BP 5 - Cheri Mills

Here is my link to Cheri Mills Blogpost.  I can't to try it.

BP 4 - Debra Patsel

Here is the link with my comment on Technoclown's (Debra Patsel) Blogpost.  I also like the simple way they students can share their ideas.

PE 4 - ToonDo

I love using art in my lessons and always try to incorporate it into my lessons, whether it is music, various mediums such as water colors, poster paints, etc., I found using comics another great way to use in the classroom.  The students can use their ideas to create comics or books.  The simple way they create their ideas is also a great way for the students to teach other.  They are able to read what they have completed and their classmates are also able to read and understand.  It brings the lessons to their levels and creates motivation to teach each other.  I love peer teaching.

As can be seen from the picture above, you can also use a preselected toon so you don't have to create a new one.  I also liked Comic Life but had a lot of problems with uploading it and printing.  This program ToonBooks worked well and I look forward to seeing the creativity of my students.

PE 1 iMovie

Hello all,  I am starting my journey into iMovie and editing.  I have been listening to the tutorial on Lynda.com.  Although I have had the chance to use Lynda.com for tutorials, I have been using other various media outlets for learning.  How I am kicking myself now????  I was impressed with the speed in understanding from Garrick Chow’s teaching of using the iMovie program and how to edit.  For the first programs, I used a lot of “guess and check” and was always frustrated.  I wished I had used this before.  As you can see, the tutorial started very simply and as you progress, the lessons are more detailed. 

As I begin the process of learning how to use iMovie, I am excited to use this program to show how the current fifth graders go through this year (to create a timeline), the science club (for my AR project) and my daughters cheerleading competitions this year.  I can’t wait to implement my new endeavor and show off my new skills.  Stay tuned for more….

Blog Post 3 - GoAnimate

Hi All,

Today I had the pleasure of working with GoAnimate, a Web 2.0 product.  I have to say I loved it.  I was able to create a 'scene' between student and teacher.  It then created a dialogue.  I loved the way I was able to pick my setting and characters., although without purchasing a membership, they are limited.  The cost for 3 months was reasonable at $18 or one year for $58, I will 'play' with it more before deciding to purchase.  I will also work with my science club to see if they are interested.  I am excited to find more of the Web 2.0 products out there.  I never even knew they existed beyond the one or two I have worked with.  Here is the link for the GoAnimate I published to YouTube http://goanimate.com/movie/0QkJ4rtnLgB8?utm_source=linkshare&uid=09xpoo9BM1Dg

Michele

Blog Post 2 - iGoogle PLE

BP3Screenshots  This is my Personal Learning Experience page.  I must say as a visual learner, this is very difficult for me.  Show me and I am good to go, but try to read and do it, I am in trouble.  I now know the frustrations some of my students are going through : )

Blog Post 1 - Welcome to my Blog

Hi All,

This is my first attempt at blogging.  I will be utilizing many experts to help me with this project, the students and my children.

Here is a little about myself.  I am a teacher in an urban district in the State of New Jersey.  I have been teaching in Paterson for 11 years.  Teaching is what I call my “mid-life” crisis career change.  I always wanted to teach since my second grade teacher, Mrs. Criqui.  I loved her class and the way she made everyone feel special.  When I was in high school, I had a teacher talk me out of teaching because he was miserable in his job, but as an artist, I respected him.  Little did I know.  After graduating high school, I went to Berkeley Business School for legal secretarial.  I worked in law until after the birth of my second child.  I decided to extend my graduation from William Paterson University to obtain my teaching certification.

I completed my student teaching in an urban district and suburban district.  I fell in love with the urban environment and felt I could help the children more there.  To this day, I love my job.  I enjoy the challenges I meet daily and working with the students to help them work through their daily challenges too.

This year I have started a science club with the 5^th graders.  We will be working with the programs we are currently learning at Full Sail and implementing them in our activities.  I am excited and the students are too.  Stay tuned to see how we are moving forward and our great work….