Leigh Newton's Page

Hi.. I am new to Classroom 2.0 and thrilled to have stumbled across it. Excited about the prospects of connecting with other elementary tech teachers around World. Looking forward to sharing ideas and improving my skills as an elementary teacher.

I would like to know where you bought those computer tables/desks?

Hi Leigh. Life has been a bit hectic for me for the last couple of months but luckily nice changes happen and I'm quite positive about it.:) I will start teaching at Aci Schools, in Etiler- you might be familiar with the name. They're fallowing the Enlish Curriculum in English lessons.
About the video games and developing language skills; this is quite an iteresting field and I'm impressed by the power of such a tool in developing especially the vocabulary. I remember one of my course mates in my masters class wrote a paper on the topic. Soon, I'll have a student, 10-11 years old, whom I will start teaching privately. I'm thinking of using Sims with her. I would love to share my experiences with you in time. By ten, I want to do some reading and searching on the matter. I will be very pleased if you could share your knowledge and experience with video games, as well. It'd be enlightening.:)

Leigh,
I chose not to post this in the thread (Promethean vs SMART) as I didn't want to sound as if I were selling anything. You may post if you feel it warrants it. Funny that you mentioned the glass table from the Bond movie. SMART has jumped out to lead the technology sector again with the introduction of our SMART Table (http://www.smarttech.com/table). This is the world's first multi-user, multi-touch table that is specifically designed for education.
A lot of pedagogical research went into the design of this table that is geared for ages 4-9 and all of the activities that have been developed are created to foster collaboration and communication amongst the users. While this particular product is geared for Pre-K and Early elementary, the underlying technology can be scaled up as needed based on what the education field states they want. The biggest challenge is our hardware has outpaced the software industry. Very few applications are A. multi-touch and B. promote the collaborative aspect of where we envision education going.

Anyway, you said you love this type of stuff, just thought I'd throw this one your way:)
Also, there is a video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_FRmYXtneQ

chris

Hi Leigh, sorry I was so late in responding to your friend request. HOpe your Christmas / New Year season was peaceful and happy.

Thanks for the iboard discussion Leigh, I found the posts very informative.

If I happen to meet her, I will!
It's probable here in Istanbul, you know. Especially in the community of English teachers.:)

Thank you very much for your comments and support Leigh. I hope that the project will continue to develop. Unfortunately, it's the last day of the academic term here, tomorrow. But as soon as the next term starts in September, I intend to do some extension activities with my students. Besides, I would like to attend the annual Autumn Teachers Conference, here at Robert College, to share what we've experienced and achieved through the Lunch Box Project. I'm grateful to Jess for the idea, really! So, I believe this experience will guide us all in our future activities and collaboration.

Hey Leigh

I saw your post a few weeks back on Primary reading andthought
this maybe of use

Jim

http://www.johnsesl.com/scrambler/sent_scr/scr_sent.html