In my classroom, I use technology frequently to help my students learn. I've created a vast resource for students to use so they can learn at their own pace. This allows parents and community members to see what is happening in the classroom and for all members of the school to stay in the loop.
Class Website
Each time I teach a new class or subject, I create a course website. This website allows students to see daily assignments, download worksheets, find links to in depth information and to find extra credit assignments. A great part about this website is that students are able to learn at their own pace. Some students work ahead of the class - downloading assignments and completing them at home. Others download the study guides for tests before the unit begins and they take notes through the unit. The website however is a changing resource, always being altered to meet the needs of my students.
Find out more by taking a look, www.MrGunnells.com .
Find out more by taking a look, www.MrGunnells.com .
A great way to connect with students and parents is Twitter. Through my class website, I post daily assignments that are then shared via Twitter. Students and parents can easily see what was accomplished in class that day, and what they might have missed if they were absent. It's also a great way for students to ask quick questions, and remind students about upcoming assignments.
Check out my feed at www.Twitter.com/MrGunnells
Check out my feed at www.Twitter.com/MrGunnells
Over the past four years, I've found an overwhelming increase in the number of students who use the social networking tool Facebook. After a few years of experimenting, I've found a way to use the tool to communicate with students. By creating a Fan Page, students can "Like" my social studies class and interact with myself and other students in a variety of ways. Students can have discussions, post on the wall, and even post and comment on pictures. I know that students spend a great deal of their time on Facebook, and if I can make them think about class, or school for a little bit of that time, creating my page is a success.
Mr. Gunnells on Facebook
Mr. Gunnells on Facebook
Google Calendar
I use Google Calendar as my lesson plan book. Before each unit I sketch out my lesson plans using Google Calendar. I can start with a rough plan, and add more details and make changes as I go along. Students, parents and administrators are able to use this to see what is in store for students each week. It's a valuable resource for students who are absent, and it's an easy way to keep track of lesson plans that can sometimes change quickly.
View my class calendar
View my class calendar
Blog
For my masters program at Michigan State University, I've created a blog that details some of the projects that I've done. Many of these projects involve projects dealing with technology that I've shared with my students. In the future, I hope to post more on my blog and share interesting articles and news stories with my students.
See my blog here
See my blog here
Jing
Jing might be the best tool you've never heard of. Jing allows you to create a video of whatever is on your computer screen, with live voice narration. A great way to use this in my room was a step by step video narration that guided students through a Career Cruising assignment on their computer. Since students in the lab would be working at their own pace, it was a great way to give directions and save time.
An example of a Jing Screencast I created
An example of a Jing Screencast I created