Tool #11 Reflections

1. My favorite tools are Photostory, Bookr, wikis, google docs. I think using technology will motivate students to write and will bring about amazing results. I look forward to brainstorming with my first grade team about how we will use this in our classrooms. Writing should happen in all subjects, and this is one more way for that to occur!

2. It has added an element of excitement to my re-entering the classroom this year. My students and I will all be learning together, and we'll have even more avenues to use to get to mastery of required skills in all subjects. Of course, I feel quite intimidated, as my technological skills are still rather weak. I predict that I will become a "fan" of Atomic Learning (before I ever see my assessment score)! As a result, my students will benefit even more, and my technologically-savvy family members will breathe a huge, collective sigh of relief......

3. An outcome that was unexpected from this program is that it can take an inordinate amount of time on the computer when you open every link, and then read the articles. But it is a wonderful opportunity to share with our little learners all the tools available in the technological world to challenge, help, inspire us to reach our goals, and how to manage our time doing so.

Tool #11

1. I would compare digital citizenship to the lifeskills and schoolwide agreements. You still need to be respectful and honest, even though you cannot see the people (on the web) you are communicating with.

2. Being aware of Stranger Danger is just as important when you're using the Internet. Students need to hear over and over again that they must check with an adult before signing up on a website, and not to share personal information on the Internet, unless ok'd by a trusted adult first.

3. Just because you find something written on the web, does not mean that it is accurate. I would model (many times throughout the year) how to verify information, and which reliable resources to use for doing this.

To get these messages (and others about digital citizenship) across to the students, I would utilize resources such as BrainPop, along with discussions in community circle.

Tool #10

I was actually disappointed in the list of free apps because there weren't that many that would apply to first graders. The two I liked were Hangman and Word Salad. I'm sure we are all going to come up with many good ideas for the I-touches once we get into the new school year.

A great way to "hide" a practice session (math or L.A.) in a fun visual activity.

Tool #9

Our 21st Century students are very visual learners, so using screen captures would be a perfect tool to add visuals to most lessons. It sure has helped me during this marathon toolbox endeavor!

We were just talking in the one-way dual language institute about the need for more authentic multicultural content in the classroom. What an excellent way to do this, by Skyping people in other countries. I also want to use the site that allows students to communicate with children's authors via Skype.

Tool #7

The students are going to love this! I envision countless topics for making a quick digital story, such as nature sightings during recess, science activities, math graphing activities, 100-day activities leading up to the big day, etc. If I can just figure out how to do it without my 20-year-old assistant.

Tool #8

Eating Healthy Song (from SchoolTube)

Rhyming Book (from SchoolTube)

The above links will be fun to do with first graders. I would show the healthy food one. I would like to use the idea from the rhyming book video to create our own class video.

Tool #6

Wikis have so many exciting uses! I love the BookTrailersforReaders wiki, and how it gets students excited about reading and writing about their reading. A double-motivator!
I also thought it was a great idea to use a wiki, as a teacher, to write the team newsletter. So easy for each member to edit and come up with a final product without it being on one person's shoulder.

Tool #5

As usual, I got sidetracked when faced with all the possibilities to "check out."
I added several websites to my Diigo account. Two are about technology in education. Those sites were: ilearntechnology.com and campustechnology.com (haven't learned the hotlink tool within a blog yet...)

I am a "clipper and saver" of articles, so the Diigo site is fantastic for organizing my information (too bad it can't take all my papers and upload them, too!)
I see many uses for these social bookmarking tools for teacher and for students. An exciting way to share information and learn more about any topic.

Tool #4

Following blogs of teachers who are sharing great ideas is a good way to use this tool. I have added teachers I've met at recent trainings on other topics, and we plan to share as we learn together this year.
This will all help our students' learning process, as we make their education more meaningful, exciting and learner-friendly.

Tool #3

I used the "Kid Friendly image generator" to make Language of the Day signs for the classroom.

I used "Animoto" to make an insect life cycle video.

Tool #2

1. What are your thoughts about building an online education community and participating in a PLN?
The PLN is a great way for educators to share information and ideas for using technology. It is an exciting and long-overdue step towards moving education away from the Industrial Era. Learners today just don't learn the way they did in the 1800's. It's exciting to finally see things happen the way the book, Windows on the Future, by Ted McCain and Ian Jukes, said they should happen. (good book)
2. What point stood out to you from the commenting advice?

When I was reading others' blogs, I noticed that it really did improve the comment rate when a blogger would ask a question.

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

From the Sherwood Community, I selected: Garcia, Anita; Savcic, Linda; Thomas, Kathryn; Browning, Carolyn; Chambers, Stephanie; LeBlanc, Meredith

Tool #1

Can't wait to get up to speed on the 11 Tools, so I can incorporate technology into my first grade classroom. The Blog has many possibilities, one of which would be a more exciting way for students to respond to books they've read or listened to. Sometimes the physical act of writing is too tedious for some students, and this could open up a very motivating alternative. And what fun it will be for them to share insights and ideas with other students from different schools!