No, I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth.  I’ve just been really busy as well as taking some time for myself!  In the last three weeks I’ve actually finished reading FIVE books for my own enjoyment – no professional titles and only one YA novel in the bunch!  High five for me!

Besides that, what I wanted to share is what I’ve been doing for the last week or so.  I’ve been having an interesting time seeing what it’s like (sort of) from a “real” teacher’s point of view.*  I’ve been given a pull-out class to administer this semester.  Pull-out is a 30 minute “class” four times a week that all of our students are assigned – but aren’t graded.  Student placement in classes is based on data: grade level, HSAP, MAP, student surveys, grades, etc.   All grade levels focus to some extent on English, writing, and math skills (remediation and/or accelerated materials)  In addition, Freshman work on End-of-Course exam materials, Sophomores work on HSAP (high school exit exam) materials, and Juniors/Seniors work on college and/or career interests (college essay writing, resume’ writing, job interview skills, etc).

I’ve been assigned a group of 14 Sophomore students.  They were all given (or are currently finishing) benchmark assessments using USATestPrep.com.  The assessments analyzes their strengths/weaknesses in math and English allowing me/them to identify the standards where they need to focus their remediation efforts.  The students complete activities targeting their weaknesses using the USATestPrep.com program.  My job is to set their weekly goals and focus activities, monitor their progress, and assist wherever needed.   I also see my job as to act as a mentor – encourage them and let them know that I’m there to help them be successful in not only HSAP preparation, but to help them be successful in their other classes as well – find them the help they need if I can’t provide it myself.

There is student resistance to the pull-out program – mostly in that they don’t grasp the concept of doing well on these practice activities and remediation activities will help them on their EOC and HSAP exams as well as improve their reading, writing, and math skills.**  However, despite grumblings, the students are adjusting and haven’t given me any problems.  I think they have been shocked that I have individualize their efforts instead of just thrown them onto the program willy nilly – as I have observed previous teachers doing in the past.  But I’m not under the illusion that it will always be smooth sailing.  They will get tired quickly of doing the same routine over and over – USATestPrep.com practice/quizzes/test.  The other Sophomore teachers and I are meeting tomorrow to discuss ways of increasing student “buy in” through competition between our classes, posting student/class progress in the hallway, and possible rewards for  students/classes that show marked improvement.

So, that’s what I’ve been up to lately.  Hope you don’t mind my rambling.  More Odds & Ends post to come soon (I hope!)

_______________________

*Just to clarify, while I hold a teaching certificate and have taken the requisite courses, I have never been a “classroom” teacher.  Sometimes I feel this leaves me at a disadvantage, however, I feel confident that I have the ability to teach my students the skills they need to be successful in life.  Just don’t ask me to move to a classroom.  <grin>

**You may be asking why we’ve chosen to implement the pull-out program.  We cannot offer traditional tutoring before/after school due to 85% of our students rely on bus transportation.  We have no funding to provide transportation for after-school tutoring.  We can only help the students while we have them there during the school day.  This meant coming up with an alternative tutoring option: our pull-out program.

Photo credit: Heather Loy! And no, it has nothing to do with this post – I just liked it!  Its the view from my back deck using a neat iPhone app called Pano that quickly and easily allows you to take panoramic photos.

This is a little late seeing as the list was released months ago, but here are the Top 25 Websites for Teaching and Learning per the American Association of School Librarians.  Please be sure to visit the direct link to view how each resource supports the AASL Standards for 21st Century Learning as well as ideas on how to incorporate them into your curriculum.  For my teachers convenience, I’ve indicated which sites are open or blocked by our district.

Animoto (open) – turn your photos into music videos.

Classroom 2.0 (blocked) – “… the social network for those interested in Web 2.0 and collaborative technologies in education.”

Curriki (open) – a collaborative lesson plan sharing community.

Diigo (blocked) – access, organize, and share your bookmarks without being tied to a specific computer!  Mine can be found under hloy22, but I haven’t make the conversion to Diigo – I still use Delicious (blocked), also as hloy22.

Edublogs (open) – free blogging platform for teachers and students – and the one I’m using now!

Facebook (blocked) – do I really need to try and explain what Facebook is to you guys?  A popular social networking site to communicate and connect with your friends and family.

Good Reads (open) – a social network for bibliophiles.

Google Reader (blocked) – tired of visiting your favorite websites only to see they haven’t been updated in a while?  Why not use Google Reader to visit those sites for you and gather the data in one place.

Mindmeister for middle/high school students or Bubble.us for elementary students (both open) – online mind mapping tools.

Ning (blocked) – you can create your own online social networking site and/or join others already created.  For example, Classroom 2.0 is a Ning.

