November Entry
     We have decided to begin our weather lesson plan with a little trial run.  First, I recorded a five-day forecast for two different weather channels.  Both channel 8 and channel 10 had very similar forecasts.    The students created charts on paper and recorded the temperatures and conditions that were predicted by both stations.  I then asked them to look over the two charts and write me a paragraph that explains the similarities and differences between the two channels.  They were also required to explain which forecast they believed to be most accurate and why.  Later, we shared our papers and opinions as a class.  The next five days we recorded the actual temperature from a thermometer that was outside.  Now that we have done a trial run, we are hoping to incorporate the local weather stations and the Internet into our lesson.  We have decided that we would like to present the most accurate weather station with some type of student-made award. 
     Our lesson plan was to compare the weather forecasts from two different, local weather stations.  The students were to use a chart found on the Internet to record the information and later, check the information by using a thermometer and a site found on the Internet.  I was excited to find out that someone seemed to like the lesson plan and used it in her classroom. 

December Entry
     My class looked at the web page I had created and shared what they liked most about it.  Some really enjoyed Bill Nye’s site (http://nyelabs.kcts.org/openNyeLabs.html) and others were more interested in the space sites I had listed.  I allowed them to explore the different sites during their individual computer time. 
     We also decided to ask an expert a question.  In science we are discussing cells and the parts of cells.  One of my students asked why a cork would have cells in it if it was not alive.  We decided to ask an expert at http://www.refdesk.com/expert.html and asked the following questions:  1)  Are cells only found in living things?  2)  Why are there cells in a piece of cork?  Is cork a living thing?  The students formulated these questions.  We have yet to hear from anyone.  The kids are constantly asking if we have had a reply.  If it does not come soon, I intend to ask again. 

January  Entry
I have not yet finished my PowerPoint project, but I did share what I have done with the kids.  My students seemed to really enjoy the portion of the project that I showed them.  They had some great suggestions as to what I could add to make the project more beneficial.  Some of my students suggested adding a little quiz at the end of the presentation so that the user can see if he or she understood the information.  Other students suggested using more visual effects and not as much sound effects.  I hope to have the presentation finished shortly. 

February Entry
My class has started to work on the unit plan for the TLG Grant.  We are about half way through our lessons and all seems to be going well.  The students have gone to the computer lab three Wednesdays in a row to find information on their planets.  I have divided the class into groups of two or three and given them handouts that they are to fill out with the information for their particular planet.  The students are enjoying the lessons and seem really excited that we could earn some money for the work that we are doing.  They also seem to be excited about the possibility of being chosen for the survey.  All that we have left to do is to transfer the information from the handouts to note cards.  Finally, they are going to create planets using the information and pictures they find on the Internet and post they cards underneath their planets.  We hope to have our final product on our wall in a couple of weeks. 

We have been using the Internet to find information for our TLG Project.  The students are also searching for information on the origin of Valentine’s Day, Famous African-Americans, and important facts about our Presidents. 

I have not used PowerPoint very much because I have been spending a majority of my time teaching the Space Unit Plan. 

I have used the laptop a couple times.  Once I used it check the county page and find out what new information there was.  Another time I used it to type my lesson plan for a substitute teacher. 
 

March Entry

April Entry
     My TLG 2000 grant brings mixed emotions.  When I first started, I was excited to find so many valuable resources on the Internet.  My class was excited about the solar unit that I taught, and it truly contributed to our educational advancement.  The evaluator I had for the first half of my grant was helpful and cooperative. 
     It was not until I submitted my track and rubric that I began to experience problems.  I have spent the last two months working on the second half of my grant.  It has been a frustrating experience.  I was unfortunate to have a new evaluator who wanted things done his way and would not approve my track and rubric otherwise.  I continuously asked him to simplify his explanation of what was expected, but he would send the same message each time.  I was at the point of giving up, and I have not worked on my grant for the last two weeks.  Today, I found out that my grant has finally been approved.  I do not understand why the evaluator would not approve it two weeks ago and suddenly have a change of heart.  I am not sure if I would want to go through this process again. 

