Tool 6: Wikis

I'm not sure about using wikis in that one can change what someone else has written. I guess the editing would be beneficial if you were working on a group project, collaborating. I like to know more about using it after staff development--not sure how I might use it. May come back to this one if time allows.

Tool 4: Cool Google Tools

I uploaded my weekly calendar into Google Docs. This would be a good document to share with teams because teachers could see available times and sign up for me to be in their classrooms to model a lesson. When I begin working with small groups, the calendar would help us stay on track since days and times can change quickly.

Okay, I browsed some articles and read them for Google Reader but the sharing, don't know. Didn't like this. Too much of my summer time taken!

Tool 3: Image Generators and Mashups

I used Image Chef for the Problem Solving Star. You could use this for the classroom management tool, "Scout". This is a GLAD strategy and students love getting positive reinforcement.

I used my own photo and Big,Huge Labs to generate the calendar page. It was easy, but getting creations to my blog, takes a little doing. This is the Rhodesian Ridgeback we brought home in March. He's grown some since then, but is a cutie.

Image Generators was great fun but formatted them was a bit difficult. I can see using Wordle for word splashes to introduce a topic's vocabulary or as a closure activity. Students would love bringing in personal pics for their creations.

Tool 2:Building Community and Comments

We have seen how the role of teacher has changed over the previous ten years. I like what the article said about being a learner in a networked learning community. We must model learning, collaborating and problem solving, because this is the goal for the 21st century. The experienced teacher and the novice teacher bring different attributes to the table, and mixed together, produce a learning experience. Time is at a premium so networking enables us to share and communicate learning. Just seeing how many courses can be taken on-line now is a testament to the necessity of a networked learning community.

When commenting, the positive comments are great and may make the writer feel good but they won't start a conversation. Elaborating on the "why it's great" or including your own opinion can start a meaningful exchange of information. I just realized I had some comments on my very first blog entry--how exciting and I felt the writers were really interested and confirming.

Tool 1: Setting up your blog

I did have fun setting up my blog even though I was not looking forward to it. It really helped to do it in small group with Elizabeth as facilitator. Much better than whole class. Guess that's how our kiddos benefit with small group instruction too.

Okay, I made my Avator and set up my address. I used Yahoo instead of Google since I had a yahoo address. It did take a couple of hours to get it all done. I was late for my hair appointment. That is why I am just posting my Tool 1 entry. "Welcome to the 21st Century, Mom" is what I heard from my daughter when I told her I now had a blog. Our kids are so with it and pick up on the technology in the "blink of an eye". All the more reason to guide them in correct usage. I think this may be fun. Stayed tuned and I will let you know.