Digital Portfolio

What a challenge! I have created resume's before, but never struggled with them like I did with this. When creating my portfolio, the hardest part was deciding what projects to include. Since this is one of my last classes, I had quite a bit to choose from. I was really happy with the projects I created during my digital storytelling class, so I included a few of those. I also liked the projects I created in my digital tools class. I don't have evidence of all the awesome things that my students have created over the years, so I just went with things I had done. Another challenge was figuring out the platform I used. I have looked at Wix before, but never used it because I didn't feel it was very user friendly. However, I couldn't find any other sites that really stood out to me, so I rolled with it. Eventually, I was able to figure everything out and created, in my opinion, a pretty good portfolio!

Chelsea Pelfrey's Digital Portfolio

Broadcasting

First, let me say the hardest part of this assignment was trying to figure out a topic to share that I thought others would be willing to listen to and get something out of. I finally decided on sharing collaborative apps and websites that can be used in the classroom. Once I made that decision, the rest of the process didn't seem to be too complicated.

I chose to use Google Hangout as my platform. To do this, I simply went to my Google+ and clicked on Hangouts in the drop down menu on the left. At the top of the page is a tab that says Video Hangouts. Once I clicked on that all I had to do was click Start a Video Hangout. When the Hangout opens it gives you the option to invite people via email or use the link that is provided to invite people. On the left side of that window there are buttons for Chat, Screen Share, and Capture. I really liked that it was super simple to share what I needed to for my conference.

I will say that I was super nervous at the beginning of the conference. I think it is an ingrained fear that no one will find what I am sharing relevant. However, once I got going with the conference, it seemed to flow pretty well. Many of the tools I shared had been used by my participants, and we were able to learn from each other, which I always find great!

I'm not sure I will do any other video conferences simple because I don't have new things to share with others. However, I do enjoy attending video conferences, and I always find new things that I didn't know before.

Attending a Live Webinar

A few weeks ago I attended the webinar "Getting Creative with SCRATCH". Scratch is a free web-based coding program that allows students to create animations from scratch. It also has the option to download the app to your computer. While this option is nice, there are fewer options available. The webinar's presenters were Douglas Kiang and Samantha Morra. Since I have used Scratch before, the discussion about the platform itself was pretty much review. What I love about Scratch, and something they mentioned too, is that it's pretty addicting. Kids love it! My students used this program to create animations of a scene from the novels we read this year. It took them a little bit to figure out, but with the help of the tips that are located on the right hand side of the screen, they were able to really create some awesome products! I have to say that I really enjoyed the entire show, and it's something that I could use snippets of to show my students how to use the program.

Lesson Plan Integrating Social Networking

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin was a novel that my sixth graders and I read this last year. We really enjoyed reading it and following along with the characters. As we went, students took notes about the characters, setting, and plot on a website they each created. Looking back on it with the idea of integrating social networking into it, I now realize I could have done so much more! I'm leaving out the 8 week reading plan because that would really be something that would be teacher discretion. Here is my plan incorporating social media.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Goal:
Read the novel The Westing Game and participate in online discussions about the characters and storyline.
Objectives:
Students will participate in online discussions each time a section of the story is read.
Students will build a website evaluating characters, setting, and storyline.
Instructions:
Using Edmodo, create a group for students to join. Once all students have joined, post an introduction for students to practice responding to. Something as easy as a prediction about the book would be a great starting point. After reading each section of the book, students are required to respond to a discussion post about what they just read. Once a week, select students will post a question they have about the reading, to which the other students must respond. Continue this throughout the entirety of the book.
Evaluation:
Students receive points for each discussion post. If the student strays off topic, the teacher can step in and post a question or statement to redirect. Students also receive points for each section of their website that is accurate and well thought out. Fewer points are awarded for vague descriptions.

Seven Day Social Immersion Challenge Reflections

This week, we were challenged to participate in either a Twitter-thon or a Photo a Day Challenge. I selected the Photo A Day because I am always taking pictures with my phone. Throughout the week, I had to constantly be thinking about what pictures I wanted to take and post to my blog. I was more alert to the things around me and always looking for the beauty in everything. So, each day I made it a point to find something to post for my challenge.

Since the only camera I have is on my phone, I had to find a way to post my pictures easily, so I downloaded the Blogger app. I had never really blogged from my phone before, so that was a new experience. Also, it made it to where I didn't have an excuse to not post my photo. One thing I didn't like during the process was my phone itself. I have an Samsung S4 Mini, so the keyboard is super tiny. Also, because of auto-correct fails, I had to make sure I proofread all my posts before I published them.

Overall, I really enjoyed the challenge. I think that I will try to take a photo a day throughout the summer and post them to my blog or my Instagram and keep the trend going. It's really fun to find new things to take a picture of. I also might look for some different challenges and participate in them.

Seven Day Immersion Challenge-Sunday

Today hubby and I tied our flowers that had fallen over back up and staked them. These beauties are some we planted last year. So happy they survived and are as beautiful as they are! #sevendaychallenge

Seven Day Immersion Challenge-Saturday

Driving around with my husband is one of my favorite things to do. I love every minute! #sevendaychallenge

Seven Day Immersion Challenge-Friday

This week I had some down time, do I immersed myself I'm books that I've been putting off. This book was amazing! I have never been more inspired by a book in my life. Definitely a teacher read and one all teachers should read at least once. It will make you appreciate where you are, or know that there are others in the same boat as you. Worth the three days it took me to get through! #sevendaychallenge

Seven Day Immersion Challenge-Thursday

For the first time this year, I actually witnessed the birds enjoying our bird bath. As I was sitting on the porch reading, I heard splashing. Couldn't figure it what it was until I saw them splashing around. It was so fun to sit and watch them. #sevendaychallenge

Seven Day Immersion Challenge-Wednesday

My in laws have the most peaceful spot to be on the planet. Here is their view. #sevendaychallenge

Seven Day Social Immersion Challenge-Tuesday

Today was haircut day for my baby pooch. He was so excited to be going for a ride, he could hardly contain himself when we left. However, when we got there, his feelings weren't the same. I dropped him off and picked him up a couple hours later. What a huge change from the hairy mop he was when I dropped him off! He's so adorable with his hair cut, and I know he is a lot cooler for the hot Kansas summer. #sevendaychallenge

Seven Day Social Immersion Challenge-Monday

I had nothing to do today, so I decided to take a nap with my Turd. He was all snuggled up, but I just couldn't fall asleep. So I took a picture of him! #sevendaychallenge

Digital Story Created Using Only a Cell Phone

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