After Tool #11

I really enjoyed using the 11 tools. I consider myself pretty technology savvy so there weren't any unexpected outcomes except the amount of time it took to complete some of the tools. However, I believe completing them made me more competent in using them and teaching them to my students. Many of our students have experienced some of these tools (especially the ITouch) so exploring the tools have allowed the playing field to be leveled and I hope to be able to show them a few new things or add on to their own skills. My favorite tools are:

• ITouch- a interactive computer at your figure tips that doesn't ring!!
• Blogger- a way to connect writing and allow for personal reflections
• Avatar- personalizing their working with a little creativity

Tool #11

In understanding how to be good digital citizens I would want my students to:
1. Understand literacy is important. I would teach my students which websites are reliable and which ones may not be and how to know.
2. Understand safety and etiquette when using the Internet. I would make sure my students understand that you never share personal information over the Internet.
3. Understand the use of Internet outside "school life" so that they have the cyber smarts and help others make right choices.
Our librarian teaches an outstanding lesson using the Activ-board and the students are engaged with answering, asking questions, and voting about expectations and usage of the Internet. She uses factual information that relates to the students everyday life and the students come away with information that is useful. Also, signs/posters are placed near computers reminding students the safety and etiquette when using a computer.

Tool #10

I reviewed all of the free Math Apps that the district approved for next year. I enjoyed the fact practice ones such as Match Lite, Math Races Lite, AddEmUpLite, Pop Math Lite. These would be great to use to help students review their facts for the appropriate grade level. I have used my personal ITouch for down time...such as waiting to be picked up from after school tutorials and when my students are done with workshop and are waiting on the time to change stations. One of my suggestion is that before you load an App make sure it is grade appropriate. Several of the Apps that the district has approved are higher level and do not meet the TEKS for K-5 (some involve middle school TEKS). I would also suggest that loading a few first and then adding more choices.

Tool #9

Screencast can allow students to connect creatively. I use Skype to connect with my niece and nephew who do not reside in Houston. We are able to talk and communicate and the bonus is that I get to see them and they see me!! Skype has characters that you can put on while talking with them. Occasionally I'll put the dog on and my nephew yells "WOOF WOOF." Some of my students express that they have Skype accounts and they use it to talk with their friends. Some of them told me that when they have a question about a problem they are able to show it to their friend and get feedback. Kind of like a tutor over the computer.

Tool #8

I use videos to help me teach concepts for math. They have tons of math songs that get my children motivated. I don't have the best voice so using YouTube has been a good friend of mine.
I include a division song and a multiplication song.
Karl Roemer's "Long Division Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_cqrdZNmr0
The Multiplication Rap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZO1Ep-c7uo

Tool #7

I have used photo story in PGP this year. This students enjoyed creating their own and it allows them to add their own voice which personalizes it. We did have difficulties on adding their voice on the microphones we were using. We ended up using headsets and had to turn off the music they created so it didn't over power their voices.

Tool #6

I have used a Wiki when developing the Problem Based Learning program for students to use during summer school. It allows them to collaboratively plan a group project and reflect on each others findings. The nice part about this is that student can access this from anywhere they have computer access.