Mr. Ruggeri's Blog

Edmodo in the Classroom Prezi (Pitch to teachers)

2011-09-28T22:36:00.000-04:00

Edmodo in the Classroom Prezi (Pitch to teachers)

HotChalk Lesson Plans

2011-08-30T14:56:00.000-04:00

With the new school year upon us, it's time to begin providing resources I come across from time to time that teachers may fine useful. I'll begin this year with an interesting web-based application called HotChalk. So what is HotChalk? It's a collection of lesson plans (Sponsored by Chiquita Banana) covering preschool through high school developed to assist educators of all types. Although you don't need to sign up for a free account, you might find it advantageous. Lots of good lesson ideas filtered by grade level. Visit the website or take a look at the video below.

Digital Natives and Apathy

2011-01-25T09:07:00.001-05:00

For my recent graduate course, I was select a topic I had an interest in and present my findings. One of the tools I used was to create an interactive VoiceThread as a way to engage the class.

Social Media Stats

2011-01-23T09:06:00.002-05:00

Take a look at these stats related to how social networking has become an important element in our digital world.

What does it mean to be literate in the 21st century?

2010-11-14T13:16:00.000-05:00

So, what does it mean to be literate in the 21st century? Take a look at this video to see if you have similar thoughts regarding technology in the classroom.

2010-10-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

Teaching in the 21st Century: We will have to examine how we teach to enhance student learning in our digital world.

Learn to Change, Change to Learn

2010-10-03T16:35:00.001-04:00

An interesting video that was used in my grad class

"Chance Favors the Connected Mind"

2010-09-25T11:04:00.002-04:00

We all know that collaboration helps in the formation of good ideas, but this exceptional video from writer Steven Johnson explains why it works.

The Way We Were?

2010-09-22T18:15:00.001-04:00

Here's an interesting group of quotes. Read the first page in it's entirety then look at the next page for an interesting surprise. Hmm...Follow this link for PDF and leave a comment of your thoughts

Harvard Study Finds Teens Online Lack Ethics

2010-09-22T17:58:00.000-04:00

Recently, during my graduate course, the discussion drifted toward online ethic and teens. This study was explored by Harvard Researcher Carrie James and can be viewed in the video below.

Watch live streaming video from mashable at livestream.com

ePortfolios?

2009-10-12T08:23:00.005-04:00

Thinking of ePortfolios? Take a peek at these slides and multiple link s including the accompanying audio broadcast at Classroom 2.0

Classroom2.0

View more presentations from Helen Barrett.

Microsoft Security Essentials

2009-10-01T18:27:00.002-04:00

Finally, a free and effective antivirus alternative for Windows-based PC's and it's about time. Microsoft has finally released their own antivirus application and from what I've read thus far, its a winner! Even if you have a prepaid (Norton, McAfee, etc.) or free (AVG, Avast, etc.), why not give Microsoft's a try. Here's a link to Paul Thurrott's review on his SuperSite for Windows

Medieval Help Desk

2009-09-19T17:18:00.002-04:00

We've all done it. From time to time we all need tech support for that "new" technology that has creeped into your world. Some folks more than others. But I believe there are many calls to tech support (Help Desk) that are unnecessary and, quite frankly, silly. So we all know what a tech support call in 2009 might look like but how would it be handled during Medieval times. Watch the video below and see if you can see how far we have advanced...

President Obama Addressing School Children

2009-09-08T17:29:00.000-04:00

Git 'er Done

2009-08-25T21:51:00.005-04:00

This summer I took two graduate courses at the University of Maine which were quite challenging but rewarding. In the first one, Computers and Cooperative Learning, I watched a video that made me re-think how to address students who fail to pass in assignments and are quite content with a "zero". After viewing the video and subsequent blog discussions with classmates, I decided to initiate a "no zero" policy this year. Here's the video.

Classroom 2.0 Live Webcasts

2009-04-19T07:42:00.004-04:00

Greetings,
Awhile back I subscribed to a educational website called Classroom 2.0. This site, and many others, were created via a social network known as Ning (for example I'm a member of ACTEM, Tech4ME, and others). All content through Ning is free and can be managed with just a single email account. That being said, several times a month, Classroom 2.0 present live webcasts covering a variety of technological tools that can be used in the classroom. These webcasts take place at noon on Saturdays.

You have two options to view the webcasts: Live and recorded. Either way you choose, the first time you navigate to a webcast, you'll need to make sure you install Java (if you already use your PC or Mac to access PowerSchool, you should be all set). Once done, you'll select Elluminate Live! and the application will launch.

If you visit during the live webcast, you are encouraged to join the conversation so you'll need a headset (headphones and mic). They will use a whiteboard as well as other interactive tools. For beginners, they explain how the tools work at the beginning of each broadcast. If you choose to view the recorded session, just select Archive from the top navigation bar. Choose a month from right menu and select Recording (Full) from a webcast description. You'll then launch the Java application. Everything will be the same but you won't be able to interact.

