Reflections!

My tool box is full indeed. I enjoyed many tools I learned through this training. My favorites were: PhotoStory, Google Docs and Image Generators & Mashups. I plan to use PhotoStory for students' projects on Science or SS.
My thinking has broadened in the sense that students are definitely capable of implementing all these technology into their learning. Sometimes I thought some of the technology was a little too much for them (specially for third graders), but now I believe they are able and ready to be technology literate.

Tool 11

Digital Citizenship is a very important issue that shouldn’t be ignored. Many people take it for granted, but I think teachers need to explicitly teach it and model it. Students that are learning how to use technology must also learn about how to behave when using it.
Three things I would want to make sure my students learn are:
- Netiquette: like on real life, treat people like you want to be treated.
- Security and safety.
- How to communicate clearly: using appropriate language, and to check spelling and grammar.

Tool #10

I have an iPhone and I use many applications every day, but I've never looked into the educational ones- wow, there are so many! I can clearly see how kids could use it in the classroom. I was happy to find out there is a BrainPop application, with videos and all - my kids love those. Also there is a Math Facts Drill that will become useful as well.
I think the students will use the iTouch/iPad as a center or to complete an assignment/project.

Tool #9

I have used Skype before and it's great. I often communicate to parents trough it, and they actually prefer it since they can "see" me. I never thought of using it at school, but I can see how the students would benefit from it. We would only have to find someone to have a video-conversation with!
Jing seems to be useful when communicating with someone online, but I'm not sure how to use it with 3rd graders yet.

Tool #8

Videos are a great tool for learning. My students love watching short videos, so it is great having all these resources to look for them.
Here is a short, simple video that explains the states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.


Here is another useful video about the application of units of measurement

Thing #7

I love PhotoStory, it's just so easy to make! In the classroom I could use it as an end of unit review, or introduction to a new subject. Also, students could use it to create their own stories with drawings, or as a presentation of a topic to their classmates.
I'm posting a PhotoStory I made last year of my sister's puppy.

Tool #6

I don't know if it is just me, but I didn't see much difference between Wikis and Google Docs. They're about the same: internet documents that you can invite people to edit.
Again, students could use a Wiki to collaboratively work on an assignment or project. Also it could be useful among teachers to discuss, share or plan any school matter.

Tool #5

I have forgotten how useful Delicious is. I had signed up last year but never really used it to look for resources, but I'm sure to use it this year! I found a couple of websites full of teacher resources and lesson plans.
I liked this math lesson plan from Education World. Also I found this great resource for 3rd grade math test prep.
I will look more deeply into Diigo later, because I spent a lot of time rediscovering what a great tool Delicious is.

Tool #4

There's one word I can think about Google Docs: efficiency. What a great way to save time when working with a group of people and sharing ideas! I remember sending emails with files and then not remembering which was the updated one. Students could work together on a project or presentation; besides, it lets you know the work that each one did. I will be thinking on other ways to use it with my 3rd graders, but it will definitely be helpful with my teammates.
Google reader is also a great tool to look for updates of your favorite websites and blogs.

Tool #3

There are so many creative ways to express yourself. I can see my students having fun using image generators and mashups. I think my students will be happy to have an assigment that involves any of these tools. I did a word mosaic using the parts of plant with the shape of a flower. I can ask my kids to do this and then write the function of each part :)

Tool #2

I think most people are fond of leaning new things and interact with others. So to create a Personal Learning Network is just a way to adapt into a fast-changing technology world. Teachers, specially, are always trying to find new techniques and tools to attract the attention of our students, so technology is a perfect fit. I also think it is very important to guide students into what’s appropriate and not in this "technology world".
Something that stood out about commenting is to write a meaningful comment, and to ask questions to get people to start commenting too!

Tool #1

Hello. This is the second time setting up a Blog since last summer I created my first when doing Library 2.o training. This could be a good refresher course for me of all the tools available to enhance student's learning. It was fun creating a voki- that was new, and I was surprised how it could speak! Kids will have fun doing that, and I think a blog will be a good resource for students reader's response and to practice their keyboarding!