11 Tools Reflection

My favorite technology tools were "Word it Out", "Photostory", and "Google Docs". I plan on having my students use "Word it Out" when learning new sight words and other vocabulary. It can even be placed as an activity in my literacy workstations. Photostory can be used to wrap up any unit and have the students complete a story showing what they learned as a project grade.
After this exploration with the 11 tools, I immediately thought about how soon I want to introduce small components of technology to my students in order for them to be successful with the more difficult task that they will have to be responsible for independently. I have thought of rules and adjusting classroom managment strategies when teaching technology, because in the past I have realized how overwhelming it can be to introduce new technology concepts to an entire class, with just one teacher. So many students have different questions, problems, concerns and issues during a technology lesson that it requires more than just patience to successfully teach each student. So there is alot to be proactive about as the technology enhances in the classroom. I am always prepared to expect the "unexpected" so the only thing that I really can say that was unexpecting, was the time frame and difficulty in setting up. In each lesson I had to think of all the ways I could better prepare the students to understand it in the easiest way possible. This was truly a learning experience and I am so excited to show my new students.

Tool #11: Digital Citizenship

I would want to make sure my students understand safety, etiquette, and appropriately researching information from credible sources. Safety is important because there are so many internet predators waiting to take advantage of vulnerable users for so many different reasons. It is important that students know not to easily provide personal information such as address, phone numbers, full name etc. Our district has provided many safety measures in blocking certain sites that are not useful in the school environment, but students should still be aware of the importance of safety as they venture outside the school environment to use the web for other reasons. As students inquire and ask questions about so many different things, it is always suggested to research a certain topic, and students should be aware of how to find credible information from the web. Many times search engines lead researchers to commentary pages, blogs, and other places that are meant for commentary on a particular topic and students may not understand that those are not credible sources. So it is important for teachers to take time to model how to use credible sources. Etiquette is also important. Showing respect to other users that you interact with in your technology experience makes it easier, enjoyable and creates more opportunity to learn and grow.
In teaching digital citizenship I would introduce all important aspects of it slowly in order for every student to fully comprehend its meaning. I would discuss ALL the most important aspects of digital citizenship and then seperately model and teach each one through hands on examples in mini lessons. Examples can be shown through several kid friendly websites on an LCD projector and allowing students to participate in mini-lesson quizzes to assess their knowledge. Each lesson would be closed with a circle time discussion sharing what was learned as well as tackle any questions and concerns.

Tool #10: Exploring Mobile Technology and Apps

One of the free educational applications that I reviewed was the Google Earth Application. This application allows you to search locations and landmarks worldwide. It serves as an interactive map and can definitely be utilized in social studies as students are learning about a variety of places around the globe. Another application that is similar is the USA Factbook application that also allows you to view highways, states and other places in the U.S. It also provides facts that can be helpful when learning about specific U.S states and landmarks.
Another free application I had a chance to review was the Hear Planet. With this one you can choose a specific location and retrieve information about it and the information can be read to you through audio. This application allows you to learn history about a specific place worldwide along with demographics, ammenities and businesses. This is another application that can be used in the classroom in the area of history, economics, and geography.
With using the ITouch in the classroom, depending on the applications downloaded, it can be used for any concept or subject area. I witnessed others who own an ITouch use it for reading and downloading books, reviewing the alphabet and sounds with their younger children, and with the above mentioned applications, it can definitely be used to review and study several science and social studies concepts such as states, landmarks, landforms, planets, etc. I am so excited to introduce the ITouch to my students!!!!!