11.All+things+Blogs.

__**//Social Science Department (we did this Term 2, Week 10, Thurs 2nd July 09): // BLOG PAGE EXAMPLE** **(eg: Year 9 Commerce Class)** __

//To see our commerce blog page type into google:// [|//http://misskellyscommerceclass.edublog.org//] //(the finished product )// [|//http://misskellyscommerceclass.edublogs.org/wp-admin///] [|//http://misskellyscommerceclass.edublogs.org//] // **Question:** So, how did I make this stuff? see below ... for my// //PowerPoint Presentation from SDD, click on this link:// // //
 * Answer:** Pretend you are building a house (__step 1__: architect, __step 2:__ get an address location, __step 3__: build it, etc )

__**//Step 1://**__ __**//architect// //drawing//**__ //(you & a collegue discuss your subject & what you want the subject to look like online: 1-2hrs)//

__**// Step 2: address//**__ //(you need like a street address for your new home called a blog - kind of like your own website just easier) I would suggest having a separate 'house / email' for any technology related emails etc from your personal / school emails addresses just for simplicity. So, I'd suggest your new address be a DET address ////... in all cases. ( Please use your DET Email account where possible! ) Edited by D.Lofts 16/8/09//

__** //Step 3:// //building the house//**__ (//now that you have your home / blog address//, //you now build your website / blog). So goto// //[|www.edublogs.org]//click on '// SIGN UP HERE', choose a **name for your website blog.** I suggest choosing something that the kids will remember like your name and class, so for me, I chose **misskellyscommerceclass** , then I choose a **website blog title** to be on the top of the website / blog, I chose **Miss Kelly's Commerce Class** ... next you will be prompted for a **blog type** ... click: **TEACHER** ... then press: **CREATE A BLOG.** T he site will email you a password to your gmail.//

__**Step 4:**__ //__**design the look**__: you are now ready to design the look of the website blog. There's lots interior designs to choose from ... click on themes ... choose a theme that will reflect your subject or course. For commerce, I choose a theme to suit 'business' .... have a look at our place at// // ** [] **

**__Step 5: design how many pages do you want in the blog (like rooms in a house)?__** // //When building the __commerce website blog__ I knew I wanted// //a no. of different pages such as a: __marketing__ page, __manufacturing__ page, __financials__ page, __human resources__ page, __parents__ page, __sample of student work__ page, __user policy__ page, __about us__ page // //etc .... blah blah ... so, if you click onto [] you will see the finished result :)//

//**__So, how long did all this take to do?__** To get it to this point ... it took 1-2 hrs of planning / chatting about what I wanted online for commerce & the positives / negatives of having a gmail address versus DET address; then 15-30 min getting cup of tea, the gmail address, the edublog account, & then choosing / picking a theme / look for the page in edublog; then 1 -2 hr I took writing + choosing which photos to include from the ones I had taken over the years in commerce.

So what you see right now, took: **__4.5hrs max__** (with tea and chat breaks)

__**IT'S ALL TOO MUCH - HOW AM I EVER GOING TO GET MY HEAD ROUND THIS TECHNOLOGY STUFF?**__ Following on from Denise's presentation in the Lecture Theatre on Tuesday (19/5) I thought I would add this page to the RBSC Wiki to assist those of us who walked out of the lecture theatre on Tuesday mumbling something similar to the title of this page.

Essentially since it's conception the internet has been what is termed a "read only" web. In other words we could search on the web and read articles and literature on the web but we couldn't change the content of the internet to suit ourselves. With the introduction of Web 2.0 Technologies, that is, websites and applications such as blogs and wiki's and the whole plethora of other web 2.0 technologies out there, we can now change the content of the web to suit ourselves. We can write articles on blogs and wiki's, we can report news, upload media, create music and videos. We now create the content of the internet. The web is now a "read and write" technology.The intention of the internet was always to be a collaborative tool used by everyone across the world.
 * __So what's it all about?__**

The key word for all of us I believe is collaboration. In other words, Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs and wiki's now provide us with the opportunity to design socially constructive learning. In other words, the kids share knowledge, teachers share knowledge, parents share knowledge, the Rose Bay Secondary College community shares knowledge, schools share knowledge and the world shares knowledge.It is about active learning not passive learning. The internet offers an opportunity for us to engage our kids in learning activities that suit a range of learning styles. We teach in a classroom with four walls, a floor and a whiteboard. Our kids go home and do their homework whilst listening to their IPOD's, watching YouTube, texting, MSN Messaging and Twittering all at the same time!
 * __And so teachers should care because?__**

The introduction of ICT in schools will also have a massive impact on the way we manage our teaching careers. [|An article in The Australian] last year provides some more coverage along this theme.

