Fourth Week

Maybe I am getting used to this combination of ups and downs throughout the week.  Maybe.

Up
I started teaching research to one 5th grade class using software called Read Write Gold.  The teacher is on board as a result of this lesson, likes the software, thinks it will be great for doing research with her students, wants it on her laptops in the classroom.

Down
The software didn't work on all the computers in the lab.  It will take a week or so to get all the computers loaded with the software.  So I was only able to SHOW the students what to do, not have them all do it.  Not a great way to teach.  I had checked the computers by starting the software, but only did it on one computer at a time!

Up
I was given a tip (thanks Ron!) to use KidBlog to make classroom blogs so each student can have their own blog.  Very easy to set up and use, easy for the kids to use, can be moderated so the teacher can approve  comments and blog posts.  Great for writing in the classroom.  Set it up for both 5th grade classrooms.

Down
One teacher was gone for a week (something totally out of everyone's control, I know). Now he is swamped and will not be getting to these blogs for a while.

Up
One second grade class is using her blog and classroom website to enhance and differentiate learning in her classroom.  Example: they are learning about the Sun.  She has gathered books, websites and videos wthat are embedded in her website.  The students gather information from all sorts of different places.  Today she will have them write comments on her blog answering a challenge question.  Yesterday I was chatting with two students from her class and they (without my asking!) told me all the wonderful things they had learned about the Sun.  They were excited that THEY had learned it!  Another teacher reported one of students saying "We are like high school students!  Doing research!"

Down
There are three second grade classes.

Up
All the 2nd and 5th grade classes (those are the two grades I am focussing on this trimester) are practicing keyboarding in the computer lab once a week.

Down
Can't think of a downside to that! 

So - I may not be getting used to the ups and downs while they are going on, but in retrospect they are a natural growth cycle.  I know that I am learning more and more helpful tools that can be useful to teachers.  When I remember that my teachers are doing MANY more things in a day than trying to incorporate technology into their curriculum, I think they are doing a great job trying the things we talk about.

Yay Teachers!