Just like anything else in my life, that first step is the worst. Actually, it's the thinking of and planning that first step. I know you know what I am talking about. Well, I am starting this Blog again with the support of my daughter Becca. It is with my fellow educators that I direct this blog. Those who know me will tell you how obsessed I get with tech in my classroom. This summer has not been any different and with the advent of PARCC and all the hoops that throws in our way, I will graciously allow spectators to my obsession in hopes that you will gain from my madness!
WEBSITE: MyHaikuClass
I have created no fewer than 6 websites for the classroom in the 7years I have been at Pleasantville High School. I even set up a website for my long term subbing position at EHT High School. In all that time, I have not found one any easier to set up and use than MyHaikuClass ! When I started the website I found that I could be in constant contact with my students and their parents. Classwork and Homework reminders are a breeze. As I and the website have evolved I found that I can:
- Create quizzes, test, and practice test (review!) online. I have created tests that are input one question at a time with pictures to guide the students. I have uploaded Examview test by converting them to blackboard and posting online. The real joy!? The website grades the T/F, multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions for you. The open ended questions get put in a dialog box for you to grade. *NOTE - There is a box for you to adjust the weight for each question. That way I can have the open ended questions count more than the multiple choice!
- I have used the discussion block for student journals, collaborative work, and open ended responses to online readings. You can determine who sees the students work when you set up the dialog box. *MY SUGGESTION: even though you can change these setting after students have answered, the students may not want to have the setting changed! So don't!
- Got a few extra hours?? Yeah, I know! But just in case, you can make up multiple pages with upcoming assignments and unpublish them. This way, the pages are just waiting for you to open them to the students! **BONUS*** The pages are already done for next year! Minor tweaks and you're good to go! As the admin, you have access to any page and can check whether you want to publish or unpublish them, that simple!
- I have the students create a webpage for a Notable Scientist at the beginning of the year. Each student gets a template and rubric primarily designed to make a facebook page and when they are done, they visit each others websites and critique them in the page comment section at the bottom of each page. All of this is done within the Haiku website.
- I can set up assignments that the worksheet, rubric, links, and answer area are all on one place. MyHaikuClass has a wonderful way of "handing in" the assignment. The students have a dialog box and can attach any number of files. *NOTE - when using any of the dialog boxes, the students can continue to work and "Save as Draft" but the teacher does not see the work until it is "Save as Post". If they save as post it will tell them they have 30 minutes to make any edits. Save as Draft allows for unlimited editing!
- I personally do not use the grade book attached, but that is an option!
- I LOVE that the students can contact me and I can contact them, but neither see the email used!
- Every year I have a number of students that are on home study or have a family emergency and must be away for an extended period of time. I set up a page just for them to follow along with the class. They can even take the test from their computer or laptop anywhere in the world!
The next step: making crucial parts of this site mobile!
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