Update on new computers.

The new computer a in and we found one new monitor not to work.  So that is in my garage to return.  But the technology department had an old monitor to use so the computer is up and running.

Item 1 - Students were running to the new laptops to get there first.  So we numbered the computers and figured on the correct way to have the students around the room and now ther rush is over.  We will move the students to the computer on the left at the start of each week.

Item 2 - Usage - The computers have been used often last week.
Language Arts 6 - The students wrote their I am poems on google presentation.  For each of the 16 lines they inserted a picture.  They they used the smart board to give their presentations.  It was a wonderful project.

Language Arts 7/8 - here the students used the I am poem but to write it as if they were Brian from the book Hatchet.  It went great. The students had such good ideas.  Again they used google presentations and pictures for each of the 19 slides.  I felt it was a great use of technology.  We videod their presentation so they will have a copy of that and next week I hope to put their presentations on the web sites.

Social Studies 6/7 - My students each reported on a Renissance artist.  They found information on the web and then picked 3 pictures or works of art to talk about.  They used google presentation and the smart board as well.  These were video taped as well.  I could really see a difference from my students who do this each week in my language arts class and to those who this was their first project.  I did not explain it in detail because so many of my students are in my Language arts classes so I need to do better next time.

Math 6/7/8 - My students have been viewing videos from Next Vista for Learning on Careers and using the web site Who Do You Want 2B to work on their career project.  They are to write up a resume, fill out two job applications and write a review on three career videos.

Item 3 - The computers - two are using XP pro and are faster than the old computers in my room.  But the two new HP laptops using Windows 7 Pro are great.  I will obtain feedback from my students and take pictures as well.