Thing 12: Social Learning & Learning Management Systems

I have never used a Learning Management System with my own students in school before.  But, the good thing is students are exposed to them already.  ELA and Social Studies teachers in grade 7 and 8 are just a few that use Edmodo or are interested in using a MOOC in class.  I could see using Edmodo with my 6th grade students, as our class is only a semester, every other day for 40 minutes.  Using Edmodo would be a great way to extend class time. 

Good Reads
Believe it or not, I've never created a Good Reads account, even though it's been popular for several years.

Within a few minutes of registering, a friend connected with me on Good Reads, which was helpful b/c it allowed me to see another dimension of the site, (to look at her books and see her recommendations, etc.).

I stumbled across a Summer Reading list for a specific school in Listopia.  This seems to be to have potential to be a great idea to use with kids.  You could make a Summer Reading book list, (but I think kids would have to make their own accounts first).  Students could rate the books and it could inform what future students would choose for Summer Reading.  For example, if you knew that Kevin really liked the same types of books you did, maybe you'd choose a Summer Reading book he read and liked.  The caveat is that kids have to be 13 or older, which may confine this idea to grade 8 and above.

Book club members could give abbreviated recommendations for those who missed the book club, or better yet-you could host a "virtual" book club where kids recommend books to each other online!

I really liked the book discussion feature.  I've noted that you should only open a discussion if you've read the book b/c there are spoilers.

I think it would be cool to use Good Reads with the Pleasure Read Book Club I run, beginning in January.  We could do a pilot of it and see how it goes.  I think the kids would really enjoy this!


Edutopia Community Groups
I also checked out the Edutopia Community Groups.  It's great that you can "eavesdrop" on the group discussions and decided which groups you want to join after you've read the posts.  I found the Literacy group discussions interesting.  The Classroom Management group was also very helpful, as I have my own students for the first time this year.

I wonder if other teachers know much about these discussion groups.  I thought it would be a good idea to perhaps email the teachers about them.  Maybe others know about them, and just need a reminder.

I'm so glad I made a Good Reads account and checked out Edutopia Community Groups-I look forward to using them more!

Thing 11: Mapping & Geolocation Tools

Thing 11's topic is timely, as I'm reading Bystander by James Preller with my 6th grade class, (a new course this year where we'll discuss bullying and do some technology projects).  We were reading a chapter in Bystander where Eric and his mom were at Jones Beach, and it also mentioned a hotel with large windows.  My students wanted to know exactly where the hotel and the beach were.  I told them maybe sometime we can go on Google Maps and look at it.  They were very excited to do this!

The first thing I did for Thing 11 was I added my vacation spot to the collaborative map, (Aruba), and made a comment about vacationing there.  I enjoyed seeing other's favorite spots as well.

I have used Google Maps before, but always felt like I was just bumbling around and guessing what different clicks would do.  Setting aside time to intentionally go in and look at the program, (and recent changes they have instituted), made a big difference in my understanding of how it all works.  With the tutorials from Daniel Demitri, I was able to do similar searches, pause the video and execute the same functions to better understand what Google Maps can do.

Yes, I do admit I got a bit held up looking at the block where I grew up, as well as peeking at New York, Chicago, Long Island, etc.  But that's what exploration is all about, right!?

I also tried out Google Earth.  One of our Technology teachers uses it with students.  I even had it installed on a few computers in the library, as students would need access to it, at times.

I downloaded it on my home computer, and it was very slow and it took a few seconds for each layer of images to show.  I decided to first see the Empire State Building.  I had to be patient because the program was slow going.  Then I started to have some issues, couldn't change what was in the search bar, hand instead of pointer so I couldn't click buttons.  I think I might need to try GE first at school....which requires a special download on my computer from the Technology staff.  For now, I'll show my students places from Bystander on Google Maps, which should be fairly reliable and fast to use live in class with them.

The MAP video in French was quite funny.  It reminded me a bit of what I show students in class-a PRO/CON chart for websites vs. books.  Some of the same ideas apply.  I sent the video to my brother who is a City Planner for the city of Richmond, I thought he would appreciate it.  I think I'll also send it to our technology teachers as well!

Cool Tools for Schools

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