Reflections

Wow!!! I did it! What a journey. I am amazed how technology has advanced and evolved. There was so much to explore within the 11 tools. Some of my favorite tools are google docs, flickr, wordle, digital storytelling, ipod touch. I do have a lot to learn, but I am up for it. My thinking has definitely transformed because I had many reservations. I know with practice and support I am on my way. I do plan to use the ipod touch for workstations, independent practice and more. Digital storytelling will be a part of writer's workshop to enhance the writing process. I would love for my students to create a wordle at the beginning of the school year to use words that express who they are and what they are about. Google docs will be more for my benefit at first to use to communicate with my team. I will implement as many applications as I can handle. I will need to perfect my skills and become more comfortable. I will DANCE my way into technology!

Tool #7

I used photostory 3 to create my finished product. I chose something personal to share...dance a passion of mine. Students will truly enjoy digital story telling. Using this feature, the students will have a more genuine experience when telling/sharing a story. Students can add their own personal touch with photos, pictures, text, voice overlay etc. Digital story telling would work well in writers workshop where the students can take their writing even further and to another level. I would like to thank J'Nay Thompson, my best friend's daughter, for her assistance, photography, and technical support.


INSPIRATIONS...

Tool #11

Digital Citizenship:

Being a good digital citizen is a very imperative tool to teach. Modeling good digital citizenship is very important for students to observe, using videos to demonstrate appropriate digital citizenship allows students to have another visual for reinforcing what's appropriate and what's not and even providing role play opportunities for students to practice good digital citizenship can be effective in teaching this concept. Three things I would like my students to know about being a good digital citizen are:

* Give credit where credit is due when using sources such as photos, ideas, videos etc. Do not take credit for something that is not your original idea or concept.

* Be responsible. Make sure your have parental consent when using various sites at home and have consent from your teacher when at school. Be careful about what you publish and release. Once you send something out you can't take it back, so think and make good choices. Remember to represent yourself with excellence.

*When you're unsure about something....ASK...better to be safe than sorry.

Tool #10

Mobile Technology and Apps...COOL!!! I haven't had the opportunity to explore personally, but I am looking forward to exploring and working with the ipod touch. The two apps I viewed were Math Drills Lite and K12 Timed Reading Practice. The Math Drills Lite is a fun way for students to practice facts through using mobile tecnology. K12 Timed Reading Practice allows students to practice reading using stories. Other content areas can be practiced through this app as well. I can see this tool used in workstations, additional practice, re-teaching if appropriate and allowing students who may finish work earlier to stay engaged in learning.

Tool #9

Jing and Skype

Both resources were interesting to view. Jing I see more as visual use for relaying information with the use of visual support. Skype can provide genuine experiences for children globally, engaging children in communication developing those skills, conferencing if the need presented itself with parents or other teachers. Skype can reach the massess and allow connection no matter where you are. I would need to explore skype more to develop a comfort with using this feature. Wow, what an awesome way to connect!

Tool # 8

Using videos as a resource can be very beneficial and engaging for students. Videos can be used as a set for introducing a lesson, serving as a visual for students to refer to support new objectives/re-teaching or to just give a fresh perspective and voice in delivering instruction throughout the day.

Tool #6

After viewing examples of Wikis, I believe students will be more open to writing. I find writing to be an area where motivating students to write can be challenging. Wikis can be used in the writing process, creative story writing, posting ideas, finished products etc. Wikis will engage everyone and keep students actively involved. Workstations can be generated from wikis and more. Teachers can always manage progress and individual needs through the world of wiki.