Another First!

Today, my Academic students used the Dell minis for the first time.  I used my ActiveBoard to guide them through the steps of logging into their Google docs account for the first time.  It took a long time to get through the steps, but it ran pretty darn smoothly, considering.  They did not get much time to actually type their drafts, but I'm hopeful that one more day will be all they need to finish.  After having our Pre-AP students type in shifts, we decided that it would be easier to have our Academic classes log in all at once this first time.  Now that they know the basics of accessing Google docs, we can go back to rotations next time.  I'm eager to start my class Nings, but I'm waiting for permission slips.  Argh!  I don't want to introduce the steps of logging into the Ning more than once per class, so I'm waiting to collect all the slips.

Currently, the Pre-AP students are working on a project where they have selected a movie that follows the Hero's Journey.  They will outline the Hero's Journey in the movie using Google docs to make the presentation.  Then, we will convert their presentation so that they can record narration on Keynote on the Mac and download it into iTunes.  Then, all the students can view the presentations on the iPod touches.  

We are starting Book Clubs tomorrow.  I created a short Keynote presentation of Ch. 1 of The Giver focusing on clarifying certain words as I recorded myself reading the chapter.  The Giver group will be able to read their book along with my recording of the chapter. Our team has plans to record key chapters of the other Book club selections so that other groups will have a chance to listen, as well.  We also hope to use the Flip cameras and Nings for students to respond to their Book Club books and share with other groups who are reading the same book.

Overall, it has been very exciting using this technology, and I am very appreciative.  My only wish is that the ActiveBoards had arrived a little later.  I feel like when those showed up, my stress level really shot up.  I love the ActiveBoard, don't get me wrong, but I'm feeling pressure to use so many different types of technology all at once, and the amount of time it takes to use them all well, while at the same time, keep the focus on what students are learning, is a little overwhelming.  I'm all about making changes this year, and so far, I'm adjusting to the changes pretty well, but I just have to make sure I don't lose sight of my students and their needs in all the excitement and rush of trying to incorporate technology into everything.  I've always prided myself on giving my students plenty of individual attention, and I'm feeling like that may be slipping a tad as my creativity and energies focus on technology lessons and projects.  I know their learning and engagement will increase once they are in the habit of using all of this new stuff in my room, so I guess it will all balance out.  

I agree with Melissa about the blog.  We have not gotten very creative with our blog postings yet which is regrettable, but I'm hoping that once we get into the groove, we will be able to improve.

Here is Ch. 1 of The Giver that I mentioned above.