Friday

Today, so far has been split up in many small projects. I have downloaded Type To Learn to test run the program. This is the program we are leaning towards to have our students learn how to type. It is definitely a pesky problem that needs addressing without spending tons of time instructing. So (hopefully) we will be introducing the program to second through fifth graders in Lower School. I haven’t decided the best way to approach this in Middle School, although Middle School students also need the assistance in this area. We are pricing this, as a web based program students will access from home. After we introduce the students and get them comfortable with the program we are planning to have the students practice from home. Yes, there will probably be students who will need to find time during school to do this, and we will address that as needed. Additionally, the students will have to install some software on home computers to access this. I know this will require an extra level of support but I think having the program available at home for students will be worth the possible initial aggravation.
I have also tried to wrestle down a tool list. There are some things to consider as you view this list.
1. This is not a definitive list. There are many more tools listed that can accomplish the same goals. Feel free to add to the list as faculty has editing privileges. Please try to link tools that are web based.
2. Many tools overlap, so yes you can use Twitter both as a collaboration tool and for your PLN (as I do.) Actually, a real PLN involves a lot of collaboration.
3. The prerequisite skills were the most difficult to fill in. It was tough to complete this without sounding ridiculous. What I consider basic computing skills may be completely different than what someone else might consider basic. So let me clarify. I think a comfort level with toolbars is basic. The ability to copy, paste, save, format, spell-check, upload, download, insert images, format tables, word process, tab.
4. The list of 21st Century Literacies is a suggestion. The literacy you support will depend on the way you use the tool.
I am interested, as always, on any feedback you have for the list. I am working now on assessment, articulating individual lesson plans on citizenship and working more on the maps.
If I don’t post again, have a good weekend.