That was the response of my students when we finished the Voicethread. That was "priceless!" They really enjoyed creating this Voicethread, especially listening to their responses. By them analyzing the program, I believe it made them realize how the reading intervention program is helping them enhance their reading. The best part is that they are learning, reading and having fun at the same time!!!

Tech Tip 4/26/09

Directions were provided on how to forward an email appropriately.

IMicca...do U?

This week was the MICCA conference in Baltimore. The highland Park STEP Team was in attendance. I enjoyed most of the workshops that I attended. I didn't really realize how much of a market there is for technology intergrationin the classroom. It felt good to know that my school had alot of the tools that were being advertised: from the Interwrite board to the clickers. My school has really embraced the technology era and is making a steadfast effort to ensure that we have full intergration in instruction.

I-Station VoiceThread-Day 1

Today my third graders and I started gathering our thoughts for my Voicethread project. Students were very excited to hear that they were going to record their thoughts and feelings about the reading intervention program. I modeled how to record a voice using the headphones. Their faces lit up when I played back my voice. It was extremely funny to me and exciting to them.

Tech Tip 4/19/09

www.docs.google.com

Online documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Podcast

The voicethread program is very interesting and useful. This is a very creative way to get the students engaged in learning. Allowing them to post information, share, and listen to each other's opinions is a good way to make the students feel apart of learning. Providing an opportunity for the students to hear or read each other's response creates a sense of competition because the next person wants to be better than the last.

Furthermore, podcasting is another method that can be used to assess student knowledge without all the hustle and bustle of grading papers. This gives teachers instant feeback on whether or not a lesson was effective.

Podcasting Session

Today we discussed Podcasting and how it can be used for administrators, teachers and students. We focused mainly on Voice Threads as a means of Podcasting. The overview, video clips and viewing of current Voice Threads provided an opportunity to better understand this topic. The hands-on experience of creating and commenting as well as the discussion provided an additional opportunity to develop a plan to be utilized at the individual school.

Tech Tip 4/12/09

Teachers were sent the Wheel of Fortune Powerpoint to use in the classroom.

Tech Tip 4/3/09

www.miccaonline.org/workshops/workshops.html

Gain certification while furthering your knowledge of integrating technology in the classroom.

To Blog or not to Blog

While at the podcasting training, we learned how to access our new blog. I think this is much better and easier to navigate than the previous site. What makes it even better is that you can easily share ideas with your teammates and colleagues.

I am so excited

I am so excited about being here this evening and learning about Podcasting. I heard so much about this technology but have never used it. I am also interested to learn how to integrate the technology with students.

Blogging

Hello All,
Once again I am learning something new with Technology:-) Please be patient with me!!!

Hi. I am at the training for podcasting, and I am very excited to learn how to do this.

Welcome Highland Park STEP Team

This is the official blog of the Highland Park ES STEP Team. We are looking forward to an exciting experience using blogging.

Read Across America Event

Pictures were taken of every classroom door that was decorated by the staff, which included the secretaries, nurse, custodians, Before and After Care staff, cafeteria staff, lunch recess monitors and specialist. Then, all the students who dress as a book characters had their picture taken with the book that afternoon students paraded and had pictures taken. The following Monday, was Read Across America Day. Pictures of volunteers reading, characters, students at stations and skits were taken. Finally, a slideshow was shown to students for all of their hard work on the event at a Pizza Party Dance. The teachers and students enjoyed seeing themselves.

The "Cat in the Hat" had the most fun, more then any student or adult! When he made the front page of the Gazette, the excitement started all over again.

Tech Tip 3/22/09

Schooltube.com

Educational videos to incorporate in lessons.

Teacher's Using Technology in the Classroom

I used the digital camera to capture spontaneous pictures of teachers using technology in the classroom. E.g. Teacher taking attendance on SchoolMax; teacher allowing students to record on CD's to take information home; teacher using the Elmo in a Special Education classroom, teacher using SmartBoard in Math lesson; teacher using Digital Camera in the Physical Education that would be used to create a Standard Based bulletin board for the VSC.

Tech Tip 3/22/09

Kick You Tube....

An easy way to download You Tube videos to the computer and show if you're not connected to the internet.
Go to Youtube.com, locate the desired video, play a part of the video, move mouse to browser, insert the word "kick" in front of "youtube in the URL and press enter. When the page reloads use the menu bar to download.

Tech Tip 3/16/09

The Parent Portal site is going live for elementary schools. Teachers were sent the training site to refresh their memory of what parents would be able to view.

http://trng.sis.pgcps.org/schoolmax/family.jsp

Tech Tip 3/9/09

surveymonkey.com

Create online surveys to use with your students.

