BUSY Busy

Started the day with a quick breakfast at the WAWA. Then on to the roll out of the new NETS standards. Colleagues will be happy to know that nowhere in the standards (NCATE) for ITF  is there 'take my students and teach them for me" It has finally recognized our coaching role. Our new evaluation instrument will reflect that role!! Yea!

Then on to exhibits to view tools to spend $ on if I can find it

·         Microscope which is kid friendly

·         Cartoon based phonics - cheap and aligned with common core

·         math based - cheap and common core

·         virtual desktop - cool! time saving cool tee shirts

·         NOAA - cool poster and teaching on climate impacts

Lunch was a banana and a pretzel for 4 dollars! Prices are very high here!!

Now I'm in the Moodle administrator training. But I'm not sure I should be here!!

Well Moodle admin is disappointing. They seem to have simply borrowed Sakai tools and repackaged them. However the navigation is more confusing. I don't think this is elem. teacher friendly at all. We're on Macs so I am enjoying playing with the Mac. I'm out of date. Most jobs I have both Mac and PC on my desk so that we can use both and I can stay up to date with it.

Podcasts - on Macs again and same process we are using. create audio - create link. The important message is to keep the cast interesting by adding sound effects etc, write to your audience, keep your voice appropriate with the message. We can use audacity to create them. we can store them online easily.  WRITING is the key point. This is where we can get the kids to improve writing!! through that, reading. Research, write, script and story board for effects, edit, publish!