Neat little video

Received this info from a colleague. This site/video talks about teens, schools and technology. Interesting stuff!

http://www.stageoflife.com/StageHighSchool/OtherResources/Videos_about_High_School_and_Teenagers.aspx

E-sheets and Hotlists

So the big questions have been . . . What is an e-sheet? What is a hotlist? Well let me share with you my definitions and some examples.

An e-sheet is in basic terms a digital worksheet. However, it can do so much more than a paper worksheet and guide students through the unit, activity, or work. Here is one website that provides specifics and examples: http://bama.ua.edu/~rmayben/tim/esheetsummer.htm

A hotlist is a list of sites/resources that are made available to guide the research, project, or activity etc. A hotlist should contain the page title, URL, and a brief description. Some will say that this is no different than your bookmarks or your favorites. Here is one website that provides an example of a hotlist: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/listancientmr118.html

There are many other examples and information out there, but this should get you started.

Today's Meet

TodaysMeet at http://www.todaysmeet.com is a GREAT free way for teachers to set up a collaborative environment in the classroom. Although it is on the web, it is fairly private. Users are given a link and this is how they gain access to the site. This can be sent through an email to participants. As a colleague of mine stated, "It is similar to having an unlisted number in the phone book, only people who know the number can get through." The person who sets up the meet can determine how long the space stays available

So how can you utilize this in your classroom? You can have the backchannel set up so students can comment on material during a class lecture or presentation. By having this backchannel, you are now able to monitor what the students are thinking and immediately adjust instruction.

EDUC 553 students, be sure to check your email for our TodaysMeet session link.

What is backchanneling?

Backchanneling is the use of a live network to have an online conversation while a presentation is going on. As presenters sometimes we wonder, "What is the audience really thinking?" "Do they have questions that I am not answering." While the audience might be thinking, "What did they just say?" "I don't get that, what about this theory." Well, the backchannel is where the audience can actually post these thoughts without distracting the presenter or those around them. The presenter is also able to know immediately if the goal of the presentation is being met. So as teacher's how can we use this in the classroom? I think ultimately it can increase engagement in what might normally be passive activities in the classroom. Some interesting reading regarding this concept: http://www.ncs-tech.org/?p=2886 "What is backchanneling and how can you use it in your classroom?"

Tutorial -- How to Create Screen Shot

Go to the link below for a short video tutorial of creating screen shots.
http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cX1r0RqyE

Online Office Hours Participation Directions

If you are interested in participating in real time chat during my online office hours, watch the short instructional video for directions.

Introduction

Some items are just easier to understand when you "see" them; however, when taking an online class it is not always possible. Therefore, when I think it will be helpful, I will create short tutorial/instructional videos that will provide a visual for specific tasks.