More Moodle

Moodle is quickly replacing the age old blackboard system.  There are several "free" tools out there that teachers and students can utilize to collaborate and contribute transparently with daily coursework.  Moodle has quickly become my personal tool of choice for hosting courses, promoting participation and collaboration amongst student and adult learners.  Here are a few helpful links for those starting out with Moodle or just looking to refine some Moodle skills.

Considerations for Implementing Moodle: http://www.mguhlin.org/2009/02/moodle-habitudes-constructing-online.html

2 Minute Moodle Tutorials: http://human.edublogs.org/moodle-tutorials-2-minute-moodles/

I have to admit I was a self-taught Moodler and I could have used some of these sites and tips.  Please feel free to share your experience(s) with Moodle.

Lessons Learned with Response Systems in a Real Classroom

The past few weeks I have been working with teachers using the Smart Student Responders  or formally known as The Senteo Student Response System. 


As always the SmartTech website has been a valuable resource for tutorials, resources, and easy handouts to assist with setting up specific Smart features.  Specifically under the teacher resources the Senteo Interactive site provides handouts and resources for setting up the Smart Student Response System in your classroom.


Here are some lessons learned with using Student Response Systems in the Real Classroom.
Start with the Basics: Test out the response system in short stints with and without students.  Don't push to use the response system immediately to collect data.  There is a novelty for the teacher and the learner when first using the system.  This novelty and coolness will wear off as you play with the basic components.

Don't Reinvent the Wheel:  This is a common rule with anything in education.  Odds are there is already something out there created and posted on the internet.  Modify to meet your classroom and content needs.  Try the Senteo Question Bank 
 

Use Your Personel:  You are not the only one trying something new nor are you the only one that needs help and support.   Seek out someone at your school site and/or district that can support your needs with your new "tool".  Start now, suggest some additional strategies and resources to this blog!

Add your comments and suggestions for integrating student response systems.