Wiki WIki

I've always felt that one wiki is not enough.  Anyway, if you read my last post about wikis, I gave a general definition and some examples.  If you didn't read it, go back and check it out.

As a technology teacher, I am involved in helping the staff with computer issues.  This includes a wide range of problems, from the simple act of plugging something in to completing a work order that will solve the problem. 


Before I was the technology teacher, the media specialist at the school developed a tech troubleshooting wiki.  I have slightly mixed emotions.  On the plus side it offers staff a chance to post problems and get quick attention.  This is especially true since I have subscribed (through RSS) to the tech wiki.  Another positive is that a teacher may notice that others had a similar problem, and can read the solution.  Once one of the media specialists or tech teachers have fixed the problem, they edit the wiki to explain how the problem was fixed, usually in another color.  I also like that teachers must think before they post, meaning that they should hopefully check for simple solutions to avoid the "plugged in ethernet cord" posting.  Perhaps the biggest plus is that it allows the helpers to fit the assistance in their schedule, as opposed to being interrupted or taking too long to get to the problem.  On the negative side, many staff members (including myself in past years) have opposed the wiki.  Its one more password to remember, one more step to getting help.  Not to mention what do you do if your computer won't turn on, how do you get on the wiki?  I guess my biggest beef is that the media specialist said "your administrators are watching how often you go on the wiki."  Doesn't make me want to help her with her wiki, even if it is a good idea.


Here is the tech troubleshooting wiki, using WikiSpaces:

Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere is one of many online survey services available.  I used this free service in a previous course to poll the cohort during a group presentation.  The feature that drew me to this site was the ability for audience members to text responses, without fees.  This may be especially helpful for teachers of older students, ones likely to possess cell phones.  Still, many other options exist, including emailing, touch-tone (via 800 number), embedded link, smartphone, and tweeting.

A teacher could use this in a variety of ways.  For me, I am tired of messing with the batteries and the screws of the PRS clickers.  This is a simple way to replace the clickers, or another option if you are unable to obtain clickers.  As a technology teacher a big part of my lessons focus on content, and I could use this to review the important parts of the lesson.  I may also use this to create a technology vocabulary quiz for my 3rd and 4th grade students.  Poll Everywhere allows for a few different types of polls too, including Free Text (open-ended), team scoring, goal setting, and more.  Visit PollEverywhere.com to learn more!


Try a free poll now!

New Mac Apps Store

Check it out, there is some cool free stuff!!!  The new App Store for Macs is here.  If you are like me and don't have an iPhone, the wait for apps is over!  Go to Apple's website to download (it takes a little while).  I downloaded Whiteboard Mac, and might just play with it today.  Don't do anything stupid and buy something you already have, or will be getting soon with new image. 

Discovery Streaming

In order to better understand what Web 2.0 really means, I have come across a number of other blogs, wikis, and internet literature about the subject.  Some of these resources highlight Discovery Streaming, an organization (hosted by Discovery- as in the channel) that provides streaming and downloadable video, but a lot more as well.  Some other features include...

Lesson Builder
Interactive Atlas
Lesson Plan Library
and more

Even more resources exist to help teachers with planning and instruction, including a specific focus on STEM topics.  I think the most valuable part of the site though is the huge collection of educational videos.  I have used this resource when teaching concepts that benefit from short video segments.  It was especially helpful to show a video of erosion, since our schoolyard example of erosion don't compare to other examples (i.e. Grand Canyon). 

Howard County teachers, if you have not tried Discovery Streaming, you could click on the picture at the top.  If you don't know your username, it is your email address.  I cannot reveal password over the blog, but if you need to know, please ask teachers on your team or the tech/media staff at your school.

Podcasting

The idea of creating a podcast has been around since people could record sounds, since a podcast is really just a recorded audio (maybe video too) track.  The term podcast originated when i"pod"s were first popular- hence podcast.  There are various ways to record the audio for a podcast.  When using a computer with a built in microphone, a podcast can be recorded, although it may have a different name on a PC.  Several websites exist to help create podcasts, including Audacity.  I recommend Audacity, a free service.

Podcasts have been a popular tool in the educational setting.  Teachers can share podcasts that others have made.  In fact, some teachers post their students' podcasts to the internet, allowing other teachers focusing on similar content to use them for instruction.  Teachers may also have students create their own podcasts as a product for a content unit or activity.

Earlier this week I began a project with fourth graders about biomes.   I have found a good website (.gov) for students to gather information.  They will add the information to an organizer (created in Inspiration), and then create a script for their podcast based on their biome.  I'm thinking about doing something with fifth grade and podcasts soon too.  More to come.

Google Docs (and more)

In case you haven't heard yet, Google owns the internet.  As part of their continued domination, they have added many tools that people can use to be more productive, access information, and collaborate more effectively. 

Google Docs (short for documents) allows people to edit documents synchronously (or not).  Google also provides a few different types, with documents similar to word documents, excel documents, and powerpoint documents (noticing a trend?), as well as drawing forms and tables.  In addition to the docs that Google provides, the public is free to add templates that others can use, including calendars and budget forms.  

I have never used Google Docs with my students (as in letting them create and share).  One big roadblock is that they need gmail accounts, which I am steering way clear of to avoid problems.  A classmate and I were considering using Google docs for a telecollaborative project, but would prefer to use a service that doesn't require an email account. 

Still, there are many uses for Google Docs inside the school.  Earlier this year I had students complete a short survey for the guidance counselor.  She used the data to get to know students better.  Administration used Google Docs to gather info that was typically collected using paper and pencil. 

How do I plan to use Google Docs?  One possibility that sticks out to me is a survey at the beginning of the year.  I could gather info about student experience/comfort with technology, interests, and more.  I did something similar (with chart paper and markers) this year, but I would prefer the Google Docs because it allows all students to respond, and I can chart the data.  In this way, I can get to know the students and their needs.

Here is a link to access Google Docs

Here is a link to a sample survey that I will be using next year.  Feel free to fill it out so I can practice using the data.  I filled it out, and I like how it stores data in a database (similar to excel) so that I can look for trends.  For instance if I notice that none of my students have used Google Earth before, I know I need to really prepare them.

Blogging

  Blogging is a popular Web 2.0 tool.  Blogs allow authors to share information, often themed, with people using the internet.  Information is typically posted chronologically, and sometimes the public is invited to share ideas by posting.  In fact, some blogs are more considered to be in the public domain as since groups and companies sponsor them while the public responds. 

  Teachers can use blogs with their students in a number of ways.  Blogs can help organize discussions, keep records, replace typical pencil and paper Q&A, and more.  Depending on a teacher's plan for using blogs with their students, different options exist for making it happen.  Still, it would benefit all teachers using blogs to set up accounts (after getting permission).  This would allow for multiple uses, possibly making it a common routine (i.e. part of closing review of content). 

  I am interested in using blogs with my older students, and will be soon requesting permission from parents.  This will hopefully allow me to do set up a class account for students.  I will be asking for ePals permission as well, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. 

One feature that can be added to blogging that I recently tried was AnswerGarden.  Using this tool, one can ask a question and receive answers from people who visit the blog.  I created one for this blog.  This will be my first attempt at posting an AnswerGarden question.  If you don't see a simpler link, use the one here:  AnswerGarden

 I like AnswerGarden because it allows for open-ended questioning.  It is also good because it does not need to be part of a blog.  It is simpler than using a blog, which should entice some teachers to use it when a blog would be too time consuming.  There are still enough tools to keep using it safely.  Teachers may use this tool to assess prior knowledge or at the end of a lesson/unit.   My favorite thing about it though is that it allows the students to see other answers.