Hi Everyone,                                                                        

 

My name is Jana Machmer.  I teach Fourth Grade subjects in the Canton Area School District.

 

 GOOGLE DOCS

Yesterday, we learned about Google Docs, which is a substitute to Microsoft Word.  I like it, but I like Word better, because that is what I use the most and with what I feel the most comfortable.  But it is good to realize there are options for creating documents.

 

 GOOGLE

When we set up the Google account,  I had no difficulty, because I had taken courses with Clinton before, and I knew that we would be setting up accounts.  I remembered the passwords necessary, so that made the setting up the account easier.

 

DEL.ICIO.US

 We set up a Del.icio.us account to post links that our group found valuable in their teaching experiences.  I like this compilation of sites, because I don't always have the time to search for these sites during the teaching year.  I have used Del.icio.us in the past to review the sites posted and have found some of the sites to be very complimentary to what I teach.  I plan on continuing to use Del.icio.us. 

 

This is a link to Del.icio.us for our group project .

 

DESKTOP PUBLISHER

Next, we compared and contrasted Microsoft Word and Desktop Publisher.  We discovered that Word is best for documents without many graphics, because the graphics cannot be moved easily.  In Publisher, graphics are moved easily and you can design a variety of projects using different borders, fonts, backgrounds, pictures, etc.  You are only limited by your creativity.  The following is a project I created using Publisher.

 

Machmer Welcome Banner.pdf 

 

 EXCEL

Then, we worked in Excel and created a spreadsheet with our gradelevels we teach, the place we teach, and the university from which we graduated.  We filtered the information to create different data, that we could use to compare and contrast.  In Excel, we created a chart with the information in our spreadsheet.  This was my first experience in using Excel, and I can see the value in using it.  However, I do not create my own Excel spreadsheets, since I mainly use grading programs already created for me. (Which do not always meet my needs, but I am forced to use them anyway!!!!!)

 

 PAINT

We worked in Paint to edit a graphic.

 

 

 

 

MICROSOFT PICTURE MANAGER

This is a picture that I edited in Microsoft Picture Manager.

 

 

 

 

 

FINAL PROJECT

Two years ago, I received an Interactive White Board in my classroom a week before school started.  With no prior experience, but with the help of many kind and patient fellow teachers, I now have basic (not proficient) White Board skills.

 

I use the White Board as a substitute chalkboard to write notes or explanations for students.  Because I can change the background page color, change pen color, highlight information, and save the notes; I feel the White Board has enhanced learning for the students.  By formatting, I can make grids, charts, graphs, diagrams, geometric shapes, etc. to help the students better understand these concepts.

 

I also use the White Board for Power Point presentations.   I have a few lessons created that will introduce concepts to the students.  For Open House, I have a presentation running continually with the students' photos explaining how we spend our day in Fourth Grade.  Included in the presentation are some expectations for the students that I share with the parents.  I have also used the White Board to show the students how to make their own Power Point presentations for projects done in Social Studies. Through their own exploration, they even helped me learn a few Power Point techniques.   Each student presented their Power Point Project to the class, and we were able to learn additional information aboout the chosen topics.

 

Next, I use the White Board to present scanned documents, textbook pages, worksheets, assignments so I can emphasize key points to the students.  For example, I often scan students' completed assignments done exceptionally well, so others can see a model of what is expected.

 

Often we view videos from United Streaming which enhance many concepts taught.  We can also view DVD's and video tapes for enjoyment during recess when we are forced to stay inside because of inclement weather.  The students have the big screen experience!

 

Finally, I use the White Board to view Web pages that supplement our learning.  We sometimes use it as a research tool to find out answers to questions that we share with the whole group.  Sometimes when we are beginning a search, I question the students as to what key words we need to type in the Search Box.  Then we discuss the steps we go through to find a topic on the Internet.  That procedure is necessary for the students to learn in today's world.  Sometimes when we have a few extra minutes, we play interactive learning games on the White Board.

 

This is basically the limit to my expertise on the Interactive White Board.  I know there are other possiblities for its use, and I need to explore those options.  Time seems to be the factor for me and the people in our district.  Most of my fellow teachers have received little training on this technology and we learn from each other.  Clinton was employed by our district to give us training, but we need him back to help us develop further in our skills.  I know that the White Board has a tutorial included, but I have yet to view it.  Today I did search the Web for links that may help me explore the properties and opportunities that the White Board has.  The following are some of the links I found.:

 

Interactive White Boards  

 

Smartboard in the Classroom 

 

Interactive Whiteboard Tips 

 

Interactive Whiteboard Ideas