Agenda

=__Purpose__ - The goal of the online learning community is to improve technology use and integration at our campus. = =__Objective__ - To teach all members how to sucessfully use the Wiki to discuss & educate each other on the values of using more technology in our district, or to simply as questions of those who are more advanced in implementing technology in the classroom. =

=__Participating members__: = J. Fryar K. Scott L. Biffle D. Heinrich C. Fryar =__Activities__: =  Each member will list and explain at least one technology tool that they have used or are currently using succesfully in their classrooms, or give suggestion of tools that peer teachers could be using in their own classrooms and ways to implement them. For members who are not as comfortable with sharing ideas, please ask for clarification and help in implementin​g one of the suggested tools into their curriculum. (Estimated time: 5 minutes)

www.blogspot.com I am using a classroom created blog to embed videos and information that I would like the students to be able to access easily from home or school. I also plan to use it following TAKS for our novel discussions.

Prezi - [|www.prezi.com] is a fun presentation tool. It allows students to create presentations that differ from the standard PowerPoint. Students can embed pictures, text, and videos. Explore and have fun. KS

[] This is a web site from which a teacher can download flash games to structure content related questions in multiple choice, matching and other formats. LB

Promethian software - I used a promethian board and the software to create presentations for science courses. I then was able to use the presentations in classrooms that did not have an actual board. All that was needed after creation of a complete presentation was a computer, projector and screen. DH

Study Island - [|www.studyisland.com] A great place to find organized, objective based TAKS questions instantly from any computer. The stored data allows the instructor to quickly analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each individual student, allowing for better lesson preparation to target those needs. CF

  1. How can a wiki facilitate an online learning community? Wikis are interactive and allow community members to collaborate on projects. KS A teacher can upload various forms used in their class. Then students and parents can download these at their convenience. LB Teachers from across the world could collaborate together or discuss current classroom issues and possible solutions. DH Community members basically have an interactive search engine, organized into one easy to use website. CF Just like our video said, wikis are a great way for teachers to collaborate without filling up inboxes or with multiple emails.
 * Each member will participate in the following discussion: (Estimated time - 10 minutes)**

2. In what way(s) is using the wiki for collaboration easier than face-to-face meetings? Wikis allow members to meet at the time that is convenient to them. They can drop in and leave a comment and return later for additional comments. KS Using the wiki can be so spontaneous. If I read something on a different web site, this may inspire me to contribute more on the wiki. LB Time and distance. It is a matter of convenience. Being able to take care of business from a computer during a conference period or lunch break could be the difference between the meeting taking place or not. There are many trainings that I would like to attend that simply are not possible due to time and distance. DH Time is always a factor, but a wiki also allows those that are not so comfortable to speak up, who may have great ideas, the time and confidence to share those thoughts from behind the curtain of a computer screen. CF All of these comments were EXCELLENT reasons why I would like to educate others on the value of using wikis. The possibilites are endless!

3. In what way(s) is using the wiki more difficult? Wikis are simple to use. Community members must carve out a time and remember to return to collaborate, which can be difficult in busy times. KS Many people are intimidated by the technology. However, it is very hard to "break" anything. In my short experience, that are not more difficult. Perhaps more daunting to someone who has not used one, but not difficult. DH The only way a wiki could be difficult would be if someone was have internet connection problems, not allowing them to upload the site. CF Just learning the basic formatting of how to make it work. Once you get the idea of 'edit' and "save" it's really downhill from there!


 * __A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING IN MY FIRST GO-ROUND! jf__**