Web 2.0 tools

Even more web tools...

I found this site searching for a tool I can se with my students and expository writing.  Check it out- there is a lot of Web 2.0 tools that we have learned about and many many more!

The 21st Century School Teacher

If you have any suggestions on a tool for this type of writing, let me know!

Reflect on Learning

As a result of Education 584, I feel that I can now use innovative web 2.0 tools with my students with ease.  I will admit that at times, I was very overwhelmed with all of the tools I was introduced to.  At times, I wished I had more time to explore and become comfortable with the newly discovered tools.  In the future, I will take the time to explore these tools more and find ways to integrate them into my classroom.  I did become comfortable with some blogging, web resource organizing, digital storytelling, and collaborating tools and feel confident in my ability to integrate these tools frequently and efficiently with my students.

Here are a few of the examples to demonstrate my learning and integration into my teaching experiences.

Animoto-

I used this animoto with Kindergarten intervention students working on Letter Naming and Letter Sound Fluency.
Weebly-

Here is my weebly site which I have set up to keep parents involved and informed in my classroom.
Storybird-
I had my students create storybirds to demonstrate connecting events within a narrative writing piece.  Here are my student examples.
Photostory-

This photostory was created to enhance the reading comprehension strategy of visualizing.  I intend to use it to introduce the concept, as a reinforcement tool with special education students, and as a review when needed. 

Wikispaces-
Our Class Wiki has been designed as a collaborative tool to gather ideas share resources with other teachers.
Also-
Website organizing tools such as diigo (but I still like Livebinder more)

I can't wait to explore even more...

Glogster, Pinterest, Go Animate, Voicethread, Dropbox, Kid blog, Symbaloo, Smilebox, Doodlebuddy, Blabberize, Taxedo, Wordle, Go Animate, Photopeach, Twitter

Most Importantly-

I feel confident in exploring new tools and have learned that through Twitter professional development can happen at any time without going anywhere. 

What do you think was the most valuable for you and your students?

I am always open to suggestions... Keep me in mind if you find a new web 2.0 tool to explore!

Overwhelmed!!!  The only way to describe how I am feeling right now!

                                                                                      image from katenoble.com

Why?  Trying to just keep everything straight and organized- from household responsibilities, job responsibilities, and school responsibilities- just to name a few.

My mind is racing in a million different directions.  I started tonight by trying to find some interesting and pertinent information about digital citizenship to create a new blog post (Sara- you did have some interesting site that I checked out).  Then quickly got sidetracked when I realized people had commented about a few of my recent blog posts.  This led into reading some classmates recent posts (Maggie- hope to see your video soon and love the updates on your wiki).  Wait, then came Class Dojo (thanks May Ellen, I really did appreciate this one!)  The phone, "Mom, I need lunch money.  Can you buy me an I-pod seeing that you just got this new job?"  Which reminds me,  I want to find a video on conductors and insulators for my students.  Before that can be accomplished, I need to check in with my projects (I think I am done but not sure).  Wake tomorrow night so I won't have the opportunity to do anything then.  Did I mention that I am exhausted and have a migraine!  AND what I am doing- writing this blog- THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT!  Time to get focused. One thing at a time!

How are you feeling right now?  Hopefully things are a little more sane for all of you!

NETS Connections:  Is there one about keeping one's sanity???  I can connect to a Common Core  objective that I used recently in one of my lessons (using personal expression in narrative writing).

Time to start checking things off the to-do list!

Thanks for the advice- Sidetracked again!!!

Not sure if I should post this but I hope it gets you all to chuckle a little! Hey, at least I am blogging. That should count for something.

THE GIRL WHO FOUND FRIENDS. by Cedraya on Storybird Love in a tree. by NDaSilva on Storybird The Mermaid who found love. by Sybelle on Storybird SHY by Shiann on StorybirdHere are the stories my students created using Storybird.  This was our first attempt at using this tool.  I began by introducing this site, its tools, and artwork.  The first day the students explored the artwork that would inspire their digital stories.  The second day, my students were ready to get started with their own stories.  They chose their artwork and began drafting their story.  The students goal was to create a narrative, focusing on connecting the events and using personal expression.  In the days following, we focused in editing and revising skills.  I also encouraged use of dialogue and anticipating the needs of the audience to further enhance digital stories.  I was really impressed with what they accomplished as an SRBI group whose Reading levels are well behind.  A couple of the students completed additional stories after school and on weekends.  They were allowed to share their stories in class as well and other students took it upon themselves to use Storybird on their own.  One students even shared this site with her younger sister (who I also had in an SRBI group) and she created digital stories also! 

Digital Citizenship

Are you aware of your global citizenship? 

Do you consider how your actions may affect others when participating in global digital technologies?

As an individual, I believe it is important to always think about how your actions affect others.  I often reflect on what I have said to see if there was a possibility that I may have hurt another individual.  I have had these personal reflections and have taught my students about manners and treating others with respect.   Now it's time to think about our actions as global citizens.  As educators, we much teach our students about digital citizenship the same way we teach them about the classroom rules.  We must consider the multicultural connections our students are making.  The prominence of cyber bullying.  We must instill in our students protecting their identity.  The proper treatment of others within a social media environment must occur.

What have you done to instill positive values of digital citizenship in your students?

Thanks to Judy for her pinterest board and Mary Ellen for her contributions to our class wiki on Digital Citizenship.  Both were great ways to start gathering information on this topic. 

Digital Story- final project

Here is the final version of my digital story.  Much different from my rough draft!  I decided to focus specifically on one comprehension strategy, visualizing, because that is what I plan on doing with my new set of students this coming week.  My new group of fourth graders have a very wide range of abilities.  I have 5 special ed students, 3 SRBI students, many "average learners", and three very advanced learners.  I will first show this video to all of the students but then also use it as a tool to reinforce visualizing with only those students who need addition support.  As I progress throughout other reading comprehension strategies in the coming weeks, I plan on making additional videos and including them on my Weebly site. I hope they enjoy it! 

Nets for teachers- 2, 3

What do you think of it? 

Digital Literacy begins very early on...

                          ... IN MOST CASES BUT NOT ALL!!!

               

Online and digital literacy is integrated well before children enter the classroom, in most cases.  According to this PDF by Elizabeth R. Kazakoff and Common Sense Media, the average first use of a computer is at three and one half years of age and more than one half of children under the age of eight have access to "Smart" apps.  However, it should be noted that there is a great divide between children from low income and high income families.  Children from lower income families are at a much higher disadvantage when considering technology use in young children.  So as an elementary school teacher, I must take into account the background experience when integrating technology very early on in schooling.  I have to be aware that many of my students come to school with experience using forms of digital media, however, differentiation must occur for students with little or no experience. 

What do you think?  As an educator, parent, or other, do the children you have experience with know how to use a computer, download or use apps?  At what age did this begin?  How do we overcome the obstacles that children may face with regard to digital literacy? 


What is digital literacy?  Definition