Our Story (blocked) – “Save stories, photos, and videos on a collaborative timeline.”

Partnership for 21st Century Skills (open) – “The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is a national organization that advocates for the integration of skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and communication into the teaching of core academic subjects such as mathematics, reading, science and history.”

Polleverywhere (open) – online survey maker.

Primary Access (open) – “PrimaryAccess is a suite of free online tools that allows students and teachers to use primary source documents to complete meaningful and compelling learning activities with digital movies, storyboards, rebus stories and other online tools.”

RezED (blocked) – “… the online hub for practitioners using virtual worlds, offering access to the highest quality resources and research in the field to establish a strong network of those using virtual worlds for learning.”

Second Life (blocked) – an extremely popular online virtual world.

Simply Box (blocked) – not familiar with this one, but apparently you “capture” websites or portions of websites and organize them visually.  You can share them with others, too!

Skype (blocked) – “Can you hear me? Skype is a basic and easy-to-use service that offers free voice, video calls, conference calls, instant messaging and group instant messaging. Download the software; connect to the Internet and you’re good to go.”  My Skype username is also hloy22.

SOS for Information Literacy (open) – “… a dynamic web-based multimedia resource that includes lesson plans, handouts, presentations, videos and other resources to enhance the teaching of information literacy.”

Teacher Tube (open) – school appropriate YouTube alternative with educational videos.

Twitter (blocked) – a social networking site where you communicate with your friends and family in 140 characters or less.  Allows for quick updates and/or sharing of ideas/resources.  My Twitter id is @heatherloy.

VoiceThread (open) – think, interactive PowerPoint.

Wikispaces (blocked) – collaborative sharing space/community.

Wordle (open) – create word clouds from text and see what words/phrases are used more frequently.  You can also create custom word clouds.

Zoho (open) – “Zoho offers an all-in-one online collaborative package; it provides online tools from mail and presentations to notebooks and wikis, with many tools in between.”

Disclaimer – the sites I’ve indicated as “open” in my district only apply to the first page of the site.  Any site that requires a login has the potential of being blocked when you dig deeper into the site (ex: Zoho individual resources are probably going to be blocked.)

WARNING: Extremely LONG post ahead.

There has been a lot of chatter from folks in my PLN over which ebook reader is the best option. Here is some of the most recent comments via Twitter:

twitter ebook discussion

Here’s a direct link to @technolibrary’s (Carolyn Foote) Not So Distant Future blog post regarding ebook readers.  

I’ve been corresponding with @booklover472 (Fran Bullington) for quite some time now about ebook readers and just had an email chat with her and @cathyjo (Cathy Nelson) where I gave some of my opinions on the matter and they suggested I write up a post.  In @booklover472’s words:  “Many of us are considering purchasing an eBook reader at some point in the future and having the input of a knowledgeable colleague is priceless!”

Now I don’t know how “priceless” my insights might be, especially since I only have considerable working knowledge with one reader, but I said I’d give it a shot.

Background:

I purchased my Sony eReader PRS-505SC in late 2007 (November or December I think as it was a gift to myself!)  I had been wanting one FOREVER as I didn’t like reading ebooks on my desktop computer and my Gateway laptop had this funny quirk of only working when plugged in, but if you jiggled the cord even a LITTLE, it would freeze.  So frustrating when you’re in the middle of reading!  Anyway, the Kindle had just come out, but comparing it to Sony showed that Sony’s supported more formats.  This is from the PDF spec sheet for my model:

Media Formats Supported
Unsecured Text: BBeB Book, TXT, RTF, ePub, Adobe® PDF10 , Microsoft® Word (Conversion to the Reader-requires Word installed on your PC)
DRM Text: BBeB Book (Marlin) Unsecured Audio: MP3 and AAC7 Image: JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP

Of course, it doesn’t support audiobooks and the image files are all black and white because it IS an eInk reader, but it still was better than the Kindle according to the data I had at the time and I didn’t buy it as a digital picture album but to read books!

At the time I bought my Sony the only way to load books was to use a PC and download from the Sony Reader Store.  And all books purchased from the store were DRM BBeB format, meaning you can’t read them on another device except your Sony eReader or through the Sony Reader Library on your PC.  Having converted to a Mac about this same time (late January 2008) this meant I had to go to a PC to purchase my books from Sony OR use a different ebook retailer with ePub format ebooks and use a third party program to transfer the files to my Reader and/or an SD card.  Thankfully, the folks over at the Dear Author blog introduced me to Calibre an ebook management cataloging system that also manages transfers of files to/from your ebook reader.  (This is an AWESOME program and a post for another time!)

