Thing 9, Streaming Video

I have to admit I WAS feeling a bit smug last Friday when I left school. Jamie, Jill, Mamiko and I had put our collective heads together and made some real progress on United Streaming. Mamiko and Jill had set up their accounts, we had learned how to complete the "plugin" process and had downloaded the video on bridges that Jill wanted to share with her Academy. We (Jamie) even burned the video to a DVD and we were flying high! But then we crashed and burned when Jill tried the DVD at home and it wouldn't play. So now it's back to the drawing board.
(Image taken from http://uk.gizmodo.com)

Thing 13, Subscription Databases

I really found the MILP session on databases very helpful. Fairly new to the high school scene and the whole research thing I often floundered and had almost as many problems researching as the students. For example, learning that Sirs Researcher has the pro/con tab made it the perfect database for the criminal justice class. I really felt like I had something great to show them and didn't feel so much like a turkey. I would like to spend even more time exploring the databases and feel it would be time well spent.
(Photo taken from http://www.luckyoliver.com/)

Thing 5, Teacher Web Page Revisited

Arms raised in victory (Green Bay 31, Carolina Panthers 17) Brett Favre celebrates and I must say I felt much the same way on Friday! After more work on Urban Planet I think I am starting to get the hang of it. Wa Hoo, life is good! FYI, it was a great day for football at Lambeau, 38 degrees and sunny at kick-off.
(Photo taken by Marcia Preller)

Thing 6, Teacher Guide to the RPC

It is clear to see that the Teacher's Guide to the Research Project Calculator (RPC) is definitely a "simple", but a long ways away from being a "cheap" solution to organizing our research needs. As we walk through the process each step is clearly explained from both the teacher and student viewpoint. The graphic organizers are fabulous!

Half the battle of doing a research project is getting organized and the Teacher's Guide to the RPC is a wonderful tool!

(Cartoon taken from http://www.cartoonstock.com)

Thing 5, Create and Maintain a Teacher Web Page

Well, it's there. I have my plan, but darn if I can put things where I want them to go. I must have a mental block. Everytime I work on my website my blood pressure goes sky high. I'm sure that I'll get it figured out but only with repetitive, one on one tutoring.

I can't wait to put all those fabulous resources at the students fingertips.

Thing 4, Get To Know Your Public Library

I guess I've always known my public library. If fact I have TWO library cards, one from St. Paul and one from Washington County. I've even finally convinced my children that you don't have to buy every book you want to read from Barnes and Noble. My daughters frequent the library for a variety of reasons. But I hadn't been to the public library myself for awhile. I went this week with the intention of picking up library card applications for my foundations students, which I did do. While I was there I checked out a couple of books on tape and was reminded of the fabulous "Museum Adventure Pass" program and wondered why I haven't taken advantage of this wonderful program. So now in the quest of getting my students library cards I will first show them how to access their school email account since I know some students don't have access at home. I'll introduce them to the "Museum Adventure Pass" and the homework help program.

Thing 14, Reliable Online Resources

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the Reliable Online Resources (ROR) available on the St. Paul Technology page and for the most part they are a fabulous source of information. I actually think my kids are even starting to use them. BUT, there have been times, while standing in front of an entire class, expounding on their tremendous value, that I have come up with no hits, even after trying alternative search terms. Now that's embarrassing!

So, sometimes you have to go in the back door. I'll admit it. I'll go to Google and see what I can find there and gather what searching ideas I can. I've even gone so far as to search the databases first to see what information I can find and then create the assignment because there's nothing more defeating than not being able to find info when you've been told it's out there. I can do that because 1. I'm the teacher :) and 2. the assignment is not really an research project but an exercise in becoming acquainted in the new world of ROR, often uncharted water for my google swimmers.