T H A N K Y O U !!!!!!!!

Woohoo!!! Thanks to Mr. Smith, our tech facilitator, Gabcast is no longer blocked!!!! THANK YOU MR. SMITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recognition

I have been recognized for my blog I am using with my students! Woohoo!!!

WSFCS Blogs

Podcasting Troubles

Ugh! Of course gabcast is blocked by the school network. My tech admin said that it was due to advertisements. So my students were unable to comment on the podcasts I made last night. However, a fellow teacher listened to them and liked them! Cool!

Hopefully the school system will unblock it, so my students can use it on my blog.

Podcasts-Reflection

Creating podcasts on gabcast was quite easy. It took me less than half an hour. I decided to use information on states of matter, because my students are currently learning about that in science. Because my skill block with the school system is to incorporate technology into writing, I added it to my classroom blog. I will then have students leave comments explaining what they have learned from listening to the podcast. I think it is a great way to expose students to a different way of receiving information.

I am thinking about setting up a personal channel, for just my friends to listen to. I think they would get a kick out of it. (I am such a dork!)

Ms. Feinman- Gases

Gabcast! Ms. Feinman #5 - Gases

Ms. Feinman- Liquids

Gabcast! Ms. Feinman #4 - Liquids

Ms. Feinman- Solids

Gabcast! Ms. Feinman #3 - Solids

Ms. Feinman- Matter

Gabcast! Ms. Feinman #2 - Matter

Ms. Feinman #1

Gabcast! Ms. Feinman #1

My Life in Hair Styles

Hallway Chant

Using/Taking Videos

For the past two years, I have been using destreaming.com in my classroom. With the help of the librarian (shout out to Mrs. Urhig!), I was able to connect a computer to a TV in my room. A simple task you might say, but actually very difficult when not provided with the technology to do so. Anyway, she helped me out, and now I play videos at least twice a week in my room, sometimes more. It is a great way to build background for most students, in reading. It is also a great way to introduce concepts in science. I also use it to reinforce skills in math. This program was purchased by our county, so it is free for me to use as an educator in Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools.

I always carry my phone with me, wherever we go (partially because I don't have a watch). I always find it useful for those Kodak moments. I am beginning to use it for videos as well. Last year, I used it to record my extreme behavior problems. The students knew I would show their parents the video, or even send it to them, so they always got in order when I pulled the phone out. This year, I am very greatful for a well behaved class. I do not need to use it for behavior problems. I now have time to use it for more educational purposes. The first video I took at school was my students reciting the hallway chant. I am in the process of putting it on teachertube.com. (I have to wait for a confirmation email before I can upload).

My school did post this video: It's awesome!

Letteringdelights.com

Playing around.....

Special Education thoughts

Labeling:
Pros-
students can be placed in services they need---but are services worth it?
testing services (extra time)

Cons-
the label sticks with them
students change once they are labeled
racial?



Mainstreaming
Pros-
students receive same instruction in reading and writing
can interact with their peers


Cons-
teachers are not trained properly
less time spent with other students
funding???