ED505 Week 6-Google Reader

Google Reader

Before taking ED505, I had never heard of Google Reader.  I was just becoming familiar with blogs when I started this course.  I had stumbled upon some fourth grade teacher blogs as I was doing online research for lesson planning.  I wanted to follow these blogs, but I wasn't aware that there was a "place" where you could have all of the blogs you follow at easy access.  I really enjoyed finding out about Google Reader and will continue to use it.

I subscribed to the five blogs that were assigned, and in addition I subscribed to the following blogs:

4th Grade Frolics  http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/
Education Journey  http://ashleigh-educationjourney.blogspot.com/
Oh' Boy 4th Grade  http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/
Smart Classroom Management  www.smartclassroommanagement.com
Teaching Blog Addict  http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/
Mandy's Tips for Teachers  http://mandys-tips-4-teachers.blogspot.com

I must confess that I could easily become a blog addict.  I love reading the teacher blogs and getting great ideas from other teachers.  It really gives me a boost to see what other teachers are doing with their students.  It gets me excited about what I can do with my students.  Of the blogs that we were assigned to follow, I enjoyed A Media Specialist's Guide to the Internet, Free Technology for Teachers, and Cool Cat Teacher Blog the most.  I was able to get a lot of useful information about technology that I can use in my classroom from these blogs. 

Of all the blogs that I am currently following, my favorite is Mandy's Tips for Teachers.  I had known of Mandy Gregory prior to taking this course because I had stumbled upon her website when doing online research for lesson planning.  Then, I found out that she now has a blog.  I love it!  She posts lots of great classroom ideas, and she shares what has worked for her and what hasn't worked for her.  My favorite post from Mandy's blog was about math instruction.  She talked about how she implements math instruction in her second grade class.  She approaches math instruction in much the same way as reading instruction--some whole group instruction, some small group instruction, some independent work, and some partner or small group work .  I found her post very helpful because we are working towards differentiated instruction at my school right now.  I was already implementing my reading instruction in that manner, but I had not tried it with math.  Since reading about Mandy's  math instruction, I have started some small group math instruction.  She stated that she has 3 adults in her classroom when she is teaching math which is fabulous.  However, my situation is a bit different.  I do have an instructional aid in my room for 30 minutes of my math time, but she mainly works with one student.  Therefore, I try to juggle everyone else.  Mandy said that she uses math games and math tub activities.  In fourth grade at my school, we use the Saxon Math textbook.  I would love to work on making some math games/activities that my students could use independently or in small groups while I work with a small group at my table.  I am thinking that will be a great summer project for me.  Mandy's blog post was filled with real life experiences from a real life, in the classroom every day, teacher.  That is why I love this blog so much.  She provides useful, pertinent information that I can readily implement in my classroom.  I encourage all elementary teachers to check out this blog.

I enjoyed the Google Reader assignment, although some of the blogs posted a lot of information each week.  It was difficult to keep up with some of them.  Overall, this was a great experience, and I am glad I found out about Google Reader.  I will definitely continue to follow my blogs there.

Stacy

ED505 Week 5-Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship

A digital citizen is anyone who uses technology.  Being a good digital citizen involves using technology safely.  It is important to remember a few safety rules when you are using the internet.  First, do not post anything on the internet that you would not say or do in person.  Maintaining a good reputation on the internet is very important.  Remember that it only takes one click to ruin a good reputation.  Second, keep all personal information and passwords secure.  Identity theft is rampant, so take extra precautions to keep yourself and your personal data safe from exploitation.

Being a good digital citizen also involves using technology respectfully.  Do not use another's ideas or works without permission or without citing and giving credit.  Copyright laws exist to protect people's ideas and works.  It is a good idea to be familiar with fair use rules if you are an educator.  Also, you do not want to be guilty of plagiarism.  Always cite and provide a Bibliography when you are doing a paper or project.

Being a good digital citizen is important because it is a reflection of your character.  I like the Golden Rule applied to using technology:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Please view a Prezi I created which covers aspects of being a Digital Citizen.

Stacy