Staff Development for Elementary Teachers on web 2.0

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Permalink Reply by Anne Shaw on September 11, 2010 at 10:40pm

Here is a simple beginner's list. I have also embedded videos introducing various tools.

I also found this site, Interesting Ways, which shows many ways to use various tools in the classroom. I think teachers will find this very helpful.

Here is a Prezi about web 2.0 in the classroom; it includes links and a video on blogging.

I prefer using Weebly for blogs. Also Weebly has a way for teachers to set up web sites and blogs for their students. I really love their templates, and they have a great resource of beautiful pictures.

45 Ways to use Wordle in the classroom.

I will send some ideas later about the professional development side. How many teachers? How much time will they have for professional development - learning how to use the tools, and learning how the tools support the curriculum, and finally, writing curriculum?

Permalink Reply by H Fitzwater on September 11, 2010 at 11:00pm

Thanks so much! Well, I feel a little better since you have mentioned many things I have started to use or were considering teaching them. I do not have specifics of how long the presentation must be at this point. It will be just a one time in person and then I will be creating an online tutorial much like an online course. The course requires it be presented to at least 6 teachers but I think it will possibly be the entire faculty (30-40).

Permalink Reply by Ruth Cohenson on September 12, 2010 at 9:17am

Hi, I think I would start with one of the videos on "21st Century Skills"- there are many to choose from. As far as what to introduce in terms of tools, that would depend on what is not blocked in your district. I would definitely include delicious or diigo so the staff has a bookmarking tool. Twitter is a must for 24/7 PD. Lastly, I would select something staff can use with students, either Voicethread or Animoto. Hopefully, your staff will be hooked, and you can continue to introduce new tools throughout the year. Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by Sally Arnold on September 12, 2010 at 1:34pm

I think that Voicethread is a great start. Allows a variety of uses and is based on the use of a flip or many cameras which can shoot video. I've got a wiki started based on tech support. It contains how to's (video, lists) simple fixes and very simple issues (loading paper, making distribution lists) since many of my staff are still at the 1.0 stage.

I found http://resa-23things.blogspot.com/ 23 things teachers should know about web 2.0 This is a plan / program to learn 23 web 2.0 applications. It has step by step instructions and assumes NOTHING about previous skills. You don't have to work through the items in order if you have already mastered a technique. I've recommended it to those at my school with a bit more ability / interest in computers. I tried it this summer and really enjoyed it.

Love Anne's List!

Permalink Reply by Terry Smith on September 13, 2010 at 9:37am

Lots of great suggestions here. I'd like to show an example of kids using Audacity recording software to work in a project with kids in Australia to make what we called Animalcasts. Simple free software, engaging for kids, lots of planning and practice involved.

http://smithclass.wikispaces.com/animalpodcasts

Terry Smith

Permalink Reply by Christopher Casal on September 14, 2010 at 7:24am

I ran a quick (90 minutes) PD on this last June.

I built this page as the agenda/PD guide for the session:
http://mrcasal.wikispaces.com/Brooklyn+Day+PD

Basically I went over the things I use, the how and why as well as the technical aspects. I got all the attendees (16) to sign in to guest accounts I created on my Wiki and walked them through the basics of editing the page. We played around with Twitter and Blogspot a bit too (I use them more extensively then anyone else in the building).

A few of the 16 have gone on to build multi-page wikis for themselves, which they update quite regularly (1 4th grade teacher has her students posting writing assignments and she is allowing parents to join the discussion portion of that page).