Of course there have been two major updates since I purchased my eReader: Sony created a Mac version of the Sony Reader Library and just recently converted their ebooks to ePub formats that will allow you to read them on other readers.  I think this last one was a major improvement for Sony as it potentially could bring in more buyers if their ebook prices are lower/comparable to other ebook retailers. Update 12/30/09: I contacted Sony’s customer service and was informed that even though they moved to ePub formats, the ebooks can still only be downloaded on Sony eReader devices.  So much for my theory that they were widening their ebook market.  Bummer! There are also new models that have touch screen navigation, allow for highlighting/notes, as well as wireless/3G purchasing of books.  These all seem to be the same selling points on the Kindle and the new B&N Nook.

What I like about my eReader:

My Sony eReader

eInk screen – The one thing I didn’t like about reading on my laptop/desktop was that if I stared at the screen too long (reading!) I would get eye strain. With the eInk screen, it truly is like reading on paper.

portable - The size of the reader is perfect – just slightly taller & wider than a normal mass market paperback, but a WHOLE lot slimmer!  It doesn’t weigh any more than a paperback, either.

ease of use – The ability to hold and read the reader in one hand.  The location of the page buttons also makes it easy to turn the page with the hand holding the device.  Great for multitasking, such as eating while reading <grin>  Also, you can lay the reader flat or prop it up against something and not have to worry about holding it open to read the pages, like you would in a book.

bookmarking - The ability to place multiple bookmarks in an ebook file.  Also, I can “continue reading” without having to even bookmark.

memory card slots - As I mentioned above, the reader has an SD card slot as well as a slot for a Memory Stick Duo.  I’ve only used the SD slot.

menu options – you can choose/view your ebook lists by author, title, date downloaded, or view collections.  You can also choose by bookmarks.

text size – you can choose small, medium, or large text sizes.  Sometimes the original text sizes (particularly in PDF files) are way too small.  The ability to enlarge the text is wonderful.

portrait or landscape mode – You can view your page in portrait or landscape mode.  This is also great for PDF files.  As mentioned before, sometimes the text on them is way too small even when you use the large text size setting.  If you turn the page to landscape, the text enlarges even more.

made of metal - the device is made of metal, unlike the Kindle which is plastic.  I made a comment to @booklover472 that I’ve dropped my eReader a time or two and it’s been none the worse for it.  I just don’t see the Kindle holding up to that without cracking it’s plastic case.  Granted, I’ve been lucky to have either not dropped it from too high a distance and/or dropping it on carpet.

download ebooks from your public library – If you’re lucky enough to live in a county that purchases ebooks for loaning, you can borrow books from them.  My public library hasn’t begun offering them as yet, but our upstate does (Spartanburg and Charlotte areas).

Holy V8 Moment Batman! I just read on the FAQ section of the Sony site that you can authorize up to 6 devices to your ebook account!!!!  I NEVER knew this.  If this means what I think it means, you can have up to 6 people reading the same book??!!!  I would love to test this out.  I knew I could authorize multiple computers, but I didn’t know I could authorize more than one device!  If I hadn’t been talking with @booklover472 about the Kindle allowing up to 6 devices, I never would have thought to go see if Sony had any written limitations or authorizations on how many devices you could load your ebooks to!

What I dislike about my eReader:

eInk screen - you have to have a light source since there is no backlight!  Of course, if I was reading an actual physical book, I’d need a light source, too, so this isn’t that big a deal.

slow to load – if you overfill the memory, regardless if it’s the SD card or internal, then it takes FOREVER for the eReader to turn on.  Sometimes I’ve even had to use the reset button multiple times to get the thing to turn on.  Solution, use multiple SD cards and/or only keep your current ebooks on it and switch them out as needed.  I do a little of both.  I have multiple SD cards with “collections” on them as well as keep a few favorites/currents on the eReader itself.  Since using this method, I’ve not had a problem getting the unit to turn on.

Update: forgot to mention here that “overfill” means I had more than 600 ebooks between the device’s memory and the SD card.  Removing the SD card helped, leading me to the conclusion that the device had problems loading that many books!  That’s when I split up the books over multiple SD cards.

Sony Reader Library Software – I HATE the Sony Reader Store/Software you have to download to your computer.  It is slow to load the store portion.  However, it isn’t any different than using iTunes (which the iTunes store is also SLOW)  I just don’t understand why I have to download software to purchase ebooks.  Why can’t they sell and download from the Internet (like Audible.com) and have just the library on your computer?  Browsing the ebook store online on the Sony site is FAST but you can’t purchase and/or download from it – only see what books they have for sale.  Browsing via the Reader Library software is SLOW and frequently times out.

No A/C power adapter included - You have to purchase an adapter as an accessory – another $30+ added to the eReader price.  Not nice Sony <frowning face here>  Also, the location of the adapter hookup on the eReader is smack dab in the middle of the bottom of the eReader.  That is a horrible location when you’re trying to read and charge the device at the same time.  Would have liked it to have been located on the side of the device or at least on one of the bottom corners instead.

