Thing #11.5

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
Again I loved being able to have this opportunity to work from home at my own pace. Some of the things I stopped and used longer because I was able to incorporate the ideas into the curriculum. Some of the things did not fit because they were not age appropriate for the grade level I teach. I like having my notebook right next to my computer to take notes in how I will adapt in the classroom. (The instant learn and use connections)

I had seen Wordle before, but was able to think of practical uses. I also love jing and how easy it is to use!


2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

One of the things I always fear is getting left behind with technology. There are so many tools and applications to use that it is difficult to keep up. One of my goals is to stay current where children are so they can be educated both in the classroom and out. In knowing the vocabulary they "speak" and understanding the tools they are using I feel I am reaching that goal. I love that SBISD provides library2play, because they take the time to bring attention to the important tools while providing the resources in an easy researched type feel.


3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I do like that the 11.5 things were shorter to complete. (23 things was brutially long, but just as good) Although I shouldn't be, I continue to be amazed at how teachers are using everyday tools within education.

4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

Some of the tools with 11.5 things seem to be better geared towards upper grades, so that makes it more difficult to apply all of them. I would love to see more pictures or discussion boards with teachers having applied them in the classroom. As always it was so fun playing !!!!

Thing # 11 Digital Citizenship

Below are elements of digital citizenship listed from the website listed. It is interesting to think
that not all of the elements overlap into our daily lives, but at some time or other we come in contact with them all. One of the suggested readings reminds us that proper digital citizenship does not just happen. It is just like character education or classroom citizenship, it must be taught. In the article it also talked about how the teaching can not just happen once for it to be absorbed and then used correctly everytime by students. As the technology rapidly grows, the importance for teaching digital citizenship is only enhanced.

http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html
1. Digital Etiquette: electronic standards of conduct or procedure.
2. Digital Communication: electronic exchange of information.
3. Digital Literacy:process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology.
4. Digital Access: full electronic participation in society.
5. Digital Commerce: electronic buying and selling of goods.
6. Digital Law: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds
7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities: those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world.
8.Digital Health & Wellness:physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world.
9. Digital Security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee safety.

Thing #10 teaching with second life

This thing has left me on the fence, I'm not sure if I am totally convinced that "pretending" to live in another life is good for children. I agree that we all grew up pretending and that stimulates the imagination, but Second life gives children images in which to pretend. I was completely sold against the idea, but wanted to give it a chance so kept searching. When I found the educational side of second life, I found myself seeing the value of using it in the classroom. After clicking on the link and seeing all of the environments to visit I thought it might be just the thing I had been looking for in connecting with a scientist. That's when I unconvinced myself again...why would I settle for showing my kids a location what is virtual when we can connect with the real location and people? The times I have used Skpye and videoconferencing to connect with places like the Grand Canyon have left the students with the same feeling. I feel like Second life "cheats" us out of the real experience. I do agree it has it's place, but not in place of the real thing.

Thing # 9 Slideshare

Slideshare is a good tool for students to use when making a presentation. It seems the software is easy for students to use, so they will not struggle when putting a presentation together. By putting their presentation on slideshare, students then have access to it anywhere there is internet. Although this is a great tool I am not sure this "thing" needs a whole post, so I have a hard time expressing more about how to use it.

Thing # 7

http://www.blinkx.com/videos/grand+canyon

Both of these videos would fit in the science curriculum that is taught for 4th grade science. Often the hardest thing for students to understand with science is the vocabulary, so these two clips give students visuals to help build the vocabulary needed.

Thing # 6 I touch-Apps

These things are all over the place and often as one article said being used in the correct way by small children. This past year I had so many conferences with parents who wanted to help their child with math facts. One parent took the advice I gave about finding a practial resource and downloaded an app for their i touch.

I think there can be many uses for multiply students to share one i touch. One example is a learning center can be set up for students to use the i touch apps with an open ended response sheet at the end of the time to complete.

Thing # 5

It is hard for me to see how facebook and twitter could be age appropriate for elementary age students when left unattended, but I know there are similar concepts they use. Last year on the way to a field trip students were allowed to bring electronics and some brought a PSP. The whole way students were writting silly messages back and forth to "chat" on the device.

I can see how if we had devices such as these while teaching and students could developmentally write in response to discussions where it appeared for other to view, how it would enhance conversation. I think even those students who might not share answers in a class setting might feel more comfortable sharing in a less threating way. I think it also allows students to have responsiblity and flexiblity in sharing and responding, which are important skills to learn as well.

Thing # 4 You Tube

I love that teacher tube already has so many videos ready to watch and teach with. I can see the benefit to adding your own video in teaching a lesson. One of the most often asked questions from parents is, "How can help my student with homework when I don't even understand it?" By posting a video on teacher tube, a parent could view how the concept is taught and then be better prepared to help their child with homework. The video I created and uploaded to youtube is my introduction video to my class so they can get to know a little about my hobbies.

Thing# 3skype

Skype has been a fast growing application with wide uses. In fact it saved me this summer when I was in Paris, France. I was able to use a friend's skype to call the states for less than the cost of a real phone call.

I have used a video conferencing unit to connect to many schools at one time, but I can see how skype can be used for quick connects with classrooms to discuss projects or information free of cost. I think the only negative side is if the computer does not have a microphone and web camera. It could however be set up as a center with specific tasks to be completed with certain connection points. I think an elementary student could easily be taught how to use the address phone to find the person to connect with and discuss their topic. I can even see how within the campus there could be a connection with grade levels without even leaving the classroom.

Thing #2-Wordle/Wordsift, Voicethread, Voki and the best for last bookr

Using Word sift students are able to find the main idea because of the enlarged font for certain words. They can then use the google search box and the images word sift automatically generates.



I have also used Wordle for science vocabulary and definitions. Students can use either of the applications when beginning a unit of study to become familiar with the vocabulary. It could then later become a study guide.

I am very excited about voicethread and would love to see the district purchase the education version to make it even safer for the elementary students to use. I can see students in my classroom solving a math word problem and then getting feedback about what they could add to the process of solving. I would love for the students to then invite their parent to comment also, so that parents would have access to what their child is doing at school. The Voki is another great way to interact with students verbally. Teachers can post comments on a blog or give directions to students about how to complete an assignment.

Wow~I love bookr. The book I viewed was an assignment with 1st and 5th grade reading buddies. Since we partner with 2nd grade I had already talked with the teacher about adding a writing portion this coming year. Looks like I found how we can publish to celebrate our writing. So cool!

Back to learning...Library 2 Play 2: Thing #1

The art, explanation, and flow of information from the video keeps the viewer entertained while at the same time processing information. The student starts by explaining what the teacher does not use (textbook) and inputs what she does use: a sequenced process of teaching research tools and presentation of applications so the student can begin to take ownership of his own learning. A high honor is paid to the teacher in how the student explains the vital usefulness of the teacher's role with the word choice he uses to describe her teaching style. I love how the video expresses the sequence and use of applications through the small cut outs of their pictures in cartoon manner.