This is it - the final day of GAETI. It has been a wonderful institute.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in 2015 and again in 2017.
The things that I have learned here benefit all of my students. Implementing technology strategies will benefit the next generation in Mississippi.
Yes, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning for my own benefit. However, I have come to realize that the purpose here is to help educate our students, our future.
I know I will continue to learn and seek additional ways to prepare students for their future in a technological world I never dreamed of!
Today's tidbit: https://padlet.com/hope32f/j4q79m36jcm4
This will be an assignment to create a family tree!
Merci, Gracias. Thanks, from the bottom of my heart!
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Day 21
September 30, 2017
This was our first follow-up day for GAETI 2017.
We began by reporting how the knowledge we gained in GAETI has impacted our teaching. Sadly, several of us have had a reduction in available the technology / devices available to us and to our students. I am still adapting to the fact that my 8th graders are not required to have iPads. Since my classes have a mixture of grade levels, I can't require iPad activities unless I supply iPads to those who need them. I have brought my own iPad Mini from home and I allow them to use my teacher iPad when necessary for Edpuzzle or Quizlet.
When the year started, I was frustrated by lack of technology. My plans to use NearPod didn't work because too many students didn't have devices. I didn't have a marker board for the first two weeks because the classroom was completely renovated the day before school started. I did manage to connect my teacher laptop to the digital projector. The first week I had to run an extension cord to power up the projector because the electric outlet was disabled during renovation. I had to bring my own speakers from home so we could hear the learning songs, videos and pronunciation guidance for my Spanish and French classes.
At the start of the year, I posted a PicCollage assignment in Canvas. I had to postpone the due date for more than a month because there were too many complications. The activity was VERY simple - create a collage of 8 images (no words) that represent different likes and interests. The plan was to use these for presentations, 'Guess who' games, descriptions, etc. Now, at the end of the first grading period, I still have a student who hasn't completed this 'essential' assignment because of technology-related issues - no device, unable to access Canvas, no Internet, etc. Of course, the motivated students managed to complete the activity by borrowing a device or asking me to help. The problem is that if I give a student a ZERO for a Canvas assignment - the parents of 8th graders could object by saying school policy doesn't require them to have iPads! It took a period of 3 weeks to complete an Edpuzzle activity because of iPad problems. Several students had to skip the portion of the weekly test that dealt with the video activity. Needless to say, I depend less and less on assignments which require each individual to have technology. I believe this situation will improve as the year continues and I have more 'work-arounds' available.
The morning activity was Grant Writing. We received a book about Grant Writing as a guidebook. I would love to write a grant for an interactive projector. There are quite a few requests for projectors and tablets so I know my request will have to be unique and well-marketed. Since I see a real need for this, I really plan to try for a grant!
In the afternoon had a Coding workshop. I was curious to find out what 'Coding' really means. Now I see that it means to break a process into steps a computer can 'follow.' We also got a CODE curriculum guide. One idea I would like to use is breaking a dance into repeatable steps. I could using this idea with TPR movements in Spanish and French. In our small group activity, we wrote steps on how to play a dice-rolling game. This reminded me that breaking activities into steps is not an easy skill for everyone.
It was wonderful to see Dr. Bracey again. The GAETI institute would never have been possible without her patience, attention to detail and her skill in working with people. She truly sets a fine example for us as teachers!
THANKS!! *repeat 5
This was our first follow-up day for GAETI 2017.
We began by reporting how the knowledge we gained in GAETI has impacted our teaching. Sadly, several of us have had a reduction in available the technology / devices available to us and to our students. I am still adapting to the fact that my 8th graders are not required to have iPads. Since my classes have a mixture of grade levels, I can't require iPad activities unless I supply iPads to those who need them. I have brought my own iPad Mini from home and I allow them to use my teacher iPad when necessary for Edpuzzle or Quizlet.
When the year started, I was frustrated by lack of technology. My plans to use NearPod didn't work because too many students didn't have devices. I didn't have a marker board for the first two weeks because the classroom was completely renovated the day before school started. I did manage to connect my teacher laptop to the digital projector. The first week I had to run an extension cord to power up the projector because the electric outlet was disabled during renovation. I had to bring my own speakers from home so we could hear the learning songs, videos and pronunciation guidance for my Spanish and French classes.
