Article posted March 27, 2009 at 04:42 AM GMT0 •
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Here is my quick definition, and reason for, digital pride. This is a concept I feel is much needed for students.
I am afraid of the students who are plastering the internet with material about themselves that is negative. This is a longterm problem that many students do not undertand exsists. Some of the "trashy" material that is out there has not even been put on the internet by them. My belief is: "Until we, teachers and parents, do a better job of guiding students to understand and do the right things online, we as the responisble rolemodels of their life need to plaster the internet with as much positivity on them or by them as possible."
So, I hope that in my efforts to integrate technology into the literacies that I teach, the google search profile of my students looks better.
Article posted March 27, 2009 at 04:42 AM GMT0 •
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Article posted February 24, 2009 at 12:08 AM GMT0 •
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Blog entries come in many forms. Depending on the theme of the blog, technology for teachers ... best icecream flavours ... movie reviews ... hodgepodge, the blog article will look different. Different themes have different strategies to making an effective and interesting blog.
If a blog has a theme to it, consistency is the key. Whether that blog has a link with a simple explanation to it like, Cool Cat Teacher, or an image with a simple explanation, like Ed Blog Tips, the consistency is key. Many of these blogs add in a little extra from time to time but the mass of entries are consisten.
Imagine at the ripe old age of 75 you are reading the news paper you have read for ever. The wanted adds are always written in short form with a bolded title and a contact number at the bottom. All of a sudden you get a newspaper with images instead of wanted adds. The next is written in crossword. The next yet is in the image of a bar of soap with the add title on it. The next is written in Arabic and the next after that is in rainbow colours...you get my point.
The inconsistency would be very distracting for someone looking for an easy consistent way to get the news they are interested in. So what can we do besides being consistent to make our blog entries look interesting and get our information accross in an efficient way.
Here are my "THREE KEYS TO A GOODLOOKING AND EFFECTIVE BLOG ENTRY":
1. Text is spelled correctly with proper basic grammar and punctuation.
2. Links are included as in hyperlinked words ... NO URL addresses.
3. Image titles. (An image to begin your blog entry always looks nice.)
So keep these three simple keys to make your blogs looking good, interesting and effective.
Article posted February 24, 2009 at 12:08 AM GMT0 •
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Article posted December 13, 2008 at 09:42 PM GMT0 •
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Back in the day, when I had a full head of hair and didn't complain about getting to bed so late, I used to make "mix" tapes. I used an ancient technology called a cassette tape to record selections of music that I enjoyed. Usually these selections had a theme such as, "Relax Mix", "Pumpin' Tunes" and "Garage Tunes".
I have made a "MixWit" tape for you, just like I used to in the 90's. OK, late 80's!
Your final blog entry for this year is to create your own mix tape and share it with the world. The theme of your tape is "Holiday Tunes". This selection is music you suggest others to listen to over the break. THE CHOSEN MUSIC MUST BE APPROPRIATE!!!
Click on my tape to listen then create your own. Once you go to the MixWit site, you will need to sign up. Once you begin to create your own remember the following:
Step 1: There are three search engines, if the song or artist you are looking for is not there, try anther engine. (All of these musical selections are licensed so the ARE legal!)
Step 2: You may choose an actual cassette tape or create your own cover.
Step 3: Copy the code and embed it on a blog entry. Title you entry the title of your tape!
Enjoy!!!
Article posted December 13, 2008 at 09:42 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted November 28, 2008 at 03:42 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 526
This concept is by far the best concept I have heard of in awhile. The idea that in order to purchase something for yourself, you must first help someone else.
How many times have you heard a coach say, "Everyone must pass the puck once first before we as a team attempt to score."? ...or... "Help your friends when they are in need, for you may need them someday."
As a parent, this is the type of mentality I want my children to have. As a teacher, this is the perfect opportunity to teach empathy.
Article posted November 28, 2008 at 01:53 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 279
excellence
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One major movement I have noticed in the students of Macklin School is the need for excellence. Many students have been taking their own initiative to achieve excellence in their own ways.
Example: Darla has played volleyball, cross-country running, track and field and basketball here at our school. However, she did reaize that an extra-curr. activity outside of the school was a more her forte. She has not abandoned her other commitments but rather has focused and put in what is needed to excel. She is now competeing at the international stage.
This is one of many examples of how students at Macklin School are striving for excellence. For many, good is no longer good enougg.
I commend those who put in that extra effort. It is that will to succeed that will be there when you need it the most whether it be competing in sports at the international stage, debating in your fifth year law class at university, parenting, or working towards a promotion in your future carreer.
Article posted November 25, 2008 at 03:40 PM GMT0 •
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In IP10 we are in the middle of our jigsaw word processing project. Wednesday the expert groups will get together and quiz each other on their knowledge. They will then have group time to refine their presentation material and be sure that all members are truly experts on their topic.
The accountablity comes in with the last step. After our expert groups teach their material to the other students, they will give those individual students an exam on their lesson. As the individual students of the other expert groups are answer the quiz questions, the expert group members will answer the questions of my quiz, designed specifically for their lesson.
This expert quiz will be graded on a group average. Individuals will attain a mark that is calculated into an average witht their expert group members. This will be their mark for the project test.
By averageing their test scores, each member is held accountable to the others learning.
Will it work?
Is it fair?
Are they ready?
... Stay Tuned ...
Article posted November 25, 2008 at 03:40 PM GMT0 •
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Article posted November 24, 2008 at 04:57 PM GMT0 •
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ELA 10A is now in the final stages of their blog-search. Today they are compiling and editing their resource lists to develop one list that is for or against the proof of their topic.
Today they must decide on which side they will take. Students will write a small blog entry explaining which side they are taking and why.
Article posted November 24, 2008 at 04:57 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 120
The inconsistency would be very distracting for someone looking for an easy consistent way to get the news they are interested in. So what can we do besides being consistent to make our blog entries look interesting and get our information accross in an efficient way.
