Tool #6

I like the idea of having students work collectively on a book summary/report by assigning different parts of the book to different groups. In the end, each groups work can be collectively put together on the wiki for a book summary. I think for teachers a wiki can be a powerful collaborative tool. Teachers can be assigned rights as collaborators and then each grade level can have a page. Daily schedules can be posted and curriculum. This wiki can serve as a web page to allow parents to view but only those with rights can edit. Navigating through a wiki is much easier than navigating through web page design.

Tool #5

I ended up using Delicious for my bookmarking. The two sites I marked are:

http://www.cellphonesinlearning.com/

http://www.polleverywhere.com/

I tagged these both with "mobile technology." I am interested in using the itouches as polling devices in the classroom. We have the activ votes for the activboard- but this would allow the students to expand their answers and ideas and not just respond with multiple choice. I can see where social bookmarking could be a great collaborative tool in the classroom. Students could research sites needed to perform group research projects. They enjoy using the internet and this gives them a clear purpose and objective.

Tool #4

1. I created a form document to find out when some of my peers would like to get together to work on 11 Tools. I asked three questions using multiple choice and selecting a choice. I have used this before when we worked on the Power to Learn grant. It is very convenient and definitely makes working on grants easier.
2. I had already set up my Google reader account but I added some of my peers from 11 Tools both at my school and where I had originally worked. I sometimes forget about Google because I use my work email for everything. I will have to remember how convenient it is!
3. The form document will allow me to collaborate effortlessly with my peers. The youtube video was very familiar to me. I spent many evenings printing off emails and then entering the information into spreadsheets. No more!!! The Google Reader will allow me to stay connected to others through my "home base." This should promote more collaboration and networking. I can totally see using the form document to communicate with students. Together the teacher and student can create projects and research topics.

Tool #3

Oh The Places I Have Been!

http://bighugelabs.com/map.php



I really enjoyed working with this tool! The educational benefits are many. As you can tell from my blog- I added many new items. The students can create digital pictures of the places they have visited. I can see creating a class wiki and then having the students visit these same sites to complete homework assignments. For example: Assignment 1 could be to create a map of all the countries/states they have visited. Other students could comment and learn about their classmates. A great beginning of the year activity that would promote new friendships in a nonthreatening environment.

Tool #2

My thoughts about building an online education community and participating in a PLN are a definitive yes! Students are already sharing online- via facebook and email. As educators, it is our responsibility to teach them tech-etiquette as well as the benefits educationally of online communtities. They have the social aspect down- we just need to further their horizons.
I agree with Cool Teacher that if you are going to make a comment- make it count. The blogger needs to have productive feedback. Online discussions with real teachers allows us to collaborate conveniently and on our own timeline.
I made comments on the following blogs:
http://manchestersblogspot.blogspot.com/
http://coopers11tools.blogspot.com/
http://meredithadixon.blogspot.com/
http://msmaniloffsblog.blogspot.com/
http://tigertrailcenturylearning.blogspot.com

Tool #1

I had fun creating my Voki! I absolutely love mobile technology! Can't imagine life without it. I played with an ipad and thought it was great, however I love the fact that the iphone/itouch is portable and can even be carried in your pocket. I have adapted to the small screen and find it's size one of its best features! I have utilized it for sharing media- both educationally and for fun.

It is amazing to me how quickly the younger generation coexists with this technology. As adults are learning to adapt, the youth just utilize it!