At the start of the year, I posted a PicCollage assignment in Canvas. I had to postpone the due date for more than a month because there were too many complications. The activity was VERY simple - create a collage of 8 images (no words) that represent different likes and interests. The plan was to use these for presentations, 'Guess who' games, descriptions, etc. Now, at the end of the first grading period, I still have a student who hasn't completed this 'essential' assignment because of technology-related issues - no device, unable to access Canvas, no Internet, etc. Of course, the motivated students managed to complete the activity by borrowing a device or asking me to help. The problem is that if I give a student a ZERO for a Canvas assignment - the parents of 8th graders could object by saying school policy doesn't require them to have iPads! It took a period of 3 weeks to complete an Edpuzzle activity because of iPad problems. Several students had to skip the portion of the weekly test that dealt with the video activity. Needless to say, I depend less and less on assignments which require each individual to have technology. I believe this situation will improve as the year continues and I have more 'work-arounds' available.
The morning activity was Grant Writing. We received a book about Grant Writing as a guidebook. I would love to write a grant for an interactive projector. There are quite a few requests for projectors and tablets so I know my request will have to be unique and well-marketed. Since I see a real need for this, I really plan to try for a grant!
In the afternoon had a Coding workshop. I was curious to find out what 'Coding' really means. Now I see that it means to break a process into steps a computer can 'follow.' We also got a CODE curriculum guide. One idea I would like to use is breaking a dance into repeatable steps. I could using this idea with TPR movements in Spanish and French. In our small group activity, we wrote steps on how to play a dice-rolling game. This reminded me that breaking activities into steps is not an easy skill for everyone.
It was wonderful to see Dr. Bracey again. The GAETI institute would never have been possible without her patience, attention to detail and her skill in working with people. She truly sets a fine example for us as teachers!
THANKS!! *repeat 5
Friday, June 30, 2017
Day 20
June 30, 2017
So this is it... the final day of GAETI's summer institute. We can look forward to seeing each other again on September 30 and February 24. Hopefully, I will find and bring (or email) some things I want to share with Ruth. Just like the last GAETI I attended - I have connected with another language teacher. It's so nice to add new, young teachers to my network. Many of my older colleagues have retired or they teach part-time at community colleges. I love sharing ideas with the newer teachers. The sharing goes both ways. I have a wealth of collected resources but they have fresh ideas!
This morning we signed up for CEUs and answered post-test questions about technology. We had breakfast snacks, coffee, juice, tea and cake! We also had a working lunch to look forward to. About half of the participants shared their presentations before lunch. We have some wonderful teachers here. Of course I was partial to the Spanish 'Family' lesson presented by Ruth. It was well-planned and the resources were excellent. We brainstormed on a family lesson as our mini-lesson plan. Ruth added personal photos, more technology and good, solid language teaching methods. Jason and Anne had some excellent 'Hooks' for their lessons: directions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a meme and a colored paper activity which grouped the students by 'race' (but they didn't know what was going on).
One shared idea I need to use is Blogger. It can give students a chance to reflect on what they've learned and to ask for help, if needed. I tried to use Kidblog with my students after the last GAETI but our school network blocked any form of blogging at that time. I will put that on my 'technology questions for Heritage' questions (filters).
Once our presentations were finished - Ms. Latham gave us certificates of participation. We had awards from Dr. Bracey based on what was published, awards from Ms. Latham and awards voted on by the class. I was happy to receive 'Most Detailed Blogger' and 'Best Lesson Plan Document' awards. I am compulsive about details, it's true. Unfortunately, I can't ever find a stopping point. Oh ... here it is!
So this is it... the final day of GAETI's summer institute. We can look forward to seeing each other again on September 30 and February 24. Hopefully, I will find and bring (or email) some things I want to share with Ruth. Just like the last GAETI I attended - I have connected with another language teacher. It's so nice to add new, young teachers to my network. Many of my older colleagues have retired or they teach part-time at community colleges. I love sharing ideas with the newer teachers. The sharing goes both ways. I have a wealth of collected resources but they have fresh ideas!
This morning we signed up for CEUs and answered post-test questions about technology. We had breakfast snacks, coffee, juice, tea and cake! We also had a working lunch to look forward to. About half of the participants shared their presentations before lunch. We have some wonderful teachers here. Of course I was partial to the Spanish 'Family' lesson presented by Ruth. It was well-planned and the resources were excellent. We brainstormed on a family lesson as our mini-lesson plan. Ruth added personal photos, more technology and good, solid language teaching methods. Jason and Anne had some excellent 'Hooks' for their lessons: directions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a meme and a colored paper activity which grouped the students by 'race' (but they didn't know what was going on).
