Recently, a dear friend bravely changed from being a classroom teacher of some years to being the technology facilitator for her elementary school. When asked for suggestions, I sent her the link for TuxPaint (an open source and free application) as creative way for her to begin using the computers in a lab setting.
As you can see, her first project was a hit. Each resulting picture is an autobiographical story and for some students, the first time they have combined a drawing with typing their name. In turn my friend gets to know these younger students (as she has been teaching higher grades).
First steps are important and are not to be taken lightly. With the complexity of what is expected of older students, it is wise to remember that a firm foundation and consistent exposure to appropriate infusion of technology into curriculum is needed for all students.
My friend is tired after her long days in the lab but joyful at the progress made so far. A kind soul has donated two digital camers and as an accomplished photographer herself, I can't wait to see what tshe and the students produce and learn about next. I have suggested she look at Microsoft's PhotoStory 3 as readiness creating movies from still images.
Please feel free to comment on ideas this teacher can try in her new life as a facilitator. We'd like to see best practices.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Frazel Features at Tappedin
Just a reminder to my readers that I will be hosting a session on Microsoft's PhotoStory 3 this upcoming Tuesday at Tappedin. I'd love for you to join me. It's at 7 PM Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
Tappedin is a online community only for those interested in educational topics. Membership is free. This the the easiest (and safest) way to join in conversation about topics of interest to educators. It is easy to use and fun to be part of. Here's the calender blurb about this month's feature.
As I am on vacation (and job hunting) in October, my next Tappedin session will be in November on the 13 at 7 PM Eastern Standard Time. It will be called "We Gather Together" and will cover some of the best resources for teaching about Thanksgiving.
Tappedin is a online community only for those interested in educational topics. Membership is free. This the the easiest (and safest) way to join in conversation about topics of interest to educators. It is easy to use and fun to be part of. Here's the calender blurb about this month's feature.
As I am on vacation (and job hunting) in October, my next Tappedin session will be in November on the 13 at 7 PM Eastern Standard Time. It will be called "We Gather Together" and will cover some of the best resources for teaching about Thanksgiving.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Constitution Day
Just a reminder...if you need resources for Constitution Day, please check out the list I created.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Daylight Saving Time
After taking a couple of weeks off after finishing the coursework for my Masters, I discovered today that the world continues to turn and I'd better get moving on some of my projects before I take my real vacation (!) in October.
I discovered today that in 2007 Daylight Saving Time will begin in March and end in November. I am delighted! Living in New England can mean a lot of time spent in the dark.
Daylight Saving New Rules
When do we change the clocks?
Midge
I discovered today that in 2007 Daylight Saving Time will begin in March and end in November. I am delighted! Living in New England can mean a lot of time spent in the dark.
Daylight Saving New Rules
When do we change the clocks?
Midge
Monday, September 11, 2006
Ellis Island
On today, September 11, I needed to take a virtual visit to NYC to gather ideas for a presentation on Ellis Island I am creating. Needing some photos taken of the museum today, I turned to Flickr to see what kinds of photographs people are taking when they visit today.
I found the most amazing photographs by Paul, who is known as amiko on Flickr, and emailed him to seek permission to use his photos. He graciously replied giving permission and asked what I saw in his photos. When you spent three or four months researching a topic, you learn so much about the past that explains the present. How amazing it must have been to come from an isolated tiny village in Europe, where oppression and poverty drove people to leave everything and everyone behind, cross the Atlantic and see freedom expressed in this place despite their sadness and fear!
Thinking that students might be interested in the way he shot these photos, I decided to blog about how teachers might use selected photostreams from Flickr to teach skill in digital photography. Examine the techniques he used in perspective and centering.
Ellis Island Photostream by amiko
Paul's photos capture the emotion of the ordinary people viewing the exhibits at Ellis Island. The combination of the ordinary people of today and the ordinary people of yesterday says something about the immigrant nature of our country. If those in our past had not had the strength of will, the need for freedom and the voice of everyday man, we would not be the America that we are today.
Remembering those who lost their lives to terrorists, today on the 5th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we pause and remember what it meant to want to be free and how much sacrifice it takes to do so...
I found the most amazing photographs by Paul, who is known as amiko on Flickr, and emailed him to seek permission to use his photos. He graciously replied giving permission and asked what I saw in his photos. When you spent three or four months researching a topic, you learn so much about the past that explains the present. How amazing it must have been to come from an isolated tiny village in Europe, where oppression and poverty drove people to leave everything and everyone behind, cross the Atlantic and see freedom expressed in this place despite their sadness and fear!
Thinking that students might be interested in the way he shot these photos, I decided to blog about how teachers might use selected photostreams from Flickr to teach skill in digital photography. Examine the techniques he used in perspective and centering.
Ellis Island Photostream by amiko
Paul's photos capture the emotion of the ordinary people viewing the exhibits at Ellis Island. The combination of the ordinary people of today and the ordinary people of yesterday says something about the immigrant nature of our country. If those in our past had not had the strength of will, the need for freedom and the voice of everyday man, we would not be the America that we are today.
Remembering those who lost their lives to terrorists, today on the 5th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we pause and remember what it meant to want to be free and how much sacrifice it takes to do so...
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Beautiful Morning
It may be September but here in New England we have the opportunity to have one more lovely summer day. As a "morning -person", I always wanted to have morning glories in my yard, just as my mother did.
Steve and I are pleasantly surprised to see that his planting and trellising some seeds actually worked!
This photo was enhanced by my favorite graphics package, Paint Shop Pro X.
Steve and I are pleasantly surprised to see that his planting and trellising some seeds actually worked!
This photo was enhanced by my favorite graphics package, Paint Shop Pro X.
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