2nd grade presentation

As part of our end of the year activities we as a class created a presentation using google docs. At the end of every year my class creates a letter to incoming 2nd graders to let them know what will be going on and tell them things they can look forward to. As part of our 1 to 1 computing option this year we were able to incorporate technology into this activity this year. We began our activity teh same way we have always have with brainstorming and reviewing our letter writing expectations. Then we worked together to create a model of a letter. After that each student created a letter for the incoming 2nd graders. Then we picked out a few pieces of information to put into each student's presentation. The students then created their presentation. They worked on their presentations during journals and workstation time. After we created all of our presentations we reviewed it and mapped out a way for the students to present the information to the upcoming 2nd graders. Then we invited them into the classroom for our presentation. The speakers discussed what they were going to see, the purpose for the presentation, and the expectations for the presentations. Each student got up and went through their presentations. At the end of the presentations we had select students come up and take questions. The first graders asked questions and the 2nd graders pulled out work sample they had and gave examples on what 2nd grade was going to be like. It was amazing to see these students take the lead. One of my goals during the one to one computing was for students to see technology as a tool and not as a game. So one of my favorite quotes came from one of my students named Katherine. In response to a 1st graders asking if they got to play games on the computer, Katherine said, " We don't really play games on the mini laptops, we do learning!"

Our learning:
http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dhr63rft_84fdd86sd5&autoStart=true

Google Docs

We have started using google docs to share and write. I created a log in and password that all the kids have access to. They all have a folder and are able to sign in at the same time and write through the webpage. This is so great because while they are working I can log in on my teacher computer and check in on each of them. I can see what each child needs to work on or what we might need to work on whole group. We are still in the learning process, but it is an amazing tool!

Blogging during recess????

The 1:1 computing is going well in the classroom. Today I was teaching a small group lesson on nonfiction text features and I created a blog about nonfiction text features. The group that I was working with had been talking about nonfiction text features, their job was to answer a blog about how nonfiction text features helped them as a reader. One little boy didn't get finished with his comment. He asked me, "Mrs. Davis can I come in after lunch and finish it?" I told him he didn't need to come in at recess, he could finish later. He told me "But Mrs. Davis I want to!" How is that for engagement!!!

We have begun a pilot program in our classroom for 1:1 computing. The students are very engaged and excited about this amazing opprotunity. I always have trouble getting the kids to go to 3rd grade, this year I don't think anyone will want to leave! We have begun some amazing treks through the world of technology. The kids are using different math webpages based on their own needs, navigating through word, and learning about the world around them by doing research via the web. They are all very excited to begin this life long journey. Please let me know if you have any questions. An amazing resource that I have found for introducing computers and technology in the classroom is:
http://sites.google.com/site/anchortechnologytomorrow/home/50-ways-to-anchor-technology

It has many different ideas on how to easily integrate technology.