Webquest

At first I was excited to work with code and make up my own website.  Of course I have come to realize that I don't have the time to dedicate to using code so I tried Google Sites.  I started setting up the site and didn't have too many problems.  I spoke to soon.  I could not figure out how to setup the sidebar.  Then with the help of fellow colleagues they directed me to Weebly. It has been great for creating the WebQuest. It has been very easy to use and setup. I can use code if I need to and have time to change things around. It also works out great since I am not spending too much time typing out the code, I can focus on the task of making the WebQuest. I hope to have it completed soon in time for my colleagues to review and give their opinions. Then I can go ahead and implement it this year (in the next several weeks before this class is over). The WebQuest is based on Weather MYP unit that has been in place in the curriculum. The basic project is that the students have opened their own travel agency and have to convince families to use their agency to book a vacation. They are going to have to research climates and weather patterns of different cities. Using a blog they will post their discoveries and then eventually make a brief commercial to entice families to take their vacations with them. I am really looking forward to trying this out. Will keep you posted.

Thing 15: Podcasting

I do have some subscription to podcasts before this class assignment.  Of course they deal with Science.  Once again like all things in Web 2.0 are that there are a lot of things out there and how do you sort through them.  What I like about the podcast in iTunes (when it is not crashing my computer) is that it does not download all the information unless you want a particular one.  This helps because my curriculum only deals with Earth Science standards.  Any of the other science is just a waste of computer space (not a waste of time but that is something I don’t have lately).  I just do a simple search in the iTunes store under podcast.  I search for science for kids.  Sometimes I use podcasts from news about current events around the world connected to the standards.  We listen to them, maybe twice or three times depending on length, then have a discussion or use them as writing prompts in their science journals.  There are several that have videos of labs which I have used as a preview for students before we work on them ourselves.  I have actually thought of having a science club in school where students can make their own podcasts about science topics discussed in class or labs.  These can help students that miss class to catch up with the information they missed.  That will have to wait and see (it is that time thing).    

Thing 14 Delicious

Ok, I have finally hit a hurdle in this class.  Delicious has got me stomped on my computer.  I downloaded the "add on" to my work computer (very old computer)  because this is the one I do most of my site research on.  Well unfortunately I had to remove it because it would crash my browser every time.  I haven’t had a chance to install it at home and try the toolbar option.  Hopefully I don’t run into the same problem.  Another problem I ran into was trying to log in and import my Favorites.  I guess since it logs in on one page and then open in another page, my pop-up blocker goes into effect not allowing it to open. I waste a lot time just logging in. (could also be that I was doing this really late at night)  Once I got over those hurdles I started my exploration.  Did look at a short tutorial.  I did enjoy the tags that Delicious offers.  Some of the other bookmark sites don’t have that option.  So I need to do some more exploring, bookmarking, and tagging Check back later.         http://www.delicious.com/ramezaga26