GeoTech 2010

I really enjoyed the GeoTech conference today...especially the afternoon session. It was neat to interact from teachers all over. There were even people from Wyoming and Rhode Island! I was very impressed with the technology presented and I was also impressed with Bishop Dunne. The quality of work displayed throughout the hallways was amazing. I went to 2 different sessions. The first was an intro to GIS and the second was about using technology to enhance reading and writing.

GIS
What is GIS? It stands for Geographical Information Systems – which are map layers with data attached. We can ask the map/data questions to better understand georgraphy…like transparencies.

Why bother? We need to understand patterns. GIS gives you an opportunity to teach analysi, solve problems and make decisions. In the professional environment this software is designed to make city decisions and landscaping decisions. You are looking for patterns & trends.

GIS tools: GPS (data collection device), Geocaching & Earthcaching – world community of people who are putting out there….you can try and find them,

GIS software tools:
• Online mapping – all you need is a web browser
• Virtual globes – free software

• Google Earth
• ArcGIS Explore (AGX)

Online mapping: http://www.nationalatlas.gov/
You can download GIS files/map-maker

Collections of 14 lessons for GIS - http://www.blogger.com/www.isat.jmu.edu/stem

Desktop GIS:
ARCEXPLORER Java – free tool…desktop GIS – you don’t need an internet conncetion.
My World GIS – desktop GIS

The presenters made a really good point. If you are going to start using GIS….START FREE! Try the free stuff first before you start purchasing things.

Run With Scissors in the Literacy Classroom

Building a culture of readers and writers requires that students become engaged in the writer’s work. This uses technology as their hook for engagement in reading & writing.

Must See Youtube Videos –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZTVX21jPtc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecFizWZgIiA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZfRaWAtBVg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2p5augniQA - These kids go to a low SES school in NY and Stevie Nicks saw this video and showed her manager. These kids got to perform with her in Madison Square Garden and then were invited to fly to a couple of other performances...what an opportunity for them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnQLnWhzmPE - OK now I want one! :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84Poeynk

2 Recommended Reads:
• Steven Johnson – Everything Bad is Good for You! You can analyze complex social networks! The skills aren’t tested by the current school system.

• Daniel Pink – A Whole New Mind Why Right Brainers Will Rule the World – today we live in a left brained society. Anything that involved with left brained thinking can be outsourced, if our kids are going to be prepared, we need to learn how to use both hemisphere’s effectively.

*If you need an e-mail address for your kids - Create a gmail account
melinda.mccoy+whateveryouwantitisignored@gmail.com

Technology tools that will help engage your students and make you cooler:

www.wordpress.com – helps you create your own blog-export-and carry with you on a flashdrive. Your students can have a portfolio of their whole k12 experience and then they are given a flashdrive of their own portfolio.

***Google Wave – Email 2.0 – it is in BETA it’s being developed now. You must have an invitation to use it. The first program to use HTML 5 – a new language for the web. This is a combination of blog/email/search/INSTANT instant feedback

Create your own WIKI - www.wikispaces.com

Create words/poems/language - www.smilebox.com

I am looking forward to checking out some of these tools. I received an invitation for gmail wave, so I can't wait to learn more.