There are a number of intersting topics that you may find interesting for student and teachers alike (Digital Storytelling, blogging, VoiceThread, Wikis, and much more). Check it out at Classroom 2.0 Live!

Maine Community Heritage Project (MCHP)

2009-03-08T19:08:00.003-04:00

The Maine Historical Society, in partnership with the Maine State Library, is seeking Maine communities to participate in the 2009-2010 program cycle of the Maine Community Heritage Project (MCHP), an innovative program that promotes collaboration between local schools, historical societies, and public libraries through the exploration and celebration of local history. The MCHP grows out of the Maine Memory Network ([ http://www.mainememory.net ]http://www.mainememory.net), the Maine Historical Society's nationally recognized statewide digital museum, and is supported by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services.

The MCHP is a year-long program designed to mobilize Maine communities around the exploration and sharing of their local history. Each participating community will build a website on the Maine Memory Network that gathers and radically expands access to historical images, documents, and information related to the history of their community.

Applications from local partnership teams—each of which must include a local school (grades 6-12), library, and historical organization are now being accepted. Eight communities will be selected to participate in the program which will run from July 2009-June 2010. Participating communities will receive extensive training in digitization, access to powerful yet user-friendly online tools, guidance and support from full-time project staff, and funds of up to $7,500 to support project activities. All Maine communities are eligible to apply. The application deadline is: April 9.

For an application, or to learn more about the MCHP, please visit http://[ http://www.mainememory.net/mchp ]www.mainememory.net/mchp or contact Kristie Littlefield by email at: [ mailto:klittlefield@mainehistory.org ]klittlefield@mainehistory.org or by calling (207) 653-9287.

2009 Summer Technology Institute

2009-02-21T16:20:00.006-05:00

Here's just a friendly reminder to take a look at and consider attending the 2009 Summer Technology Institute. This week-long course (June 22 - 26, 2009) can be taken for either 3 graduate credits or 4.5 CEUs that providing integration strategies for all K-12 educators. I have attended this event twice (for CEUs and graduate credit) and have found it immensely informative, creative and rewarding as an educator. So, if you'd like to explore various technologies to add to your classroom curriculum or just need to hone your own skills, this might be for you.

Here are some specific links to check out:

VoiceThread in Education

2009-01-23T19:38:00.001-05:00

Professional Development Day 2008

2008-10-05T12:59:00.012-04:00

Monday, October 6th, 2008 has been put aside as a Professional Development Day for Millinocket and Union 113 teachers and staff. The theme for today will be Technology with a number of workshops being held at Schenck HS (7-12) and Granite St. School in Millinocket (K-6).

Being the Technology teacher at Schenck HS, I offered to present a workshop on "The Blogesphere". As it turned out, I will also be presenting another workshop called "Tech Tips 101". Although the preparation of a workshop can be time consuming and hectic, it can also be rewarding. While preparing for each workshop I discovered new resources and explored changes in others. I was amused at videos that were posted on a political blog and was moved by slideshow that were created to inspire and reflect.

With my Blogging workshop, my hope is that those in this session will consider this medium as an alternative and/or supplement to the reading and writing process. Additionally, blog use may better inform students about their world in an age where traditional media (newspapers, books, etc.) are being neglected. In my other workshop, I hope to demonstrate a number of simple but powerful shortcuts and applications that will make teacher's technological experience a more effective/efficient and enjoyable one.

Enjoy...

Show Beyond

VoiceThread

Welcome to the 2008-09 School Year

2008-09-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

Well, its begun. Yup, the new school year and changes are afoot in room 418!

If you've had the opportunity to mosey into my classroom you will have seen that I have all new computers. Yup, brand new computer towers, courtesy of the voters of Union 113. Believe me that I am very appreciative of this major upgrade. The towers have very fast processors, lots of RAM (lessening the chance that running multiple programs will lock up the PC), a slew of ports (USB and Firewire) and headset jacks in the front (for those new student headsets)! Add to that, the most recent version of Photoshop Elements 6.0 along with other updated software and my students have computers that will more than meet their needs.

As parents and teachers know, it is becoming more and apparent that students become very computer literate in order to succeed now and in any path they may take after high school. It's a digital world and they need to explore then many computer tools at their disposal. I hope to guide students in this endeavor. No, I won't neglect important applications like MW Word, PowerPoint or Excel. But they will blog routinely, learn to research efficiently and effectively on the Internet and explore the many web-based applications available to them.

Have a question of how this will evolve or need other information, don't hesitate to drop me a note (email is preferred). Also, don't hesitate to comment on my postings and visit the Schenck Website

Summer's fading

2008-08-16T18:04:00.006-04:00

It's August and summer seems to be fading fast. July was nice with pretty good weather (not too warm or humid) but Maine sure has been in a cloudy/wet trend of late. One other thing that its August: the return to school isn't far away.

