Tool # 11

I really like Wall Wisher. I think can be applied to any area of the curriculum. It gives the teacher and the students views into what and how others think. I could post a problem solving problem and ask students to post sticky notes sharing what they would do first to solve the problem. We could then have a discussion of the different submissions.

My thinking has transformed from just using technology to present information to the students and has shifted towards allowing more individual exploration of content using technology tools.
I will have to decide how I am going to introduce the students to the various devices they will have access and how I will implement them in workstation activities.

There were no unexpected outcomes because I approached this as an opportunity to find out new things and increase my knowledge of how to become an effective 21st Century teacher. I was not disappointed.

Tool # 10

I would make sure my students understood that everything they read on the internet is not true. I would encourage them to find more than a couple of sights to verify that their information accurate. I would make sure that students understood the importance of being safe when on the internet and to only go to sites and data bases that have been approved. Finally I would teach them good netiquette.

I plan to use the atomic learning site to help educate students on how to become good dual citizens by looking at netiquette and online harassment.

I would use the resources found on the Ed Tech sight such as brainpop's information on digital citizenship as part of lesson on how to integrate technology safely and effectively in the classroom.

I would take the opportunity to speak to the parents at the first open house to give a quick overview of the opportunities available to their 21st century children and how they can assist with proper usage at home.

Tool # 9

It is very important to connect technology to the objective because today's student are accustomed to using technology. It grabs their attention and focus. By aligning objective with technology the curriculum is more attainable for the student.

Making student accountable transforms a station from a play station to a work station. When students are expected to show accountability they generally work toward completing a task. It also gives the teacher feedback on how well the students are understanding, applying and analyzing previously taught curriculum.

Study Ladder seems to be a good sight for students and teachers. It allows students to work through assigned tasks and provides a visual results page that can serve as an accountability piece. Another site that seems promising is TES iboard. It has activities across the curriculum and the students can take and print screen shots as a way to show accountability.

An app that can be used is Ace kids math. I envision students using it to work on math facts. The app provides students with incentives to finish levels. The can also use the ipods camera to take pictures of the screen showing what they have completed. They could also use the app coin genius lite. This app allows students to earn points for quickly counting money totals. The students can set goals and try and top their own high scores. They could take a picture of several games showing increasing scores.

Students can use the weather channel app to chart temperatures from various regions, collect data and graph and/or chart their findings.

Tool # 8

I learned that the netbook can be connected to a projector so that should make the Skype experience even better when using the activboard. I also learned that I would have to sync all of my IPod Touches to my teacher computer.

I plan on modeling how to collect and replace the devices. After doing this I will allow the students to show me that they can do it. As I have done with my actiVotes I will assign a student to watch as the others collect the devices and to make sure that all devices are returned and stored properly.

Tool # 7

This lesson is a social studies lesson that incorporates reading, writing, art and technology.

a. The object of this lesson is to research a hero in the second grade curriculum,create a doll that represents the hero and to write a short biography about the hero of choice.
b.This lesson will begin during our Heroes Unit in the Fall.
c.Students will use Diigo,and Skype
d Students will select a hero then research and save notes on diigo. Students will write a biography about the hero and create a doll. Students will read their biographies and display their dolls on Skype with other classes on our campus or others around the district.

Any takers?

Tool # 6

I can use Voice Thread to help my students learn how to use context clues and schema to infer. We can give a try below. I used the voice recorder and the call feature to leave messages...give it try!




I also used Wall Wisher. It was simple to use and can create dialogue between you and your students. This dialogue can give the teacher valuable feedback about the students understanding. Next I embedded a Wall Wisher bulletin board as an example of one way it could be used in class...I allowed the comments to be posted without my review here but in class I would screen comments first. Check it out.

Tool # 5

This was a fun tool to use. I can envision the students using Stupeflix Studio to make introductory videos of themselves. They could also us it to chronicle their observations of science units such as weather and life science(butterflies). Students could use Animoto to display photos of the writing process from the brainstorming stage to the published piece. Enjoy the brief examples below.





Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Tool # 4

Google Apps is a very convenient tool. I can send documents to my teammates and ask for their input. We can create one newsletter and allow each member to complete a section. Students can access Google Apps from home so, I can see some homework being done this way. I look forward to using the forms app. It's easy and can save time organizing responses.

Tool # 3

I found the Blinx video search engine was very useful. I was able to type in "2nd Grade Reading" and get lots of videos of students reading, reading strategies, and other useful tips. I knew that I was able to use images from the web, but I did not know to what extent. I now understand that the use of entire collections is prohibited. Picasa is a nice tool. I look forward to taking pictures and making videos of the things we do in class and having them accessible for publication when needed. Below are two videos. One is entered as a link and the other is embedded. The Young Hero link would be a great way to illustrate to students the things that everyday heroes can do. The embedded video show how students used imovie to make up a nice informative submission.

Young Hero

Tool # 2

I found it exciting to create and expand my Personal Learning Network (PLN). The section that gave tips for commenting was beneficial. I believe it's just like any other type of communication. If you participate respectfully you will be met with the same level of respect and all parties involved can have a good experience. I have been impressed with Google reader. I  can get information quickly and easily. Check out this blog. http://kimcofino.com/blog/ She offers some good tips on helping students create an online portfolio with student led goals.

Tool # 1

It was cool designing my avatar. This will give the teacher some insight on how students view themselves. I can't wait to see what they choose.