     Some of the resources I purchased with my $250 from last year’s TLG grant are software and a microscope that connects to a computer.  Among the programs I purchased are Fifth Grade Cluefinders,  Carmen San Diego’s Think Quest, and Fifth Grade Math Blasters.  I have divided my students into pairs and allow them thirty minutes on the computers every other day to work on one of these programs.  Some pairs are working on fifth grade level, some on fifth-sixth grade level, and others on sixth grade level.  The kids love this experience and cannot wait to have their time on the computers. 
     The microscope I purchased is the new IntelPlay Microscope.  It is amazing.  The microscope can magnify objects at 10, 60, or 200 times its normal size.  I am able to connect the microscope to a computer and that allows more than one student to look at the image simultaneously.   The things that they can see through it spellbind the students.  The microscope also has many features with it.  One can take a snapshot of the image, create a video of the image, or even draw and paint the image.  For example, you could look at a live ladybug through the microscope, take a snapshot of it, and then alter its appearance.  It is well worth the price of $60, which is what I paid for it at Wal-mart. 

May Entry
           Cyber Exchange has benefited my class and my growth as an educator.  The course has given me a greater understanding of computers and how to implement them into my classroom.  One project that my students enjoyed was the TLG Grant.  The students enjoyed using the Internet to research and explore the planets.  Every Wednesday, they looked forward to working in their groups.  The students found and used amazing websites that where full of valuable information.   
            This is my first year of teaching so there is nothing to compare our Internet usage to.  I know that through this experience, I am more open and confident when integrating technology in the classroom.  There are so many resources and lesson plans available on the Internet.
           The first thing I did for this class was develop a lesson plan on weather.  I enjoyed researching options and discovering ways to use technology to teach this unit.  My class watched prerecorded forecasts of the weather from three local television stations.   Everyday, we would go to various Internet sites to see which station had the most accurate prediction.  Finally, the class charted the results using a table on the computer.  I was pleased to find out from Connie that a teacher from up north had enjoyed my idea and implemented it into her curriculum.
           I did not use ICQ or video conferencing.  I did use the email to talk to my evaluator for the TLG Grant.  Before I had this course I was unsure of my ability to use email effectively.  Now, I understand how to use it properly.
           I have used PowerPoint to create and present a slide show on “Cells” to my students.  My experiences in cyber exchange have carried over to the classroom and computer lab.  My students have had to do PowerPoint presentations in the lab the past couple of months.  I am now able to answer most of their questions. My students have used Word to type speeches, stories, and other works.  They enjoy being able to get on the computer for something as simple as typing a paper.
           My students have gone to the classroom web site for the kid’s stuff.  They like to play the educational games and use the interactive labs.  During the winter, we would check to see if the schools had been closed because of snow.  I go to the website to check the calendar, find out the latest information, and to check the progress of my TLG Grant.  There is also an excellent teacher’s section that provides websites for lesson plans, handouts, and suggestions for holiday activities.
           The most important thing I have received from this experience is realizing the value and need that there is in integrating technology within the classroom.  I never realized there where so many resources available.  It is amazing to see how attentive students become when they are taught a lesson through the use of technology.  My eyes have been open to a whole new world of tools and possibilities.
            I have been able to go beyond a simple textbook based curriculum.  Students seem to be more involved when they are allowed to research and explore things on their own.  The use of technology has helped me to become more of a facilitator who guides his students to a better understanding of concepts.  This experience has enriched the education that my students have received.  
          This project has improved my teaching and has even taught me that a valuable teacher is one who continuous to learn with his/her students.  I am now aware of the abundance of resources available at our fingertips. I have had some teachers tell me that they enjoyed using some of my ideas from the   project.  I also have used ideas that other teachers have posted on the web.
             The Cyber Exchange class was well planned and organized.   There is not anything I would consider changing about it.  I hope that I will be privileged enough to take part in a similar project if the opportunity arises.