Using Technology in the Classroom

[Larry Wilson]

My name is Larry Wilson and I teach Social Studies in Arkansas. During the summer I travel the state presenting workshops on how to use technology in the classroom. I have discovered a lot of really cool things for teachers to do. In addition to presenting workshops, I have facilitated courses for PBS Teacherline. I have also created the "persona" Elvis the Teacher. Elvis has morphed into a teacher bringing short lessons to the students. His performances can be seen on Teachertube and Youtube.
I am also working with animoto.com and xtranormal.com to create high interest presentations. I am looking for ideas that you have found to work in your classroom.
I look forward to sharing.

[CIndyLane]

Hi Larry, I'm traveling down to Camden Arkansas soon to work with the teachers there for a day...I have lately been working with my graduate students and a class I designed around a book called "Presentation Zen"...by Garr Roberts...GREAT presentation styles to engage the students!

[Larry Wilson]

I will be in Camden on 4 different days. I will check out "Presentation Zen." I am always looking for something to engage students.

[CIndyLane]

Larry,
Do you know about the GOOGLE CERTIFIED TEACHER academy that just opened up again? http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html
You should try out for it...I'm Missouri's First Google Certified Teacher and it TOTALLY transformed my life!!
Your friend, Cindy

[Larry Wilson]

I will check that out. I have been looking at the presentationzen.com website and also discovered Good. Thanks for the information. I just finished facilitating a PBS Teacherline Course entitled "Improving Learning Through Collaboration." These networks will really help.

[Pat DeVries]

Hello Larry, I found that I had a Ning account afterall. There is so much out there, guess we need to pick and choose. I think that this summer will be the time to investigate Ning, Twitter, etc. and decide what I will pursue on the web both personally and to use with my students. Thanks for the PBS fascilitating again. I am also a member of Classroom 2.0, but again I need to investigate it further. So much to do....so little time...BUT summer will be here soon. I will be teaching PD in the summer, but in between I hope to have time for some personal investigation!

[Don Li]

Thanks for mentioning teachertube, interesting resource. One also wonders if there's a "studenttube", oh no.

[judibea]

its called SCHOOL TUBE and I really like it---it is much more restrictive, you have to be approved and therefore it makes it an preferable choice where administration or teachers are concerned the online resource, potential advertisements that are not age appropriate. You enter as a school, get approved, ettc... you then can search by school entries. They have student awards in MARCH. Check it out.

[Don Li]

Interesting and good to know the perspective of some teachers/school administrators regarding educational resources. It seems unique in its own light, hope to be connected with it some time.

[Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro]

Hi Larry,
You may wish to add a section on designing applications for an improved User Experience if you have not done so already. I would suggest teaching a little bit about how people see, perceive, assume, learn, remember, make decisions and respond. Perhaps, you would like to teach some basic psychology and human factors/ergonomics in your workshops. If you would like to do this and I can be of help to you, please let me know.
Ron

[Earl Marsden]

Hi Larry, I am a music teacher from Utah. Nice to know that you are also using technology and the internet in your profession. I have also a website provided for me by Music Teacher's Helper, a web-based computer program designed for music teachers, to take the frustration out of managing your studio. It handles all my problems - from billing and lesson schedules, to communication and tax reports.

The program also provides useful articles, resources and tips in music teaching through their music teacher blog.

[Tammy Moore]

Another Arkansan here. :0) I noticed the mentioning of Camden in the posts on your member page. Do you live there or where you doing a presentation? I am not far from Hope. At this time I teach fully online classes (biology, chemistry, physics, and training classes for Elluminate and Moodle) using Elluminate and Moodle and love it!

[Larry Wilson]

I am in Hot Springs. I teach workshops across the state. I will be in hope at the Coop for a couple of days in July. I am a facilitator for PBS Teacherline. I do a national course every quarter. I have one starting next week entitled "Learning Through Collaboration." I am hearing a lot about Moodle and would like to learn more about it.