Tool #3: Image Generators and Mashups

The websites I used to create my word cloud and virtual book are great tools that can be implemented in the classroom. The 'Word it Out' website was fun and easy and can be used to reinforce any Language Arts concept. Some ideas that came to mind as I created a word cloud about 'who I am' using adjectives, included: students creating a list of sight words or spelling words, new vocabulary learned from a new theme, listing verbs, listing nouns, writing words that are synonymous to add or subtract. The ideas could go on and on regarding ways to use 'Word it Out'. I love it.
Using Bookr was a trial and 'ewww', ooops I mean 'error', experience. It took quite a while as I had to make sure my pictures appeared on the correct page of the book and were formatted to the page correctly. I aimed at finding my own pictures after signing up for a Flickr account but was NOT successful at transferring the pictures I really wanted to use when creating my book. Instead I used tagged pictures from others who had a Flicker account to create my book. I had fun creating a book about something I'm soooo passionate about :-). Students will absolutely love creating a book on a variety of subjects/concepts, and it makes a great 'Project Grade'.


Credits:
Virtual Book created using: Bookr
Word Cloud created using: Word it Out

Tool #2: Online Learning Community

Building and online learning community opens up a plethora of opportunities for educators across the spectrum to collaborate and become creators of powerful technology resources that will aid in the growth of our students' learning possibilities. The best part is learning and growing 'together' and the convenience of sharing on-line. It is quite exciting to be able to witness the foundation being set forth, and the craving I and so many others share to move students closer to success through a variety of technology possibilities.
As I reviewed the comment advice regarding commenting on other blogs, one major suggestion that stood out to me included the point made about 'Writing a Meaningful Comment'. I believe this is so important in order to truly gain knowledge about helpful technology resources and ideas. Meaningful comments give all readers advice, ideas, and suggestions on great technology tools, what works and what doesn't, and how to move forward with utilizing the best sources that will capture the needs of the educator and student.

Tool #1: Setting Up

The beginning process of Tool #1 was fairly easy. It required following some basic step by step instructions that included creating a Google account where you post bits of infomation about who you are and then I was able to link into the Blogger website to begin setting up my Blog account. All those steps have led me to where I am now..... BLOGGING