- What communication and collaboration tools did you explore?
- In what ways can you help your students improve their communication and collaboration skills?
- In what ways can you as a teacher use communication and collaboration tools to enhance your own learning?
- Did you have any “aha” moments?
- What was your favorite part today’s training?
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Delectable Discussions
After tasting each course on the menu, reflect on the following questions and respond to at least two other posts from your peers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
In order to improve communication and collaboration skills within the classroom, it is important to foster an environment that promotes multiple aspects of digital literacy, including things like digital etiquette and digital communication. One way to do this is to create a project based learning environment that fosters multiple skills that can be learned by strategically embedding the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. Open communication promotes collaboration and web 2.0 tools are a wonderful way to make that happen.
ReplyDeleteI too was confused about blended learning. I’m so glad we watched that video. It really helped visualize the difference.
DeleteI agree that it is important to promote open communication and etiquette.
DeleteMy favorite part of today’s session was the great resources we were provided. I am going back with some great sites to use with my students and teachers. I also came away today with a better understanding of Blended Learning verses Technology Integration.
ReplyDeleteI am too Kristi! So many resourcources
DeleteMy favorite part of today was also the wealth of resources!
DeleteExplored Quad blogging, Skype, and Twitter- Quad blogging can help students improve their writing skills by having built in readers for the content and build their communication skills by commenting on others’ blogs. Twitter is a powerful PLN tool allowing you to learn from colleagues all over the world. My “aha” moment occurred when I was reading about the power of Quad blogging for students and I thought WOW, its so important to have a way for students to add their feedback when teaching. My favorite part of the training was looking at all of the tools to see their various uses and applications. I love seeing the examples from Thing Link and Voice Thread
ReplyDeleteHope Krum posed this
DeleteThrough the use of Google Docs and other technologies, like Voicestream, Screen-o-cast, etc., students tend to perceive that the learning is more enjoyable, and that keeps them engaged –which can be a challenge in today’s hyper-connected world.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part is exploring new technologies, i.e. apps, websites, etc., that we can use to stay abreast of the latest and greatest in education apps.
I agree with the importance of student engagement and student enjoyment of learning
DeleteI explored padlet, diigo, and blogging etiquette. Teaching blogging etiquette with teachable moments is a fabulous way that is relevant and very meaningful. Collaboration tools are a huge way to teach teachers to assist students with collaborating online and in class with these tools. I especially like the idea of importing your own graphic into padlet to make the interactive wall even more meaningful. Ie Venn diagram or a map. I installed the diigo tool bar and find it quite wonderful as well. My favorite part of today was learning so many tools, and then thinking about how I can incorporate them.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your comments on blogging. “Blogging can help students improve their writing skills by having readers for the content and build their communication skills by commenting on others’ blogs.” This is a great tool to get kids writing.
ReplyDeleteAgreed - it is sometimes difficult to get students to put their thoughts into writing. Having class discussion blogs could be a good way to encourage this!
DeleteI noticed on some of the example blogs there were links on how to write an effective comment. This is important for younger students learning how to use media of this kind appropriately. We have had many discussions in our classroom about leaving educational comments that are insightful and helpful.
DeleteCommunication and collaboration with students will improve when I as a teacher get out of the way and allow students to explore the web in a meaningful way. By looking at the blogs and websites, I learned a host of web ideas that I can use with teachers and students. I love the TLDR extension as I have many articles to read for GRAD school. My favorite part of the training is always the apps and quick tips for easier navigation and teaching.
ReplyDeleteI so agree. It’s sometimes difficult to step aside and let the students direct the learning. Today has opened by eyes as to how to do this.
DeleteWe have to let go of the control.
