Technology Support from a student

I'm a firm believer that I learn from my students and today was no exception. Let me back up a few steps.....a few weeks ago, I thought it would be a great experience for my kids to learn about their ancestors. So I created a questionnaire that would be sent home and filled out by students and parents. To extend this activity and bridge it technology, I thought they could use google maps to drop a pin on the country their ancestors' were born and follow up with a few sentences. This project was slightly out of my comfort zone as I was not all that familiar with google maps other than getting directions.

 I called on Joe Wood for some support and he came to the rescue! In the computer lab, he taught my class and I how to navigate google maps. I quickly learned that this project was going to take numerous visits to the lab. Before we went back for the second time, one of my students shared that he could help the class because he already finished his project. I quickly jumped onto my website to take a look at his pin on the map and sure enough...he did in fact complete it. He told me it was easy! I asked him if he wanted to reteach the class the steps for this project and his face lit up. He did an amazing job...take a look for yourself.
 

 Here are a few pictures from today.
 

Padlet

Today our class went to the computer lab and tried something NEW! It's called Padlet. Padlet is an internet application that allows people to express their thoughts on a common topic. Since we have been studying the topic of immigration, I felt this was a great opportunity for the kids to write about how they would feel if they had to leave their country, family, friends and possessions and move to a foreign country. I read so many wonderful responses and they were too good to not share.

Created with Padlet

Electronic Party

Last week, we had our very first electronic party! I can't even begin to tell you how excited the kids were about this party.  Kids brought a Kindle, Ipod touch, Ipad and even a cel phone.  I even found out that one of my student's plays the same game that my kids got me to play with them. It was a great way to connect with him :). I enjoyed watching the kids interact with each other, share their devices and just overall engaged in this fun activity. If your child missed out...no worries because we will definitely be having more electronic parties this year.