reflection

I was on a maiden voyage actually through all of the tools. The most fascinating to me were google docs and skype. The ways to use them in the classroom are infinite. I couldn't begin to start with any examples. My thinking has certainly changed by understanding that I must stay with it. I can't leave, come back and even expect to remember what I had just done. My unexpected outcomes was the thrill of seeing the products that were produced from these tools. My knowledge was minimal entering this task. I let everyone know how frustrated I was. I had the assistance of a dear and extremely intelligent colleague to get me to the end. I'm glad I've reached this point.
I know so much more to explore.

tool # 11

Digital citizenship should be an ongoing and modeled practice by the teacher. But first, I would discuss the importance of appropriate, responsible behavior with excellent conduct when dealing with any technology. Remind the students of the kinds of decisions they must be aware of making 24/7. I might roleplay some situations where their peers may try to influence them inappropriately. And finally I would thoroughly discuss the digital law with them.Have the students make a list of actions that are illegal. It is a CRIME to hack, illegal download, create worms, send spam, etc.
Preach constantly how these criminals spend time in prison. Don't be afraid to report criminals to the local authorities.

tool # 10

I do not own an ipodtouch, but now I know it won't be long before I do. I took an intro class this summer through the district so I was able to play. But now I see the endless ways that my students could use them. Some of the teacher favorites were wordbook, thesaurus, braintuner, blanks, whiteboard and wordwarp.
For myself I could use it for email, internet, web pages, games, entertainment,music and facebook. Wow, did I underestimate that little hand held piece of gold.

tool 9

Jing and Skype are two more ways of improving collaboration and communication in the classroom to go around the world.
Skype can provide field trips in class, talking to the author of a favorite book, or communicating with a student from another part of the world. It's endless.
With Jing the capturing of videos and the clarification of on line conversation could be used at any level. Image capturing and uploading to other video sites will be so exciting for the students and of course they are open to figure out even more ways to use it.

tool #8

The first video can be used to teach rhyming words that have the ig ending. Use it to show the similar endings and the students can make their own using different onset and rimes.

The second video shows the importance of how to hold your pencil. I have bought so many pencil grips for children who practice holding their markers incorrectly, then it becomes a habit. If they can hear a child explain and see the actual fingers used. it could help.

tool # 7

Okay, I had heard the term podcasting, but never took the time to really analyze it. I am now a podcaster!!! No more traditional broadcasting for me. Take a look at my digital story telling. I chose a gift for Olga, then I went through the steps of recreating its new home. A birdbath. I loved being able to include the text and one of my favorite songs to go with my story. It will be so much fun using podcasting with the students this year.