Classroom Freebies: 15 ELA Grammar Printables!

Classroom Freebies: 15 ELA Grammar Printables!: Here are sixteen free language arts worksheets to use with your students. Each of these comes from a different highly-rated TpT product, but...

PLN Reflections

For the past few weeks, I have been working with a group of colleagues on Personal Learning Networks. Our final assignment is to reflect on how PLN's have changed and grown since we began the coursework. I want to begin by saying that before this class I experimented with several networks, but I did not use them to their full extent. Now that I have had a chance to really learn about PLN's besides what I taught myself prior to the class, I feel more comfortable with advancing my skills in the area.

Thanks to the information, links provided and feedback shared, I now have many ideas that can help me to keep my students excited about learning; in addition to preparing them for the future of technology as well as the demands of high school assignments and creativity.

I have spoken with my administrator and he is willing to help me with whatever I need to introduce my students on how to safely create their own PLN's.

I see this as a way of sharing what one thinks as an individual with others who you may have come in contact with, but do not see on a regular basis. Educators can share new ideas with just about anyone and give detailed steps through the use of video clips or podcast messages. Parents and students can see and/or hear a lecture or steps for completing projects and/or assignments, test-taking tips (also via blogs, wiki, pod etc.).

I not only want to expand my PLN's by keeping myself informed on the changes of technology, but to continuously find things that will take my class outside of the building without actually leaving (virtual fiedltrips, or interactive assignments, etc.).

I have really enjoyed this class and I look forward to keeping in touch with all the new friends that I have made over the past few weeks through email, twitter and blogs. Happy tweeting!!

Blogging Administrators

The benefits of Blogging for school administrators:
1. Having the ability to get quick messages to staff, students and parents in minutes.
2. Informing the community about upcoming events.
3. Invitations to school performances, parent informational and etc.
4. Posting frequently asked questions, what to do in case of?, where and how can I find this?)
5. School wide test scores (Grade level percentage)
6. Suggestions bowl (Likes and dislikes, Wants)
There are a number of things administrators can blog about.
Does your school administrator blog?

Technology Tips for Teachers and Students

http://www.internetatschools.com/Articles/Editorial/Features/TOOLS-FOR-LEARNING-Thirty-Three-Excellent-Professional-Development-Resources-for-Teachers-74110.aspx

Great link and very useful information when working with students as they explore the web.

How can technology be used most effectively to support and access student learning?

Technology can be used effectively to support student learning by allowing them to practice using the different tools for researching data. Students may now use educational chat rooms where they have access to other students all over the world; in addition to being able to share ideas and ask questions to help them with projects and/or assignments. Students will need to be instructed on the copyright law before beginning multimedia projects in order to be in compliance with the law. This will also prepare younger students for higher grade level assignments which will be graded and viewed on a greater level of performance (eg. high school research papers and college papers).

How can I use projects to help students meet standards and develop 21st century skills?

Giving students a variety of choices that relate to the class subject; as well as include a rubric in which students will follow to complete the assignment and meet the guidelines in order to be successful. Choosing projects that interest the students will guarantee more success and participation.