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Jean,
Please send my grade to . Merci encore pour un cours extraordinaire.
Erin

Reflection - July 13

I really like the idea of being able to record answers orally and submit them. Moodle is not an option for me as my school does not have access to this. I think it would be easy enough for the students to record something on PhotoBooth and then upload it to the class Wiki or to our class website on Edmodo. This is a great way for each student to get a chance to talk.

Hot Potatoes is a great way to create quizzes, worksheets, etc. What an awesome resource.
This course has given me many ideas and resources to really experience technology in my class. This will also be an excellent way to differentiate in my classroom. As this is the new buzzword these days in our school district, I am glad I will have a leg up on differentiation in my classroom.
I wish that all courses could be so hands-on and applicable to my every day teaching. Merci, Jean, pour une expérience super-géniale!

Reflection - July 12

SmartBoards! I have one in my room, just this year. I've been learning bit by bit how to use it effectively. I don't just want it to be a glorified projetor. PD was not given along with the SmartBoard, so every time someone talks about SmartBoards (even today Jean!) I find I learn something new - a new tool, a new trick. Today on the Smart Learning site, I found a cute balloon pop morning attendance Notebook file that I will use every day.
The only problem with Smartboards is that they are outdated as soon as you get one. To make it a true interactive tool, more than one student needs to be able to use it at once which of course mine doesn't allow. Also, if there are any updates to the software, I cannot update my software on my own, I need school board permission which means I am already far behind what is out there.
I soldier on.

Language video

In my grade 4/5 French Immersion class, I always start the morning by asking "Qui a fait quelque chose intéressant hier?" This video gives my students some common phrases to help them explain what they did the night before or over the weekend.

Reflection - July 11

Today we are making videos to teach a language concept. I think the idea of making videos in class either by the teacher to teach a concept or by students to show their learning is a great idea. As Jean said, if a teacher makes a video to teach a concept and puts it online, it can be viewed at a different time and then class time can be used to practice the concept which is a way better use of class time. It's really nice that students can refer to the video at any time and in any place. They can practice so they feel more comfortable sharing in class. I think if the students made the videos, it's a great way to solidify their learning. When you explain something, you learn the concept better than if you just listen to it.
I need to buy a couple video cameras for class so that students have video-making as an option for a project.

Reflection - July 8

We worked with some really neat tools today. FlipSnack is a great publishing tool. I published a PDF below, not an exciting one, but it was neat to see how it worked. I can see this as a great way for students to publish research that they've done or a story they've written. WallWisher could have so many uses. It could be a way for students to post research and then gather it together into a Wordle. It could be used as a starting point for a WebQuest to introduce a topic. I also like the idea of making it a Word Wall.
What's important about these tools is that students are exposed to them and they can use them, working collaboratively. Showing the students these tools and then letting them choose a tool that works for them is important. I rarely stand and lecture because that doesn't work in grade 4 and 5 but these are different and more exciting tools for students to use. Project-based learning with a technological aspect included is certainly becoming the way to teach.
Now to figure it all out...

Reflection - July 8