Tool # 11

I have learned so much thanks to the 11 tools class!   I do know that I need to go back and do a little more in depth learning on some of the tools.  I think what I am most proud of is that I actually have a blog..  I think that is so cool!  I can post pictures and  video's.   Also I think the neatest tools I learned to use and could use with my class were the Poll Everywhere and Wallwisher.  Although I could make lots of cool questionnaires using google docs, for my parents to answer about their children, to gain more insight into their lives!!!  At first I thought I was having to do 11 tools because I deserved to be tortured over the summer (LOL!!!)  But I really am pleasantly surprised that I learned some cool "techy" things to do!!!

Tool # 10

It is very important to become a good digital citizen.  And students need to know how to use technology correctly and saftely.   There are 3 things that I have noticed with the itouches that need to be addressed with my class.  Taking photos/video's  of others, taking care of the itouches/netbooks,  working cooperatively with others regarding technology are the 3 issues that I would want my students to understand are critical to being a good digital citizen.  Brain Pop is a great way for young students to learn about digital citizenship as well as Ms. Moore the librarian.  She always comes up with great active board lessons that help students clarify and understand!  I think that it would be a great idea to have a permission slip for the children to take home so that their parents will know what is expected when using the classroom technology.

Tool # 9

Tool # 9
Technology is not just a play thing.  It is a tool to excellerate learning.  Why would you not think it is important to tie technology to the objective?   I am not sure it is so important to hold students accountable for using technology center/stations, as long as learning is taking place even though in early grades, it make look like play.   Also accountability is not that big of an issue if applications, and classroom links are educational and do have an educational objective.  I viewed the link for Learning Games for Kids, I thought it was hard for a child to navigate or to stay on an age appropriate level.  TES iboard was easy to navigate and would be really great on an interactive board if I had one, but it could be used on an individual computer.  One of my favorite aps on my classroom itouches is the interactive storybooks.  They are story books that the children take part in the story from helping characters doing tasks, turning the page or reading or having the story read to them.  Goosed up Rhymes is also another neat interactive type of book, Mother Goose host and reads Rhymes.    I have used my itouches for a literacy center,  They could also be used at math centers.  Children are also more then able to learn to use the camera and video camera options on the itouch.

Tool # 8

It's so exciting learning about the new technology. I have never used the Dell notebooks but I have seen the kids use them in the library. I do know that the kids are able to move around with them because they are wireless. I will have to experiment whether to have a netbook station or just let the kids find a quiet place to use the notebooks with or without friends.
I already have 2 itouches that I piloted last year.  It was the best center I have ever had.  The kids who used them learned on their own how to use the apps (all educational) and how to record video and take pictures!!  I loved it, and I love that I will have 4 now so that more kids will be able to be at this center.  The only management problem I have encountered is having a fair way for each child to have a chance to use  technology
I usually keep a weekly calendar on my desk so that I can make sure everyone gets a turn.

Tool # 7

How awesome it would be to share and collaborate with classrooms all over the world.

My first thought of a collaboration lesson would be on weather.
Weather for small children is very abstract... They see different types of weather but, they have never experienced snow, blizzards, ice... but on the other hand they can describe hot muggy foggy weather because we experience that here in Houston. Tools we could use to share information and data would be Polls Everywhere,Voice Thread,Voxopop, Wallwisher, & Skype. I would like to find a kindergarten class in the Northern part of the United States to collaborate with.

Tool # 6

Wallwisher is so cool!!! It does remind me of the stickies we use for the comprehension toolkit. I would like to be able to make a wallwisher so that my class could leave me feedback. I created a Poll for my students using Poll Everywhere. I hope that there will be someone at school next year that can help me set this up on my new technologies so that the kids can really try it out. It would be so exciting to have my class respond using writing and technology together!!

Make a live audience poll at Poll Everywhere

Tool # 5

I used Animoto to create a slideshow of my trip to New York, I really could use this in the classroom, my students love to use the itouches to take pictures of their friends and this would be a great way for them to see a finished product. The Wordle was very simple and fun to use and would be an easy way for students to create a technology project.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Tool # 4

Tool # 4 was simple yet important. I made and shared a calendar using google docs. Now my team can be organized and ready for important meetings and events.
I also made a birthday questionnaire using google doc forms for my friends to fill out and share.
I actually do use questionnaires in my class for the parents to fill out. It gives me good insight into their child. This form would be so much easier to use then the way I do it now so I will definitely use it again!!

Tool # 3

Tool # 3 Actually took me 2 hours to complete, choosing videos and and images is a lengthy process because I did want them to be suitable for my blog!! I can see where it would be very important to view any video's and images before using them in the classroom. I also understand after reading the Copyright and Fair Use law that as long as I post a video or image to a secure sight using it only for educational purposes that is alright to do.

Tool #2

I went through many of my coworkers blogs and was totally impressed with all of the great things they are doing.  I am so hoping that my blog looks as good and that I learn to use some very cool tools to use with my class!!!!  Good Job Housman Teachers!!!

My First Day of Blogging.

Hey ya'll Southern Girl here, making my first post on my blog.   I will do my best to entertain you while your reading this very important information.  I like comments so feel free to read and discuss with me.