iFrames in iWeb

Welcome to iWebUnlimited.com - iWeb Tricks, Tips, How-To's, and more

I may have mentioned this site before, but it is worth repeating. This is good! Good info, good tips, and I learn so much when I remember to check back at this site. You too can make the most of iWeb.

Holiday Party

Make a Smilebox greeting

Too Cool!

Received an invitation to Big Sur Technologies' holiday party at Whiskey North in Tampa for December 13. Dinner and drinks starting at 6PM.

Spoke with Jeremy Jackson this week about my recent purchase of 20 copies of Pixie. Was happy when he invited me to demo Pixie in the Tech4Learning booth at FETC in January.

Of course, our District is in dire straits for funds, as we all are in Florida. I am waiting for approval to attend FETC. I have funds from the internal media budget...Scholastic Book Fair earnings. Hope I will be there.

Shannon enroute to Mizzou

Attended a farewell dinner for Shannon on Saturday. Was great to see the USF gang- Michael, Roy, BJ, Anna, Jim, Luis and more. Shannon looks happy and content with her decision. Had the chance to see C David and Nancy.

$300 Grant

Received word that I am the recipient of a $300 grant that I submitted for Pixie and Digital Storytelling. I hope to hear from Jeremy Jackson about coming to Deer Park Elementary. I have several other tech specialists interested in Pixie. Perhaps he can share the program with them.

I also have $86 from the fall carnival that I will put towards Pixie. Hoping to get 16 copies to start. I will install them on a 16 station MacBook Lab.

Looking forward to sharing the software with fourth graders. They're my target group for the grant. I believe it will be good for K-5.

FDE updates

I found a tentative list of dates for the 2009 summer and thought I'd post it here.
http://etc.usf.edu/fde/

New SmartBoard Arrives

My school has a SmartBoard and I am doing the happy dance. I attended a training given by Patti Palancia the day after the board arrived. I plan on introducing it to my staff and using it for an upcoming Thinkfinity training. I believe the interactive activities I selected from Thinkfinity will be a great demo use of the board. Later I will get Smart Notebook installed on teacher machines. More training will be needed. It was recommended that the board be used by one teacher for three weeks. This would give adequate time to get used to it and to think of ways it can be used for class instruction. We hope to get more in the future.

What Do Teachers Make?

A grandmother of one of our students sent this to me. I'd seen it before, but felt it was worth posting.


The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.  One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. 

He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best=2 0option in life was to become a teacher?'


He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'


To emphasize his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie.  Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make?

(She paused for a second, then began...)

·         'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

·         I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

·         I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

·         ''I make kids wonder.

·         I make them question.

·         I make them apologize and mean it.

·         I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

·         I teach them to write and then I make them write.

·         Keyboarding isn't everything.

·         I make them read, read, read.

·         I make them sho w all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.

·         I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

·         I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

·         I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America .


I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) 

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?
 
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?'
 
His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Do you believe?

If you haven't had a chance to view this awesome keynote address by a fifth grader in Dallas, you need to take a few moments now!

Family

I miss my MDE family members! After spending so many hours together over the summer, I look forward to checking email, twitter, iChat and FaceBook to see what people are doing.
Hope to get a group together in October in Tampa-Clearwater area for dinner. Interested?

Having fun with kitten, Mister Snickers.

Summer's End

The last of the summer institutes was held in Orlando at the University of Central Florida. What a campus! What a facility! Gordon took this photo of a sculpture at the entrance to the Teaching Academy building.

The participants were so enthusiastic and motivated. Many commented that it was the best professional development experience.

It was with a bit of sadness that we packed up the vans for the final time. All of us were anxious to get home, for sure, but we also had to bid farewell to colleagues and friends we shared the summer with. MDE's et al are an extension of our family.

With that said we can look ahead to a good school year. We'll share our lives through blogs, twitter, facebook, and ichats.

CyberBee

CyberBee

Great site for elementary students. Not only is there a great interactive question and answer activity for students on the basics of copyright, but there are currently posted 2008 election lessons.

Orlando Institute

The Orlando Institute is this week. I'll leave New Port Richey on Monday, August 4. We will be having a special twist to this Institute: Art Infusion with UCF. I'll be training with Angee on ICT, Information and Communication Technology. My electives will be Keynote and Introduction to Mac OS, which I will repeat. Then I will be able to assist with Google Earth and finally, SMART Technologies. We will be getting our first SMART board at Deer Park and I am excited about being able to show teachers how it can transform teaching.

Interactivate: Stopwatch

Interactivate: Stopwatch

Blue Armadillo

Tech4Learning, Inc. - Utensils - Blue Armadillo

This is an image batch conversion utility for Windows and Mac. Only for Classic on the Mac side and no plans for an upgrade.