One shared idea I need to use is Blogger. It can give students a chance to reflect on what they've learned and to ask for help, if needed. I tried to use Kidblog with my students after the last GAETI but our school network blocked any form of blogging at that time. I will put that on my 'technology questions for Heritage' questions (filters).
Once our presentations were finished - Ms. Latham gave us certificates of participation. We had awards from Dr. Bracey based on what was published, awards from Ms. Latham and awards voted on by the class. I was happy to receive 'Most Detailed Blogger' and 'Best Lesson Plan Document' awards. I am compulsive about details, it's true. Unfortunately, I can't ever find a stopping point. Oh ... here it is!
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Day 19
June 29, 2017
This morning the ladies from IHL came to sit in on our session. We presented our art while they were here. I want to express my appreciation for including art as part of the technology institute. It was great to choose things that were meaningful to use. It was therapeutic to have time when our hands were busy and our minds could be at leisure. I found myself thinking about the meaning of the map and the sgraffito plate and how I would present it to my students. It also made me realize how working on an art project has a real value in any class. I plan to work in some type of art 'creation' into both Spanish and French. I know students and parents will enjoy seeing art displayed.
We continued working on Weebly and Lesson plans. I will be working late on mine! It will be done, however although right now it's mostly in my head.
One more day... sad and glad at the same time.
This morning the ladies from IHL came to sit in on our session. We presented our art while they were here. I want to express my appreciation for including art as part of the technology institute. It was great to choose things that were meaningful to use. It was therapeutic to have time when our hands were busy and our minds could be at leisure. I found myself thinking about the meaning of the map and the sgraffito plate and how I would present it to my students. It also made me realize how working on an art project has a real value in any class. I plan to work in some type of art 'creation' into both Spanish and French. I know students and parents will enjoy seeing art displayed.
We continued working on Weebly and Lesson plans. I will be working late on mine! It will be done, however although right now it's mostly in my head.
One more day... sad and glad at the same time.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Day 18
Wed., June 28
There was a Maroon Alert, bomb threat so we left a few minutes early.
On the 18th day of class - we had a Global visit with Ruth's friend from Brazil. The videoconference was held through 'Zoom'. This program takes slightly less bandwidth than Skype. You can split the screen and show a computer screen along with the speaker's live image. 'Mayor' shared pictures of food (paõ queijo - cheese bread) and great places to go in Brazil. The places were Ilha Grande, near Rio and Margogi in the Northeast.Both places were beach paradises. The water was incredible. I thought she would mention the Amazon, but no. I think I would enjoy visiting Brasil. I might have success reading the Portuguese language. I haven't been successful at listening and comprehending so far.
We had a visit from a counselor, Talya Straughter. We rated our wellness in six areas: Emotional, Social, Financial, Intellectual, Spiritual and Physical. It was very insightful. As a result we realized that we need to take better care of ourselves. Ms. Straughter gave us a calendar of ways we could pamper ourselves daily. She told us to spend one hour on ourselves each day. This is a tall order for a professional female but I'll try to do better. I think we all really enjoyed this speaker because we were feeling the stress of all the GAETI projects we needed to finish!
See you in the next blog.
There was a Maroon Alert, bomb threat so we left a few minutes early.
On the 18th day of class - we had a Global visit with Ruth's friend from Brazil. The videoconference was held through 'Zoom'. This program takes slightly less bandwidth than Skype. You can split the screen and show a computer screen along with the speaker's live image. 'Mayor' shared pictures of food (paõ queijo - cheese bread) and great places to go in Brazil. The places were Ilha Grande, near Rio and Margogi in the Northeast.Both places were beach paradises. The water was incredible. I thought she would mention the Amazon, but no. I think I would enjoy visiting Brasil. I might have success reading the Portuguese language. I haven't been successful at listening and comprehending so far.We had a visit from a counselor, Talya Straughter. We rated our wellness in six areas: Emotional, Social, Financial, Intellectual, Spiritual and Physical. It was very insightful. As a result we realized that we need to take better care of ourselves. Ms. Straughter gave us a calendar of ways we could pamper ourselves daily. She told us to spend one hour on ourselves each day. This is a tall order for a professional female but I'll try to do better. I think we all really enjoyed this speaker because we were feeling the stress of all the GAETI projects we needed to finish!
See you in the next blog.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Day 15
Friday, June 23, 2017
Friday morning we learned some new tools. I was very worried about how I could get everything done on time. I will have to look back at my Agenda to remember everything. I left Friday afternoon with a sincere plan to do my blog at home.
