Global Learning Begins

As I reflect on the past month I am amazed at the power of social networking.  First, I created a classroom twitter page @MrsHuffs4th. I use this account to post happenings in our classroom and encourage my students to create their own posts.

Through Twitter my class sent out a survey.  The survey received over 300 replies from over 30 states and 5 countries.  Our class was filled with excitement. We used the information we gathered during math, social studies, and writing.

Our next excitement began last week.  During our snow day on Friday I invested some time on Google+. I inquired on +EduHangout if anyone would be interested in reading Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper aloud to students. I was interested in completing a virtual book study.  Four teachers replied to my inquiry.  The excitement will continue in January when the classes from Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Arkansas join up to complete the virtual book club via Google Hangout.

Then during my snow day boredom, I inquired about a Mystery Hangout on Google+.  This time a teacher from (oh yeah, it's a surprise) replied to my post.  We will be connecting with this class online NEXT WEEK for our first Mystery Hangout.  During the Hangout we will use our maps, Google, and prior knowledge to figure out where the other classroom is located.  It's going to be so much fun.  I hope I don't leak any clues this week and tell my students the state we are calling. Reminds me of all the Christmas secrets that happen this time of year.

Tonight, I completed my first Twitter chat with a group of 4th grade teachers in Texas.  Thanks #mck4thchat! I'm now on a mission to create a Graffiti Board for our next Lit unit. It was an awesome idea!

I would highly recommend using social networking to:

• connect with other educators 
• learn ways to make learning fun

Check back soon...FUN learning headed our way.

Let the Collaboration Begin

Today our 4th grade class began a new adventure.  We are embarking on a maiden voyage that will no doubt lead to a lot of excitement for our 4th grade class.

You might say, "What is all the excitement about?"  Our class began a project with another classroom in our district. The excitement is because the other classroom is in a building 3 miles from our building.
Although I could use the exercise, we are not going to walk to their classroom OR ride a bus. Our class will collaborate with students in the other classroom using Google Drive and Google Hangout.

The students will individually:

• write a persuasive letter
• write a first person report
• create an iMovie presentation

The students will collaborate to:

• research a Famous Missourian
• create a Lucidpress poster or Google presentation 
• create a wax museum using iMovie

Here is a link to our Smore Flyer.  

This flyer includes our goals, directions, instructional videos, and expectations.

Students will use the QR code below or the URL to easily find the flyer.

Our project will be complete in January.  We can't wait to share.