Mac Aerobics

from youtube

Apple Computer

from youtube

Tampa Institute

After a looooooong day at USF/FCIT TL Institute, we enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by our very own Chris Nitti and his wife, Liz. A great chance to gather with the MDE family!

Teachers' Domain: Home

Teachers' Domain: Home

Look for additions to this site in other content area, not just science, this fall.

Essential Questions

Here's a site containing numerous links for Essential Questions and lesson planning.

Essential Questions

Lake City a Success

Lake City was a great Teaching and Learning Technology institute filled with eager, enthusiastic, motivated participants. They were gracious to us and complimented the MDE/FCIT staff as being most pleasant and great to work with.

The MDE's enjoyed the opportunity to share time and talents with each other.



As to the drive, well, it will be better since I will travel with a Florida map next time. Glad I had the navigation compass in the Impala as I missed the road I was to use to get to the interstate on the way home. I saw some beautiful lush countryside as a result of my south-southwest traveling to I75.

July Institutes

Lake City is next. Cuts predicted for Boca Raton. Tremendous learning opportunities at the institutes for all involved. One of the things I like best is feedback from the participants. I like the evaluation sheets USF is using after each session and the electives. If we could use a Google form or survey monkey, the info could be readily available for researcher information and for use in DOE publications.

Check out Slide.com

Naples Institute

I would describe this institute as a learning experience.
As the first one of the summer, we looked at ways to revise the playbooks and agenda. The Naples area was lovely and we had a great time.

Heading to Naples

I will be conducting the Information and Communication Technologies training in Naples.
David, Crystal, Nancy, Norma, and Rick (Dreamweaver) will be there.

Institutes Revisited

May need to cut some MDE's for the institutes in June due to funds not available for districts to send participants. Waiting to see results of volunteering.

Social Bookmarking

Here's a video that will provide background info on social bookmarking.

The old method of saving a library of sites was to create a bookmark or a favorite on your own computer in the browser of choice. Now, with sites like de.lici.ous, you can have your bookmarks available 24/7 wherever you are, tagged, and able to share with others.

Preparing for Summer Institutes 2008

MDEs training this summer gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tampa May 17-18. There we reviewed FCIT/ETC web site with Roy, met Kris and thanked her for travel efforts, and renewed friendships.

Worth Checking Out

Objectpark Software - Products

Objectpark Software - Products
Check out the MenuCalendar if you are an iCal user.

Themes
Themes (LOTS!!!!) @ Pratt's Educational Resources

In2Edu
In2Edu - Education:Teacher resources, lesson plans, thematic integrated units... the best

Vista True Info Video - Metacafe

Vista True Info Video - Metacafe

Summer Institutes 2008

Seems like things are shaping up for the Institutes. Michael sent out a survey to see which topics we'd like to cover. We've been in contact by Kris regarding the weekend in May at the Hilton Garden in Tampa. It will be good seeing people and working with them again.


Hope there won't be any hurricanes to disrupt our summer plans!

Online Video Converter

Teacher asked for help 'downloading' a video from You Tube...Neil Diamond's Coming to America...to use in class. I used Zamzar to convert the file. It was emailed to me and I now have a copy for the teacher to use for an educational purpose. I did this at home. Yes, at the moment You Tube is accessible, but she wants to show it in May.

MDE update

MDE's around the state are receiving information regarding their Teaching & Learning summer institute dates and locations. I'm happy to know that I'll be sharing the summer with Angee and Crystal. Haven't heard from anyone else at time of posting.

Heard via twitter that cohort 3 names have been announced and should be posted this week on the fde/mde web site.

May 17 and 18 will be the next MDE weekend in Tampa at USF. The MDE's that are summer trainers/facilitators will be there.

Learning continues

I've been working with Leopard and Leopard server, on the Mac side of things. I gave a training on iLife08, specifically iPhoto and iMovie. I've been working with iWeb and Dreamweaver for web design. I have been adding to my knowledge of Web 2.0. I joined Twitter and Classroom 2.0 and have picked up numerous tips, sites, and insights from reading these and other blogs. I've been helping my staff with Discovery Education Network.

As I read the blogs of colleagues in the global community, I am humbled because I find there is so much I still don't know. The desire is keen to learn.

A star is born!

Teaching my husband PhotoBooth.

Royalty Free Music.

http://www.soundzabound.com/

http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/

http://www.instantmusicnow.com/default.asp

Welcome Kit

My Welcome kit as a Star Discovery Educator arrived Friday!

