Troop BES has moved!

Due to my new position within the district, my Troop BES blog got a little bit of a makeover and a new residence.  :) 

Troop BES is now EdTech Chic!  

Check it out, post a comment, and visit often to get great new ideas, tips, and tricks!  Make sure you check out the Web 2.0 directory! 

Happy blogging!  :)

Evaluating Technology Use in the Classroom

I read an interesting article in TCEA's TechEdge magazine this morning.  It discusses the effective use of technology in the classroom.  Just because all of the students in a class are working on laptops DOES NOT necessarily mean learning is taking place.  Teachers (and administrators!) need to ask these questions in order to evaluate the technology use in their classrooms and schools:

• Is the technology being used "just because it's there"?
• Is the technology allowing the teacher/students to do old things in old ways?
• Is the technology allowing the teacher/students to do old things in new ways?
• Is the technology creating new and different learning experiences for students?

It is good to know how technology is being used and if it is being used effectively.  Think about how you, as an educator, can move your use of technology to a deeper more meaningful level within your classroom.

Google Apps for Schools

 Are you curious about the "Google Apps" hype?!  Check out this great presentation that will give you 32 ways you can use Google Apps in your classroom. 

Want to have some Google fun?!  Try Google's new "A Google a Day" search puzzle.  Your students will love it!

Welcome to the blogosphere!

Check out some of these AWESOME blogs created by BES teachers...

Heather Deramus - Kindergarten
http://kindersmarties.blogspot.com/

Renate Moudry - Kindergarten
http://kindergartencowpokes.blogspot.com/

Kelci Adams - First Grade
http://firstgradesweeties.blogspot.com/

MaryLou Zeiders - Fourth Grade
http://m-m-qb.blogspot.com/

Want your own?!  Come see me and I can help you get started!!!  Don't think you have time?!  Don't be silly!  If you can send an email, you can post to a blog!  Come on...everyone's doing it!  :)

21 Signs You’re a 21st Century Teacher

Courtesy of EdTech

1. You require your students to use a variety of sources for their research projects...and they cite blogs, podcasts, and interviews they've conducted via Skype.

2. Your students work on collaborative projects...with students in Australia.

3. You give weekly class updates to parents...via your blog.

4. Your students participate in class...by tweeting their questions and comments.

5. You ask your students to study and create reports on a controversial topic...and you grade their video submissions.

6. You prepare substitutes with detailed directions...via Podcasts.

7. You ask your students to do a character/historical person study...and they create mock social media profiles of their character.

8. Your students create a study guide...working together on a group wiki.

9. You share lesson plans with your teacher friends...from around the globe.

10. Your classroom budget is tight...but it doesn't matter because there are so many free resources on the web you can use.

11. You realize the importance of professional development...and you read blogs, join online communities, and tweet for self development.

12. You take your students on a field trip to the Great Wall of China...and never leave your classroom.

13. Your students share stories of their summer vacation...through an online photo repository.

14. You visit the Louvre with your students...and don't spend a dime.

15. You teach your students not to be bullies...or cyberbullies.

16. You make your students turn in their cell phones before class starts...because you plan on using them in class.

17. You require your students to summarize a recent chapter...and submit it to you via a text message.

18. You showcase your students' original work...to the world.

19. You have your morning coffee...while checking your RSS feed.

20. You are reading this.

21. You tweet this page, blog about it, "like" it, or email it to someone else...

Dogs & Digits

Mrs. Johnston and Mrs. Long

Our Family Math Night ("Dogs & Digits!") was a wonderful night filled with math games, computer activities, and ... hot dogs! Thanks to everyone who came to play, work, and to those who suggested that I wear the hot dog costume this year! :)

Google Docs for Faculty

I am OBSESSED with Google Docs.  It's the easiest way I have found to create sharable documents - for personal AND educational uses.  Need to plan a menu with other families for a summer trip?!  Use a shared Google Spreadsheet!  Want your students to collaborate on a class story?!  Use a Google Document.  Here are some other ways we, as teachers, can use Google Docs in school, courtesy of Tech Tools for Schools.