Google Calendar Screencast

About a month ago, I began using Google Calendar for my lesson plans. I've used several different electronic calendars, including iCal and Entourage, and so far, Google Calendar has been the easiest and most portable planning/productivity tool that I've used. This screencast, created using Jing software, shows some of the features that have been very useful to me as a 6th grade teacher.

Warning: This screencast a minute to load on my computer. I should have saved a smaller file, but as it is now, I'm unable to change the formatting. Thanks for your patience.

Wikispaces Deal for Teachers

I just discovered that teachers can sign up for a free, no-ad, private Wikispace. If you're interested, select the link above and be one of the 300,000 free spaces.

The first time I looked at this service, I wasn't interested in using it for my 6th graders because of the advertising.

If you already have a Wikispace with advertising, you can upgrade. I was really impressed when I had a question and the help desk at Wikispaces emailed me back right away.

Week 2: Web 2.0 (and beyond)

Web 2.0 (and beyond) describes the Internet's ability to bring the entire world, its words, sights, and sounds, virtually, onto a screen that we can access at our convenience; in the same way, we can send the world any words, sights, and sounds that we choose. Web 2.0 use is:

• Growing Exponentially
  
• Encouraging Collaboration
  
• Creating a Need for Decision Making

Web 2.0 is impacting education in every aspect and the challenge for all of us, teachers and students, is that our targets are no longer static and no longer well defined. It's easier for adults to know what they want, find it, and ignore the many distractions; it's harder for kids to do the same.

Many teachers, including myself, have the practical problem is being in the middle of "old school" and "new school" methods and means of assessment. Being able to use 2.0 tools with my colleagues has really helped me begin the transition to technology integration and convinces me that 2.0 tools will be just as helpful for my students.