Anne Mirtschin's Comments

Hi Anne,

We would be working with your 7-12 year students in Information and Communication technology. I've been reading your blog and have been amazed by all the things you do! We'd be using blogs, wikis, social networking-- the standard Web 2.0 toolkit. Is it possible that we can communicate by regular email? Write me at worldmindnetwork@gmail.com.

Thanks!

Sarah

Hi,
In response about the future of textbooks, I would like to think that most schools (at all levels) would turn to using online textbooks. If necessary, I am sure textbooks could be translated into a student’s native language.
Since most students can find the information online, textbooks should only be used as an introduction to the topics. Of course, we need to make sure students know where to find the creditable and reliable information.

Having online textbooks would also help save some trees. Rather than buying new textbooks, which can weigh down those backpacks, having online access would prevent the school and parents from replacing lost, stolen, or damaged books.

The problem with online textbooks is with those students who do not have internet access at home, and or, from the lack of computers available in a school. Especially, where there are high numbers of people in low socioeconomic school districts. The money is not there for regular equipment, much less for enough computers for most classrooms.
For online classes, most of which I think are still in the postsecondary levels should not require any one to buy a hardcopy of a textbook. Students can buy access numbers, which would be much cheaper than buying a hard copy, in order to use the required textbook. In addition, it would save the hassle of trying to get rid of the textbook after completing the class. I have plenty of books that I cannot get rid of because they are either outdated or not being used anymore by the professor.

Thank you. I was just at my local Office Max. I stood in the isle with both software in my hands, trying to choose. I could not. I'm still a babe in the woods and I am learning as I go. I am so thankful that I stumbled upon this site through twitter. I have had to blaze my own trail, as I do not have a support system in a small private school. I am in an industry that does not yet see the need for technology in the classroom.

Hi Anne - explore some of my websites to see examples. We videoconference with veterans from World War II, Korea & Vietnam; do several local, state, national and international projects every year; interview authors, connect to content providers etc. I serve 70 schools with videoconferencing and our website is here: http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/ - and I also blog about videoconferencing - www.vcoutonalim.org - right now I'm blogging a lot about technical stuff because school isn't in session and we're gearing up - but once school starts I blog more about the classroom interactions. You can browse the tabs at the top of my blog - especially the Marzano tab with my latest thinking about instructional formats. This will give you a start. If you want even more info, I teach two online classes about VC in the curriculum as well - www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/picc and www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/k2k - and I'm on twitter - www.twitter.com/outonalim where I post mostly only about videoconferencing. This should give you a start. Feel free to ask more questions. :)

Thanks, Anne. This project is so great, but I would need a year to prepare for it. It is pretty extensive. I am just hoping I can connect with another class for a shorter commitment....

Hi Anne, I look forward to learning a lot through Classroom 2.0. I've been clicking on different topics and checking out discussions... There is so much. It can be a little overwhelming. Do you have any suggestions on where to start?

Anne I am overwhelmed. I registered for wikispace a but I don't know where to start. I wanted to add a page for each of my class. Will they be able to access and add to the page. I have what is called Bellwork where they answer the question of the day and earn daily points. This would be great if they can do it on the wikipage so that I can see first hand if they are understanding what I am teaching them. Your feedback would be appreciated. thank you

Hi Anne! Thanks for the sweet comments. Yes, I have already started taking the tour of classroom2.0 and I am really impressed by the wealth of tips and information here! I am sure I will be addicted to this place. I have also started reading some of the great tips on your page. I am really glad you like my weblog and I will submit a link to it here as soon as more content is added to it. See you soon

Thanks, Anne! I already asked my first question and got a very helpful response about blogging (via direct email), even before I was an accepted member of CR2.0. This may the answer to this tech newbie's prayers!

Hello Anne. I look forward to learning tons here. Thanks.

Hi Anne. Thanks for the welcome. I would love to collaborate on the weather project. We spend the 1st nine weeks concentrating on that (from Aug. til Oct. or so). You have me curious. What is the "sheet" app.? I'm clearly not familiar with all of the Google apps./tools. I'm hoping to get into a prof. dev. course in a couple weeks that will cover them, but it is technically "closed". I'm going to walk in and hope someone doesn't show up. ;) Let's definitely figure out a collaborative plan. I will be working with 5th grade students. What grade level will you be working with?

Thanks! I look forward to enjoy the collaboration of other teachers around the world.

Thank you very much. I will def look into it.

Hi Anne,
Thank you so much for connecting with me. I just reviewed your powerpoint and other information on creating a classroom blog. What an exciting way for kids to connect with others throughout the globe. You have me inspired!
Keep in touch, Renae
PS. I'm new to skyping...Will have to check it out....

Hi,
Thanks for your response. I am looking forward to learning how to connect my classroom to the real world from the pros! I'll start by checking out your ppt presentation on web 2.0.

Thanks Anne! I hope to get a few people interested in using Skype with my class too. I think that Skype would provide an awesome learning opportunity for my students. Have a great week!

Thanks for the welcome!! Looking forward to exploring the site more and more!!

Thanks Ann,
I am already prepping for next year. I have enlisted the help of our librarian and as soon as I find out who our new principal is, I will start a conversation about the possiblities of Web 2.0. Hopefully he/she will be open minded This is going to be fun.

Thanks so much for the help - I feel like I'm continuously learning how to better influence people in my school and having friends via PLNs with resources like you helps. I'll search assessment on this Ning. I appreciate you helping find out how to participate well using this Ning.