Wiki Wiki!

I don't get out that often, so the only wiki I have ever used or know about is Wikipedia.  (You laugh now)  i always use Wikipedia when I'm looking for random facts.  It usually has the information I need.  Again, some of this stuff is new to me, since I teach PE and would probably never think about using a wiki in my subject area.  I also didn't know that anyone could add information to the Wikipedia.  That just seems unreal to me.  But after our conversation in class, I know they have a team who works 24/7 making sure all entries are valid, which again is unbelievable!  Now that I know more about Wiki's, I think they are great for group projects!  Students can add and change things whenever they come up with more or have new ideas. Students could use them to create study guides for the end of a unit. 

By the way,  did you hear that Encyclopedia Britannica will stop being printed?  Again, jaw dropping information to me!  I can't believe I am now old enough to say a statement like this - "When I was your age, we didn't have the internet.  I had to find all of my information for papers and projects in a Library or at home in my encyclopedia set."  I just can't believe my son won't have a set!  His will probably be on a newer version of a Kindle by the time he's in elementary school. 
So, does anyone else feel old now? 

Podcasts

I can honestly say I have never listened to a podcast.  I've just always listened to the radio.  But now that I know there are some interesting ones out there, I will have to give it a whirl. 
Last week in my ITS program, we had to create our own podcast.  It was a bit challenging, not ever using the software before.  We had to learn as we went along.  It took my partner and I a long time because we first wanted to have interesting information and secondly, we had to figure out the software, Audacity.  But what better way to learn, by being thrown in the lion's den ;)  No, it wasn't that bad.  But there are some parts of the software I don't understand.  First of all, I never had music all through school, so when we were trying to change one of our voices, I had know idea what it was going to sound like.  Luckily, my partner figured it out.

Podcasts are great for different projects.  In physical education, I could have students add in video podcasting to teach students different skills online.  I know the kids in 5th grade would love getting their hands on a video camera and working on step by step skills for 1st graders.  I can't wait to try it!

Blogging...is it really for me?

Okay, I have to admit that right now, I'm not a big fan of blogging. Hopefully this class will change my mind. The first time I ever blogged was our first semester of ITS, and I really didn't understand it.  My view so far is that blogging can really be about anything.  Like a mini diary.  The only blog I follow right now is my sister-in-laws. She keeps a blog to update everyone on her child Skylar's latest and greatest. She tries to do a monthy update so family and friends can see what they have been up to as a family. I do think this is a great idea! I would love to do this for my son, but right now, there is just no time in my life. Maybe after I finish this program. But then I would be two years behind on his life's accomplishments. Oh well, maybe I'll do it for kid #2.

I do need to start thinking about how I would use blogs in my physical education classes. Right now, my 5th grade students are required to do 4 activity logs. Maybe there is someway I can have them write and analyze their own logs in a blog. And other students could leave nice comments on ways to improve their activity or non activity time.  Nice comments are the key words there!

Blogging again! AHH!

Hello everyone!  We are in our last semester of ITS!  Yahoo!  I never thought I would make it!  So much has changed since our first semester together.  My son is now 1 1/2 years old!  I feel like I've missed so much of his life since I've been in this cohort.  But I know it's all worth it.  And I'm glad I'm doing it now before he gets older.  This way, he won't remember me neglecting him.  Just kidding.  I know I'm not neglecting him.  And I'm sure there are other parents who spend more hours working than I do and see their children less.  So, I know I'm blessed in that way. 

I also want to take this time to thank everyone for understanding that I'm a little goofy.  I snort a lot in class and make stupid comments. So thanks for putting up with me.  This semester is going to be a tough one.  I'm actually keeping a schedule for all of my work, not just the blackboard class.  I know if I don't, I will never get anything accomplished!  So far, I've been doing pretty well!  I've actually read all of the assignments!  I know, crazy!  I don't think I've been able to do that since 1st semester!  I really have know clue how I've made it this far! 

To end this blog, I want to wish everyone good luck!  Hopefully in May, we will all be partying together!