Thing 5

I believe Web 2.o is mostly about posting and sharing ideas online. People who wouldn't typically be able to communicate are now able to share ideas or stream their thought for any number of people to read at any given time. It really opens up conversations and options for older students. I see seveeral uses for third grade but not as many as for older students and adults. I really enjoyed the site ToonDoo. It's an amazing site where students can create cartoons and publish them on the web or embed them into a blog. I think it is a wonderful site that has a multitude of uses.

21st century

I was reading all the information on technology and the 21st century and realized once again how we are lacking in new technology in elementary school. There are so many wonderful things we could do with our students if we only had the technology. In order to prepare our students for the future, they need to have technology in elementary school, not just high school. My district however thinks the elementary students don't need technology. I guess they are supposed to just get to high school and be expected to just know what they are doing and how to use technical skills. We are so focused on NCLB and testing that we are completely insufficiently preparing these students for today's economy and demands. We need to bring our methods and curriculum in line with today's world. Our students need to be educated in new sources of information, they need to distinguish what is reliable and what isn't reliable information. We need to upgrade our American Education system to get ahead the rest of the world to help improve our econmy!
I was reading that at some schools they even have 1st graders beginning to use powerpoint and internet tools! We need to find ways to orient our students toward the global economy. We need to achieve the right balance between core knowledge and portable skills such as critical thinking to continue learning. If the students are taught theses skills in elementary school how are they expected to just pick them up?
I did find a wonderful website Curriki.org it is unbelievable the amount of information available on this site, check it out!

Thing 3

I have never blogged before, nor have I ever read anyone's blog. This is all new to me. Sharing my thoughts publicly is fine, we all learn new things and end up being in the same implementation dip when we get started. So I don't feel overly self conscious. I just am not sure how often I would use something like this. I suppose if I were connected more, I might use it more often. Also as I further my understanding I may realize some uses for blogging. Currently however, I have my doubts. If you find some worthwhile sights for third grade teachers feel free to respond or comment to my blog;))

Thing 2

Thing 1

I have noticed that so far it is pretty easy setting up a blog. I am not really sure if I will use one on a regular basis. It seems rather time consuming and I am not sure what I would use it for. If I found some teachers in the same grade level and area we might be able to share our thoughts and struggles. We could also share some best practices.

class list blogs

Okay I don't think I am ahead of anyone but I can't find any current blogs for the class, just blogs from last class. So frustrating since I have no idea what I am doing!
No, I have never read a blog before. I can see where it would be nice to share ideas with other teachers who teach the same content area and to see what they are doing and share what I do. I don't think teachers should have to recreate the wheel I think we should spend our time with the students not preparing lessons that may already be out there. I can see a lot of possiblitlities if I learn how to do it correctly.
Look forward to sharing.

23 things

Hello to everyone enrolled in class with me! I do believe the sight is up and running, I guess I'll see. This is my first step and first time blogging.