11 tools reflection

My favorite tools were the ones that let you create new things, image generators, mash ups, and digital storytelling. They are the tools that give that wow factor to things I am already doing in the classroom. I can see myself embedding these new tools into existing science and math projects that demand a product.

My thinking has been transformed by going from I want to include technology to I have to include technology in the curriculum. I am doing a disservice to my students if I don't prepare them with the full range of technology available at the present time so that they can grow as technology grows.

The outcomes of learning these tools has been that the technology itself is friendly. I may make mistakes, but they can be corrected. I feel creative in ways I have never been before.

tool # 11

Digital Citizenship is the key to students using technology successfully. I loved the matrix in the Coolcat teacher blog that had the 4 main ideas of literacy, safety, learning strategies, and etiquette. All of these skills are so important in every aspect of our lives as we become more connected. If we, the schools, don't teach this, we are exposing our students to something that could harm instead of help them. The resources that TEA and I safe offer are very valuable. I think that teachers modeling and applying all of the matrix skills we want our students to use is the most effective way to teach these skills.
I still worry about the time aspect involved in teaching and becoming proficient with all of these skills. We will have to collaborate to get everything in the curriculum taught and embed the technology.

tool # 10

I had the opportunity to use the i-touch technology at the end of the year. The students were very motivated to use this technology. I was disheartened because they think the i touch is only for music and games. When they needed to go to specific, academic applications, they lost a lot of their initial enthusiasm.
I reviewed these apps: Math Drills Lite and Brain Tuner. Math Drills Lite is a fact game that you can adjust levels. Brain Tuner is a mental math game which looked fun. The science apps I found were Science Lite, 3-D sun, science 101, and Brain Pop Featured Movie. They all had great things.
I found that to make my students accountable for learning I had a form showing them where to go and my expectations at that site. It took some work up front, but saved the students and myself frustration of going where ever.
I am taking the i touch class on Thursday. I can't wait to find more ways to use the i touch in the classroom.

tool # 9

Jing and Skype are two great tools that could be powerful in the classroom.
I found Jing similar to the flip charts, power points, or photo stories that I have used before. I would have to explore it more to find its niche in my teaching.
Skype is very interesting to me. I liked the idea of virtual field trips, author visits, speakers, interviews, tutorial, and exchanging ideas with families. Professionally, I can see it as a good tool in conferencing with parents (if they have the technology) and professional development.
I am trying to find places to incorporate my new learning with the curriculum.

tool # 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyysL02ZvQ8 Study Jams Weathering and Erosion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09OvdYCcEEw&feature=related Bill Nye the Science Guy- Causing Erosion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOz8Fq0nNqg Place value song

I often use videos and video clips to teach new concepts and reinforce previously taught concepts. Students are accustom to fast moving visual and audio and the video clips suit their needs. I also try to use songs so that my students , second language learners, have the lyrics to go with the visuals.

Today I did a goggle video search. Most of the relevant videos were on you tube or teacher tube. I have mostly used brainpop and discovery education videos/clips in the classroom. These sites don't give as many choices and even though all of the videos don't fit perfectly, it saves a lot of time.

tool # 7

I enjoyed making my photo story. My one frustration was not having my personal pictures saved on my school computer. I think if I were using pictures that have more meaning to me the project would have more meaning. As it was, I used the things that were easily available. My students would love to do projects using photo story. I would love to see an exsisting rubric that would break skills down by class periods and how to scaffold the learning with this tool. I see this as a nine week/semester long project that can encompass many topics as we move thru the math or science curriculum.

tool #6

The wikis are another great tool for students and teachers to collaborate and create without physically being in the same place. I looked at several wikis and the explanation video. The possibilites are endless. I can see teachers working on lessons or activities and students working on projects. Very exciting!

tool # 5

I was very excited to understand and use the social bookmarking tools. My favorites have gotten out of control and hard to manage. I think this will help me stay current and organized. I joined delicious and bookmarked several sites. The 2 I will share are http://www.uen.org/3-6interactives/science.shtml which is a wonderful site of interactive science activities for grades 3-6, and http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/games/ which has games for all subjects and levels. I wasn't sure on which tags to use. I decided to use the recommended tags for now and get more specific as I become a more experienced bookmarker.

tool #4

Goggle reader makes it much easier for me to know new information. I can see the students using this as a way I can control some of the information/opinions they are exposed too.

Goggle documents make it easier to share information and collaborate on it. I love the spreadsheets that everyone can fill in and it compiles for you!

These are great tools that will make collaboration easier, but not face to face. That makes meeting times much more flexible as long as everyone collaborating as internet access.

Tool # 3

I enjoyed using these mashups and image generators. It would be very easy to get lost in creating something by playing for a long time! I meant to spend 20 minutes and about an hour later I realized I was still looking around and experimenting! I have used wordle in past and love it to make concept maps for science and math. Today I tried to use the comic strip generator. I made some neat things, but had trouble manipulating them in my blog. I did make some cute posters for centers. I made two designs on image maker. Both were very easy and quick to use. Then I went to Spell with flickr to create my family picture. I can see how the students would be very motivated to use these tools in their projects. I would have to put some limits on time and content so that they don't get lost in the process like I did. Initially, they would need some exploration time or they would probably get frustrated!

Tool #2

1. My thoughts on building a PLN are exciting and concerning. As a professional, it is exciting to share ideas, thoughts, strategies, and lessons with a variety of other educators. My concern lies in using this formally with students. Mostly my concern is with time. (Big surprise, right?!) I have watched my students text, use their DS, and communicate on my space. They communicate, but their register and content is not what I would accept academically. They would need lots of coaching on the how's and the why's. I think it is well worth the time, I just need to find it!

2. The points that stuck with me in the commenting advice were:
* supporting or questioning, not just agreeing
* disagreeing respectfully
* not being afraid to comment

3. I commented on the following 5 blogs:
Live Laugh & Learn
Learning Curve
Life long learning
Moulton lava
Jello's 11 tools

Tool #1

I have been dragging my feet to get to this blog. The actual creating is fun and not too difficult as long as no one is listening to me. I do not like to write my opinions out like this. It makes me uncomfortable. Hopefully, this class will make it less painful. :)