Tools 11

Finally... I'm tired of running.

However, along my run I learned many new things I will take into my classroom this coming year. Skype is great tool because students can talk to authors, business owners, students and other teachers. I also really liked the Animoto videos, they are short, quick to the point and informative. I also learned how to blog and I feel more comfortable blogging, maybe expressing my feelings will come later.

Technology is always changing and it seems like our students are growing along with it. After interacting with all the fun sites and apps my classroom technology view has changed. My focus this coming year will be using technology on a daily bases through small group, stations, and projects.

I feel more comfortable now then I did at the beginning. I struggled a lot but after practicing "11" times I quickly got the hang of it. I think I am going to go back and play on some of the sites. There are so many ways to integrate technology, I can't wait to show my future class.

Tools 10

Digital Citizenship is important whenever students are using technology. Cyber bullying is a great example as to why students should learn how to become digital citizens. This topic will be introduced at the beginning of the year. Brainpop has a great video that implements the qualities needed to be digital citizens. Students will watch this and then using the netbooks or i-touches create a Wordle using key words from the video. Teacher modeling how to properly navigate the internet is important for students to view. The internet can be a wonderful world, but everyone still needs to be cautious.

Tools 9

1. Why do you think it is important to tie the technology to the objective?
There has to be a reason why you are using the devices in your classroom. Some how it has to connect with your curriculum. Also, students have to learn and this is just another resource to help them.

2. Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?
Students need to held accountable because they are learning. They need to understand that stations is a time to work on not play.
3. Visit 2 of the applicable links to interactive websites for your content/grade level. Which sites did you like. How could you use them as stations? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?


Learning Games for Kids is kid friendly. Students will have and learn at the same time. This station would allow students to be independent when choosing a "game" to play (learning)The other site was Study Ladder. This site is more teacher friendly but becomes student friendly once a subject and category is chosen. This would be a great station because the teacher could pick a specific category the student will be focusing on .


4. List two to three apps you found for the iPod Touch/iPad that you can use in your classroom. What do you see that station looking like? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?

I liked the app "I Write Words". They can write spelling words or work on their print handwriting by using correct top down form. The other app I was impressed by was Thinkfinity this kid friendly app has many games to choose from. Many of the math games are motivating and students will be engaged.

5. What about other ways to use the iPod Touch/iPad? Share another way you can see your students using the device as a station.
Students can watch videos when researching. Also these devices take pictures and create videos. Students can implement this into projects or simply as a learning device.

Tools 8

I am so excited to start the school year using I-touches and netbooks. Students enjoy working with technology and what better way to do that then to bring it into the classroom.

When the school year ended I had no idea how to use an I-touch. This summer I spent many days playing with an I-touch and found many different to use with students. When working on the collaboration project students can personally skype with another student using the I-touches.

The Netbooks will be a great addition to our classroom. Students can watch Discovery Education videos, brainpop, or create wisherwalls and Animoto videos.

First in large group, Students will learn of guidelines and rules when working with these devices. I plan on choosing two students to be my "techy police officers" who will be charge of the net-book and i-touches. Most of the time the devices will be used in small group, but occasionally students will be allow to work independently.

Tool 7

I have to agree that Web 2.0 and the Internet have allowed us to collaborate with other teachers around the world. We don't have to travel across sea's to take a peek into someone else classroom, instead we can use Skype and speak to them online.

Content Objective: Communities
The learner will interview a student from another city or state and discuss how their communities are alike and different.
Implement: First Nine Weeks Social Studies
Tools to Use: creating embedded videos from Animoto, Skype

Tools 6

The tools I chose were Twitter and Wallwisher. I feel like most students are going to be familiar with these two tools and will be more intrigued. Using Twitter a teacher could post questions of the day or topic of the week prior to introducing it in the classroom. Students can read my twits and become aware of what to expect in the following week. Twitter could also be another great way of communicating with parents. For the younger grade levels , parents will be informed daily of school lessons or upcoming events.


Wallwisher was the other tool I used. This was also a fun tool to work with. Anything that is hands on is always motivational for students. Students can answer questions by posting sticky notes on the bulletin board or make comments. Parents could also post concerns or questions about assignments or events occuring at school.

Tools 5

I really liked this part of the blogging.  The sites were easy and not complicated.  The site Big Hug Lab has many different resources the teacher can use in the classroom.  For example I used the trading card accplication and found it easy to upload and type information about the picture.  You can also make a jigsaw puzzle or a motivation card, a poster board, and even a movie poster. 






wow! This was so much fun! Animoto was a fun site.  Students can really get created with the curriculum and motivated to learn.  Created a mini video on the inherited traits of living things.  The site had many images and music to choose to from that I didn't have worry about uploading my own. 

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

P.S.

I feel more comfortable blogging and it doesn't seem to bad after all.