DeleteToday I explored class blogs, sticky note tools Padlet and Lino, and Diigo. I think that all of these tools can be useful for fostering collaboration and communication between students. This was discussed earlier in the session, but I absolutely agree that a asynchronous discussion can give a voice to students who tend to stay quiet during class discussions. I also think that online discussions can give students a way to practice appropriate expression of differing opinions. I think that teacher collaboration and communication can be facilitated by curating and collecting tools such as Diigo. I like being able to share annotated copies of articles with peers. I also like being able to collect significant sections (or quotes) of a number of articles in one place. I have a bad habit of using a tool the same way over and over. For example, I have used Padlet several times as a ticket out – having students post a comment at the end of class to demonstrate their understanding. One thing I really appreciated today was getting to see different ways to use familiar tools. Continuing the Padlet example, I saw this tool used with Venn Diagrams, KWL charts, and character description charts. These are applications I can use in class.
ReplyDeleteI looked at a handful of the digital diner selections. I am excited about quite a few of them. These tools seem very "doable." Mystery Skype sounds like a great way to help our geography club learn more about the world in a very realistic way! Excited to bring it back to campus! As an intervention specialist, I've noticed the students I work with need have more opportunities to collaborate and communicate with one another rather than just listening to a reteach lesson. We need to shake things up and allow our students to use more 21st century skills in their everyday learning. I need to continue to immerse myself in more online reading and blogging so I can find more ways to assist the students and teachers I work with on a daily basis. I enjoyed the opportunity to just work at my own pace and dig in to the tools that were highlighted today. Having the opportunity to talk with a small group and discussing what could work on our campus was definitely appreciated! There never seems to be enough time!
ReplyDeleteI played around with the Ooey Gooey Google links and Twitter and found some great ideas! Google makes it so easy for us to make learning interactive, to provide feedback and make topics so attainable for all students. I loved the app for google docs called Read&Write for Google. I also liked the Twitter articles that pointed out how easy it is to collaborate and find information.
ReplyDeleteI can help my young learners improve their communication and collaboration skills by working with a partner and incorporate short google forms that include video and students can work with a partner to post a comment, reflection or answer a question.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea.
DeleteI explored teacher, classroom and student blogs. This would be extremely useful to keep lines of communication open between parents, teachers and students. The struggle would be as always, to get the information to all parents since not all have access to Internet. Teachers can use these as part of a toolbox of communication tools. I do like the idea for sharing student work and helping them to think and write critically.
ReplyDeleteI’ve learned more about Chrome extensions to help with search and organization. I also like Diigo as a means to store resources in one place. I have used Twitter some but plan on using it more to build upon my PLN and interact with others in my field. There are so many resources out there that working together and helping each other to sort through and find those that are most beneficial will help greatly.
I explored the Ooey Gooey Google links. Google makes it easy to collaborate and explore learning with little ones. I loved the time to find resources and plan how to incorporate these ideas into my daily lesson plans. I would love to follow others on Twitter more and on Google Chat.
ReplyDeleteI explored the ooey gooey Google. I think this would help because I can use it to build communication/a relationship with my students. I can create a form in which they could share their feelings or things that they need help with. I could also use voice comments to leave comment for my students and make sure that they receive immediate feedback. I could also use this help offer more accommodations and extensions to my other students along with support for my ell’s. This could improve our communication because all of my students will be able to share and receive feedback. This would also help because they will be able to edit/comment on their classmates assignments. I will be able to learn a lot from my students and where they are. This will also help me implement faster ways of offering feedback and some type of rti. I had many aha moments but the biggest one was it’s ok to not know everything about something because it helps ,me put myself in my kiddos position. I loved that we were given the chance to explore!
ReplyDeleteFor homework, I intend on implementing the Going Places Safely lesson to help my students understand how they must be good digital citizens.
ReplyDeleteSentence starters can help to improve communication and collaboration skills, as well as anchor charts for procedure reminders.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part was the many resources provided!
I explored Google Forms and feel that students can better understand the tasks with the support of videos and images for all types of learners.
ReplyDeleteThe progress bar helps the student track his/her progress. Students can collaborate when answering forms as well as when they create the forms. When creating a form to be used with the grade level, communication with peers on what information and how we want the students to learn will be vital. There has been a lot of learning but for what I am trying to accomplish, I like the concept of a learning blog for the school where teachers could showcase the work of their students.
