Video

So I just finished my first unit with the video camera. The students really enjoyed using the flip camera. In a prefect world we would have enough cameras for a double class, but the world isn't perfect. Only having one camera made it challenging to complete the activities. I was still really impressed with the process of creating the videos. Who knew that storyboards could be created with crayons on scratch paper.

I really look forward to creating lessons using the flip cameras. Any thoughts or experiences??

Video In PE

After completing a PSA (public service announcement) for my graduate class, an idea sparked. I think that having children create videos is a great way for students to work collaboratively. I know that working in our group, it was essential for each member to contribute. This would also be a great way for students to voice their opinions about different topics.

Wiki wiki what..

I never truly thought about Wikis in the classroom until now. The first word that I thought of was collaboration. This is a wonderful tool. Teachers are always looking for ways to have their students work collaboratively. Using a Wiki allows students to work with each other as well as the entire web community. Teachers need to realize that (1) students are using Wikipedia already as one of their main sources of information and (2) it is actually a very credited source. Teachers must embrace this new tool and use it to their advantage. Using a Wiki allows for easy collaboration. One of the biggest challenges of using the web in education deals with ethics. Wikis will allow teachers to expand on their teaching of ethics and the Internet. Teachers are worried that students will look at content on the net that is inappropriate, a valid issue. If teachers use Wikis then they can also tie in the ethics of editing information and vandalizing work.

Using Wikis also inspires students. Now they are the "editors in chief." They can take true pride in what they are creating. Wikis also allow students to take responsibility and ownership to their work.

I think Wikis are a great tool that should be used by teachers. Yes it is a great challenge, but the rewards are endless. As a PE teacher, it would be great to create a Wiki about the rules of sports. This will allow students to analyze how sports are played in a different way. There is no way an elementary student can know and understand the many complicated rules related to sports. A Wiki would be a great way for students to build knowledge of sports.

Week two of the blog

So after a week of using a blog and having a chance to read other blogs, I think I am getting the idea. Blogs are great tools that can be used in the classroom. I think using a blog would be a nice addition to the personal fitness journal that we keep in my class.

Blog...blog..blog

This is my first real experience with writing a blog. I blew my knee out three years ago and had to sit on the couch for two months. I started a blog for a week and it didn't really satisfy me. I have searched on the web for other blogs and didn't really find them very interesting.

The only blog that I can really say I semi-enjoyed was Chris Cooley's blog.

Do you know any interesting blogs out there???