11 Tools Reflection

This has been quite an adventure. There are endless resources available to refer to--and I intend to put them to good use. I am particularly interested in the tool "mobile apps". "Mobile apps" provides various activities in all subject areas that make it possible for the children to use in specific learning centers . They can work in pairs or small groups while the teacher monitors. Also I am interested in the "video resources" that are available. They can be presented as an opening to a certain unit being studied or at the end of a unit for children to make a connection from their learning.


I intend to make use of the resources available to motivate my children and enhance their learning.

Tool 11-Digital Citizenship

The importance of digital citizenship should be emphasized to children as they begin to familiarize themselves with the different websites and resources available to them on the computer. To begin with children should be made to understand how dangerous it is to give out personal information and consequences that would follow as a result of it. Children need to understand and be made aware of reasons why access to any websites or chat rooms should be only under parent supervision. Also children need to be aware that talking to strangers on a computer is just as dangerous as talking to a stranger in person. Consequences need to be discussed.

The idea of digital citizenship can be taught in small groups or in a large group. One activity could be "role playing"---the children could role play the do's and don'ts of digital citizenship. In pair sharing children can discuss what they have learned on digital citizenship and write about it in their journal. With teacher direction children can complete a T chart identifying the do's and don'ts of digital citizenship. Also teacher can read out do's and don'ts on digital citizenship and children can identify using thumbs up for do's and thumbs down for don'ts. Using a variety of activities will enhance the children's understanding of the importance of "digital citizenship"

Tool 10 -Mobile Apps

There are many free apps available that can enhance the children's learning. One of my favorites was "Math Drills Lite"--this particular "app" has a variety of activities where the children can practice their computation skills. Another "app" I reviewed was "Read Me Stories". As an ESL lesson the children can use this "app" to improve their reading in English. They have an opportunity to listen to the story being read and at the same time they see the pictures with the words that are being read. Children will have an opportunity to read along. I'm very excited to continue to explore other "apps" that are available.

The "iTouch" and "iPad" can be used in a center or small group instruction to enhance learning. The teacher will be able to monitor as children engage in the various activities targeting specific skills.

Tool 9--Jing and Skype

I envision using "Jing" in a center. The teacher could record a specific lesson with instructions for a small group to follow. Children would have the opportunity to revisit the recording if part of the instructions weren't understood to complete their task. While this small group is working using "Jing" the teacher would have the opportunity to work or monitor other groups.

Using "Skype" children will have the opportunity to communicate on specific topics with children from other countries. This will enhance their communication skills with children from different cultures and at the same time learn about their culture.

Tool 8 Video Resources

This tool is awesome!!! On YouTube there is an abundance of videos pertaining to landforms and different math concepts. I know if the children connect to the information in song it will enhance their learning. I am very anxious to continue to explore the various resources available on YouTube and put them to use in my classroom as a center or group instruction.

Tool 7 Photo Story

The biggest problem was inputting the music with the pictures. After much trial and error it was completed. Enjoyed seeing the finished product--I just hope I can do it again. This is one activity that will require more practice on my part. Children can create a PhotoStory using vocabulary and pictures on selected topics . Having to locate the necessary resources will enhance their learning, They will be able to show their creativity when selecting the music for their PhotoStory.

Tool 6

I know the children will be very productive with this tool. My favorite activity so far will be the children's ability to complete stories using suggested story starters. Also, a center can be set up where they will have the opportunity create and edit their stories. At the end of a unit children can have the opportunity to input what they have learned. Using the various resources available on wikis, teachers can have access to what their peers are doing and be able to share some of your own ideas--what an advantage.

Tool 5 Tagging and Bookmarking

There is a wealth of information available!! I plan to make good use of it but first I feel I need quite a bit more practice in the process of locating the information I need from the lists various educators have formed. Having things listed and tagged will make the process easier. I know that social bookmarking will be useful for both students and myself in locating favorite sites. The following are two of my favorite websites:

Virtual Manipulatives
50 Fun iPhone Apps to Get Kids Reading and Learning

Tool 4: Google Docs/Reader

So far this assignment started off being the most difficult. As I proceeded with the assignment it became somewhat easier. The interaction between two people thru the use of "docs" was amazing and something the children could benefit by dialoguing on shared assignments and learning from one another. Teachers too can save time in using "docs" versus sending E-mails and having to wait for an answer. In "reader" it was very beneficial to select blogs that you want to follow by listing them versus selecting each one individually. The children can use blogs from their peers for new ideas and information.

Tool 3--Wordle Sample

I enjoyed this!! What a fun way for the children to practice spelling words or create a word list on specific topics being studied. Posters can be printed and children can review their word lists.

Tool 3---Picture book

This is going to be a very good activity for children to create their own stories and select pictures that go with their story.

Tool 2

So true that we have to learn ourselves before we can teach children how to establish a personal learning network!! I learned the importance of "safety" being a big factor in using the network. As a teacher I find it very important to teach the responsibility necessary in using the PLN to children. Blogging with our peers and sharing ideas will give us the necessary tools to accomplish this task. It's important for teachers to make meaningful comments to discuss common concerns and coming up with solutions thru blogging and therefore this will serve as a model for children to communicate with each other.

Answered 3 blogs:
Julie Weisher
Hugo Rodriguez
Sandy Kane

Commented on the following blogs:
Arlette Burelo
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