Technology Update for 9/22/2008
Hello all,
This is a technology update for 9/22/2008.
What is wrong with the Internet? Is Anything Being Done? Yes, I know it’s extremely frustrating when the Internet keeps going down. The reality is the internets at Lincoln are antiquated. I’ve been informed that they are going to begin to improve our network this year. I’ve seen actual, physical plans for new drops in the rooms and wireless Internet schoolwide. I’m crossing my fingers with the rest of you. We indicated where we need more Internet drops based on our knowledge. If you have long blue cables running around your room or a switch sharing multiple computers, you need more Internet drops. Please let us know. We probably remembered about 75% of the needs. Remind us by email if you have a unique situation or comment below.
Websites Worth Checking Out. One comment made by the accreditation team was bringing the resources of the Internet into our classrooms to supplement our instruction. Here’s a number of sites worth checking out:
Hippocampus. Free videos, animations, and demonstrations in all subjects. Great for explaining that really difficult concept. Check out the subjects: Algebra, Government, Biology, Calculus, Environmental Science, Physics, AP Physics, Psychology, Statistics and US History.
Library Resources. The library and the district pay for a number premium services of a number of websites. These are great for research, whether for creating a research paper or PowerPoint presentations.
Opposing Views and the SIRS database in the Library Resources listed above. Two invaluable websites where opposing viewpoints can be found on a variety of contemporary issues.
Student blogging. We’ve already doubled the interested teachers in having students create blogs and write in their content area. Blogging is similar to journaling, but permits more interaction among students. Read this post if you are curious about the value of blogging.
Free blogging sites for students or yourself: Blogger and Wordpress
A good sample blog from another school is here. Sean Leys showed me this one: Roosevelt HS Blog
Lincoln HS Calendar on Google Calendar. If you use Google Calendar, I created a public calendar you can add. Go to Google Calendar and search Public Calendars. Search for “Lincoln HS” and add it to your IGoogle or Calendar page.
Morning Announcements Online and on your IPod: You can now listen to morning announcements online and on your IPod. Let your students know. Also, if you want to post an audio or video production with your classes, no stopping us now.
Additional Resources at Lincoln. We have a video editing lab with Final Cut Studio, Vegas Studio, IMovie, and Movie Maker. If you wish to use this lab or schedule a class of students in the video lab, don’t be shy. We also have cameras for checkout to record any event. I want to make sure everyone is aware of these resources available to our students.
Student Emails. I’ve been promised the student emails today. I plan to distribute lists of all classes with student emails next week.
Upcoming Thursday’s Workshop. September 25, 2008, 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Using the Lincoln Forums. On Thursday, I will conduct a workshop in Room 209 after school regarding posting assignments, documents, resources, and information on the Lincoln website for your classes to access. It’s really simple and can offer your students another way of accessing your curriculum away from your class. Forums are accessed here.
Again, stop by if you need help with anything or send an email to mskramst@lausd.net.
Until next time, Skramstad