11 Tools Reflection

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.

 

My favorite tools are

--Photostory

--Tagging and Social Bookmarking

--Blogging

 

I would like to set up a class blog for use in Math and Social Studies.  As math and social studies is in our everyday lives, I would encourage kids to make weekly posts concerning current events or how they may have used math on a particular day to decide on something to buy (better deals).

 

 

2. How have you transfomed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom?

 

I have come to the realization that our kids are so different today than when I was in school.  They are absolutely driven by these 21st century tools and need them in order to maximize their learning.  I will try my best to incorporate these tools as much as possible into my lessons and everyday activities. 

 

 

I expected to learn about many different tools for use within the classroom.  The program although overwhelming met my expectations and I now feel that i at least have my feet "wet" in each of the tools.  I hope and aspire to have the time and energy needed to incorporate and delve further into learning about these great tools! 

Tool 7

In completing tool 7, Photo Story, I made one to target my math class using the book The Greedy Triangle.  I completed the photo story, but was unable to successfully post it on the blog. Photo Story is a great way to have kids create quick visuals to go along with content as well as retell a story.  Although the program lends itself more to Language Arts, there are great ways to incorporate into math such as a review of definitions with pictures as well as making a "how to" guide for certain skills such as adding fractions. 

Tool 11

With the advent of technology becoming such a big push in the classroom, digitial citizenship is an issue that concerns me.  I believe it is extremely important to teach kids the proper etiquette and usage policies concerning technology.  There are a few items I would like to stress with my kids.  I think using scenarios or possibly role playing would be a great way to communicate to them the importance of displaying appropriate behavior when using technology tools. 

1.  Cyberbullying is a huge issue that kids should be aware of.  I think more times than not, they may not know that what they are doing is bullying.  Raising awareness can deter situations before they begin. 

2.  Students should as well know how to use manners when posting on a blog or social website.  Although constructive criticism is always welcome, there is a respectful way to go about it. 

3.  Now that students have and utlize district email as well as the use of google documents, they should be aware of and discuss appropriate converstaions to have over the internet.  They should know that tone can be miscommunicated in emails and as well, they should have a firm understanding of acceptable discussions. 

Tool 10

Wow!  I cannot wait to get my I touches in the classroom.  I have an I Phone and have used many apps before in tutoring sessions for math.  They are wonderful and entertaining for kids and a great way to learn. 

A few that I have used are Arithmetic, POP math, and Sudoku to build strategic skills.  These are great applications that can be used as early finisher activities or as well to help kids with math facts if they are struggling. 

Although these are the only apps I have reviewed on the educational front, I know that Spring Branch has a great list of free apps that will be very useful in the classroom.