Elmo Again

Well, I have grown accustomed to using the Elmo almost everyday in my classroom. I use it to show books, check assignments, model note taking, enlarge images, and take pictures. It is very easy and user friendly. There is one thing that I have noticed that could use some improvement...the color or lighting. Since the Elmo does not have a backlight or overhead lighting, it tends to be a little difficult to see when someone is wearing something that is a dark color. The students get distracted when the Elmo begins the automatic coolor adjustment.

MSA Pep Rally

The Maryland School Assessment is next week. We have a scheduled Pep Rally every year prior to the assessment. This year, I plan to use a YouTube clip that was recorded at Forest Heights Elementary. The clip has students singing, rapping and dancing about passing the MSA. I can't wait to see the students reaction to the song.

Tech Tip 3/2/09

www.glogster.com

Express yourself.... picture profile enhanced.....

Havin Fun with Elmo

The Elmo Document camera has been a great help in the classroom. Not only is it space efficient, but it has more features than the other visualizer that I was using previously. The ability to pause frames and manipulate them without the students seeing is a big help when students need time to work independently before reviewing an assignment. I also have grown accustomed to the zoom function. The students are more involved when you get a close up image of an object and then view it from a different perspective.

In addition to me enjoying the Elmo, the students in my class really enjoy using the Elmo. Students feel really empowered and in control when they can show what they have learned to the whole class while demonstrating proficient use of the Elmo.

New Training???

It has been over a month since our last training. I am getting a little anxious. And we have MSA in a couple of weeks, which means that we may not be trained on the next piece of equipment until the end of March. Yeah I know, I will have to use what I have until then.

Tech Tip 2/23/09

www.mathway.com

Solve math problems using this site. Great for parents, teachers and students.

Tech Tip 2/16/09

www.pizap.com

Pizap is a free photp editor that lets people easily create wacky images with their digital pictures.

Technology with Small Group Instructoin

Today I used Orchard Software with my small mathematics group of eight students. The software allows you to customize lessons to specific skills and concepts. Since the students were working on multiplication, there was an interactive tutorial on two digit x two digit. Following the tutorial, students had the opportunity to solve problems independently. If students were experiencing difficulties, the software made automatic suggestions/hint, and adjusted the level of the problems.

Tech Tip 2/2/09

www.bibme.org

A free website that allows you to search from a database to find a specific source of reference.

Troubles with Presentation

Although I was able to load my Elmo Document Camera Power Point Presentation. It is not working correctly. I need help. I am so frustrated because I cannot import my video clips correctly into the presentation. Hopefully someone will be able to help me at the next training.

Tech Tip 1/26/09

http://www.edhelper.com/

The school purchased a subscription for teachers to edhelper.com to assist with classroom assignments. Everyone received their individual log in and visited the site.

Tech Tip 1/19/09

http://www.ourstory.com/

Teachers were asked to visit this site which allows you to create personal timeline story.

MSA Practice

Today, I am excited!!! I used more technology to review MSA skills with my kids then I have ever done before. I actually utlized a "Multiple Meaning" game from online with my students. First I pulled the game up on my laptop. Then I connected the laptop to my LCD projecter and my document camera and displayed the game on the screen. WHEW!!!!! Go Mrs. Holmes, I think I graduated to technology 102!!!!

Tech Tip 1/12/09

http://www.bubbl.us/

A demonstration was provided during Pacing and Planning on how Graphic Organizers can be created using this site.

Principal using Document Camera - Jan

The document camera was used duing Pacing and Planning to show data from the laptop that was being discussed with teachers as well as to display the agenda.

Elmo Document Camera

Last night I had the opportunity to utilize the Elmo Document during a presentation for parents and students. The presentation centered around the MSA, how parents can support their student(s) in mathematics, and study tips for students. With the Elmo Document Camera we were able to show parents and students how to solve multi-step problems along with analyzing responses from the audience. With parents understanding the expectations of the state assessment, they will be better equipped to assist at home.

Multiplication Chart & Elmo

Today my third graders showed how to use a multiplication chart to solve multiplication problems. It was very interesting to see that some of the children did not know how to correctly use the chart. The Elmo was extremely useful because the students could actually see all the steps in order to utilize the chart correctly. At the end of the lesson, they all wanted to go up to the Elmo and show that they can find the answer :-).

Tech Tip 1/5/09

The Jeopardy Slide Show was sent to staff. During Pacing and Planning teachers discussed how this could be used in the classroom.