Peer Review

In the past I have attempted and failed to have meaningful peer assessment.  I realize I missed two key aspects for successful and meaningful peer review.  First of all students need to be taught how to review their classmates work and that “two thumbs up” or “good job” doesn’t help their classmates improve their work.  I also think that having students establish the framework of how their classmates can/should assessment their work would be beneficial.  I found the process of creating some type of assessment rubric for my own work impacts how I was assessing others work.

Another insight from today’s experience was the focused time we had to look at our classmates work.  As discussed in class I agree that it was more beneficial to have that concentrated time with two projects rather than a short glimpse at all the projects.  I think that being more actively involved in these two task also increased my ability to provide meaningful feedback to my classmates. 

Our Great Task

Working on the Great Task was really a Great Experience.  I really enjoyed working with my group and adapting a Great task from Intelligence Online.  One of the best parts of working on this task with Erin and Jen was the conversations we had and the how we generated, improved, and elaborated ideas off each other.
Often our conversations went way beyond this one task.  I have really learned to appreciate the strength in collaborating with colleagues for planning.  I am really excited about expanding our original task into a larger idea and inquiry project.  

Our Great Task

Prezi

I have just recently been introduced to Prezi and I would have to say generally I am impressed. There absolutely is a learning curve with learning and understand the features and tools with Prezi. However, I imagine the the same can be said when learning anything new. When I look at the collection of published Prezi I know I have much to learn.

I have posted two of my own Prezis. The first is how I chose to document my reflections on a mini-unit I taught. I found Prezi was an excellent way for me to organize my thoughts. I really appreciated the ability to put all my ideas on the mat and then organize it in away that makes sense for me.

Reflecting on Owls in the Family on Prezi

Next is just a very small Prezi I did. This is nothing fancy, just me playing with some of the features like adjusting the colours and inserting a video.

Just Me on Prezi

Another great feature about Prezi is you can copy the formating of presentations that have been made public. Below is an interesting Prezi someone created about creating Prezi. I have made no adjustments to this Prezi.

Copy of How to create a great Prezi on Prezi

Student Showcases

Technology for Additional Language Learning

Benefits (why would we use technology to improve learning an additional language)

Opportunity for instant feedback

Opportunity for immersion without leaving home

Opportunity to speak to native speakers

Resources

FL Teach

24/7 Tutor- i application

Comic Life

Garage Band

Teacher Tube

Calgary Public Library, KeepVid, Jing

Jing- http://www.techsmith.com/jing/ (screen capture) records what is happening on the screen, including the mouse. Also records voice. Records up to 5 minutes of video.

Free and paid membership is only $15 a year.

KeepVid- saves videos to your desktop. You don’t need the internet to access the file.

Calgary Public Library- E Library