Back to School Virtual Teaching Expo Question and Answer

Thank you so much for participating in the Back to School  Virtual Teaching Expo. I hope you learned as much as I did. I thank Teaching Blog Addict, Teacher's Notebook, and Virtual Teaching Expo for the special opportunity to present to you.  If you didn't attend today, you can still purchase a ticket to attend at your own convenience. {Click here} for details.  Feel free to download the handout for the presentation {here}.

Since recording the presentation, a few changes have taken place.  I am now working again with VocabularySpellingCity in the area of social media promotions.  This is a fantastic website to aid in vocabulary and spelling instruction.  You can personalize word lists to play in a variety of fun online games.  Students can take their weekly spelling and vocabulary tests online.
Throughout my career, I have continually searched for the best technology tools that I could use.  I also use technology daily with my students.  We have such a valuable resource available at our finger tips!  This presentation only touched the surface!

1. What technology tool can you not live without?
2. How have you used technology to make your life as a teacher easier?
3. Which webtool did you discover in the presentation that you can't wait to try?

Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about what you heard today or any other area of technology integration. I'll get back to them ASAP! I am currently enrolled in graduate school at the University of Alabama to obtain an MA in Educational Leadership.  Unfortunately, I have class today, so it may be a while until I can get back with you. Be assured that I will!  Thank you again for attending the Virtual Teaching Expo. It has been a blast!

~Cara

Back to School Expo Giveaway

It is that time of year again! Many of you have already started back to school, or you are preparing to go back soon.  Why not participate in some online professional development focused on back to school?  Better yet, why not attend by winning a FREE ticket?  For more information on the Back to School Virtual Teaching Expo, please visit {here}.

It is super simple to enter.  Simply use the Raffecopter widget to share with us your favorite back to school tip, follow my blog, follow my blog on Facebook, and follow my blog on Twitter.  That is four chances to win one of ten tickets!

a Rafflecopter giveaway ...

You must act quickly! This is a one day only giveaway. It will only be open until midnight tonight.  The winners will be announced on Thursday, August 16, 2012.

~Cara

Back to School Virtual Teaching Expo

 

I have the honor of presenting for the Back to School Virtual Teaching Expo that launches on August 25, 2012.  I will be talking to you about free technology tools that a teacher can use to make his/her life easier.  Won't you join me?


By preordering you tickets, you will save $9.95.  You will participate in five presentations covering a variety of subjects like reading success, classroom decoration, classroom environment, and math journals for only $10.00! Find details of this great event {here}.


You also have the opportunity to help a teacher in need participate in the event as well.  By donating, you will receive a free ticket to the event.  Click {here} for more details. 

~Cara

Integrating Technology into Your Classroom

In April, I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo sponsored by Teaching Blog Addict and Teacher's Notebook.  During my presentation, I had the opportunity to share with you how to effectively integrate technology into your classroom and introduced you to a dozen or so free webtools.  I also provided actual examples of my students' creations.

Now, the presentation is available on Teacher's Notebook for only $3.95. Yes, $3.95! Once you have viewed the presentation, feel free to question or comment {here}.

Happy learning!

~Cara

Skype in the Classroom

One question that was asked repeatedly as part of my Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo presentation, Integrating Technology Into Your Classroom, was concerning Skype. Teachers wanted to know how to find classes and experts to connect with through Skype.

Skype is an online service that allows users to make video and voice calls for free. Skype has great potential for use in the classroom.  It provides an avenue to invite guests from all over the world to speak to our students.  Using Skype to connect with experts, authors, researchers, other students, professionals, etc. allows our students the opportunity to meet and communicate with others using 21st century learning tools. Once you set up a free account and connect a webcam, you are ready to go.

Where do you find other users to connect with? Below you will find a list of ways of gathering connections.

1. Skype in the Classroom-Explore collaboration projects submitted by other teachers. Find one that interests you, and respond to the project. Also, you can create your own project. You will be amazed at the number of replies you can receive.
2. Skype in Schools-This wiki allows you to search by state, grade level, or project. 
3. Authors Who Skype-This site offers a list of authors who will Skype with your classroom for free or a small charge.
4. Simply Ask-If you are interested in Skyping with other classrooms, put a call out on your blog, Facebook, Edmodo, etc. Email teacher friends from other communities or states. You are sure to connect with another group. If you are looking for an expert to speak to your class, email them. I have had a meteorologist that visited Antarctica and a park ranger from Yosemite National Park talk to my students through Skype. I sent them an email, and they gladly responded. The students love the experience of meeting others outside their school walls.

{Here} is a great article I found on using Skype in the Classroom. It outlines 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom. If you are interested with Skyping with my 4th graders, please comment below. We have learned so much through Skype and would love to help you get started.