Wiki and Blog Policies

OS X Help

OS X Help - Insanely simple tutorials for the first time Macintosh user

PhotoBooth and Pages

Today I worked with K-1 students with MacBooks. Students opened Pages and selected a template for a report. Students were directed to change text for name and to write a sentence about themselves. We then opened PhotoBooth and students were directed to take a photo of themselves. The class I worked with had prior knowledge and chose to take a funny photo using effects in the program. Students selected one photo and dragged it to the desktop. They then were instructed to replace the pic in the template with their own photo. We printed to a selected printer and kids had their paper to take home. The 45 minute lesson provided an opportunity to use two new applications, new MacBooks, and completed tasks related to SSS LA 3.6.4.1 and LA 3.6.4.2.

Don't Quit Poem

http://www.thedontquitpoem.com

Who did you vote for?

We do make a difference!

VoiceThread

Used VoiceThread this week for the first time, thanks to Karen Seddon. I made two short clips and the second one was made on my MacBook and that has better sound quality than the iMac I used.

http://voicethread.com/share/74703
http://voicethread.com/share/75849

Zoho

Check out zoho.com for more options for working on the web. Similar to Google Tools.

hyplet.com

Save this Hyplet | Create new

Art Teacher uses Draw

An Art teacher successfully used AppleWorks Draw with her K-1 students this week. I am checking out other draw programs. We have Tux Paint installed on our student machines as well as Pencil and Cosmic Painter.

Take a look at the student creations. http://dpes.pasco.k12.fl.us/ArtPics/ArtDapore.html

Last night I attended an online overview of Pixie 2 from Tech4Learning, hosted by Brad. Very good program, user friendly, with a wide variety of possible use; making it an affordable option for purchase.

Review Process

We've a lot of wonderful, talented, educators in the state. Highly motivated, enthusiastic, with a keen desire to share what they know with others.

Reviewing applications

Will be reviewing several applications to MDE Cohort 3 and will use an established rubric for scoring. Expect to get them fed ex shortly.

Wondering about Summer

It isn't too soon to begin making summer plans. Michael sent out a survey to see
which T and L Institutes we'd be available for. They are located in Lake City, Lakeland, Tampa, Palm Beach, Key West, and Pensacola for this summer.

I updated my resume today. Just like to keep it up to date because one never knows.

Today I am a Star

Received word today that I am a Star Discovery Educator. I began working on a new blog, Tech Tidings, that you may wish to take a look at.
http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/jrscat99

A Virtual Exit

A Virtual Exit
This site offers social network tech tips. With my increased use
of Web 2.0 tools, this appears to be a good resource site that includes
easy to understand directions along with screen shots.

Social Networking

I broke down the reserve and created a MySpace account for my niece and I to communicate and stay in touch with each other. I also created a Twitter account recently. I was not aware of Twitter until a couple of weeks ago. I've learned more from the comments of others and in checking links from their 'microblogs' than I can by reading a tech journal.

The Web 2.0 tools are all about people- collaboration, social networking, and sharing info and ideas.

Read something in the newspaper yesterday, yes, I still read the printed word! It said it is okay to be satisfied with doing something 90% of the way. At times we can't aim for that perfect 100%. The reference was to organizing one's life, but it can also be used in relation to technology. I am in a Prek-5 school as Tech Specialist, yet I am always reminding staff and students that I do not know everything. It's okay. The important thing is to keep moving forward.

Teachable Moment

When working with the Internet, help kids learn to do the right thing. Teach kids about fact and opinion, that you can't believe everything you read online. Teach kids to process and evaluate.

Networking

FETC was about more than sessions and exhibits. It was all about networking/social networking. So much value in people coming together who share the same interests. Met some great folks, renewed state contacts from summer institutes, and made some new friends.

Bir Sur

Had a great dinner at Jeffery's Piano Bar restaurant on Wednesday, January 23 with Big Sur folks, Novell, and XioTech. Thanks, Roger (roger@bigsurtech.com), for the invite.

PBS TeacherLine

Met with Tim Lum, tdlum@pbs.org, and the folks from PBS on Wednesday at 2:30 at the
Rosen Centre in Orlando. Good things happening with online staff development. Kate Kemker, Shannon White, and Ana McMoran were speakers.

FETC

I am in Orlando attending the FETC conference. I've connected with a lot of folks from
around the state. So good to see people and to hear what is going on in their neck of the woods. I am surprised at the size of the conference, and so much walking. I'd forgotten how spread out the session rooms are. I have information to bring back to my school and to research further. I saw several people from the summer institutes. One individual was sharing her care and concern for copyright images for student projects.
Another was happy to report the integration of technology into their daily routine. People have been very nice and supportive. I am very interested in the use of the Smart Board technology. Must explore mimeo and interwrite as cost affective alternatives.