I don't confess to be an expert on ICT. Far from it. Last year I had to complete a course at uni called Designing Learning for a Digital Generation. At first it was like deciphering hyroglyphics to me. Then step by step, day by day it all became a little bit clearer.
 * __OK, So where do I start?__**

The best place to jump out of the plane into ICT is to create your own Edublog. A blog is short for web log. In other words it's like your personal electronic diary or journal. By creating an Edublog you can then begin to create your own professional learning network by connecting with other educators blogs. Don't worry, Edublogs is full of teachers like you and I who are just starting to dog paddle in the pool of Web 2.0 technology. [|Click this link to go to the Edublogs website].

Once you have your own Edublog you can then spend a small amount of time each week - even just half an hour, reading about or trying out some of the Web 2.0 technologies available to us as educators. GO ON HAVE A GO!

//

****[]****
=** BLOG ROLL **= =**The following blogs have been linked to provide some interesting starting points for your online PLN.**=

=**[]**= =**[|heyjudeonline] **= 
 * **Name** Judy O'Connell
 * **Location** Sydney, Australia
 * **Web** [|http://heyjude.wo...]
 * **Bio** Educator, learner, blogger, librarian, technology girl, book and library lover. Transforming education and libraries. Innovation for life

**Kellie McGraw English Teacher from her Blog. Ideas on L4L from her Blog. **
The following was originally published May 7, 2009 at [] Wanted to get down some of the big ideas (and fast facts) that have come up over the past two days at the Laptops 4 Learning Forum. There is so much I could say – and will say, in some more blog posts over the coming week. For now… In one panel discussion two students talked about what they saw as the benefits of having and using laptops. They suggested: As I said, there is so much more information to come. In the meantime, enjoy a peek at the new laptop
 * Big Ideas:**
 * Schools should work toward developing a ‘digital culture’ by using technologyas a **tool**, rather than scheduling technology **events**. The laptops should become part of the learning environment, like pens, papers and whiteboards.
 * Laptop use in schools has the potential to make classes and projects more student-centred. The increased capacity for project-based learning through connectivity (and nifty software) can mean that the technology can have a positive impact on pedagogy.
 * Teachers will need to develop their skills in classroom management to accomodate problems with the technology…but this is no reason to give up or shy away. We already do this when the photocopier breaks, or the OHP bulb blows!
 * Laptops are exciting, and the potential for student engagement is huge. Rather than facing their work and asking “why do I have to do it?”, this will get them asking “can I do it this way?” (This great point from Steven Plummer, who is leading the English KLA project)
 * Barbara Bober gave us a great metaphor – some teachers will be like **Formula 1 drivers** with the technology; most will ordinary, but competent and perhaps even excited drivers or smaller vehicles (to extend the metaphor for those who worry about teachers losing control in laptop lessons – in this metaphor, the teacher is //still the driver!//)
 * When planning, we should consider how the laptops will impact on the **students**, the **teachers**, the **pedagogy**, and**classroom management**. All are important factors
 * There isn’t a need to re-invent the wheel. As well as imagining new and foreign possibilities, we should be looking at current curriculum and pedagogy and asking: **what can be enriched?**
 * Ken Olah explained that feedback to kids has the largest correlation (1.4) with increased student learning. Imagine the opportunities for feedback that constant access to personal laptop creates!
 * It will be a bit messy to start off with…but it is **worth it.**
 * Students Talk:**
 * Being able to do bits of work ‘here and there’, rather than only being able to access desktop computers at certain times will relieve some stress around homework and assignmetns
 * Homework etc. will be more easily recorded in a school diary or calendar on the laptops
 * Work can be saved, and easily shared – no more lost sheets or notes if you are away
 * Having computer access at school. Students reported often having trouble getting into a computer lab or finding a free computer in the library
 * Assiting group work outside of school hours
 * Better access to whole school information – they suggested school notices being distributed electronically.
 * Fast Facts:**
 * Students will get their laptops in Term 3. Teachers will get theirs **before** students do, probably in July.
 * Wireless is getting installed in April, and this is bound to be a bit disruptive. Libraries plus one classroom will get it first.
 * Every school will get one full-time technical officer to support laptop use. There is a 4 year funding commitment from federal governemt for this, and this person is employed regardless of whether your school already has ‘an IT person’ – their sole job is to support the laptops
 * Schools will have spare batteries and laptops for students to use if they don’t have their laptops (and policies will be in place to curtail repeat offenders)
 * Students are expected to charge their laptops overnight and bring them charges to school.
 * Operating system is Windows XP
 * Software installed is Microsoft Office 7 (standard suite plus One Note) and Adobe (Connect, Presenter, Captivate, Photoshop Elements, Premier Elements, Dreamweaver, Flash and Acrobat Professional)
 * Disk size is 160 GB, but about 50 GB of this is used up with the software
 * The Lenovo laptops have two USB ports, an Ethernet port, Bluetooth an SD memory card reader, and an inbuilt webcam
 * [[image:http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif caption=":)"]] ||


