Reflection

My favorite tools are: Wordle, PhotoStory and Image Chef. All the tools explored were very useful but I can see myself using these particular tools with my students. An activity I can do with my ESL groups is use Wordle to have them talk about their family.

I've always considered myself knowledgable in technology and I've always enjoyed using it in class. Through this blog and the 11 tools, I have discovered a whole new world full of great possibilities for students.

When I started with this blog, I felt very stressed and frustrated. After going through all 11 tools, it has made me reflect on what was my initial definition of technology in a classroom and how different that definition is now. There is a road ahead with brand new and fresh ideas just waiting out there for our students and I intend to make it available for them.

It was fun getting out of my comfort zone and explore all the tools. We have to make an effort of avoiding routines and be open to look for new, innovative ideas to implement in our classrooms so that our students are always motivated and challenged. This experience has certainly had a positive impact in my thinking as an educator.

Tool #11

As we grew up, we were taught about safety...never talk to strangers, treat others the way you would like to be treated and always do your best. This all transfers to digital citizenship. The lessons that can be created using our childhood lessons are numerous. I think as educators, we are not only commited to provide a safe environment for our students in our classroom but also when using technology. The Internet is a whole new world and we have to guide our students on how to use the tools available for them as effective and safely as possible.

I would definetely start off a lesson by going over proper etiquete and Internet safety. We learned on Tool #8 how to browse for videos using various resources. This would be a perfect time to search for a video that's kid friendly on how to surf the Internet correctly. Students then could be engaged on creating an image on paper of what this looks like.

Another issue we encounter daily is bullying. Nowadays we hear more and more stories on how kids are being bullied through social networking and e-mail. This would be an ideal time to review the "No Place for Hate" awards our school has earned and talk how this transfers when using the Internet. Students need to be aware of the problems they can encounter online and we have to provide them with answers of what to do if they ever are put in this position.

Modeling is always the best way to let students what's expected of them and what's the correct way of doing things. We have to be role models and show them how to use these technological resources to their full potential.

We have to teach students how to be good digital citizens so that they know how to make good choices.

Tool #10

I could spend hours browsing through all the apps available, although some required to pay a fee to use them. I saw an incredible variety of apps for math, science and language arts. Some of the apps were as simple as games we all grew up with and they can be very useful in exposing the students to more vocabulary and also to high frequency words (which would be very benefitial for recent immigrants or ESL students who are lacking vocabulary). The iTouch could be used in bilingual learning centers or as an added resource for vocabulary enrichment activities. This is a very kid friendly gadget so it would be useful in all grade levels.

Tool #9

When I first started reading about Jing, power point popped in my head. As I kept reading, I got a better idea of what Jing is and how powerful it can be for our students. Immediately Science came to mind when I was reading about adding images to online conversations. This would be a great tool for Vocabulary Enrichment activities where studens could review science concepts in English.
Skype could be used to share ideas or collaborate with students from other schools. This could easily be scheduled through the libraries, since they have easier access to the MacBooks.

Tool #8

I am a strong believer in teaching students targeting the different learning styles. Videos are a great resource for students to visualize the concepts instead of trying to absorb all the information by just listening to the teacher. What I like about the videos linked at the bottom is that they use music to deliver the lesson. We all know students nowadays memorize songs left and right...so why not use this to our advantage and teach them through songs? I can see myself using these types of videos with students that need more language development.

www.blinkx.com/watch-video/parallel-or-perpendicular-song/XBBmLgIPfNzSQsr5KSSj5g

http://www.blinkx.com/watch-video/multiplication-facts-song

Tool #7

I decided to use Photo Story 3 because I had the opportunity of watching a finish story a teacher made last year with her 2ND grade class and it was awesome. It is very teacher/kid friendly to use. As I made my personal story, I kept visualizing ways students could use this, for research projects, theme units, writing process...the ideas are endless!

Tool #6

This is another resource that not only will be benefitial for educators to share and collaborate with each other but also for students. I can see students using Wiki in a similar way as Googledocs. They can use this when working in teams so that they can revise their information and keep everything together in one place, accessible from any computer. I also liked the idea of having students share information, not only with their classmates but any other student from another school in the district.

Tool #5

After briefly browsing through both, Delicioius and Diigo, I decided to register with Diigo because it seemed more complete. I know I will enjoy adding all my bookmarks in only one location! Recently my computer "died" and I lost all my bookmarks I had spent so many hours searching for them through a couple of years. Browsing through the groups already created on Diigo, I came accross these two websites:
www.literactive.com/Home/index.asp

http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/free-project-based-learning-resources-that-will-place-students-at-the-center-of-learning/

Tool #4

I enjoyed working on Tool #4 because I learned a lot of new information. I liked the application of Google Docs because it gives you the advantage of not only sharing information but also accessing it from anywhere. My favorite so far is the Google Reader because it cuts time (and we know as educators how valuable it is!) by keeping you updated with sites you've previously subscribed...all in one place! This is very benefitial and I can see myself utilizing Google Reader quite often. This is also very benefitial for students because they can keep information up to date, which can be useful when working on a specific research or assignment.

Tool #3

I used ImageChef to create a billboard with a customized picture and Wordle to create my word cloud. Although this seemed like an easy task, I spent a lot of time making sure I picked the perfect one. I could really see myself using Wordle to help students develop vocabulary. These are all excellent resources that we, as educators, can use with our students when doing book clubs or even working with science or math vocabulary.

Tool #2

1. What are your thoughts about building an online education community and participating in a PLN?

Most of the moments I cherish as an educator are the moments where I became a learner myself when I was involved in collaborative groups with co-workers. At the beginning of this “Tool’s Journey” I felt a little hectic because I wasn’t sure if I would get something out of it. I’ve only gotten as far as Tool # 2 and already feel this has made a huge impact on my first thoughts. It is great to know that not only we can communicate with educators from our school, but through our PLN we can collaborate with our own educating community. “Community” is a very powerful word because in order for a community to work, everyone has to work together towards a goal…reaching and guiding our students to success.

2. What point stood out to you from the commenting advice?

The point that stood out the most to me is "write a meaningful comment". This leads to great lessons for our students on what meaningful means and how to express their meaningful thoughts into words. Students will definitely need to be taught what a meaningful comment is.

3. What five blogs did you select for your comments?

• 1st time blogger!
• Blog About It...
• iluv2teach
• Rosaura's blog
• The Little Blogger That Could

Tool #1

First time creating a blog...a little time consuming but curious as to what comes next!