GREAT TEXTPECTATION

Found this online just would like to share.

A recent study of 3,001 children by the National Literacy Trust in the United Kingdom finds that children who engage with technology have stronger core literacy skills than their technologically unsound peers, according to BBC News.
The survey found that 24 percent of children ages nine to 16 have their own blog, and that 82 percent of those children send text messages at least once a month. "This suggests a strong correlation between kids using technology and wider patterns of reading and writing," said Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust.
"Engagement with online technology drives their enthusiasm for writing short stories, letters, song lyrics or diaries," Douglas explained.
The survey found that 47 percent of children who didn't blog or use social networks rated their writing as "good" or "very good." By comparison, 61 percent of students who blog and 56 percent of the social networkers described their writing the same way.
Dismissing the criticism that texting can adversely affect communication skills, Douglas said, "Our research results are conclusive—the more forms of communications children use the stronger their core literary skills."
John Coe, general secretary of the National Association for Primary Education, recognizes the potential benefits to texting and "online speak."
"It is a form of reading and writing. It might not be conventional but they are communicating, so there is a general gain," said Coe.

12/14/2009

Hey guys - here is a presentation software I have been working with for a while back called Prezi. Its super, super easy to use and is infinitely more engaging than PowerPoint. A link to their site is below .Try it out and then introduce it to you class.... they will love it.

Enjoy


http://prezi.com/

Google webques...Wow!

Still working with the Google site to develop my webquest...so far it has been intresting. I had no idea one could build a web page on Google so here is hoping I can get this webquest done in the next few days.

Happy Thanksgiving

It's the end of the Thanksgiving holiday and I think I've eaten way too much but I'm thankful tha I ws able to. I'm also thankful to have made it through another class at Lesley.
Now I have to work on my webquest in the next three weeks so I can get it in on time. This may prove to be a challenge but with all the information available on the web I should be able to get through this like everything else. I now also have to work this week on updating my Delicious account.

Until next time, have a great week.

Getting the hang

I am trying to get the hang of constantly blogging.Its taking some time but I am getting there. Still working on developing my webquest. The hardest part has been reading up on the making of awebquest. So much to do so little time.....but it will all be done.

The week that was....

It has been a very productive week. As teacher here in Cobb County, we had a 'Teacher Work Day' at the high school. This was very eyeopening to hear the other side of the coin so to speak. We met with teachers from the Language arts department and talked about their expections for upcoming eight graders. We looked at what they should know and be able to do as the ennter 9th grade. It was very surprising to hear what the students from last year told their high school teachers. It seens as if some were not taught anything at the 8th grade level. The ones who we had a hard time with in doing their work , they are still having a hard time getting them to do any work. Once again we have the bright stars, who never stop working and moving ahead. Over all it was a great work.

End of the day

Ok, its over..the weekend . However, I did learn some pretty cool stuff this weekend. Lots of work to do between now and the next time we all get together so I better get started early. Have to get on here too once a week ,so I better add it to my facebook time .

What is Storyboarding

Its 8:23 am and we are all sitting here getting ready for the day. Looking forward to doing Storyboard. So we are going to be planning a website for educational purposes. I think it will be for my parents and students. Ok, lets go........

Another weekend at Lesley

Its another weekend and I am so happy to be sitting here. Yes , I really am! All this stuff I am learning will go back to school with me on Monday. I can hear my students yelling
"Here he comes again with some more tec stuff for us to do."
I love coming to class on the weekends as it puts me in a good mood for the following week. I really do not mind not hanging out as I have a aim ....that is to complete this course in the next twenty months. (I wonder what guys at home are going?) Hey, let me get back to work here.