Interwrite reflection

Our PD session on using Interwrite went really well. It was a great idea to start with a challenge where teachers had to tick off when they had successfully completed each challenge.
We then moved into three groups. Each group had a different focus and learning outcomes. The group that I worked with learnt how to save an interwrite file, take a capture of a photo from the Internet, and duplicate a photo.
I use interwrite alot in maths, whole class and group work, where chn share their thinking. We use both the modelling book and the teaching station (interwite) to model thinking. This ensures more than child is sharing their thinking and I can keep track with where chn are at in the learning process.
This work can then get printed off for modelling books or learning logs or the classroom wall.

My next steps:

• I really would like to get chn in class to create their own Interwrite activities for other chn to work on. 
• the youtube clips I found were really useful so I might see if I can find some more 

Puppetpals

An update to my previous puppetpals post (which can be found here) http://marcellesjourney.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/ipod-update-1.html

The app Puppetpals,which is on our ipod touch, is going so well. I am having chn ask (about 5 times a day) if they can make a puppetpals show. My new philosophy is to always say "Yes" to chn wanting to express their creativity by using the range of web2tools I have taught them how to use. I also have chn asking to post maths in their blogs, make numerous comments on blogs and use the ipod to create a movie.

Puppetpals started off by being used to create narrative plays/shows which was fine because it brought out the creative storytelling side of my class. Now when they ask to make a puppetpal show I ask them to link it to something they are learning or have learnt. Some of their ideas have been; our no wrap Wednesdays, retelling a reading book, healthy lunches....

Here is an example of a puppetpal show.
http://leahroom1.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/my-movie.html

My goals;

• to use this app as a set task in reading groups 
• link learning outcomes with the final product
• ensure all chn are having the chance of using it

Using the easispeak in the classroom

The easispeak is working so well in class at the moment. I have children using it to remember what they want to write about. They record a sentence then write it and then record again. It's so easy for children to use.
Children have also recorded their mihis on it and then uploaded them to their blog. We have retold a maori legend in parts and then put it together on windows moviemaker with our art work.
We have 2 easispeaks per syndicate so I have been able to use 2 at a time in class to speed up the recording and uploading time.
I use a programme called audioboo to upload the sound file straight from the easispeak and then embed on a blog. I have a trained a few auidoboo experts which makes it easier to manage.