Thursday, June 21, 2012

Teaching In The Digital Age Book Study

I'm not even IN the book study yet... but my blogging buddy Fran of Kindergarten Crayons (who always inspires me), posted about a book study on Teaching in The Digital Age. I've ordered the book, but can't wait to jump in on the discussion!! My comments would've been far to detailed to post at someone else's blog, so I decided to just join in here in the Teachers' Lounge! ;-) Apparently chapter two is all about using digital photography. Well, anyone that knows me knows I am ALWAYS taking photos. I take close to 1,000 pictures per school year. I LOVE taking photos all year long. Fran shared some GREAT ideas on how she uses digital photography in her class and asked others to share. Here are a few ways that I use digital photography in my classroom: (follow the links to learn more)

a few samples (click to enlarge)


OK...I could go on and on...I used photos all the time to assist students learning. My classroom blog was created (2007) to help give parents a peek inside our classroom. To provide a springboard for discussions at home (especially for those students who can't seem to answer the question..."What did you do at school today?" Parents can go to the blog, see the posts and talk to their child about school.
Back in the beginning of our blogging days we connected with Kindergartners in New Zealand and did a "cultural exchange". They don't have squirrels in New Zealand and my students and I sent them a package that included a squirrel puppet. It was so popular, the kids in NZ gave the squirrel his own blog. Each child got to take "Nutkin" home and each child made a video about their adventures.
Check out Nutkin's Blog for GREAT examples of how students as young as FIVE can use technology. Keep in mind this was (way) back in 2007! Imagine what they can do with today's technology!!
So, I hope this helps you see some fun ways you can combine digital photos with various technology tools to help keep students engaged and learning!
I hope my book arrives soon so I can officially join the book study! ;-)

11 comments:

Fran Kramer said...

Oh my gosh this was such a fantastic post. I loved reading all the ways you have gone digital in your classroom. I think it personalizes teaching in such an important way. This has been so much fun and I hope other people read this. I want to try some of your ideas in the future. i love the idea of taking a picture of students with their families. That makes me want to cry. Technology really does rock!
Fran

Cindy said...

Fran,
Thanks for checking this out. I know there's a LOT here, but hopefully it will spark something in another teacher that makes them more willing to try something new! ;-)

Vanessa Levin @pre-kpages.com said...

Welcome aboard Cindy, we're so excited you are joining our book study! You will be a great resource for our readers! Your Pete the Cat video was fantastic- I'm going to share that post on my FB page, too cute!!!
Vanessa @pre-kpages.com
Join the Teaching in the Digital Age Book Study Blog Party

Cindy said...

Hi Vanessa,
Thanks! I am excited to be a part of the book study. I hope my book arrives soon. ;-)
I look forward to sharing the bits and pieces that I know. My kids LOVED the day they got to wear their FAVORITE SHOES! ;-) Thanks for posting on FB.
I look forward to the book study.

Sue said...

I love your post. I just order the book! I am looking forward to reading more.

Sue

The Very Busy Kindergarten

Tamera Wilson said...

I just found your blog! I too, love using photos in the classroom. One management, way I use their photos is for attendance & signing up for lunch.

I need a new camera, though. 1 of mine is beginning to take blurry photos & I cannot find the cord to my best camera. :( Hoping it will pop up before I fork out the money to purchase a new cord.

Stop by sometime.
:)
Tamera
http://myheartbelongsinfirst.blogspot.com

Karen @ PreKinders.com said...

I'm glad you're joining the book study! Great post, love the ideas you've done with your class!

Cindy said...

Thanks Sue. I am looking forward to getting the book too. ;-)

Cindy said...

Tanera,
I don't know if you'll see this or not, (I didn't find an email address for you on your blog)...but if you're looking for a cord to download photos, you may be ale to bypass that by getting a memory card reader. Walmart has them for less than $9. Stick the memory card in the reader and then put the reader in your USB port on your computer. Also, it can help your memory card serve as a jump drive, You can store files on there too! ;-)
Hope this helps!

grace said...

I HAVE to get the book! I'm moving to a new school with a good bit of technology...I need some creative ideas to take with me! Love the use of digital cameras...I have little flip camera and will need to get a decent digital camera for my new classroom

Pics of my new school are here:

https://www.facebook.com/mymonarch

Will keep following the book study...you ladies are so smart!
Riley :)

Cindy said...

WOW Riley, what a BEAUTIFUL school!!! Yes, definitely keep following along we'll all learn from one another!