Sunday, December 4, 2011

Tool #11

A tool that I really like is Wordle.  I think it is simple and a great tool to get my students started using our new technology.  Every week the students focus on certain spelling patterns. During Literacy Work Stations my students will make a Wordle a spelling pattern that will include their weekly spelling words but also other words they already know or can find that follow the same pattern.  Since Wordle requires making a product to show others it will keep them accountable.

I am very excited to incorporate our new technology into our daily learning.  Now that I have learned about a bunch of great resources, it will make this a lot easier.  I want my students to have learning experiences using hands on activities, so our Netbooks and iTouches will be put to great use.  I know that I will need to make sure there are clear boundaries and everyone is held accountable for their learning. 

This program has caused us to learn about resources we can use with our students and to begin to prepare how to introduce, launch and maintain a classroom filled with technology.  I have had to sift through ideas and resources and think about what is best for my classroom.  
This is just the beginning!

Tool #10

Luckily our wonderful librarian, Miss Lee, met with my 2nd graders last week to discuss Digital Citizenship. It is important for my students to understand that they should not communicate with people they do not know on the internet through email, messages, etc. just like they shouldn't talk to a stranger that approaches them on the street. Also, they need to know what to do (tell a teacher/parent/adult) if they find something that is inappropriate and/or something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Lastly, it is important for them to know to not share any personal information with anyone on the internet. My students viewed the Digital Citizenship video on Brain Pop Jr. and then discussed as a class while making a list of things they should and shouldn't do while participating in the digital community. I plan on sharing the idea of digital citizenship with my parents through our class blog. It is very important for them to know how to monitor and teach their children how to use the internet at home since they may not have content restrictions like we have in place in SBISD.