Blogging Mentorship
April 2, 2008
For ECMP 355 we have classrooms across the world in which we blog with. One of the classes that I blog with are Mrs. Knee’s KinderKids in New Hampshire. I am having so much fun blogging with the class. I am able to ask the students questions, see what they are learning about, and see all there special projects that they are doing. Today we got to talk together on Skype. The KinderKids had a webcam and toured me around there classroom and many of the students made some beautiful things to show me. One of the KinderKids, told me a story about lepracons and how the lepracons came to his house yesterday and made a mess of a bed he had just made. Ryan and some of the other students had to set out lepracon traps so the lepracons would not cause them anymore trouble. The students also had a list of questions to ask me, like my favorite thing to do, my favorite animal, my age, and my favorite food. We learned that one of the KinderKids and I have the same favorite foods, cheese pizza and ice cream. The KinderKids also toured me around their classroom so I could see where they go to school. It was such a fun experience and I was blown away that I could have such a strong connection with a group of students who are so far away. I think today was the day that I really understood just how powerful technology can be in the classroom and how important a social network really is. Talking through Skype with the KinderKids was an awesome experience that I hope I can one day infuse in my classroom.
April 2, 2008 at 8:31 pm
What a wonderful experience. You’re just beginning to see the possibilities. It’s great that you are able to connect with other teachers and classes that are creating such rewarding learning experiences.
April 2, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Hi Brittany,
This sounds like a lot of fun - talking with these kinder kids. What a great experience for all of you. I haven’t used Skype before — is it just audio or do you get a video feed too?
April 2, 2008 at 8:43 pm
What an awesome experience for you AND the KinderKids! I’m sure that were thrilled beyond belief to be talking to you.
You’re absolutely right - technology can be a very powerful tool for education. Instead of just talking about faraway places and their own impact in the world, they can see it and share it.
Be sure to placemark your location in Google Earth and send your Kinder pals the file so they can watch the globe spin from New Hampshire all the way to the house of their new friend!
Keep on sharing your thoughts! Our field needs more people who “get it!”
April 2, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Very cool project. You are a born teacher.
Kathy Lawrence
Cleveland Heights High School Librarian
April 2, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Brittany,
There is nothing better than a first-hand (or should we say “techno-first-hand) experience with a group of kindergardeners. Someone said that if we want to see the future, then just ask a kindergarden teacher. Well, you really got to be the teacher and learn the powerful experience of community. Proximity didn’t really matter to them. It sounds as if they were pumped just to share with you freely. Keep up the good work of connecting.
April 2, 2008 at 9:44 pm
It’s great that you were able to have this opportunity to connect with the KinderKids. Being able to meet and converse “face-to-face”, really builds upon the blogging relationship that you developed. I just had my first Skype call with a class in New Jersey today! We are doing some mental math via Voicethread. The potential to do authentic learning is great if we can make the right connections! Best of luck with the rest of your program.
April 2, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Brittany,
I’m trying to get my students interested in projects like the one you describe.
Once someone experiences the joy of connecting, they start to understand the power of communication and collaboration tools.
My social network, via twitter, my blog, email, etc. is an important part of how I learn and grow as a teacher/librarian and as a person. You are lucky to realize that at such a young age!
Very nice job of describing your experiences (and nice pictures, too!).
Best wishes,
Diane Cordell
K-12 SLMS
Fort Ann Central School District
Fort Ann, NY
April 2, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I am glad you were able to have this experience. Keep in mind, this is just the tip of the technology iceberg. Learning is a social activity! Social networks and other technologies allow us to expand our resources. We need to encourage more learning experiences like this one!
Cindy Wright
Instructional Technologist
Columbus City Schools
Columbus, Ohio
April 2, 2008 at 10:09 pm
It is so great to hear about your experience. I wish more people had a chance to experience what you did with the Kinderkids on their way to becoming a teacher. It is great to chat with students via their blog. There is a whole, different, personal connection with the use of Skype.
My class worked with Shaun Fletcher’s for the first time today. The students have a real excitement, now, as they approach their shared work in learning about approaches in math.
Thank you for sharing your excitement.
April 3, 2008 at 3:22 am
What a wonderful activity. One of the main reasons I love using technology both in and out of the classroom is the connections you can make. Rich experiences like this open up new worlds for both you and your students. You are off to a great start as a teacher. You already realise that the world is your classroom.
April 3, 2008 at 4:47 am
Brittany,
It sounds like you had an amazing day! Isn’t it cool that people who really are so far away are so much like you and your family and friends? I am really happy for you to have had this experience and proud of you for sharing your thoughts and views with others on this blog. Remember the connections you made with the Kinderkids … remember to bring those experienced to your classes when you become a teacher!
Scott
April 3, 2008 at 4:48 am
I have to post once more… TOO COOL that you included the snapshots plugin for your blog! Good for you!