Web site software

How do you use self created Web sites Software?

I have only created websites for my college classes. When I was teaching (seven years ago), I didn't have the knowledge or resources to create a classroom website. We had a couple of teachers in our school that did have websites but I wasn't one of them. 

How do your students use Web Authoring tools?

My students never created websites or used the internet to create.  I know see were I was lacking but the school I was teaching at didn't have the resources to help teach these techniques. 

What else would you like to do? 

The first thing I plan on doing when I return to teaching is to make a classroom website. I hope to update the website weekly adding spelling words, what we are learning in the classroom, and other fun and interactive information for parents and students. 

Depending on the grade I teach, I might have the students create their own blogs and have them post on a regular basis about what we are doing in the classroom. 

Technology has changed in the amount of time I have been away from teaching and I am excited to rejoin the teaching world and explore all the different forms of technology. 

Classroom Tools Software

How do I use Classroom Tools Software?

Since my classroom was very limited in the amount of technology available I was unable use classroom tools software with my students. I would create charts or graphs ahead of time.  I would either print one for each student or create one on the overhead projector.  Some days I would even just draw a bigger chart or diagram on chart paper.
I used story webbing a bunch with my 1st and 2nd grades. We would read a story and they would have to create webs about the character in the story. We also used webbing in Science when learning about different animals and their habitats. They would also create a story web for the brainstorming part of their creative writing activities.

I was a long term substitute teacher for 6 months for a second grade class.  On of the first day of that long term subbing job I created with the class a Venn Diagram comparing myself to their teacher. I wanted the students to understand everything wouldn't be done the same but not everything is going to change. They understood and seemed to have fun with the activity.

How do my students use Classroom Tools Software?

My students really didn't have access to classroom tools software, we would however create different charts and diagrams on paper together. 

They understood how to use a  KWL (Know, What to know, Learn) Chart.

We used webbing in both reading and science.  

I would try to give them a classroom tool as much as I could. I felt doing this allowed them to be involved in the learning and teaching. 

What else would I like to do with Classroom Tools?

I would like to create interactive webbing assignments for the students to complete. I think of it as fill in the blank activities. The students would be given the template and they would create the information to fill in the blanks.  

I think I might need a classroom before I could do this. :) 

I am sure there are many Classroom Tools, that I have forgotten or never really used. If you have a favorite please share.  

Presentation Software

How do I use Multimedia or Presentation Software?

To be honest, I really didn't utilize Multimedia Software.  The school I was teaching at was struggling with technology in each classroom. I was lucky to have an overhead projector. I did not have a Smartboard and only the last six months of being in the classroom was I given an ELMO to work with.  I do however feel every comfortable creating PowerPoint presentation if needed. I have created different Jeopardy like games for review with my students using PowerPoint. 

I did use books on CD during reading centers and also a music CD to get the blood moving in those cold winter months. I know this isn't software but it is a different form of media. 

How did my students use Multimedia or Presentation Software?

My students did not use Multimedia software in my classroom. I wasn't equipped with the technology needed to meet the requirements.  I do believe they created mini PowerPoint presentation in their technology class. I know the older grades would create pictures books using PowerPoint and the younger grades would come and view the stories.  

What else would I like to do with Multimedia Software?

I would like to create Digital stories. From reading in the book they sound like a great way to introduce a new subject. I could see using them in Social Studies to talk about different people and how they lived during different times in history.