Module 3

Google Documents. I love it! As I mentioned in my last Blog I never did realise how confusing sending documents for editing through email could be. If 3 people were working on the same project, then how could you streamline the document so that you have all of the different changes merged into one?

When I was introduced to Google Docs I had to think about how I could use it. Once again my thoughts went to teaching in a Kinder Classroom and how they are still learning basic operations like logging on and off, how to get into different programs and how to use the mouse. Through professional dialogue with another teacher, we discussed the use of creating a program/document for the students to access through Google Docs and they could use it that way. The problem there is that they would just be using the program or application, not using it to create or modify one.

It was then that my thoughts turned to the Talent Quest. Last year myself and another colleague organised a Talent Quest with the SRC. As part of the process, the SRC made up sign on sheets for people wishing to audition. Not only did we have over 40 people sign up, but the complete Sign On sheet was a mess - students crossing out other people's names, names scribbled onto the piece of paper. We both had a hard time trying to work out who was on the sheet and for what reason.

I had a thought - we could create a Sign On Sheet online using Google Docs. All the students had to do was sign on electronically and not only did we have a neat, clear record of the auditions, we:
a) saved a lot of time having to type up audition names
b) could instantly see the list merged with all of the students' names on it.
I created a document and sent it to my colleague, she edited it and is now in the process of talking to the students about it. The interesting journey now is going to be teaching the school to use Google Documents to sign on... Perhaps we could train the SRC, and they train their classes? The journey continues...

Module 2

Blog. It's a funny word but it seems to be the word of the year. Before I completed Module 2 I had no idea what a blog was - I knew it was a way for people to write what they feel, but I guess what my question is is WHY would they write it in a public forum? As I was reading through the samples of Blogs suggested for us to read, I came across a page which seemed to discuss the questions that were running though my head - why would people want to talk about what is going on in a public forum where everyone can see? As the author states "Blogging is a risk". You are putting yourself out there for everyone to comment on.
The more I read through the different blogs from different people - especially the Blogs about how they are using it in their classroom - the more inspired I get. It's amazing how so many ideas can develop through such a powerful medium like the internet. I now know that Blogging is a way people can inform others on what they are doing, so others can be inspired by their work. Blogging creates conversation on what works and what doesn't work. It creates ideas that can lead to a more dynamic classroom.
One of the questions I do have is how have people used Blogging in a Kindergarten classroom, where the children are not only learning to read and write, but most are learning how to speak English?
I'm sure the more I explore the more answers I will find!

Module 1

I'm still a little daunted by this whole experience. I remember being one of the first people in my grade (year 11 back in '95) to have access to the old dial up internet - I thought it was amazing I could chat to people around he world and have all this information at my fingertips... I also felt like a bit of a pro because I was one of the first. But now it seems as if technology has come so far, and I feel like I'm stil left back at the beginning (although very glad to see dial up gone!) and have so much to learn.

I'm finding the videos on web 2.0 very useful - especially the one I just saw on Wiki's. I have only heard about but never actually understood them... and now I do.

One thing that I'm finding a little annoying so far is how to navigate through all of these new things I'm learning about - especially in iGoogle. I seem to be switching from page to page and then not being able to go back as easily.

I love the Google Documents concept - sending files to modify without having to save them under different names makes it a lot less confusing - I didn't realise how confusing modifying documents through email actually was until I sent something through Google Documents.

Looking forward to learning more. I'm adding more to my iGoogle page as we speak!