BP1_Google Reader

BP1_Google Reader:  First Posting on RSS feeds:

I am researching a variety of topics for use in my classroom.  I use Braingym exercises each morning to put my students into learning mode.  This year I am implementing a routine from Energy Balance 101 - a program I found through the Discovery Network Website.  This program promotes healthy eating and exercise.  The families in our area need a lot of encouragement and motivation to get out with their children and move!  We are working in the school to teach children habits of mind and body that they will use for a lifetime.  I am using a daily “take five” online exercise module to change up the routine in my classroom.  This will be great in the winter when we are sometimes unable to get out for our regular recess and exercise breaks.  I am also using a healthy snack resource to encourage good eating habits and to practice beginning cooking skills.  Twice a month we are choosing a recipe from this site to make in class and share with friends.  You can link to the specific site here:       Teachers | Energy Balance 101 .         

#1 DEN Blog Network

This is the feed source from Discovery Education Network.  There are so many resources to be found here beyond Energy Balance 101.  I’ve found links to digital storytelling, gaming, and technology innovations for the classroom.  This site will keep me occupied on many a rainy day.

#2 Edutopia

I came across Edutopia while looking for information about Project Based Learning.  There is a wealth of information at the site about all topics related to education.  The information is collected under headings such as technology integration, project based learning, administration, and teacher development.  George Lucas is the founding father of the site.  There are links to grant programs offered through the George Lucas Educational Foundation.  Their goal is to research, study, and report on “what works in education”.  On the tech integration page there are a few videos about real life tech applications that I plan to watch.  You may like to check them out here:

http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration

#3 Classroom 2.0

This site is a social networking site for those interested in Web 2.0 tools and Social Media.  Beginners are encouraged to join a group just for them, where one can feel comfortable asking questions and learning new information about social media and it’s practical applications for the school-based  or professional arena.  Web 2.0 tools are also discussed and explored at length.  Members are invited to attend live, online seminars and conferences such as the Global Education Conference being held in November, 2010.  The link for the official site is here:  http://www.classroom20.com/

#4 NCTM Illuminations: Resources for Math on Smartboards:

My action research is looking into math instruction using technology.  I have a Smartboard in my classroom that I am learning to utilize more effectively.  A site like this will help me to see and understand how educators are using the Smartboard to present content in structured and engaging ways.  I learn by seeing and doing.  Examples such as those provided on this site can help me to visualize how I can implement some of these strategies in my classroom.  I have already found one resource to use during our morning calendar/weather routine.  It allows for a more efficient morning routine presentation and it uses animations to engage students early in the day.  In order to improve my skills with the Smartboard, I need to find and discover ways to use it in my daily routine.  I think this site will provide many practical solutions.  Link here:  http://blog.teqsmart.org/


#5 Partnership for 21st Century Skills

This site appears to be focused on teachers, and their work to develop their own skills in using technology.  This is important to me because my goal with attending Full Sail is to become well informed and skilled in current technology trends and applications.  I know that if I can’t manage and use the tools of our technology-based society, then I won’t be serving my students to the best of their abilities.

Educators are blogging about their experiences and discoveries as they use and struggle with the “new” technology pieces.

This is a screen shot of my Google Reader page....under construction.