Found Windows Live Writer

Today I finally decided to download and install windows live writer.  I am posting this simple and short blog just to test it.

Windows Live Writer worked well with uploading text.  Next I will have to upload a picture to test that.  But wait....

I also found a cool Firefox extension for posting to your blogs.  It's called ScribeFire!  It is not a stand-alone application you install on your computer it is simply an add-on you install inside your Firefox browser.

Try it.

Blogging - What is the big deal?

For all of our up and coming tech users here at Everlab.

Blogging is like a journal, where you enter thoughts, knowledge and experiences.  There are may types of Blog service providers, like:
Blogger
Word Press
Schoolloop Blog in our Webpage.
etc.

The Blog entry is saved and tagged with the date of entry and the best part is that people can respond to what you have written by leaving a comment.  This would be specially useful for teachers when the want to take the temperature of a class on a particular idea or issue.  The teacher could post a stance on the main blog entry and each student could then enter their response our knowledge about the lesson/issue.
The teacher can then read each student's comment and gauge where the student stands.  What an easy way to assess knowledge before any lesson or unit is taught and plan accordingly.

You could conduct a mid-lesson blog knowledge comprehension assessment and one at the end.

This is just one small idea on how to implement blogs in the classroom.  If you Google the topic you will find many more ways in which other teachers are using blogs in the classroom.

Good Blogging!

Don't Make Me Read the Manual!!!!!

Hello Fellow Staffers!

Today Wednesday, March 18, 2008 we are having a voluntary training on how to use LCD projectors with a computer and as a stand-alone.
The Toshiba projectors we will be using have a built in camera that lets you show on the screen whatever you put under it. This is very helpful when you are trying to point out parts of a textbook or demonstrate a hands-on lesson. You no longer have to ask students to make a circle around you to observe the hands-on lesson.
I hope that everything goes well and that you will enjoy learning a lot about the projectors and in future days you will be able to show other teachers in your grade level how to operate the device.
In essence you will become the presenters/trainers.... Good Luck and have fun!

Use it or Loose it!

I want to start by thanking everyone here at Evergreen Lab (everlab) for doing such a great job this year. Since we opened the lab in December of 2008 we have made great progress. Every class has come ready to learn and they have been improving every session. Most classes have had a chance to do research online in the upper grades and have found some interesting knowledge about medicine, U.S. States, and U.S. presidents.

The lower grades have been improving their reading fluency and comprehension with some fabulous online websites like Starfall.com and BBC Schools Web page. In addition they have been working on their math knowledge on Henry Anker's Test web page and BBC schools Bitesize webpage.

I look forward to teaching and learning with all of our wonderful students and knowledgeable staff.