Screencasting, Take THREE!

I worked with a number of different programs and had more than a few issues (Screenr flaked, needed to update my Java, etc.) but I was victorious! Here is my first (er, third, but first published!) screencast. I am so excited I know how to do this now... I can see how this is incredibily helpful. I could post videos on my webpage for parent so they and hear "directly" from me about a wide range of topics. This is just a practice video -- I briefly talk about one aspect that one of the speakers from the Minnetonka Assessment Conference brought up which highlight's our need to have all students prepared for post-secondary success. Enjoy!

Screenr Failed Me!

So, I got up and at 'em this morning... still fired up from all the wonderful things I saw at the Minnetonka assessment conference. I decided to use the fourth week's activity assignment to synthesize some of my learning. So, I went to Screenr and actually made a short (but lovely!) screen cast using some of Bill Dagget's power point slides and explaining why our charge to get students college-ready is clear -- the prevalance of high skill jobs. I made it work! I sized everything, I recorded myself (with my 2 year old sneezing in the background and my six year old playing Sushi Monster on the iPad next to me). However, Screenr flaked and won't let me create an account to download my newly created screen cast. Bummer! I had chosen this tool because you didn't have to download any programs. But, if doing it in a web-based manner makes it so you can't actually finish the project, then, forget about it!

Zooburst -- My first pop-up book!

I did it! I created my first pop-up book! I don't really see using this for staff presentations, as it is obviously entended for a younger audience. But, to practice, I used the stategies from Teaching Like A Champion. I was able to find enough clip art to do this simple presentation. More graphic options would be nice. I bet students would have fun making these books -- a nice alternative to the traditional poster board!

My Prezi -- Several Days in the Making

I created a Prezi on a few of the techniques in Teach Like a Champion.  It was a labor of love (sort of)...  I saved it several times the first time, but only half was there the second time I went in.  Then, I couldn't get the paths right.  Finally, I had trouble adding a new frame.  But, for my first Prezi, I am declaring it a success.  I can see what this is better than Power Point -- it is a lot more fun and very engaging.  It is, however, much harder to put together than an old fashioned PP.  And, I didn't like having to do it all on-line and then download.  But, I am sure I'll get used to it.  And, the end product makes it worth while...

Copy of Teach Like a Champion on Prezi

Trying to embed video

Here is Eric Jensen (which I reference in my post on an exciting thing I am going to do in the summer -- go to a conference led by him on teaching students from poverty):

Habits of Mind

Part of my summer work is around the 16 Habits of Mind as defined by Costa and Kallick.  These are essential post-secondary readiness skills.  My thought is for our teacher leadership teams to pick four to focus on for the 2012-2013 school year and teach the common language and concepts to all teachers in all content areas so they can work with the students on these habits of mind.  Here is a short worksheet outlining this 16.

http://www.grrec.ky.gov/Thoughtfuled_files/Cadre2/Habits_of_Mind1.pdf

Here is a video of Costa and Kallick:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEOB0xEiqWY&list=UUmXu5kPdrfMxn4qKKZk4VaQ&index=4&feature=plcp&noredirect=1

They are "selling" their free course that they offer on this topic, but it is interesting to hear them talk about embedding the habits of mind in courses.

It is crazy dark and stormy out, so the perfect time for me to focus a bit on my blog...  I am supposed to be at a training today, but after being at trainings, meetings, and in services all week (the first week of summer), I had to ditch out on it (that, and one of my kiddos was tossing his cookies all night last night).  So, I am supposed to answer some questions in my first post.  Here they are:

1. What motivated you to become one of our campers?

I enjoy technology, but have fallen a bit behind.  I am hoping to learn new tricks that will spice things up for me.

2. What do you hope to learn about in Summer Camp 2.0?

Oh, I guess I answered that above.  I want to learn a few more things, especially around cool ways to present material so I can energize any presentations I give to faculty/staff.

3. What is one cool thing you are hoping to do this summer?

I am slated to go to a conference in San Antonio about teaching kids from poverty.  I am extremely excited to go and learn more about how we can increase student achievement at Highview for our students who come from poverty.  I have been reading Eric Jensen's work and I am excited about the practical suggestion he gives.  I think this is going to really help our kids!

Off to change a load of laundry!