The Parkway Post

Our fourth grade classes have been working on developing a wiki.  Creating a wiki is a snap. Seriously!

So, what’s a wiki?  A wiki is a group of webpages that a group of users can modify.  Teachers across the United States and around the world, are using wikis to showcase student work, provide a medium for online collaboration, or to increase student interest and engagement in a unit of study. 

Our first wiki was created using pbwiki.  I chose this wiki site because it was ad-free, and had a password protection feature.  They also have great support features, in case you need help troubleshooting.  Our fourth grade classes have been working on two wikis.  This one is called Electrifying Scientists , and the students in Mrs. Torres’ and Mrs. Landin’s classes contributed.  This project was developed to support student learning of the fourth grade Standards of Learning, Science 4.3f. The students completed research about the scientists, collaboratively wrote the text, and added a few pieces of art.

Go to Electrifying Scientists and enter the password/invite key : parkway.  You will also have to type your name and email address.  Leave the check mark in the box labeled “Notify me of changes” blank, unless you want receive an email everytime someone edits a page.  You are welcomed to leave a comment on the wiki homepage.  Our students will see it, but I think they would enjoy knowing that others had seen their work. 

We have one more wiki in the works, and it will be ready to share in June.  That wiki is focused on astronomers, and is being developed by Mrs. Tanner’s and Mr. Ballowe’s students.

Click here to see the In The Rooms Day Video
I used Photostory to make a short video about the exciting activities completed during our last “In The Rooms Day.”  Please take a look, and see examples of a few of the exciting ways we can integrate technology into the classroom.  Remember Photostory is a free download and it is simple to use.  It has built in directions and advice.  Try it at home with  your family photos or videos.  Once you get the hang of it, consider trying a small project with your class.  Mrs. Orr is currently working on digital story telling projects with Mrs. Alvers and Mrs. Tanner.  I can’t wait to see how they turn out.

Sign up now for our next “In The Rooms Day!” on April 3rd!  The signup sheet is on the computer lab door.

Having Printer Problems?

Is your printer printing page after page of strange symbols? Are you trying to print, but nothing comes out of your printer? Well, click on the tab “Tips & Tricks” just above the picture of the beach. I have posted a couple of suggestions to get your printer back on track.

Exciting Contest – Doodle for Google

Google has created a contest for students in the United States in grades kindergarten through twelve. Students are to draw a doodle incorporating the Google logo and expressing the theme “What if…?” Click here to see examples of Google logos with interesting images. The prizes are awesome! Not only are there neat finalist prizes, but the national winner receives a $10,00 college scholarship, a trip to the Googleplex, a laptop, and a t-shirt imprinted with their doodle. Also, their school receives a $25,000 grant toward the “establishment/improvement of a computer lab.” Do we have any doodlers out there?

Download Abbot_Costello_Maths_Problem
gmorris, . “Abbot_and_Costello_Maths_Problem”. Teacher Tube. 14-07-2007. <http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=93b89d8fbee5667d077f>. 11 February, 2008.

In the Rooms Day! February 14th & 28th – sign-up sheets are on the lab door.

Thank you to all of you who tried to subscribe to this blog. You can also subscribe using an RSS (RealSimpleSyndication) feed. On Feburary 27th, from 3:15-3:45pm, I am having a quick get-together to show people how to subscribe to fun and/or educational blogs. I will show you how to subscribe using Google Reader, which is a free service.

GOOD NEWS! The Clicker Find Out & Write About- Plants software is in. Look for it in the Clicker Activities folder>Find Out & Write About folder. Product Description: Read about the different parts of a plant. Learn about plant habitats and some of the ways that plants are used by people. Use the information about growth and reproduction to write about pollination, fertilization, and seed dispersal. The information is differentiated on three levels.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Basically, it is a website where information can be posted. You can read it, explore links, videos, and leave comments if you like. Anytime you see words in blue, you can click on them to visit a website containing more information. Want to know more about blogs? I found a useful article on pbs.org.

So, what’s the point??? I wanted to try something new with my colleagues. Instead of a printed educational technology newsletter, I thought I’d try my hand at blogging. I want to use this blog to share news, ideas, and computer tips in a 21st century format.

What can you do to help? Please subscribe to this blog by filling in your school email address in the subscribe field to on the right side of this page. Then click Subscribe. That way, when I make a post, you will be updated with an email containing a link to this blog. That’s a very convenient way for us to stay in touch! Thank you in advance for your support. I’m looking forward to your comments. Don’t be shy! Everyone is invited to post a comment or to share an idea!

Teacher Tip Numero Uno 
I’m sure you have heard of You Tube, but did you know there was a TeacherTube?  Teacher Tube’s goal is to create an online community where teachers can post videos they created for student instruction, or for professional development activities. They also offer motivational videos.  Here is a solar system review video designed for elementary school students. It was created by another Mr. Thompson. (Sorry Mr. B. Thompson of Parkway!)  Check it out!