 * [[image:http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00446.jpg?w=225&h=300 height="300" caption="dsc00446" link="http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00446.jpg"]] ||
 * dsc00446 ||
 * [[image:http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00448.jpg?w=300&h=225 height="225" caption="dsc00448" link="http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00448.jpg"]] ||
 * dsc00448 ||



The following was originally published May 7, 2009 at [] Wanted to get down some of the big ideas (and fast facts) that have come up over the past two days at the Laptops 4 Learning Forum. There is so much I could say – and will say, in some more blog posts over the coming week. For now… In one panel discussion two students talked about what they saw as the benefits of having and using laptops. They suggested: As I said, there is so much more information to come. In the meantime, enjoy a peek at the new laptop
 * Big Ideas:**
 * Schools should work toward developing a ‘digital culture’ by using technologyas a **tool**, rather than scheduling technology **events**. The laptops should become part of the learning environment, like pens, papers and whiteboards.
 * Laptop use in schools has the potential to make classes and projects more student-centred. The increased capacity for project-based learning through connectivity (and nifty software) can mean that the technology can have a positive impact on pedagogy.
 * Teachers will need to develop their skills in classroom management to accomodate problems with the technology…but this is no reason to give up or shy away. We already do this when the photocopier breaks, or the OHP bulb blows!
 * Laptops are exciting, and the potential for student engagement is huge. Rather than facing their work and asking “why do I have to do it?”, this will get them asking “can I do it this way?” (This great point from Steven Plummer, who is leading the English KLA project)
 * Barbara Bober gave us a great metaphor – some teachers will be like **Formula 1 drivers** with the technology; most will ordinary, but competent and perhaps even excited drivers or smaller vehicles (to extend the metaphor for those who worry about teachers losing control in laptop lessons – in this metaphor, the teacher is //still the driver!//)
 * When planning, we should consider how the laptops will impact on the **students**, the **teachers**, the **pedagogy**, and**classroom management**. All are important factors
 * There isn’t a need to re-invent the wheel. As well as imagining new and foreign possibilities, we should be looking at current curriculum and pedagogy and asking: **what can be enriched?**
 * Ken Olah explained that feedback to kids has the largest correlation (1.4) with increased student learning. Imagine the opportunities for feedback that constant access to personal laptop creates!
 * It will be a bit messy to start off with…but it is **worth it.**
 * Students Talk:**
 * Being able to do bits of work ‘here and there’, rather than only being able to access desktop computers at certain times will relieve some stress around homework and assignmetns
 * Homework etc. will be more easily recorded in a school diary or calendar on the laptops
 * Work can be saved, and easily shared – no more lost sheets or notes if you are away
 * Having computer access at school. Students reported often having trouble getting into a computer lab or finding a free computer in the library
 * Assiting group work outside of school hours
 * Better access to whole school information – they suggested school notices being distributed electronically.
 * Fast Facts:**
 * Students will get their laptops in Term 3. Teachers will get theirs **before** students do, probably in July.
 * Wireless is getting installed in April, and this is bound to be a bit disruptive. Libraries plus one classroom will get it first.
 * Every school will get one full-time technical officer to support laptop use. There is a 4 year funding commitment from federal governemt for this, and this person is employed regardless of whether your school already has ‘an IT person’ – their sole job is to support the laptops
 * Schools will have spare batteries and laptops for students to use if they don’t have their laptops (and policies will be in place to curtail repeat offenders)
 * Students are expected to charge their laptops overnight and bring them charges to school.
 * Operating system is Windows XP
 * Software installed is Microsoft Office 7 (standard suite plus One Note) and Adobe (Connect, Presenter, Captivate, Photoshop Elements, Premier Elements, Dreamweaver, Flash and Acrobat Professional)
 * Disk size is 160 GB, but about 50 GB of this is used up with the software
 * The Lenovo laptops have two USB ports, an Ethernet port, Bluetooth an SD memory card reader, and an inbuilt webcam
 * [[image:http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif caption=":)"]] ||


 * [[image:http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00446.jpg?w=225&h=300 height="300" caption="dsc00446" link="http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00446.jpg"]] ||
 * dsc00446 ||
 * [[image:http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00448.jpg?w=300&h=225 height="225" caption="dsc00448" link="http://kellimcgraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dsc00448.jpg"]] ||
 * dsc00448 ||



Twitter Blog for eLearning. The RSS feed is primarily linked to Denise Lofts twitter account. Essentially I am endeavouring to link to education colleagues in NSW, Australia and Overseas. Coming soon!