technology

[calumetteach]

Has anyone ever used computers/whiteboards as a way for students to pulblish work they've done during writer's workshop or any other subject? We have laptops that they can use and have published short poems, but it seems that I should be able to do more.

What are your ideas on this? I think it's a great motivator, but I also feel it takes up precious time and often I do the majority of entering their work. I do think it's a treat for them every once in awhile though.

I've seen on the PBS show, "Arthur" presentations that second graders put on where they have a poem/story and when it's presented there are sound effects and pictures (birds etc.) that the kids have drawn that "fly" across a screen. I would appreciate any ideas. Thank You!!

 

[imacacher]

Power Point

Do you have power point that you could hook up to a monitor? I haven't used it with the students, but many of our first grade teachers have. This adds in the animation factor, and the presentations turn out great!

My colleagues have also used Excel to create graphs--its amazing what kids can do!

I've used Word on several occassions, and this doesn't take too long, but all second graders have a computer instruction class once a week, so they learn how to use Word and to format their text.

 

[calumetteach]

thanks for your quick reply!!

I have access to a smartboard, and I can project powerpoints onto a screen. Is this what you mean. I am trying VERY hard to be technology literate, but I am at the tail end of the baby-boomers, have a family to pay attention to, and feel pressure from new faculty who are more tech lierate than me to get with the program!

I try to play with different programs as much as I can to become familiar with them. Sometimes problems I have are so frustrating and I know that there is a simple button to push or whatever to get what I want.

I would love to have my class present to other classes a story or whatever. I was thinking of working on fables with groups of 3 doing beginning, middle, end and then doing some sort of animation to present them. Is this a possiblility? Thanks so much!

 

[imacacher]

You're welcome!

Well--I'm one of those new teachers (first year), and while I can USE all of the programs, I am in no way an expert. Like I said, the only things I've had my students type were paragraphs, using word. They changed the font, and added a graphic, but that was all.

You could definately use Power Point to illustrate a story. Each Power Point slide could be a page, and it could have a graphic to go with it. I'm not sure about the animation, but I think it can be done.

We don't have smart boards, but our computers are hooked up to the TVs in our room. I use power point as a way to play a review game before each test in science, social studies, and health. I put one question on each slide, and the students also have a copy. It's no different than a typical review game where you ask students a question and they answer orally--but they LOVE it b/c its on TV! You could do something like this just to get yourself familiar with Power Point.

I'd be happy to email you a few of my slide presentations so you can see how I use them. Just private message me with your email address!

 

[Fran]

2nd grade teacher

Our school purchased "kidspiration" for our computer lab. This program
helps the student write out his/her story by using all sorts of graphs, maps, and other writing tools. There are pictures they can choose from to add to their story. It's a very useful tool when it comes to writing short stories. It's better than using the word processor, where the students are lost when it comes to typing just words. I think they may have a website: www.kidspiration.com. Hope you find what your looking for; if not I can try to find out more info. for you.

Fran