That being said, I went up to the school yesterday to do a little organizing. The new computers look great and will surely do the trick for my course offerings. Computer Applications is all new. A lot less Office XP and a move to Web 2.0 applications. Should be a challenge but also interesting for all. Still fine-tuning the content. Computer Graphics has been merged with Website Development. A good mix. The school upgraded my PC's to Photoshop Elements 6.0. We were also able to migrate from Microsoft FrontPage to Expression Web. These applications, along with blogs and wikis, I hope will pique student interest. Finally, I'm offering a new course: Multimedia. Have tried to work A/V learning into my CG classes with mixed results. With a dedicated class, I am really looking forward to seeing what students can do with some interesting tools.

I have more changes in the works but they'll have to wait until school starts. In the meantime, here's an interesting video related to "Second Life". Enjoy

The Machine is Us/ing Us

2008-06-30T19:57:00.006-04:00

Here's an impressive video. It's amazing how far we've come technologically...

Summer Technology Institute

2008-06-29T12:34:00.007-04:00

Just finished the week long 2008 Summer Technology Institute in Belfast yesterday. As I expected, it was a great experience and I gleamed many new technologies that I intend to use in my classes and elsewhere. As time permits, I will review some of the apps I looked at and pass on the links for you to try.

I also want to share the VoiceThread I put together this week. As many of you know, am restructuring all my course offerings this fall. The Summer Tech Institute gave me a great place to see what's out there that is interesting, relevant, and free. VoiceThread fits the bill. I put this thread together for the strand I was it. It was exceptionally easy to use and edit and will certainly be used in several of my classes this year. Click on my VoiceThread below and give me your thoughts. Additionally, visit VoiceThread at http://voicethread.com/#home and browse though the many threads and click on the Classroom link to explore their secure educational components. Remember, this is a free application...

A Month and More...

2008-02-06T09:31:00.001-05:00

Its been way too long since my last posting so its time to play catch-up a bit.

Class Blogmeister
It's gone OK so far but there are a some disappointments. Creating and teaching my CG and Web Dev. students went off without a hitch. Some remembered the blog from last year. I started off with a simple assignment to get their feet wet. A new IM device called ZipIt2. With kids IMing at every opportunity, I thought this would be a perfect item to begin blogging with. It even had a interactive website. To make this topic especially useful, I located an audio podcast by Leo Laporte where he describes ZipIt2 and reviews it. A great segway to podcasting and hopefully a good way to create a interesting conversation. We did have a good chat about the product but some students were not as timely posting their opinions to their blogs. So, I tried another posting. This time the topic was something that should have generated a great deal of comments: Our school doesn't provide email accounts and others are being blocked by filters. Why don't students have email access at school and what might be keeping this from happening? Some of the post were excellent while others were below my expectations. I also posted a prompt for students to visit "Windows on Maine", a site hosted by the University of Maine, which provided students (and others) with a tremendous volume of video related to Maine.
Shortly thereafter, two of my Computer Applications classses were introduced to Classblogmeister. They learned the interface, created avitars, and posted articles. It was well recieved and was a nice break from Office XP.
I posted a number of prompts during the Christmas time period. This went quite well as they located a tech "toy" they'd like and I was able to model how to import the image of their choice. This was pretty slick! Overall I was please with the progress.

New and Improved? It's about time!!

2007-10-21T19:00:00.002-04:00

Its time. Time to get moving on this "blog" tool.

To date, as most of my students are acutely aware of, I have not really been consistent when it comes to blog posts and getting students to buy into this. I guess, the primary problem is time. Yes, time. Every teacher never seems to have enough of it and often it get away from us. Classroom preparation, grading, meetings and if we're lucky, learning. I'm no different. If I'm not grading papers or CG images, I'm updating the Schenck HS website or trying to figure how that new podcast might fit into my class.

Last year, I introduced blogging to my 2 Computer Graphics classes using Class Blogmeister. It went pretty well all things considered but it really needed to be used more often and for specific tasks, and/or conversations. Topics discussed were Copyright and Fair Use, new Web 2.0 tools, and a follow-up to an excellent trip to NESCOM. It was like pulling teeth to get comments and I didn't feel I gave it a real shot at success.

More and more schools and individual are creating and using blogs. I recently attended the MainEducation Conference in Augusta and one of the sessions I went to was about blogging. It was eye opening. In particular, I was very impressed with the student posts and the insightful comments of their peers. There seemed to be genuine, and meaningful collaboration taking place.

So, this year, I'm going to give it a go again. Website Development students already have Class Blogmeister accounts and will hopefully use them to collaborate for HTML coding. They have already begun creating avatars (a fun tool). Additionally, I hope to generate conversations about various website development tools and trends. Both my CG classes will soon have accounts and it is here that I hope to generate meaningful discussions related to imaging, animation, audio and videocasting and much more. With most, if not all, students already having MySpace or Facebook accounts already , this should be an easy transition. But as I have learned so often; having something everyone else has doesn't mean you have a true understanding how it works and how effective and interesting it can be.

Let me close with this thought. We live in a digital world and our children are more in tune to it than we might think. But they will need to learn how to creatively and responsibly use all the necessary tools for them to succeed in their chosen path. Watch these video presentations that really give us an indication what our world is and will be...
Mr. Ruggeri

Welcome

2007-01-22T16:23:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Mr. R's blog.