I checked out some Pinterest boards, some were good and some were not.
ReplyDeleteLove Glogster and Thinglink! I also use Pinterest as a resource regularly :)
ReplyDeleteI explored Blog Webquests, Padlet, Google Tools, and Sticky notes. We can use padlet to collaborate as a class/group. I can use Google forms for students to communicate with me. My “aha” moments include there are so many ways to draw students further into learning and to determine what they are learning and thinking. My favorite part was having time to learn more based on my needs and interests.
ReplyDeleteWhat communication and collaboration tools did you explore?
ReplyDeletePadlet, Diigo, Lino, Edublog
In what ways can you help your students improve their communication and collaboration skills?
-Providing students with an outlet to practice communicating
-Provide rules and guidelines for communication
-Open their minds to different forms of communication
In what ways can you as a teacher use communication and collaboration tools to enhance your own learning?
-Allow seamless communication with colleagues
-Ability to share resources with others
-Save resources for feature use
-Stay organized
Did you have any “aha” moments?
Yes, there are some really cool apps/programs out there!
What was your favorite part today’s training?
Getting to explore the various tools for facilitating communication in the classroom.
Edutopia, Free Technology for Teachers, Google Apps
ReplyDeleteMy favorite was Read and Write on Google Apps it would be a great way to make modifications.
I think that I can help my students learn to communicate by using discussion posts.
I enjoyed searching through all of the different resources and finding new things.
Today I explored Quadblogging, Skype, and Twitter. Each of these sites will help improve student communication and collaboration skills because the student will have to be able to articulate for others on certain topics. These sites force a student to be accountable to someone other than the teacher and have the potential to motive him to be more responsible and thoughtful into responses. I love the idea of students being able to reach out to others all over the country or world. By having the ability to communicate with others, a student is able to ask questions about what he is learning or to realize that students all over are learning about the same subjects. Reaching out to others will provide an opportunity to appreciate other cultures and create an understanding of what it is to be a good citizen. I had more of a renewed motivation to help create digital classrooms, rather than a real aha moment. It is great to have time to research ways to marry instruction and technology. I love the exploration part. It seems like when you start researching it opens up more and more.
ReplyDeleteI explored ThingLink and Padlet. I believe my students will be able to interact with ThingLink in order to obtain information during this first semester. By the second semester, I will ask the students to help me create our very own ThingLink projects in order to share information with others. I will use Padlet with the classroom teachers in order to collaborate on a number of on going projects without having to take time away from anyone in order to meet face to face.
ReplyDeleteISTE
ReplyDeleteStudents use digital media and environments to
communicate and work collaboratively, including
at a distance, to support individual learning and
contribute to the learning of others.
a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers,
experts, or others employing a variety of digital
environments and media
I have been working with the staff and students so they experience a more collaboratively work method where students interact on line via Google Drive. Most recently, I have started working with students in Discussions (blog) on Engrade where students can work in partnerships and share their thinking as suggested in the Toolkit and Technology book.
I explored Thinglink, Glogster, Skype in the Classroom, Google Docs, Pinterest, Classlink, etc...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking through each program or app and thought about all of the possibilities for my elementary technology class. My colleague and I plan on training our teachers on some of the resources that would most benefit their classrooms as well so that we can share the learning!
My favorite part of the day was having time to explore everything!
My class watched a digital citizenship video and had a discussion on being an acceptable digital citizen.
ReplyDeleteMy "aha" moment was with Diigo. As an art teacher the ability to curate articles and images for artist studies is very valuable. I am always worried about finding age appropriate material for my young students. Diigo allows me to protect student and at the same time allow them to explore art in a safe environment.
ReplyDeleteTeaching students how to participate in online discussion and then keeping them accountable. I loved that I was to explore sites and apps.
ReplyDelete