Standard cover - the standard cover that comes with the eReader is horrible.  Thin with plastic tabs that hold the reader in place.  I don’t like to read with the cover on as it isn’t comfortable in my hand.  After taking the eReader out of the cover a few times I just knew one of the times I’d break the tab.  Then I found these covers.  Not only are there slots for SD cards, the “tabs” at the top are elastic so I don’t worry when I pull the reader out of the case.  It is also thicker (more padding) and has a flap to keep it closed.  You can find the cases at M-Edge.

Miscellaneous Thoughts:

In case you haven’t guessed by now from my other posts, I have a tech gadget obsession and more recently an Apple obsession.  I recently purchased an iPhone – Verizon buying out Alltel pushed me over the edge and I HAD to switch carriers because of that, so why not get what I wanted!?  Anyway, I downloaded the Kindle iPhone app so I could take advantage of the free Kindle ebooks Amazon occasionally offers.  As much as I love my iPhone, I wont be using it as an ebook reader.  The screen is too small, meaning I have to “page” frequently as I’m a relatively fast reader.  Also, eye strain!  And last, the phone gets hot and the battery drains quickly if you read for long stretches at a time.

I’ve only seen/handled the Kindle for a short amount of time – and that was (I believe) one of the first generation Kindles, so I can’t knowledgeably provide a comparison, only to say it was only slightly less heavy than the Sony, but it “felt” “cheaper” – less substantial.  I was afraid I’d break it.  I also didn’t like the keyboard on the bottom.  It was clunky in my hand and I was definitely not impressed. The only thing that impressed me was the lady who had it was able to download books immediately.  We were at a conference and they were announcing this years SC Young Adult Book Award Nominees and she was able to download the ones that had Kindle editions right then and there.  That was impressive.

I also cannot comment upon the Nook.  I’ve not seen one or held one in person – only read about it online.  I would love to test drive one out, though!  What I’m REALLY waiting for is the rumored Apple Tablet as well as the Plastic Logic reader I read about ages ago and that never seems to actually be released.

PS: In case you were wondering, the other ebook retailers I use besides Sony are  Fictionwise and Books On Board. Also, here are two other posts over at Dear Author that have some interesting takes on eReader devices and comparisons:  To Buy or Not to Buy: The eReader Dilemma & Comparison Table of eReading Devices.

Well, almost a month ago now we had our Technical Assistance Visit for High Schools That Work.  It’s hard to believe it’s been that long ago.  I’ve been taking a much needed break after the mad scramble to prepare for TAV and the following weeks SACS visit to decompress.  I’m pleased to report that both visits went well.  Lots of positive feedback and constructive comments for areas of improvement – although nothing of a surprise there.

Anyway, I ready to get back to sharing the many wonderful resources I’ve been collecting.  So here goes:

NYTimes.com: “A Closer Look at Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol“ – The New York Times has photographed and posted online the full manuscript of this Christmas classic.  There is also a contest for readers to select what they think is the most interesting edit.

BBC.com: Wildlife Finder – “Wildlife Finder gives you access to an ever growing catalogue of BBC natural history programmes, with video clips from series such as: Planet Earth, Blue Planet, Life on Earth, Natural World, the Nature of Britain and many more.”

Guardian: “Secret second world ware aerial images go online” - “23 November 2009: The Aerial Reconnaissance Archive (Tara) of historic second world war photographs is available online to the public from today. Tara includes around 10 million declassified aerial reconnaissance photographs from sorties flown by Allied aircraft during and immediately after the war, and images taken by Luftwaffe aircraft, which were seized by the British at Hitler’s mountain retreat, Berchtesgaden”

BBC Audiobook: The Twitter Audiobook – “Hearts, Keys and Puppetry” - Interesting idea.  I’ve downloaded the chapters and am looking forward to listening to them on my drive into work next week.

Hearts, Keys, and Puppetry

By Neil Gaiman and the Twitterverse

Narrated by Katherine Kellgren

“Sam was brushing her hair when the girl in the mirror put down the hairbrush, smiled, and said, “We don’t love you anymore.”

So began the Twitter Audio project, with a dazzling first line penned byNew York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman. What followed was an epic tale of imaginary lands, magical objects, haunting melodies, plucky sidekicks, menacing villains and much more. From mystical blue roses to enchanted mirrors to pesky puppets, this classic fable was born from the collective creativity of more than one hundred contributors via the social network Twitter.com in a groundbreaking literary experiment. Together, virtual strangers crafted a rollicking story of a young girl’s journey with love, forgiveness, and acceptance.