Tool # 6: Using Web Tools to Promote Discussion in and out of the Classroom

I created accounts for a few of the tools that were listed. The first one is Wall Wisher. This was easy to set up. This would be a different way for students to post responses to books or any other reading in the classroom. I like that it can be manipulated as well, so you can categorize responses on the ActivBoard. This can be added to a classroom blog so students can respond at home.



One of the other tools I liked was Edmodo. I attended the class at Teacher U this summer on Edmodo. It sparked my interest in learning more about this tool. This was created out of the popularity of social networks. It is a safe social network for the classroom. Teachers can create a class group for students to join. The teacher can post assignments, homework, class notes, and grades for students to view. I am not sure about the grades part. I would have to research this more. Students can safely post comments on Edmodo to other peers in their class. I see this being used at home for discussions on homework and other assignments. The teacher would also have the opportunity to teach digital citizenship before students would be allowed to join the group.

I am now ready for Tool #7.

Tool # 5: Web 2.0 Tools

Create your own video slide show at animoto.com.

Animato is great and super easy. I created this video slide show titled "Around the World". This could be incorporated in the classroom in so many ways. Students could create slide shows for social studies projects. I could also see them creating mini biographies on themselves. This could also be used by book clubs to create a slide show on a book they want to share with classmates. The possibilities are endless with this tool.

I used Big Huge Labs to create a trading card using a photo of my nephew. Again the possibilities are endless with this tool. This could be used in social studies and language arts classes. Students could use this tool to create magazine covers, trading cards, etc. describing a book they have read or a topic/person they have researched. This is also quick and fun.

Tool #4: Moving Up to the Clouds

I have worked with Google Docs in the past with the LA SIS group. I see this to be a very valuable tool when working with students and colleagues. You have one place to visit to view and edit documents. I have used Google Docs in the past when working with teachers to create lessons. It makes it easier when they can edit in real time. I see this being used in the classroom when students are working on writing assignments. The teacher can give immediate feedback. I don't think it can replace that side by side writing conference but it could be used for homework. I also would see Google Docs being used in book clubs. Students could share responses to books with the teacher.I have created a form using Google Docs. It is titled your Top 5 Favorite Summer Reads. Please respond.

Tool #3-Video and Image Resource

I found this video on Teacher Tube from an episode of the Andy Griffith show. I loved watching the reruns as a child.

This video is called the " The Preamble to the Constitution" Although this is old school, I think it would be good for students to watch. It shows that memorizing facts is not enough. I have remembered things I learned a long time ago because there was a memorable product tied to the learning. I retained information because there was a product ( play, skit, power point, video, etc.) that made the learning come alive. Students will learn and retain content if they can produce a product that is something of their choice. The 11 tools will open the door to a whole new way of learning information.

I found this on School Tube. A student has taken an essay she wrote about Spring and turned it into a digital story. I think this would be so cool for students to do with their writing. I see using this at the beginning of the school year. I could create a personal narrative about myself using the digital storytelling and share with my students. They could create a digital story as a final product. I just need to learn how to do the digital storytelling part. Maybe it will be in one of the upcoming tools. I am really excited about all the technology I am learning this summer.

As far as copyright laws, I knew most of the rules already. There were no new surprises.

I am off to the clouds for Tool #4.

Tool # 2- PLN

I found this tool very informative. I visited several fellow educators blogs to see what they found out while researching this tool.

I joined Google Reader and Diigo. I think these social bookmarking sites will be something I can use in the classroom with my students. I have found I have lost track of all the places I visit and mark as favorites. These sites will make it easier to locate information quickly.

Posting comments with fellow SBISD educators is less intimidating than posting comments with complete strangers. I thought the guidelines for creating/joining a PLN were helpful.

I will make it a goal to visit the 2 sites I joined throughout the summer.

Off to tool #3.

Tool #1: Getting Started

Hello Everyone,

I have completed the 1st tool. It was relatively easy since I already had a blog. I removed my old Avatar and replaced it with a Voki. Designing my Voki was fun.
I wonder if all the tools will be this stress free. Mmmm!