Welcome to the sixth grade technology blog - your source for what is, was, and will be happening in our classroom. To receive email notifications of blog updates please fill in your email address in the space to the right under "Follow by Email." You will also notice tabs above for each class (a drop down menu if you are viewing on a smart phone). We will be using these pages to post videos and pictures specific to each class.
Here at Kinkaid, there is a wave of new students and faces in sixth grade. Getting to know someone by first name is of utmost importance; this connection is the basis for establishing a personal relationship with students, friends, and colleagues. With so many new faces and names this can be a daunting task, so I will teach the students a fun little game using alliteration and repetition that will enable the class to learn everyone's name very quickly. I was excited to run across an episode of Brain Games this summer where they explained the science behind why games like this actually work. Here's a link to the clip: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/brain-games/videos/name-game/
After an introduction to Veracross where you and your child can access schedules, grades, and assignments, we will be going over the syllabus and Computer Use Policy. A digital copy of the syllabus will then be emailed home. Please take the time to read over this and the Computer Use Policy in the Student Handbook. At the bottom of the form you and your child will need to electronically sign and then submit the form.
Our first project, "Word of Mouth," will build upon having learned each other's names by giving the students a chance to share a bit more about themselves. Using QR codes, Photo Booth, Photoshop, and YouTube, students will create interactive posters of themselves that share their likes, hobbies, and why they love Kinkaid (if they are new, they will share what excites them about being new to Kinkaid). If you don't have an app that scans QR codes you may want to get one - there are tons of free ones - as this will enable you to see for yourself the final product.
We'll then transition into an overview of Google Drive and its many features. Using their Kinkaid Google email account, students will be able to collaborate with classmates, receive feedback on assignments electronically, create a blog, post videos for assignments to Youtube, and much more.
So excited to be here and share my passion for technology with your children! Here we go...
