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.
One of my favorite activities on here was Tool 7: Digital Storytelling. There are so many different things the students can do with these in the classroom. One activity they could do is create their own story using their own imagination, pictures, and individual creativity!
Skype is also a great resource for the students! If I could get my students to set up Skype from home they could contact me for homework questions, their parents could have video conferences with me at their convenience, there's so many exciting ways to use Skype.
2. How have you transformed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom?
As a new teacher last year, I was slightly overwhelmed, I was constantly soaking up all the different resources that I could use and apply in my classroom. And now that I'm comfortable with those I'm excited about utilizing all these new resources! This upcoming school year's going to be filled with all kinds of new innovative ways of learning across all content.
3. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
Yes! I didn't think I could do it all and I did! I really enjoyed learning about these 11 Tools! I need to practice some more than others but I'm looking forward to applying what I've learning in my classroom this upcoming year.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tool 11: Digital Citizenship
I think Digital Citizenship is very important for our students!
1. As teachers, it is our responsibility to first stress the importance of Internet safety. Getting caught up in all the new exciting technology and navigating our way through the endless possibilities can sidetrack us from stressing the most important thing to our students; Internet safety!
2.Digital literacy is now essential for today's students' daily learning. The 'Cool Cat Teacher' Blog had some great insight for Digital Literacy. It's important to for students to challenge what they have heard or read by checking facts, the Internet is full of different resources. The Internet is a place of endless possibilities!
3. Digital Etiquette is also extremely important when venturing out on the Internet. I think it's important for the students to show grace and humility as was discussed in Tool 2. Also, there was a list of other important etiquette issues that I found to be very important listed on 'Heartland AEA Digital Citizenship' website.
1. Using technology without a negative affect on other humans
2. Being aware of appropriate content and context with the use of technology
3. Understanding how to be respectful to others online
I think I would teach Digital Citizenship one step at a time! It would be an interactive classroom discussion and we would explore why it's so important. Then we would get on the Internet as a class and walk through different scenarios. And lastly, I would monitor the students as they practiced Digital Citizenship.
1. As teachers, it is our responsibility to first stress the importance of Internet safety. Getting caught up in all the new exciting technology and navigating our way through the endless possibilities can sidetrack us from stressing the most important thing to our students; Internet safety!
2.Digital literacy is now essential for today's students' daily learning. The 'Cool Cat Teacher' Blog had some great insight for Digital Literacy. It's important to for students to challenge what they have heard or read by checking facts, the Internet is full of different resources. The Internet is a place of endless possibilities!
3. Digital Etiquette is also extremely important when venturing out on the Internet. I think it's important for the students to show grace and humility as was discussed in Tool 2. Also, there was a list of other important etiquette issues that I found to be very important listed on 'Heartland AEA Digital Citizenship' website.
1. Using technology without a negative affect on other humans
2. Being aware of appropriate content and context with the use of technology
3. Understanding how to be respectful to others online
I think I would teach Digital Citizenship one step at a time! It would be an interactive classroom discussion and we would explore why it's so important. Then we would get on the Internet as a class and walk through different scenarios. And lastly, I would monitor the students as they practiced Digital Citizenship.
Tool 10: Exploring Mobile Technology And Apps
1. Discuss some of the free educational apps you revewed.
One App that I thought was amazing was the 'Library Of Congress'! There are unlimited resources and amazing pictures that you could use to keep your students engaged in your classroom. I also enjoyed 'Advanced Vocabulary Genius by Brainscape', this could help students in every grade, and even help us adults improve our vocabulary! Also, 'Read Me Stories - Children's books By 8Interactive Limited' is a great App! It gives new readers a great way to follow along, practice reading and learn new words. I also enjoyed 'Math Drills Lite By Instant Interactive', this App would have come in handy last year when we were learning about number lines and division and multiplication. I look forward to using it as a teaching tool in this upcoming school year.
2. OPTIONAL: If you had an opportunity to play with one of the devices, briefly describe your experience. Was there a WOW moment?
I attended a Staff Development class for 'IPod Touch, Mobile Content, and the Classroom Teacher' in June and learned a lot! It was slightly overwhelming since I have not personally owned an IPod but I thought all the endless possibilities were incredible. I'm looking forward to utilizing all that I've learned in the classroom. But with so my much to learn, this is definitely something I'll have to keep practicing at!
3. Discuss ways your students could use the iTouch or iPad and appropriate apps in your class.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of using the ITouch or IPad in the classroom is workstations! Particularly for my students that are advanced and finish assignments before the other ones; I think it would be great to have them constantly mentally stimulated by engaging them in different learning opportunities using both the ITouch and IPad! And after exploring some of the free Apps and attending the staff development I think the learning opportunities for both the students and myself are endless! I look forward to utilizing all the new technology!
One App that I thought was amazing was the 'Library Of Congress'! There are unlimited resources and amazing pictures that you could use to keep your students engaged in your classroom. I also enjoyed 'Advanced Vocabulary Genius by Brainscape', this could help students in every grade, and even help us adults improve our vocabulary! Also, 'Read Me Stories - Children's books By 8Interactive Limited' is a great App! It gives new readers a great way to follow along, practice reading and learn new words. I also enjoyed 'Math Drills Lite By Instant Interactive', this App would have come in handy last year when we were learning about number lines and division and multiplication. I look forward to using it as a teaching tool in this upcoming school year.
2. OPTIONAL: If you had an opportunity to play with one of the devices, briefly describe your experience. Was there a WOW moment?
I attended a Staff Development class for 'IPod Touch, Mobile Content, and the Classroom Teacher' in June and learned a lot! It was slightly overwhelming since I have not personally owned an IPod but I thought all the endless possibilities were incredible. I'm looking forward to utilizing all that I've learned in the classroom. But with so my much to learn, this is definitely something I'll have to keep practicing at!
