Tool 8: Sneak Peak of the Tools

Now I am starting to get really excited on receiving the tools! I remember when the iTouches came out and I really wanted to get just one for my classroom. Well the iTouch never found its way to my classroom, but now in January we get four iPad and four Netbooks! Very exciting.

Items learned from the tutorials:

I am familiar with Apple products but I didn't realize how the logistics of downloading would occur and the tutorial clarified this for me.

Another thing that had been in the back of my mind was how would the distribution of apps would be implemented and this too was answered in the tutorials. 

Managing the hardware:

With all the excitement of getting the devices I failed to develop a plan for managing all the cool new learning tools we are going to receive. The suggestions and recommendations were very helpful to me to begin planning on managing the tools. I will begin with recommended suggestions and will probably have to adjust as the school year progresses.

Tool 7: Online Digital Projects

One of the greatest opportunities technology has given us is that it has made distant learning possible. We are now able to visually communicate with other people from around the world. We are able to see other cultures and open our eyes to other peoples' point of views. However, I would like to begin collaborating within my own school and then expand beyond our walls.

I plan to start by having my classes create an asynchronous project by having both of my classes collaborate via Google Docs where they will be able to create a presentation on Energy. Each student will be able to create one Google presentation slide and after all have created a their presentation slide I would be able to present it to both classes. I plan to begin next time we go to the computer lab.

I know that this might seem simplistic, but I can picture my students really enjoying this project and this can lead to project creation with other classes withing the district and classes around the world!

Tool 6: Collaboration and discussion outside of the classroom.

If you are hesitant or having a difficult time deciding which Web 2.0 tool to use in the classroom for outside discussion I recommend TodaysMeet to get you started. It is easy to setup and you can have students reflect on their learning experience at home. Simple question like "what did you like best about today's lesson on fractions?" or "what do you still want to know about energy?". Students would be able to analyze their learning.

Another tool that I recommend is Edmodo. I use Edmodo in my classroom as part of their homework assignments. I post several question on Edmodo and those students that have Internet access at home will be able to complete their homework online, and for those that do not have Internet access I give them a regular homework sheet.

Tool 5: Web Tools

I have already created several Prezi presentations. Below is the link to one of my Prezi presentation on the States of Matter. I use Prezi as an introductory tool. It is a great set to begin a lesson. Additionally, there is a App for that (seriously). When we receive our iPads I plan to use the Prezi App as a learning center. By allowing students to create their own Prezi they will be able to demonstrate what they have learned. They will be able to take ownership of their learning.

 

This is a simple Animoto video created in minutes! My daughter's teacher uses it as an option for homework. That allows students that have computer and Internet access to create their own videos. In class I will use it as another learning station.