Mendez Technology Blog

Last fall, I was invited to join a podcast project called Podcast Pioneers. I wasn’t sure what podcasting had to offer, but I’m always willing to try something new. Podcasting has been an epiphany for me. I’ve always believed that students need to have an authentic audience (beyond the teacher.) Podcasting provides a wonderful forum for students to share their work. If you check out my schools’ website mendez.sausd.k12.ca.us you will see links to 2 podcasts. Potentially, every student could be a contributer to The Rook Review Podcast. So now, instead of writing a book report for the teacher, student can SHARE their favorite literature or with their peers. Our goal is for students to learn about books which they may not have previously considered reading. I currently have about 30 episodes in production, but only 1 is currently posted.

Blogging in the Classroom

mendeztech — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 16:56:03 +0000

Today I attended an excellent workshop by Mark Wagner regarding blogging in the classroom. Here is the link to his handouts. http://blogifyoulovelearning.wikispaces.com

Motivating Students with Technology

mendeztech — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 23:25:42 +0000

I have found that technolgy is a tool that can really motivate students. The trick is to make the project meaningful and content rich. I have seen too many project that are big on flash, but low on substance. The rule of thumb I like to follow is 80% content and 20% production. I also grade this way. In adition, if the project is an individual or group presentation, I hold the audiance responsible for learning the material presented.

Attached are the files I used in my presentation on “Motivating Students with Technology.” I hope these are helpful. If you have any questions, please comment or contact me.

Motivating Students with Technology
Creating Effective Power Point Presentations

Research Template

Research Tips

mendeztech — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 21:34:41 +0000

Here are some resources which can help students create quality reseach projects.

The Research Grid helps students organize the information they find. Sources are listed across the top and research questions are listed down the side. As students find information, the grid is filled in using bullets and notes. Each row of the grid will become a paragraph or Power Point slide. The use of this grid reduces the opportunity for plagerism and enourages students to use multiple sources for research.

file Research Grid

Andrea’s Webpage

mendeztech — Wed, 24 May 2006 20:33:08 +0000

On the menu bar on the left, under links, is the link to my web page. I have not updated it in a while, but I have a variety of lesson ideas and links you may find helpful.

Mac Tips

mendeztech — Wed, 24 May 2006 20:06:55 +0000

Here is the handout from In-service #2. If you know of anymore short cuts please let me know or post them in comments.

Introduction to the Mac laptops

Welcome

mendeztech — Wed, 24 May 2006 19:49:07 +0000

Welcome to the my technology blog. The purpose of this blog is to share ideas relating to the ways I use technology in the classroom. I will include file links and suggestions. Please share your ideas as well. It is my opinion, that using technology in the classroom is an excellent way to motivate students and to prepare them for the 21st century.