Cheryl+Lykowski


 * __Name__:** Cheryl Lykowski
 * __Website__:** I am in the middle of switching my pages so all of our new posts will be found at http://mrslykowski.com/ The past podcasts can be found at [|http://www.bedford.k12.mi.us/ ~mre/podcast.htm]
 * __Educational Institution__:** Bedford Public Schools/Monroe Road Elementary School
 * __Teaching Environment__:** 5th Grade
 * __Web 2.0 Focus__:** Podcasting/Wikis
 * __Description__:** __PODCASTS__- My students have created a podcast show at school called, "Mustang News Radio". They create the shows segments and scripts based on the learning that takes place in our class and around the school. This year my class will be collaborating on a global scale when they connect with a classroom in Bucaramanga, Colombia. The "Global Explorers" podcast will explore life in The United States and in Colombia, as lived by 10 year olds. The shows will begin in mid-September . __WIKIS-__ My students have created several wikis has a tool for research and learning. They have explored such topics as the Iditarod and created a Wiki Word Wall for other students. The word wall is based on words that a writer may use and is orgainized by writing genre. This year, they will be collaborating with other students in the US on topics such as butterflies and various Lit Circle books. The Global Explorers will also use a wiki as a central location for exchanging information, questions, and pictures as the connect with their peers in the respective country.
 * __Teaching and Learning__:** The connections and collaborations that the students are able to attain are outstanding. The fact that the learning for them doesn't end when the school bell rings at the end of the day. They willingly go home and work on assignments, even when they are not required to do so. They are engaged and are taking charge of their learning.
 * __Preferred Applications__:** Podcasting-Audacity, Blogger, Feedburner,iTunes Wikis- Wikispaces, PBWiki
 * __Mentor(s) and Hero(es)__:** Will Richardson is the first person who inspired me beyond belief to get started in podcasting, wikis, and blogs. Along my road of learning, there have been so many people who have guided me. Jen Wagner from Technospud, Vicki Davis from CoolCatTeacher, and Wesley Fryer are just a few people who continue to inspire me on a daily basis.
 * __Favorite Web 2.0 Applications Right Now__:** Podcasting and Wikis have become the two Web 2.0 tools that I use at school most often. On a personal level, RSS feeds and readers, such as Bloglines has become a staple in my daily routine. It is how I stay connected with the world.