Posted in Uncategorized

Hello, Web 2.0 Workshop Participants!

Posted on by Tina Coffey

Today we are talking about ways that Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs, podcasts, and many others, can be used in classrooms to enhance learning! I’d like you to experience leaving a comment on a blog. Find the link for this article that says “comments.” Click on it, and post an answer to at least one of these questions:

  • Do you have any ideas about how you can use a Web 2.0 tool in your classroom to enhance your curriculum, motivate your students, or communicate with the community?
  • Who do you think the “community” might be?
  • Can you think of any ways another type of teacher might use one of these tools?
  • At first the concept of Web 2.0 may be hard to grasp–it was for me. Do you have any questions?
  • You are some of the first teachers in SCS to look at Web 2.0 in depth as a group. Any suggestions for other teachers as they take this inservice or as they begin to work with these tools? Any suggestions for me?
  • Do you know of any other Web 2.0 tools you think others might find useful?

You do not need to leave your email address or a webpage. Thanks for sharing! Not only will you have a chance to comment on a blog, you will be helping other teachers and me!

Posted in Salem City Schools

Accelerated Reader Directions

Posted on by Tina Coffey

I need some help!  In the past, people usually email me the names of new students that need to be added to AR or tests that need to be deleted.  Usually when I receive the email, I’m in the middle of working on something else, so I can’t handle it immediately.  Lately when I’ve gone back to work on it, I have had trouble finding your requests in my email…they just get lost in all the other things that are coming in.  Since people don’t use the same subject lines, it’s hard to even search for them.  I’m really afraid that I’m going to forget to do it for you, and in some cases, I already have.  So, I’m going to make two changes:

1.  I need you to start putting requests for me to add students in databases on the help page.  This way I have one place to look to find them when it’s time for me to do it.  *Remember*–I need full given names (first, middle initial, and last) and ID numbers.

2.  Teachers have permissions to delete tests from a student’s account (if they take it by mistake, for instance). 

  • To do this, you login with the password “admin.”  
  • On the top bar, click on go / reading practice. 
  • Select your class’ name and click OK. 
  • In the top pane, click on the student’s name.
  • Click on the test in the bottom pane that you want to delete.
  • Press Delete on the menu to the left. 
  • It will ask you if you really want to delete the test.  Click yes. 

    • If you are having problems, I’ll be glad to show you personally.  Thanks for your help!

    Posted in Web 2.0

    K12 Online Conference!

    Posted on by Tina Coffey

    K-12 Online Conference 2006  

    Announcing the first annual “K12 Online 2006″ convention for teachers, administrators and educators around the world interested in the use of Web 2.0 tools in classrooms and professional practice. This year’s conference is scheduled to be held over two weeks, Oct. 23-27 and Oct. 30- Nov. 3 with the theme “Unleashing the Potential.” The K12 Online 2006 blog has just gone live. Click here for a one page printable flyer in PDF format.

    Posted in Blogs and Blogging, RSS, Salem City Schools

    A New Type of Newsletter

    Posted on by Tina Coffey

    If you are reading this blog, then you’ve found my new “newsletter” for the technology happenings at your school. Welcome!  Yes, and that’s what this is….a blog.  I am going to be blogging to keep you informed!   Why?  Because I can tell you what I need to tell you without having to wait until I put out a newsletter each month.  A blog also has advantages for other reasons.  You will be able to look back at past “news” if you need to.  You’ll be able to look for information I have written about certain topics using “tags” or categories.  I will be modeling for you a use of technology that I think would be very useful for your classroom.  And, the coolest part….blogging is actually two way communication!  See that “comment” link right below this article?  If you click on it, you can leave a comment about the article you are reading.  It’s even possible to have a nice discussion via the blog comments. 

    So, let’s lay some ground rules: 
    1) You do not have to comment, but please do if you have something to say. 
    2) This is NOT another form of a “help” page.  If you choose to comment, please keep the discussion about the topic of the article to which you are responding.  Also, please do not leave comments about wanting to schedule a time with me—this is best done through email. 
    3)  You do not have to leave your email address, but it would help me to at least know what school you are from….and your name if you feel comfortable.  First names are fine. 
    4)  Remember that this page is part of the Internet.  Anyone can read it.  Do not use kids’ names. 
    5)  Be honest.  If you don’t like one of my ideas, feel free to say so and tell me why.  If you have questions, ask.  If you have suggestions, please share.  If you used an idea and it went really well, tell me.  If it was a flop, tell me that too.  Remember that others can read your comments as well, so what you say may help someone else. 

    So, that’s it!  Go for it!  I will remind you once a month to check this blog in lieu of sending out my monthly newsletter.  You can visit anytime…I will post new articles regularly…you don’t have to wait for my email!    

    PS—Blogs also use something called RSS feed (you see it mentioned in the box to the right).  Using this feed might make it easier to keep up with this blog, and to keep tabs on a bunch of other really neat stuff on the web.  Keep a look out for webpages that have an RSS feed.  You might see a little orange xml or rss icon to let you know.  For now, just try and notice, and I’ll explain more about it later.