tool #11

Dropbox is one I have learned about that I think I will use the most.  In my classroom, I really like learning more about Google programs and think I can incorporate that easily into some of my lessons.  Also I want to try to use Today's meet to help move along classroom discussions, as well as have everyone participate.

My thinking hasn't exactly changed, I am just going to have to work harder to put more of it out there. I will have to change lessons to utilize the technology we will be receiving. It would help more if I could start giving some of the control over to the kids over projects, because honestly they will always be more techno-forward than I will be!

I really didn't have any unexpected outcomes, but a lot of surprises! I guess I didn't realize how much technology was actually out there for us to use.  I didn't look into all the links/sites they had listed, and the ones I did view I didn't spend as much time exploring them as I would have liked.  But I can always go back to them to learn more about them.

tool #10

Being Good Digital Citizens:
  1) How to find good sources - use some Alan November techniques here (look at the ending .edu .gov)
  2) Safety on the internet. Making sure you never give out personal information. 
  3) Plagiarism - it is very easy to accidentally plagiarize. 

I fortunately have colleagues that have given me great resources.  There are some websites that have explanations, videos, and even class work (paperwork) to help cover the 3 concepts that I have listed above.  Brainpop also have good videos that talk about cyber-bullying.

Tool #9

1) The technology is a tool or source that we use to help teach the content. The technology needs to have certain objectives/goals so the kids know how they should be using them. 2) Students need to be held accountable and know the expectations for the stations they visit. Stations are a way for students to explore the content on their own in many different ways. 3) MangaHigh is a site we use in Math class.   The students love that they are competing with other schools!  Another site I looked at was phET.  I think this is one that I would be able to use for my Science class!!4) I found an app earlier this year that explains the phases of Mitosis and Meiosis.  The app goes through the phases one at a time and explains what happens in each.  It also has picture gallery of microscopic slides and video. 5) I can see the students using these devices to create tutorials for other students in the class (or for future years).  I would love to have the kids go through and rate all of the apps we use. Have a document that they go and rate them so other students can know which app gives the most help. 

Tool #8

I Learned:
   Dell Netbooks
       - will have Windows 7
      - they will have web cams (how awesome)! 
       - will have to have students use SBS\username to be able to login. 
   iPad
      - will need to set up iTunes account and sync each device with my "Teacher" computer. 

My coteacher and I will have the technology numbered. Students will be assigned a number and the kids will use them/share/work in groups with them.  

Tool #7

A) Students will develop ideas about how to reuse/recycle/re-purpose unwanted "trash" items to create an item that is decorative and/or useful.

B) In the spring during our unit on Human Impact on the Environment.

C) Google Docs, Skype

D) Students bring items from home that can be refurbished and turned into something decorative or useful. Items may be re-purposed, transformed, or combined with other materials so a new product is created. The top items have the potential to be sold at our PTA auction.

E) I will want to start off small, maybe work with the other 7th grade class on our campus. Maybe eventually move to collaborate with other classes in our district.

Tool #6

I have already had much experience using Google Docs. We use it as a staff here at Cornerstone and it is beneficial to help students know what work they are missing and what they still need to complete and turn in. I do know several kids who have used google docs for presentations. It is so wonderful because we continually have problems where one member has all the work and they turn up absent so they cannot work on the project. They also know that it is always saved which is nice.

I have a Diago account but unfortunately have not had the time to get on and learn how to use it.

I have an Edmodo account but rarely get to use it with my students. It is a goal of mine to set something up for next year so students can get on and know what they missed, etc.

Tool #5

When I saw Makebeliefs Comiz, I thought that would be a great idea for our students to use when they have to draw a comic strip on primary and secondary succession. I know many of them are not amazingly talented artists and would appreciate being able to do their comic strip online. However, the only thing that I do not like about it is that it limits the creativity of my students. I would love for them to draw however they see it and not necessarily choose from what they are given. 

Here's My video from GoAnimate:

It was fun and I can see how the kids would enjoy it. 

http://goanimate.com/videos/0ZD_s0RUlktM

I do know that many of my kids enjoy using Prezi for their presentations. It is a different way to present things and they like to use them for projects when they are mostly relaying information. It is something I would like to get better at using. I know they kids like them and it would be nice to use it as an instructional tool to change things up in the classroom a bit. 

I would really like to check out MixBook. It would be a nice scrapbook to create for the kids for the end of the year or use personally for my family that is out of state.