11 Tools Reflections

1. What are your favorite tools you now have in your personal technology toolbox? Briefly describe a particular activity that you will plan for your students using at least one of these new tools.

My favorite new tools would have to be PhotoStory and Animoto. These programs were so simple to use but had a magnificent outcome. I would use these in my classroom as a way that the students could choose to present their project. I'm just glad I have a new tool that I can use rather than using a PowerPoint presentation.

2. How have you transformed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom?

Last year in my classroom I used technology frequently in my room, whether I was using the C.O.W. or having them work on the SMARTBoard but now I feel like I really have something to work with. I did several research projects back to back last year and couldn't figure out how to change them up technologically speaking. Now I feel like I have tons of ways to incorporate it into my room to keep the students actively engaged in what they are learning.


3. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

I must say that for someone who considered herself very technologically up to date, there was a lot about the Internet that I had no idea about! I was really surprised about all of the really cool programs and tools that it has to offer and how easy they are to navigate.

Tool # 11

The internet can be such a valuable resource but it most definitely has downfalls, especially when used by people who have not been taught about these downfalls. The internet can be very dangerous, and it can give false information. Although we had discussions about using certain internet search engines and about using your own words these were still two problems that I ran into last year when I was having my students do a research project. A few students where very unaware of the dangers of clicking on whatever they wanted. They also began copying down information that was very untrue. As an adult I read the first few words of the sentence and quickly realized that 1. it had been plagiarized and 2. it was completely inaccurate. All of these pose serious issues. I think a lot of people including myself take advantage in how quickly kids pick up on how to use technology. It's very important to teach the students about digital citizenship, if you don't then who will? The best way to teach your students is to model it yourself. I would use the ACTIVBoard to model searching for information, questioning whether or not the information is reasonable and citing the source.

Tool # 10

I had no idea that there were SO many education apps that you can get for FREE! :) I explored some of the word game apps like Boggle, and BananaGrams and then I also explored the planets app. Our kids are going to eat this stuff up! :) I have played with a lot of the apps using an iPhone and and iTouch and have just been baffled with what you can do with them. There's an app for everything! I really like the word of the day, the fact of the day, and the toy clock apps. Kids will be very engaged when using the iTouches in our rooms. They are very colorful and entertaining ways to learn. You could put these in a center or have them use these when they've finished their work. It will maximize their learning time and do it in a fun way!

Tool #9

1. Discuss how the screencast could help your students and how you might have students use Jing.

I think Jing is really awesome! It makes it so much easier to share information when you need to. It reminds me of making a screen shot but you can add so much more by using the highlight and arrow features. This would make showing parents or students where to go on a website really simple because you could show them visually rather than using a verbal description.

2. Discuss how you might use Skype with your students and share across the district, the state, the nation, or the world!

I think Skype is a great way to bring someone to your class that you normally wouldn't be able to. My aunt lives in Indiana and we use Skype all of the time to talk to and watch my baby cousins grow and learn. You could use this in your class to meet classroom pen pals, or to learn about new careers even.

Tool # 8

I got the first video of of SchoolTube, and the second video off of TeacherTube. I had the privilege to use a video program similar to Discovery called Safari Montage last year. We matched at least 1 science video a week. It was a great way to differentiate my instruction because I would teach the basic 2nd grade science skills they needed to know and the video would expand on their knowledge. I think videos are an excellent resource!

Tool # 7

Digital Storytelling is a great tool to use in the classroom. It's great for the teachers and the students to use as a resource. I think this would be a great way to present a research project.

Tool # 6

I think Wiki's would be a great way to do a class project. A lot of times when you do a project you give each group a section to do and present to the class, this is a great way for the groups to become an expert on their topic but do not really become experts on the other groups sections. I think the Wiki is a great way for all of the groups to see another groups research and to add their input. You could add a requirement that they must comment and add something to another groups project. I would love to use a wiki in my classroom to do a science research project. It would help me as a teacher manage the project also. I think it's a great resource!

Tool # 5

I decided to join Diigo because it said that it was more useful for educators and I found this to be true. I searched "Math Games" and found
Gamequarium- The site that swims with learning fun! Diigo which is a site that included not only math games but all subjects. I liked it because it was a lot more detailed than most and had a large variety of sub categories to choose from. I also found Cool Math 4 Kids Diigo which had math fact games that would be good for the SmartBoard.

Tool # 4

1. Create one document in Google Docs and share it with at least one other person in your PLN.

I made a student info sheet and sent it to my team teaching partner Holly. This year we will have 2 classes and it would be much easier to just have her upload the information on her homeroom students and have me do my homeroom and then we both have all of the information that we need!

2. Set up your Google Reader and subscribe to at least five 11 Tools blogs that you will be following.
Done!

3. Briefly discuss how you think these 2 Google tools will aid you in your particular classroom or benefit your students in their learning process.

Wow! I had no idea that Google could get any better! Google Docs is awesome. The thought of completely eliminating the back and forth email attaching is baffling but I love it! The video of how educators are using it really gave me some great ideas. Last year I used group research projects in my classroom and the worst part was trying to figure out where they saved it and if it was saved and who did what. Google Docs would eliminate all of those issues! Google reader is interesting to me also, technology is really making life easier!

Tool # 3

I really enjoyed getting to use these websites and I think that the kids will too! We could use animoto as a presentation for a research project that we're doing in science. They can also be used to show parents what we're doing in the classroom!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Tool # 2

1. What are your thoughts about building an online education community and participating in a PLN?
I think PLN's are great. It takes a little getting used to but I think that a PLN is a great tool to use in the classroom. These were used in some of my college classes as a way to reflect on what we were learning. It was cool to see what other students thought.


2. What point stood out to you from the commenting advice?
I think the "be controversial" advice stood out the most. I think being controversial is a good way to get comments and attention but I don't feel it's necessary. :) I think if you are doing a good job writing something interesting and intriguing then there's no need to be controversial.

3. What five blogs did you select for your comments?
Classroom News and Views
Go Jump in the Lake
Thornwood Tigers
Kind Kindergartens
Holly's Thoughts

Tool # 1

This wasn't difficult at all! :) I consider myself up to date with technology but haven't even considered writing a blog. I think blogging would be a great tool to use in the classroom. Kids love technology and jump on any chance to use it. Blogging would be an up to date way to do daily reflections. I'm excited to see what tool 2 is!