But then there is a little (and I mean tiny) breather. Exam time. Wrap up Semester 1 and get ready for Semester 2.
What are you going to do differently in Semester 2? Is there a new technology tool that you would like to try with your students? How about learn how to use Markbook more effectively to reduce the amount of paper that you carry around?
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Use Markbook to communicate with students and parents.
In the first few days of semester 2, start collecting student and parent email addresses and enter them into Markbook. From then on, you can email students and parents mark updates and classroom updates.
2. Explore YouTube.
There are millions of short videos/animations that can be used in class to support concepts being taught. If you are frustrated with the comments and 'strange' videos that pop up at the end of video, take a minute to look at Shafeshare.tv--a great site that 'cleans up' YouTube videos for viewing in the classroom.
Before:
After:
3. Create a Google Calendar for your class.
In this calendar, you can post test dates, lesson topics and attach files. The best thing about using the Google Calendar (as opposed to the Moodle Calendar), is you can share this calender with all your students; your teaching team and parents. It is easily modifiable and very user friendly. It will also email calendar alerts to you and your students!
If you would like to learn how to use any of these tools, please feel free to email me and book a Tech Session. I am available Period 2, 3 and 5 and anytime over the exam period.
