Tool #4 Google Tools

Google Docs
Several of my students this past year used Google Docs to share project and homework assignments. I really had not looked at what it allows one to do but now I can see it has some nice options to make life easier. I didn't have time but I want to play with using Google Docs with the spreadsheet function from the vidoe clip. (I am working with 31 teachers and staff on a summer training in Austin and I think it could make my life simpler.)
I did upload our school Approaches To Learning (ATL) draft that we are building for use with our students. I shared it with the seventh grade teachers and a few others to get their input on expectations on skills we value to promote self determined learners. I'm looking forward to seeing how this works.


With Google Reader I am following the same people from Tool #2:
JoAnne Lee- Ms. Lee's Thoughts;
Amy Houser- Amy's House;
Valerie Harrelson- vrhTechStudent;
Anya Schmidt- Anya's Annotations;
and Shaun Wegscheid- E1even Too1s.

I can see that Google Reader would be a nice tool for class if set to let me know when a student, peer, or friend has added something to a feed. Students could use this on project/homework collaboration and share documents, resources, and a variety of information and tools quickly.

Tool #3- Image Generators & Mashups

I've explored several of the image generators and mashup sites this past year. I like "Glogster". It opens up a multitude of ways to utilize more technology and look more closely at informational design and product quality.

Finally, July 25th, I decided to add a Spell With Flickr image. I've added it to the bottom of my blog as a gadget. :-)

I decided to test out "Wordle". Teaching a middle school technology class at times has left me wondering how to get more technical terms used and visible with the students- so this looks like a fun way to make word associations and vocabulary practice more interesting.




This "Wordle" contains the components of the Design Cycle we use with our technology projects.



This application also has similar capabilities and could be lots of fun for use with covering "ELPS" and second language learner support.

I like to let the students create learning games, graffiti boards, etc. about what they consider the more boring aspects of technology class. Image generators and mashups could provide another avenue for them to increase digital expertise while creating learning tools for others.

Tool #2... PLN

1. Over the past few years I've had the pleasure to work in several professional PLN's. It is gratifying to share & borrow ideas, learn about new techniques/strategies, and just network with others of a like mind. It helped me see why our children have gravitated so quickly to social networking and being online even when sitting at the same table with those they are texting.
I'm excited to be a part of a PLN in SBISD and with others on my campus.

2. I think it helps to be yourself. Also, Anya, from Anya's Annotations, mentioned being humble. This is true, too. Asking for help, admitting what you learned compared to what you thought, thanking others when they gave you support are all a part of growing and learning and seeing yourself as others see you. These are pieces that allow us to be more than we are as individuals.

3. The five blogs/bloggers I've selected to follow and interact with are:
JoAnne Lee- Ms. Lee's Thoughts ;
Amy Houser- Amy's House;
Valerie Harrelson- vrhTechStudent;
Anya Schmidt- Anya's Annotations;
and Shaun Wegscheid- E1even Too1s.

Tool #1...11 Tools Welcome

Creating this blog was not hard. The challenging part was getting the PC to read the network and coordinating screens to complete tasks like setting up my avatar. (I was working off Safari and I am used to Firefox. Also, I was going between my macbook and the SBISD Dell laptop- not the best choice at the time.)
Now that I have my avatar I am ready to go.
This is not my first blog so I just need to keep track of blogs and wikis. I know my technology applications students would love to have an avatar. Maybe it would be good when we discuss social networking and the images they want to post.
Anyway- welcome to my newest world. :-)