commentstechbytestogo

Ideas and Comments from the 2009 Tech Bytes to Go Staff Development Sessions

 * Easy SMART Board Lessons**
 * I've been very intimidated by most technology. SMART tools/lessons seem to be a very good place to start for me.
 * Fun SMART board bits. I look forward to doing more research especially on the magic pen!!
 * I look forward to trying smart lessons for math.
 * Great ways to teach math - visually! I will be using nlvm.usu.edu!
 * I can't wait to use the SMART board with kindergarten!


 * Portaportals**
 * Loved how the basic home page had all the info you need.
 * Since I teach intervention groups to multiple grade levels, this site will help me stay organized.
 * Great presentation - love the interaction!
 * Using portaportal for subject area links would be a great organizational tool.


 * Robust Vocabulary**
 * Love the Power Points! Please share!!
 * Loved your presentation. I must try it. I made my first Power Point this year and loved it!
 * Follow-up needed
 * I could use Power Points for vocab with my Tier II kids We can all gather around a computer to view than in the small group setting.
 * I will definitely use pictures to help my students connect with the Robust vocabulary words. I hope it will help them to do better.
 * I loved the idea of making vocabulary-picture connections! Including yourself/students in the Power Point is so authentic!
 * If teachers across the district utilized each other and worked collaboratively, these Power Points would be more manageable to create and use daily.
 * How do I access Power Point from home? What if home and school have two different versions of Power Point?
 * Awesome! Thanks for making it doable.
 * I love you Power Point with robust vocab!!
 * I loved the vocab on the Power Point. Will you be sharing your hard work with other teachers in the district?


 * Trackstar**
 * I could use Trackstar to build activities that are appropriate for kindergarten level learners.
 * Trackstar for Music create folder of sites with interactive components for student exploration. Symphony orchestras and Philharmonics have kid pages about composers and instruments.
 * I could use Trackstar with my K-12 students by creating website lists for them to use during centers reading games, or specific information on topics.
 * This is a great way to narrow down student choice when it comes to studying a topic on-line. This seems easy to use and implement on a regular basis.
 * Can you create regular text pages to view on Trackstar or can you only view websites you have bookmarked?
 * Trackstar sounds great because kids can access teacher approved sites.
 * I really like that you have total control over the search and that the kids don't need to type in the URL's.
 * I can't wait to use Trackstar for CORE time! Because Storytown has thematic units - Trackstar will allow me to plan projects and do research for themes. For example - Unit 3 for 5th grade in Storytown uses a water theme. Trackstar will allow me to provide links related to the topic of "water" to my students.
 * I will use Trackstar to set up sites my reading students can go to during the last few minutes of intervention while I DIBEL kids.


 * Edublogs in the Classroom**
 * Great job, love the links for Harcourt stories.
 * I can't wait to incorporate this into practice on a more frequent basis.
 * I will revamp my edublog to make it more geared towards students rather than just parent information.
 * More contact with parents and students.


 * Using Jing, Fliggo and Flip Video**
 * Flip video would be a fabulous grade level gift for teams to use.
 * Awesome! I can't wait to try Jing and I'm going to work on persuading my principal to buy me a Flip Video Camera.
 * This would be great to use for kindergarten because they would be able to hear the information read to them.
 * I can't wait to get a Flip Video Camera.
 * Jing is so cool! I want to make podcasts with various topics in my class. Vocabulary, letter work, word work.
 * Great intervention center activity for Robust vocabulary.
 * Use Flip to record chorus and band students at beginning and end of year.
 * Great job on the 3rd grade Harcourt website. I use it everyday. Thanks for sharing.


 * UDLib Search**
 * Use Google maps to give visuals for what we are studying.
 * I think using this tool to help students learn and use when discussing research projects will be more informative and exciting than using a classic/old school method to research for a project.
 * Great presentation. I like that UDLib has kid friendly sites!
 * Great for the older grades to do research projects with links that are educator approved.
 * Very kid friendly with multiple exposure through library, students could work independently.
 * Like the grad appropriate information for research. Makes it easier for kids to search.
 * Can you tell me how to make the UDLib icon for easy access?
 * Great tool to use for research projects. They can use it at home. Introduces different types of resources.


 * Using Wikis in the Classroom**
 * I could use a wiki in my classroom to keep an online book log with my 1st graders.
 * How do you schedule computer time? Can you tell me about the routines you have taught your students for computer time?
 * Can use for peer editing - responses to questions.
 * User PB works to have students log P.E. activity.
 * I think this is a great way to get students to go the extra mile and push themselves.
 * Love the idea of wiki's. It's making me think this could be a good resource for teachers to share, comment and edit with/for each other (lesson sharing).