Google Images

At the TOD a few weeks ago Suzie Vesper made us think about ensuring we have permission to reuse images that we find on the internet. I completely agree with this so I taught my class how to do an advance search to check images are available for re-use.

All was well until we realised how few images are free to re-use. For example, do a standard Google image search on 'Kaimanawa Horses' About 3,410 results. However select the filter for "labelled for re-use"...1 result, which had no horse at all.

We needed images so I said since it was only for a school poster it is ok. But it is not. What do you do?

ICT & Positive Thinking

I am proud of how far my children have come this year. At the beginning of the year when I asked the children to take a photo & upload it into a document they looked at me like I was speaking another language. I had a child that has been away lot and needed to catch up with portfolio samples (see above) "How do you do this?" was quickly answered by many eager children who were confident with the whole process, right down to selecting the right printer. It might not sound like much to everyone... but it is huge for my class. It is great that I can integrate ICT in the classroom programme without having to constantly teach the skills.

Positive Thinking
Well... I have let myself down in this area. The cold mornings are getting to me. I am trying to start the day positive but it is a struggle when you don't feel 100%.

Using the Flip

Today my class viewed Room 16's blog. They were very impressed with the video footage- explanations, haka, jump jam...

Then "Why can't we do that?!" So I asked the children, what are they proud of this term and what did they enjoy doing this term that they would like to share.

Check out 6gigs.blogspot.com to see what we have come up with.

One downfall has to be the loading time it takes when uploading video footage. They are only short clips and I think they are small 23-100ish mb.

Is there something that I need to be doing to speed this up?

Just incase you're not counting... only 13 School days to go and that's without taking out release days, sports exchanges, zero waste, etc. and we have soooooo much work left to do.

Only 16 School Days to go!

I can't believe we have only 16 school days to go. My class will have to work overtime to try and find answers for their inquiry questions! And then there is still the creating & social action part of the process!

They were able to use keywords to help them search for information. The wonderwheel feature on Google was very effective to help the children think of other possible key words/phrases. The issue is the children's lack of confidence with skimming & scanning and this can be difficult because not every site that they go on has information that they want or need. It has been great listening to the children reflecting on their findings e.g. "I thought algae was always bad... I didn't know it can be used as a biofuel!"

I would appreciate any suggestions to help with research :)

Blabberize

Check out how cool Blabberize is! Thanks Sam :)
It is so easy & very funny. I think my children will have fun using this. I guess this is yet another cool thing I will add to my list to try. Only 17 school days to go... maybe it might have to go on next term's agenda.

Teacher Only Day Reflection

My highlight of our cluster TOD has to be listening to Tony Ryan's Keynote. There are so many things to think about. He is such a positive person and I definitely think starting your day positively and thinking positively can and will make a difference. I'm going to give this a go (even though I struggle getting up on cold Winter mornings). I've read his book, The Ripple Effect, which is all about this. I also liked the idea of taking a photo of your key learning for each day. I'd like to do this too, but I'm taking little steps and focusing on one thing at a time. At the moment I'm trying to get my class blog up an running.