Grant Reflections

45 students were served by this grant. This grant supported the problem based learning inquiry by allowing students to use the devices to research topics efficiently and quickly. We were able to use web 2.0 tools to produce products for their Environmental Expo project as well as in class assignments throughout the year. The iTouches were seamlessly infused in our math stations and allowed students to work on their problem solving skills in a engaging & motivating way.

The Netbooks were used with Edmodo.com to activate prior knowledge before reading a National Geographic Explorer article on caves. Students were able to share any background information which helped their reading comprehension of the article.

Students made various products using web 2.0 tools which took the place of projects that were normally created using paper. Glogsters were used to create research on an explorer, Texas colonists, or information on a nonfiction topic. Animotos were created as book trailers and biographies. Bookrs were created as responses to what they read in a nonfiction article.

The iPod Touches were used in reading groups to take notes on in place of Post-It notes. Students were able to share their thinking while reading. The iTouches were also used in math stations. Students were able to use numerous math apps as a station. For some apps, students wrote down the problem and answered it in their math journal. Students were still able to reflect after using this touches as a station like they would normal reflect after their regular math station.

We plan to continue using the devices in all content areas and building on what we have learned this year. Due to the overwhelmingingly positive response from our Terrace Environmental Expo we plan on having a Terrace International Conference which will focus on humantarian efforts students can do in third world countries. This will tie into the 4th grade international night which encompasses health fitness, art, and music areas.

Living the Dream

The very first Terrace Environmental Expo was a success! We had about 500 students come through the expo yesterday. Our students shined and impressed everyone who visited their booth. Teachers were amazed how well the students knew the information. At times we had too many visitors and we wished we had a better working AC it was a success.

In the evening we had parents come and students performed a song they composed with our music teacher. Parents were amazed and impressed that 10 year olds were so knowledgeable. One parent said her daughter knew more about pandas than she could ever learn from just reading a book.

It took many hours of work, but it was definitely worth it. The big question everyone was asking yesterday, "Are you going to do this next year?" It is something we are definitely going to consider.

Pictures and a movie will be posted later.

T.E.E. preparation

Our students are in the final stages of their T.E.E. presentation preparations. The entire school has been invited to come to the expo next Tuesday, May 18th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone does not come all at once.

Since we have had so many problems with loading pictures to Animoto students have used Photostory to create their movies. This is so frustrating because Animoto creates a much more polished video than photostory, however, I can't have kids waiting 30-45 minutes for 8 pictures to upload. I think this has more to do with our district server than Animoto since we have been experiencing slow internet service the past couple of weeks.

My project idea to use bookr has been replaced with a Glogster or photostory because bookr has slow loading times as well. Web 2.0 tools are great when you can use them.

An Animoto will be created from home using pictures of students during the planning stages of the T.E.E. which will be played throughout the T.E.E. Our students have written a song and will perform it for their parents with their instruments Tuesday night for parents. Hopefully, our wonderful music teacher will be able to make a recording of them so it can be played during the day.