Mrs. Irvin’s Tech Page

Some of you may have noticed that the blogroll on my site has not changed much lately.  It’s not because I’m not adding any new sites that we use in Tech Class, or that I haven’t had time to add them.  The top link on the blogroll is now the only link you need to find all the sites we access in class.  It is our K5tech at diigo.com.  Click on the “k5tech” link and away you go to all the great sites, yes, even the holiday ones we are using right now.

To use the diigo site effectively, you click on a topic or grade level in the ‘tag cloud’ on the right-hand side.  All the sites tagged with that topic or grade level will come up on the screen.  You can read the titles (in blue) and click on them to go to the site.  The ‘tag cloud’ can be sorted into alphabetical order by clicking on “alpha” near the bottom.  You can also change it from a cloud to a list by clicking on “list” near the bottom. 

If you ever click on a site and it doesn’t work, send me a comment on my blog so I can check it out.

You may want to make “Mrs. Irvin’s Tech Page” a favorite and then you can get to the blog and k5tech easily.

 We have been using PhotosStory 3 in grades 3-5 for a variety of topics.  PhotoStory 3 brings storytelling to a whole new level.  Digital storytelling is happening around the world with schools now catching on!  Third graders are working on writing informational stories about a famous rock formation around the world.  Fourth graders are finishing up their photostories about a topic of their choice.  Fifth graders are in the midst of explorer stories.  The lab is bubbling with creativity and excitement as students work on importing pictures, adding titles, recording narrative and creating music to fit the mood of their stories. 

If you have Microsoft Windows, you toocan make photostories at home with your family by going to the Microsoft site and downloading the program. 

Here is a story I made to use as a sample for students to see a finished product.  It is about my daughter’s summer.  Enjoy!  Summer of Fun

 PS.  This is my first time uploading a video file, so if there are any problems, please let me know and I will work on fixing them.  Thanks!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I am thinking of all the things that I am thankful for, like my friends and family.  But, I am especially thankful for all the students here at Oak Ridge. You come to Tech Class with an enthusiasm for learning. There are days that we run into technical difficulties, but you don’t let it bother you and you work through those difficulties.  You bring so many great ideas and insights to Tech Class too!  Thank you for making my job so much fun and for being great learners!  I love coming to school each day and working with all of you!

So, what are you thankful for? Post a comment to let me know.

Think about the way you communicate with people everyday. It’s not all about the words you use. You give people looks, you use body language, you change expression and inflection in your voice. When you communicate with friends would you rather be on the phone, emailing, or in person?

Now think about how we use the computer to communicate. We have all created work that communicates something to others. Kindergarten made self-portraits. First Grade is working on an All About Me collage. Second grade wrote Number Stories. Third grade just finished Making Change. Fourth Grade is in the midst of writing a Digital Photo Story. Fifth grade recently finished Inspirations about a topic that’s important to them. All of the work we do in the Lab has to do with communicating our thoughts and learning to others.

How are you doing? Are you using technology to communicate clearly, accurately, and thoughtfully? As you are working on projects that involve technology, don’t just think about the fun you are having…think about how you are communicating!

Look for ways people communicate on the web. Write a comment to tell me what you find. (Ask an adult to help you post a comment!)

Welcome back to Technology Class at Oak Ridge Elementary School.  The first few weeks of school are behind us and we are getting into the routine of the school year.  So far this month you are learning how to log on to our new laptops and  using Microsoft Word and some internet websites.  You may have also exlpored some of the programs on our laptops: Kid Pix, Tux Paint and Google Earth. 

In writing this blog, I hope to communicate with you outside of the Tech Lab so that you can access some of the websites we use at school and keep up with what is happening in the Lab.  When you come to lab next, you may find that your seat has changed.  Two new tables have been delivered and Mrs. Doebler and I are working on repositioning some laptops to give you more room to work.  Check your nametag to be sure you are at the right computer!   

 Check back here periodically to catch what else is happening in Technology Class!