Something New to Share

"The joy that isn't shared, dies young."--Anne Sexton

I'm not sure how many teachers know about this, but I love it and I want other teachers to love it, too. It's called Voicethread and I learned about it in class this past week. Through Voicethread, group conversations are collected and centered around images, documents, texts and videos--all from you and/or your students. Check out the link: http://voicethread.com/about/. I have a love for poetry and literature. I know that poetry may not be the most exciting genre to especially middle-school students, but then I thought about how each student could either create his/her own poem, or choose a favorite poem, and create a Voicethread with that poem. He/She could add images and analyze it with voice comments. Then the students could view each other's poems and add their own voice comments. It brings poetry to life--real life with real voices. Voice thread could be used for student brainstorming, creating a story, Literature Circles; use it to introduce resources, or to present research projects. Kids can role-play using Voicethread. Can you tell I'm a big fan?

Power Point--Easy As Making Peanut butter And Jelly

"The genius of it is that it was designed for any idiot to use. I learned it in a few hours."

--David Byrne

formerly of the Talking Heads

I've seen Power Point presentations given: My son's teacher has all their study guides in Power Point form--and Chris studies! At Open House, my daughter's teacher had a Power Point Presentation that explained the curriculum--so much more exciting than reading it in a pamphlet. My EDU teacher showed us what not to put in a Power Point presentation through a Power Point presentation--pretty clever. And then I learned how to make slides for a Power Point presentation...and play it like a slide show...for the whole class to see. Granted, it was on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich--I'm sure my classmates have witnessed more elaborate presentations, but, no matter, I did it! And I understand it, and now I'm confident that I can take this tool and use it in my classroom. I probably won't be showing slides on PB&J, but I can use it to introduce a lesson, sum up a lesson, for study guides, and to communicate with parents--just like at that Open House. If used correctly, Power Point can be an effective teaching tool. Just ask one of my classmates about how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And, it's that easy.

Speaking My Language

"It is today we must create the world of the future" -- Eleanor Roosevelt

I know a person who could have said these words first-- if Eleanor didn't beat her to it. Her name is Meg Ormiston, and her passion lies solely on transforming teaching and learning through the power of digital tools. She is an author (Conquering Infoclutter and Digital Storytelling with Power Point), a retired school board memeber, an adjunct professor, blogger, consultant, a keynote speaker, a successful grant development specialist, and a mom. All of her credentials might make Meg seem a little intimidating; however, I believe she is just the opposite--and that's why I like her. I'll be the first to admit that I'm far from being technology savvy, but I'm willing to learn. One of the problems I have encountered, though, is finding a person that can speak my language. I don't need a show-off. I need someone who really wants to help me master the art of technology in the classroom--and not only for me, but for the benefit of my students. Meg Ormiston does just that. If you don't believe me, just look her up yourself:

www.techteachers.com/megportfolio.htm; www.megoblog.blogspot.com; www.classroom20.com/profiles/bloglist?user=megormi.

And when you read her words, listen to the excitement in her voice. It's contagious. Makes ya want to go and become an updated teacher.