3. Discuss ways your students could use the iTouch or iPad and appropriate apps in your class.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of using the ITouch or IPad in the classroom is workstations! Particularly for my students that are advanced and finish assignments before the other ones; I think it would be great to have them constantly mentally stimulated by engaging them in different learning opportunities using both the ITouch and IPad! And after exploring some of the free Apps and attending the staff development I think the learning opportunities for both the students and myself are endless! I look forward to utilizing all the new technology!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tool 9: Sharing Information Through Jing & Skype
Jing is so cool! I had heard of 'Snag it' but I watched the educational video on how Jing works and it made it so easy to understand. I think it can come in handy when we're on different computers, and in different rooms at work and want to show our coworkers what we're looking at quickly. Also, when we're home and using our computers but want to share what's on our screen with a coworker.
And I am a HUGE fan of Skype! My parents lived in Saudi Arabia for 20 years and we got Skype a few years ago and it amazing! So easy to use, and such a great way to communicate. The link '50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in School' had some really great ideas for using Skype in the classroom! Some of my favorites were, 'Inclusion — helping a classmate join the classroom from home.' This particular student had leukemia and was able to participate through Skype, so awesome! Another one was 'Share students’ work with parents.' The parents had a first hand look at their child's work in the classroom. Also 'Conference with parents' this would come in handy when parents are unable to make it up to school for student-teacher conferences. And I really liked the idea of using Skype for 'Professional development' in case I was out of town or unable to make a particular conference I would be able to participate via Skype! So awesome!
And I am a HUGE fan of Skype! My parents lived in Saudi Arabia for 20 years and we got Skype a few years ago and it amazing! So easy to use, and such a great way to communicate. The link '50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in School' had some really great ideas for using Skype in the classroom! Some of my favorites were, 'Inclusion — helping a classmate join the classroom from home.' This particular student had leukemia and was able to participate through Skype, so awesome! Another one was 'Share students’ work with parents.' The parents had a first hand look at their child's work in the classroom. Also 'Conference with parents' this would come in handy when parents are unable to make it up to school for student-teacher conferences. And I really liked the idea of using Skype for 'Professional development' in case I was out of town or unable to make a particular conference I would be able to participate via Skype! So awesome!
Tool 8: Video Resources
I really enjoyed spending time looking through the different video resources! TeacherTube.com was one of my favorites! This one clip I found cracked me up! It's called 'Mrs. Burk Perimeter Rap'
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=157&title=Mrs__Burk_Perimeter_Rap
Last year, in third grade we learned about Perimeter and Area and I know my students would have loved this video! And what a great way to get the kids engaged at the start of a lesson! We could have showed it daily for a while and taught it to the students, making it easier for them to remember the definitions of both Are and Perimeter!
I also enjoyed exploring SchoolTube.com! This website will come in very handy next year! One of my favorite videos was 'I have a Dream: Martin Luther King day'
http://www.schooltube.com/video/02831c44b39940f193f9/I-Have-a-Dream-Martin-Luther-King-Day
The students made this video and did a great job! They seemed to really understood the significance of MLK's speech. This gives me all kinds of ideas for the upcoming school year!
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=157&title=Mrs__Burk_Perimeter_Rap
Last year, in third grade we learned about Perimeter and Area and I know my students would have loved this video! And what a great way to get the kids engaged at the start of a lesson! We could have showed it daily for a while and taught it to the students, making it easier for them to remember the definitions of both Are and Perimeter!
I also enjoyed exploring SchoolTube.com! This website will come in very handy next year! One of my favorite videos was 'I have a Dream: Martin Luther King day'
http://www.schooltube.com/video/02831c44b39940f193f9/I-Have-a-Dream-Martin-Luther-King-Day
The students made this video and did a great job! They seemed to really understood the significance of MLK's speech. This gives me all kinds of ideas for the upcoming school year!
Tool 7: Digital Storytelling
This was such a good experience. I love photo shop and all the other great pieces of software that worked together to make this masterpiece of a short story; the story of the BIG BIRTHDAY. It was so much fun to create. I hope you enjoy it! As for the experience, I know I will use my newfound skills to teach 2nd graders. They will surely benefit from my ability to post video on the internet. I'm hoping my students in the upcoming school year will have internet computers, and internet at home and their parents will realize the importance of teaching internet skills.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Tool 6: Wikis
I really enjoyed watching the video 'Wikis in Plain English,' he made the concept of using the Wiki websites look so simple and convenient!
I think the students would enjoy using Wikis for group projects. Also, a great idea they had listed on their website was for students to be able to create their own portfolios! I know my third graders would have loved that last year!
I also liked the idea of creating a page for myself like this example I saw,
http://sites.google.com/a/googleclassrooms.org/mrs-richau/Home Mrs. Richau has an excellent Wiki page!! She has a list of 'Class Announcements' so parents and students can visit her page for helpful info. She also has several links on her page for school supplies, a suggested reading list, school forms, weekly spelling lists and several more! What a great idea! I want to make one of these pages for my class this upcoming school year! This is my favorite tool so far!
I think the students would enjoy using Wikis for group projects. Also, a great idea they had listed on their website was for students to be able to create their own portfolios! I know my third graders would have loved that last year!
I also liked the idea of creating a page for myself like this example I saw,
http://sites.google.com/a/googleclassrooms.org/mrs-richau/Home Mrs. Richau has an excellent Wiki page!! She has a list of 'Class Announcements' so parents and students can visit her page for helpful info. She also has several links on her page for school supplies, a suggested reading list, school forms, weekly spelling lists and several more! What a great idea! I want to make one of these pages for my class this upcoming school year! This is my favorite tool so far!
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