There was a heavy rainstorm at lunch. Sadly, I had no lunch so I had to brave the storm to buy something. When I returned - we had to 'touch up' our sgraffito project by adding black glaze to white areas. Friday afternoon we had to time to work on our web pages and catch up on things. I stayed until 5:30 working on my multi-media project.
That's the main 'take away' from Friday. We were ready for the weekend!
Friday morning we learned some new tools. I was very worried about how I could get everything done on time. I will have to look back at my Agenda to remember everything. I left Friday afternoon with a sincere plan to do my blog at home.
There was a heavy rainstorm at lunch. Sadly, I had no lunch so I had to brave the storm to buy something. When I returned - we had to 'touch up' our sgraffito project by adding black glaze to white areas. Friday afternoon we had to time to work on our web pages and catch up on things. I stayed until 5:30 working on my multi-media project.
That's the main 'take away' from Friday. We were ready for the weekend!
Day 17
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Infographic with Piktochart was the first item of the day.
We practiced together and then we created an infographic using 3 tables of data from our Canvas Module for today. Here is the first page of mine. I did manage to make two graphs showing that printed newspapers are declining in use and digital newspapers are increasing in use. However, there is still a much greater circulation of printed newspaper than online subscriptions.
Next, we created an introduction with sound in Adobe Spark. To do this - select add 'VIDEO' and begin. I made mine about Google translate, i.e., it's not a reliable option for sharing meaning between languages. I included a sample video from 'Google Translate Sings' in which 'I came in like a wrecking ball' is translated as 'I like the ball in the sink.' https://youtu.be/zS-Gi5Z5zik . I suggest that my students open Google Translate and type in a familiar chorus or short poem/ riddle. They should translate the text to another language, then another, then another and back to English. Through this process it is obvious that meaning gets lost in the translation. By the way, this is also evident at Amazon.com when you look at the product descriptions of items made in other countries.
Adobe Spark is my new best friend for creating banners and collages. Ruth created a great banner for our WebQuest. We searched and searched and never found a good image to represent sports in Spanish-speaking countries. This afternoon I created a few banners for my Weebly site (Online Portfolio) in Adobe Spark. It makes me happy to personalize my pages rather than picking whatever is available from Google Images.
We had a presentation about using Prezi. I think it is neat. My issue is that it's hard to print and grade. Usually I have to mark language and grammar errors. It is very difficult in Prezi. Still, students like to use it because the presentations have a great deal of movement.
In the afternoon we worked on Weebly's and tried to catch up on missing assignments. It is nice to have Canvas. I can check to see if all of my assignments are turned in. Also, Dr. Lee has posted various sample Portfolios, including his own so we can check to see if we have everything included. I know that I have to work on my lesson plan tomorrow.
Hasta luego.
Infographic with Piktochart was the first item of the day.
We practiced together and then we created an infographic using 3 tables of data from our Canvas Module for today. Here is the first page of mine. I did manage to make two graphs showing that printed newspapers are declining in use and digital newspapers are increasing in use. However, there is still a much greater circulation of printed newspaper than online subscriptions.Next, we created an introduction with sound in Adobe Spark. To do this - select add 'VIDEO' and begin. I made mine about Google translate, i.e., it's not a reliable option for sharing meaning between languages. I included a sample video from 'Google Translate Sings' in which 'I came in like a wrecking ball' is translated as 'I like the ball in the sink.' https://youtu.be/zS-Gi5Z5zik . I suggest that my students open Google Translate and type in a familiar chorus or short poem/ riddle. They should translate the text to another language, then another, then another and back to English. Through this process it is obvious that meaning gets lost in the translation. By the way, this is also evident at Amazon.com when you look at the product descriptions of items made in other countries.
Adobe Spark is my new best friend for creating banners and collages. Ruth created a great banner for our WebQuest. We searched and searched and never found a good image to represent sports in Spanish-speaking countries. This afternoon I created a few banners for my Weebly site (Online Portfolio) in Adobe Spark. It makes me happy to personalize my pages rather than picking whatever is available from Google Images.
We had a presentation about using Prezi. I think it is neat. My issue is that it's hard to print and grade. Usually I have to mark language and grammar errors. It is very difficult in Prezi. Still, students like to use it because the presentations have a great deal of movement.
In the afternoon we worked on Weebly's and tried to catch up on missing assignments. It is nice to have Canvas. I can check to see if all of my assignments are turned in. Also, Dr. Lee has posted various sample Portfolios, including his own so we can check to see if we have everything included. I know that I have to work on my lesson plan tomorrow.
Hasta luego.
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