11 Tools Reflection

Exploring these tools has been a great experience for me. I had used some tools similar to a few on here but there was also a big load of new things. There are so many resources out there that I was not aware of, which I know I will make use of in my classroom. Two of my favorite tools were PhotoStory and Video Resources. These two are very simple and so flexible to the content or purpose. They will be helpful for me as a teacher to help the presentation of lessons as well as for allow a very create way for my students to participate and show off their knowledge. I realize how big of a part technology plays in the elementary classrooms now. It is a benefit for all. I end this with much knowledge gained from my part, and being eager to build on it some more.

Tool #11: Digital Citizenship

I have stated online safety on some of my previous tools not knowing the technical term for it.

Digital Citizenship is extremely important for our children as well as for us adults. We have learned this over time but we can’t expect our students to be entering out class already know it. As I browsed through the key points three that really popped up to me were Digital Etiquette, which refers to the conduct expected by other digital users. The second one is Digital Law, this is very important. As much as technology is helpful, it is also dangerous. Students need to know the legal rights and restrictions towards technology. Digital Literacy is the third one that caught my attention. All of these can be taught to our learners by showing examples, modeling, and informing of the benefits as well as the shortcomings of using technology. Digital Citizenship is something we need to always keep in our mind as well as our students'.

Tool # 10: Mobile Apps

It is incredible how many applications are out there to aid with educating our children. Although we wish all of our students loved to read we all know the student or students that say they don’t like SSR time. They may not be so advanced in reading, which makes them try to stay away from books. Well what better way to engage them in reading than with the use of technology. The NASA app, just like a book, provides information, illustrations and facts about NASA. The teacher can engage the student on the iTouch, and then move them onto books as well as using this tool as a resource in lessons. Another app that I liked was “I can write”. This one can be very beneficial to our upper grades since the writing process is of such importance there.


I have not had a chance to explore these apps personally but I am very much looking forward to it!

Tool #9: Jing & Skype

Jing is a good tool to use to enhance online conversations. Students can use the communication tool for research project and other assignment help from home within each other. By sharing information on Jing it is possible to complete a project though this method of communication. Skype is a really handy tool, even better than phone conversations. Of course, it requires a camera but it is worth the expense if making effective use of it. While in the school the teachers can set up buddies in other classes or schools to enhance learning. This will serve like a pen pal. The teacher will have to check rules and regulations with this as well as inform students about online safety. Students need to know what type of information never to share. Teachers should also make it clear to only communicate with people that they are sure to know. 

Tool # 8: Video Resources

I really enjoyed looking for these videos, which you will see are posted as gadgets. One of the videos is of science content, the other is social studies. These videos can be used as support for lessons. They are educational as well as entertaining. Children love to watch videos, especially when they are catchy like these. Video clips are great attention getters; it benefits to use them to engage the students’ interest on the topic. I will continue to look for others to use throughout the year.

Tool # 7: PhotoStory

The PhotoStory program is very easy to use. I enjoyed creating my video, although after I posted it on here, I realized I didn’t include a title page. I decided to show off my nieces since they are a huge part of my life. Seeing how simple it was to create this, my students can explore topics and share them in this creative way. It would also be a fun thing to do for introductions. Students can use personal pictures or find pictures online that show their interests, and then narrate it. I will make good use out of this and I’m sure my students will really enjoy it.

Tool # 6: WIKI

When one hears WIKI, it sounds like something very technological that only IT experts can figure out. At least that’s what I thought at first. The first time I joined a wiki was to sign up for observations. I joined the group on Wiki spaces and could edit and save the scheduled times. Wikis serve for many other things like discussion boards within classroom students or work colleagues. From the example wiki spaces I browsed through I got the idea of conducting a research project. The students would join their group and edit and save the page or linked pages to complete the process. This can also tie into bookmarking on delicious. The groups can save sites in which they find useful information to later share with the whole class or for future use.


I plan to create a group with my students to use for discussions as part of lessons, signups for presentations, as well as have a place for questions students may have. I can respond as well as their fellow classmates, all of which I will monitor. To me this tool seems easier for elementary students to use than Google docs.

Tool #5: Bookmarking

The amount of information out there is growing everyday. Sometimes I find a useful site but I forget to save it onto my favorites, later it is difficult for me to find it. Knowing that I have delicious it will be easier for me to remember to save it. I like the fact that I can organize my bookmarks by topic or subject. By organizing my bookmarks, it will make my web browsing more efficient. I will be able to do the job faster.
My first bookmarks on delicious:
http://www.education.com/activity/fourth-grade/science/

http://www.suelebeau.com/firstday.htm

Tool #4: Google Tools

Honestly, this one has been the trickiest tool for me. I had never used these tools although I use Google search every day! I am glad to see these tools are out there. Google docs is the one that I liked the most. I can see more use of it in my classroom. Teachers can use it to accumulate information regarding field trips on a spreadsheet, to keep track of meetings or even to get input from other teachers on activities and lesson ideas. Another plus is simply having access to a document creator like Microsoft Word for free.




The blogs that I am following are: SBISD BLOG, My Blog, MCW at SOE, Journeying Julie and Hugotepic

Tool #3: Images

The two tools that are used are Spell with Flickr and Wordle. You can see them as gadgets.  They were both very easy to use. It only takes a few steps, making it easy to create. These are tools that I will use with my students for sure. Uses are endless, from character traits to vocabulary in any content area. It is a very neat twist that can be added to lessons as well as for displays around the classroom because I believe it is also very easy to print these.

Tool #2: Building an Online Education Community

To my experience, it has been great and very helpful to have an online community. It makes it easy to communicate with other educators that con offer useful advice and support. This comes from my experience with blogs and online commenting. This tool in particular is good because it lets us practice this activity, which will lead into the making of a very well organized community. Our students are participating in things like these very often. With this, we can teach both our students who are and the ones who aren’t familiar with this, the safe and proper ways to use it. The educational purpose might be ignored by most of our students at this time as well. I think they will be surprised to find this information out.


When it comes to commenting, the most important advice is being open ended. Leave room for comments and be gracious to them. That is the way to be most efficient. Contributing to other blogs is important, always keeping in mind to be aware of what we are trying to say and the way we write it.



Commented on these blogs:
My Blog
Journeying Julie
MCW at SOE
HR blog
dancer feet

Tool #1: The Beginning

I didn't know how this 11 tools course worked, but as I read the prompts I realized it was fairly simple and very creative.  Fourth grade will now be my home. I am new to the field, yet full of knowledge and ideas to explore with my students. I titled my blog “Putting the Puzzle Together” because that is exactly what I will be going this school year. It will be more like working on many puzzles at the same one, which at the end will all come together to make one big one.