Cyber Bullying

I just took a course from SMART Learning Space about cyber bullying.

It is a huge epidemic.

Cyberbullying can happen anywhere, any time, and annoymously. Our students are at a high risk, but so are teachers, staff, and parents! We MUST arm ourselves to protect each other.

At OJHS we have had Rachel's Challenge come and vist and talk about the impact students have on each other. And this goes for in person, and online. We, as educators, advocates, parents, and community leaders, MUST inform our students about the dangers of cyberbullying. They need to know the consequences and the hurt that can go along with any messege online.

We also must educate our students. Sometimes what students (even adults!) think as a joke can be hurtful. We must teach our students to know the difference. We also need to teach our students to take a stand when they see or hear bullying happening. Don't be an innocent bystander! Help out! Let someone know if you or someone you know are being bullied. Don't keep silent! Block the person on your social sites and cell phone. You don't have to take the hurt!

We must teach our students to think. THINK before clicking that "send" button. Could that message be misconstrude? Could it be taken as hurtful? Anything online, even when thought public, can be seen! Think twice before sharing with the world!

And protect your passwords. DON'T give them to anyone! They could be used against you and hurt in the long run.

As a teacher, I have seen/heard about the pain cyberbullying causes. We can stop it, if we become a Cyber Hero!!

Great course! Adults should take it and learn from it!

Thanks SMART!

How my SMARTboard 800 Improves Student Learning

Wow! What can I say about my SMART Board 800?!

Our local Oakdale Education Foundation was kind enough to grant my SMARTBoard 800 grant. They saw, just like me, how valuable SMART Tech's new board is!

This particular board has multi-touch. Which means, I can have two students, with both their hands, interact with the board! It has not only changed my teaching, but how my students learn.

I have always had DOL races on my SMARTboard. But before, I would  have students go one at a time to correct sentences within a minute. Now, I have two students go, each writing in a different color, and wow! These kids really go for it! It has changed the dynamic of the room.

Notes, games, lessons, they are more interactive and more engaging...which means I have more of my students attention! Which in turn, leads to more learning retention. It's wonderful!!!

Check out this video for more! SMART 800

And here is SMARTBoard 800's website!