KMcElman_100502_3813_S2 KMcElman_100416_0097 letter A DSC_0249 letter O IMG_5694_2 DSC_0020_8 KMcElman_100416_0069 letter K Brentwood Business Park

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

REFLECTION

WOOOHOOOO!! Done, done, and done!!

As much as I enjoyed this, I'm really relieved that it's over. I feel like I learned a lot and was able to get very aquainted with some great tools. I'm excited to apply them in my classroom.

My favorite tool was the photo-story. I feel like I will use that a lot. I really like to share photos and so I'm excited to put them into their own little story. I expressed on that tool how excited I am to make social stories for my kids. They are going to love it and I know I will love using it.

This has really opened my eyes to how much is available to me. I wasn't even aware that 95% of these websites were available. Now I know that there are plenty of websites that I can safely go to and utilitze on a daily basis.

I look forward to applying my newly found knowledge to my classroom. This actually ended up being a really good thing for me. Now I just need to go back and use it all!

Tool 11

Obviously, we are moving quickly into the technology era, and unlike a "fad," this one is here to stay. If we are going to teach our children how to be good citizens in the world (example: how to be well behaved in public), then we should teach them how to be good citizens when it comes to the technology world (how to behave well in a digital society). There are way more than 3 important things one should learn when it comes to digital citizenship. I'm only going to touch on 3, however.

1. Be safe!!! Be aware of the information you are giving out over the web. Having an interaction with someone over the internet is much different than having a face-to-face interaction. You can't see with your own eyes! Be careful about what information you are giving out. You can never be sure who you are talking to or what their intentions are. Also, your information can easily be copied and transmitted to others. Do not give out addresses, account numbers, or anything else that you might consider personal and could potentially put you or someone else in harm. This one is very important!!!

2. Research responsibly. Understand what the internet is and how it works. Check sources. Don't just rely on one source to give you all the information you need. More than likely, there is more than one credible source when it comes to researching a certain topic. Take advantage of the information at your fingertips. We are very lucky to live in an age where we aren't dependent on going to the library. We can conduct research from just about anywhere now.

3. It's borrowing. Not stealing. Make sure you give credit to the appropriate sources. Don't plagerize...there are lots of laws out there and what might not seem illegal can be if you are stealing credit from someone else.

Teaching digital citizenship could be great character ed activities. They can also be easily integrated into any lesson that involves technology.

Tool 10

I have an ipod that I use only for music. I've been thinking I really wanted and Iphone and now I want one more than ever. I can't believe phones are so technologically advanced. It's like you can walk around with a fully functioning computer in your hand all day. I'm way behind on the technology bandwagon.

I have gotten my hands on a friend's Ipad and it was amazing. I'd like one of those too, please.

These are great devices for students because number one: they are mobile. They are easily accessible. Students can remain in their own work space. Also, they are interesting. Students will really enjoy using devices like this. Apple also makes it very easy to navigate. The touch screens are very easy to use and the icons are easy for the kids to understand.

Some applications that I liked were:
ABC phonics animals
Sign Language
210 Human Body Facts
Read Me Stories
Math Drills Lite
Rubiks Cube

Tool 9

Skype is a great way to stay connected with people. I use it pretty regularly now as a way to keep in touch with friends, but have never integrated into the classroom. It would be a great way for students to demonstrate learning or for teachers to share lessons and ideas with other teachers. It would be really great to be able to connect the students accross the state, country, or even world. Wouldn't it be awesome if they could see or chat with a student over in China?

Jing would be great because it can be pre-recorded and then sent off. A teacher could record a lesson and then send it to another teacher across the world, or vice versa. Haven't we come such a long way from just normal phone conversations?

Tool 8

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=111390&title=A_Social_Story__Personal_Space






The videos I used were both found on youtube. Youtube is still the easiest site for me to navigate around. I looked at the other sites and feel like I need more time than I have right now to look around and find useful videos. I'm happy I am aware of the other sites now, so that I can use them in the future. I actually really liked teachertube.

Tool 7

Wow!!! I loved this tool. My mind is already going crazy thinking about all of the possibilities and how much I can use this. This is a great idea for social stories. Now i just need to use my digital camera a bit more.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Tool 6

Wikis are great ways for students to work together and collaborate. The website about ideas for using wiki's in the classroom seemed very helpful. It gave me lots of great ideas to expand on writing activities. I especially love the ideas for students writing stories, writer's workshops, and poetry workshops. What a great way to eliminate the giant notepad and allow student's to use the technology available to them. This would be great especially for special ed student's who have difficulty putting their ideas on paper.