After 11 Tool Reflection

Digital Photo Story

Animoto
Using Video Resources

These are the activities that I found most interesting among those that I explored during this entire training.

One exciting activity that I look forward to exploring with my students is Digital Storytelling.

I am planning to give them an assignment in Language Arts ( ex. a Bilingual Center activity). Their task will be to find facts and photos in various web-based encyclopedias. They will then select the photos and themes of their choice to create and narrate a digital photo-story.

In the past, our School Librarian supported us teaching the students the basics of photo and online information uploading. Now, our kids can really expand their knowledge of technology skills.

After finishing this School District assignment I feel more confident and less "threatened" by the monumental amount of wonders that come almost over night to transform our daily lives, including the fascinating world of never-ending learning!

Let's not forget that the human element must be the source of inspiration to integrate all these powerful instruments, enhancing every step of the learning process while achieving our common goals.

Tool # 11

Digital Citizenship

The three aspects I will stress with my students as digital citizens will be:

1- Safety online.

It is really important that students learn how to protect themselves when working with all kind of technology that includes human interaction and exposing their integrity and risking their safety. Even when today's technology may be more engaging to the children's minds, the persuasive voice and caring presence of a teacher will be crucial when making their kids aware of the huge importance of this matter.

2-Learning how to search for information correctly .

Children need to be able to see what is accurate or not online. Not because it is online means it's correct or appropriate. They need to learn how to fine tune their searches in order to get to the correct information.

3-Online etiquette.

When interacting with people using Internet, students have to understand that they have to be tolerant with others' opinions and differences. They may disagree; even reject some particular points of view but, respecting others -and yourself- is the main rule in this social world if we want to live in harmony. Being polite and considerate will never hurt, Right?

Post # 10

Exploring Mobile Technology And Apps

I know how smooth and manageable things can get by using iPhone or iPad devices because I have been using these revolutionary goodies for the last few months. They are awesome! One of my WOW! moments came when I learned that I could access my e-mail and send pictures to others right there, at the park, on my tiny iPhone!.

The educational apps I checked out were myHomework, NASA and Math Drills.

I picture myself using those in class.

myHomework helps to review and be reminded of your school assignments even away from home. You can download it by going to www.myhomework.rigoneri.com/mac

One step away from experiencing a real life outerspace adventure without the obvious danger is NASA.

The beauty of using the "Learning on the go" portability of i Phone, iTouch and iPad will hopefully be an routine activity for our students in the future, much like working in their notebooks is today.

Math Drills

An amazing "Know-it-all" app that, used as a traditional calculator, serves as a educational toy which will definitely help our students learn these math skills... as well as our lesson plans!

Post #9

Sharing Information Through Jing & Skype

Using Jing will allow my students to interact with other children around the world who have the same interests; no matter if they live - in Houston or in any other place on Earth.

I am confident that they will be using this tool to study maps and regions of the world as easily as they play a favorite game.

Skype will give them a chance to open their minds towards other cultures and their manifestations by allowing communication through video-conferences - while seeing each others faces and expressions!

We are in forefront of a huge opportunity for enhancing interpersonal relationships. Tolerance, respect and admiration among all, may create the difference that finally makes way for increased global harmony.

A possible end to racism and cruel discrimination; fears and absurd arrogance?

Am I a dreamer? - Yes! Just like those who create these amazing technological resources we're are learning to use here.

Almost every good thing starts with a dream. Don't you agree?

Let's have a good one!

Post # 8b

One more video...

Post # 8a

Using Video Resources

This is a variation of what I've previously learned.

The marvels of what people and places around the planet have to offer, will easily be accessed by our students after they attain this tool.

Reviewing different sites, I chose these videos, considering their importance to the second grade curriculum.

And here's another video link - click on it....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTVmH4tryqU

Tool # 7

Digital Story Telling

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/EN4CH7jr

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/wp4qF5Ge

This assignment was exhausting...but ultimately rewarding.

I predict that my students will catch on to it faster than I did (surprise, surprise!!!). Well, growing up exposed to this rapidly evolving technology gives them a large advantage!

I plan to implement as many of these functional tools as I can and make them part of my weekly lesson plans.

The achievement of this goal will transcend my everyday efforts as a school teacher...for sure!

The dawning of a new generation of creative individuals is upon us!

I used a site called "Roxio Photoshop" that, after many attempts, I was finally able to upload.

As examples of this , I made a photo show with the story of the city where I was born and another about a trip to show the beauty of my homeland in Mexico (State of Nayarit) to my students and to my colleagues as well.

In celebration of this accomplishment, I must take another break!

This is what I think about this type of resources:

Truly, the making and watching Digital Stories will be a wonderful way to collaborate, create, and share the vast universe of knowledge that is now available in the digital "cloud" for mankind.

Adapting to this new age of technology, although necessary, has been challenging for an "old fashion" school teacher like me.

Fortunately, this new generation, since an early age has been exposed to the wonders of the XXI century. And now, with our help and reasoning they will be able to implement these powerful tools of learning!

Tool # 6

Wikis

Definitely, wikis opens a wide horizon to write and express our literary abilities (who doesn't have those?).

Teachers, as well as students, will benefit from this tool which simplifies and "beautifies" the writing process, its observation and evaluation.

Work centers implementing wikis effectively will motivate our youngsters to immerse themselves in the captivating world of story creation.

Tool # 5

Tagging and Social Bookmarking

Great!!!...Going through this training I have learned how to save information from all parts of the web. http://delicious.com/

This site is easier to work with than diigo but, this last one, has more useful applications.

This resource http://http//www.learnitin5.com/ is a powerful library created by technology teachers in order to teach other teachers and students how to make their own videos.

Diigo http://http//www.diigo.com/ will simplify the collection, highlighting and remembering of valuable information for young learners and as well as educators to use during the learning/teaching process.

Tool # 4

Cool Google Tools

This assignment was a little difficult at first, but then after a short break, I realized how convenient and time saving the tools we have available to us can be. So, this outcome was the pleasant reward for facing the stress of the unknown.

I am amazed at the incredible variety of resources and their applications that Google provides.

Google Docs :

Besides facilitating collaboration and opportunities to build stronger communities, this site will be especially beneficial whenever my students and I, want to share information, opinions and get a feedback.

Google Reader:

Having easy access and control over the various sites and blogs on the internet of the colleagues that I am connected with, will make working on common tasks at school much more enjoyable!

These are some of the "connections" I currently have and I am sure I will expand:

dancer feet

MGO at SOE

MCW at SOE

Rafael-edublog

Journeying Julie

Cashiola Chronicles

Tool # 3b

Yeah!... An animoto to learn more!



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