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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Reflection

I loved learning about all the tools. The tools that I can see myself using more than once in my classroom are photostory, google docs, a blog, apps, videos, almost all.

The ones that are not listed are probably because I am still not too comfortable using them....yet. This is where I can pull my team for suggestions.

11 tools has changed my view for technology that is for sure. There are so many programs out that can truly help simplify your day just a wee bit more. I feel like now that I have learned about them and how to use them, it is my responsibility to go out and show at least one person how to use them.

Before starting the tools I had no idea what to expect, I totally enjoyed reading Westwood responses and learning just a little more about them.

:)

Tool # Once

Digital citizenship

I always educate people on the importance of being technologically literate. Our world consists of technology everywhere we go, in everything we do and for the most part see. Our students need to be able to hold their ground in this competitive world we live in, and that especially includes understanding technology.

Being a good digital citizen includes understanding how to use it correctly. As a student it means understanding how to use the information safely and legally. Understanding how to cite properly and giving due credit where needed. As an adult (young) it also means using it responsibly, understanding that posting something on the web means that it is ALL available for everyone to see. The good and the bad.

For children it means learning how to be safe on the Internet. Understanding that not all can be trusted. Understanding the ugly and the scary about the Internet. Taking responsibility for the sites they use and choose to enter. For parents it means staying on top of things and ahead of your children. Allowing Internet access responsibly, and understanding the dangers for children on the Internet and talking to their kiddos about them.

Lastly I think cyber bullying is an extremely important one to discuss. Students and adults alike do not always understand what this is or looks like until it becomes a horror story on the news. Teaching students that what we post on the web should reflect who we are as a person.

Tool # Diez

I love APPS!!!! they make my life much more manageable.

I have found myself defending the fact that we will have ipods in the classroom, everyone always wants to know why you need them.

When this conversation begins I turn to my Noah, who has begun to write his numbers and letters, there is an app that we use that allows him to trace with his fingers numbers and letters, after doing this for a while he will usually ask for pencil and paper and attempt to write them himself. He is only 3 but already ahead of the game:)

Tool # Nueve

I like the idea of bringing field trips to the students. I can only imagine how tight a budget is for grade levels, field trips are almost non-existent these days. We can use skype to bring the field trips to the students vs. the old traditional way. We could even go as far as treating it as an actual trip, where students plan for and prepare for the trip through skype.