~Cara

Virtual Teaching Expo Question and Answer

Thank you so much for participating in the Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo. I hope you learned as much as I did. I thank Teaching Blog Addict, Teacher's Notebook, and Virtual Teaching Expo for the special opportunity to present to you. It is not too late to participate in the Virtual Teaching Expo. You can always purchase a ticket to attend at your own convenience. {Click here} for details.


If it wasn't obvious, technology is my passion. There is a place in every classroom for technology integration. Students are engaged while learning 21st skills. You will reach students who are otherwise unmotivated through the use of technology. Throughout the presentation, I referred to a blog post I had written previously called "Rome Wasn't Built in a Day." You can read it by {clicking here}.

I can't wait to hear about technology integration in your classroom!

1. How do you integrate technology with your students? 
2. What are your favorite websites and webtools to use? 
3. Which webtool did you discover in the presentation that you can't wait to try with your students?

To access a handout that correlates with this presentation, {click here}. You will find all the sites from the presentation plus many more.

I would love for you to share your creations with us. Feel free to leave a link in your comment to show off your students' projects. Some of mine are posted {here}. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about what you heard today or any other area of technology integration. Thank you again for attending the Virtual Teaching Expo. It has been a blast!

~Cara

Have You Registered for the Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo Yet?

Every Things Intermediate Flyer

~Cara

Who Going to the Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo?

The Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo is scheduled to launch on Saturday, April 11, 2012. You will be involved in great professional development activities from the comfort of your own home. The topics discussed in this Expo are Integrating Technology into Your Classroom, Modifying Math Instruction to Increase Student Understanding, Successful Strategies for English Language Learners, and Interactive Student Notebooks. 


It is time to announce the winners of my ticket giveaway. There are three winners! They are Elizabeth from Fun in Room 4B, Andrea from Cheers to School, and Ms. D from 6th Grade Science Rocks. Congratulations, ladies! Be watching for an email from me for some information.

    

 

 

If you weren't a lucky winner, don't fret! You can preregister for this event for only $14.95. That is a great price for four sessions! {Click here}for information on registration. Also, if you are suffering financial hardships, you can apply for a scholarship to the event. Scholarships are subject to approval and should be directed to scholarships@virtualteachingexpo.com.

I look forward to a great day of professional development!

~Cara

Giveaway Ends Today

 

Today is your final day to win a ticket to the Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo. The Expo will be a fun filled, educational day of professional development straight from your computer. {Click here} to enter. Your deadline to enter is at 7:00 PM CST. 

~Cara

Everything's Intermediate Giveaway

The Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo takes place on April, 21, 2012. Would you like to win a ticket? I will be giving 3 tickets away on my blog. 

You can enter by leaving a comment for each of the following. Each comment will count as one entry, so make sure you make separate posts. Please include your email address, so I can contact you if you win. The contest will end on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 7:00 PM CST. 

1. Write a post promoting Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo on your blog. Please leave a link to your post.
2. Follow my blog using the Join Me button on the left, or tell me you are a current follower.
3. Like my blog on Facebook, or tell me that you already do. Please leave your Facebook name if it is different than your post name. 
4. Follow my blog on Twitter, or tell me you already do. Please leave your Twitter handle in your comment. 
5. Spread the word about this giveaway. Send a Tweet, write a Facebook post, create a pin on Pinterest, etc. Paste the link into your comment. 

During the Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo, you will get creative ideas, effective strategies, and experienced-learned lessons that work best with your students. The presenters will talk to you about integrating technology into your classroom, modifying math instruction to increase student understanding, successful strategies for English language learners, and interactive student notebooks. I will be sharing with you tons of tips and tools to effectively integrate technology into your already busy school day.
 

I look forward to a fantastic day of learning! Don't forget to register to win a free ticket. I'll be giving away three of them.

~Cara

PD In Your PJs? (And, a Giveaway)

 

Have you ever attended a professional development day in your pajamas? That can happen at the Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo launching on Saturday, April 21, 2012. You will have the opportunity to attend four great sessions for one low price. If you preregister, ticket prices are only $14.95 for all four sessions.


You will hear from Janaye from Tales of Frogs and Cupcakes about "Modifying Math Instruction to Increase Student Understanding." Heidi from Raki's Rad Resources will educate us on "Successful Strategies for English Language Learners." Mor from A Teacher's Treasure  shares about "Interactive Student Notebooks." I will teach you ways for "Integrating Technology into Your Classroom."


You can win tickets to this great event from my blog. {Click here} for details. Also, each blog mentioned above will also be giving away tickets. Please take a minute to visit their great blogs for your chance to win.

~Cara

Everything's Intermediate Virtual Teaching Expo

Please {visit here} for more information.

~Cara

Are You Willing To Donate an Item?

The Virtual Teaching Everything's Intermediate Expo is soon! Are you willing to donate an item from your online store for the goodie bag? PDF products over $5 will be accepted. If you are willing to donate, please {click here} for details.

~Cara