Reflections

I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am almost done! I enjoyed learning about all the different tools. I see myself incorporating the image generators with the students. They can be use as a brainstorming tool that I can display on the ActivBoard. I also look forward to using the mobile devices as centers in the classroom. I want to experiment with photostory and jing. I know the students will enjoy creating videos where they seem themselves and people they know.

This process has taught me the importance of integrating technology into the classroom. It also provided many ideas as to how I can use technology in my classroom. Technology is a part of daily world and students need to learn how to use it as reference tool.


While some of the tools took me longer than anticipated, I learn to be patient when experiencing new tools. I also have to keep this in mind as I show the students the different tools.

Tool #11: Digital Citizenship

Good Citizenship is something that we as teachers stress to our students no matter which grade level they are in. We are always telling them to respect one another or to follow the rules. Now that technology is a daily part of this world, digital citizenship needs to be part of this routine as well. The students need to make sure that personal information should not be shared online. Letting them know that this includes sharing their full name, home address, phone numbers and any passwords. Students always hear they should not talk to strangers this falls under that same idea. Another aspect that needs to be stressed is the authenticity of sources. First graders might not understand this concept completely, but it is never to early to begin teaching them about it. Making them understand that just because they found it with google it is necessarily accurate. The final point I would stress with my students with be posting etiquette. We are introducing students to blogs and wanting them to interact and share, but they need to understand the importance of being respectful and mindful when it comes to sharing and posting.

Tool #10: Mobile Technology

The good thing about the Ipod touch is that they are very user friendly. Some kids come to us knowing what they are and those who have never used them can quickly catch up. There are alphabet and phonic apps and math apps that allow you the students to review math skills. The Ipod touch can be use a center that is easy incorporated into our daily classroom routine. Depending on the number of Ipods, more than one station can use them.

Tool #9: Sharing Information

Jing makes sharing information with anyone very easy. It provides the ability to add visual aid to any conversation easily. Students can use Jing to capture images or display work they are working. There are many times we ask them to look for visuals of different topics whether its bugs, animals or neighboring states. The students can now take these images and send them to thier blog.

Skype is a great tool that allows us to communicate in video conferencing. Students can communicate with other students in their grade level from different schools within our district and out. It can also be used as a tool to communicate with authors and other professionals.

Tool #8: Video Resources

I found the two videos in youtube.com. Students love to watch video and get engage in the topic. It is a great tool to preview a lesson or emphazise what has already been taught.

These are two topics we cover in 1st grade.

The Plant Cycle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGUt6PYxDiE&feature=related

Body Parts of an Insect:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu0leHXrMZs

Tool #7: Digital Storytelling

I had a good time making this digital story. The part that took the longest was picking out the pictures. I could definitely see the students making a video reflecting over the fieldtrips they take. This is a good way for the students to share their experience with their family and friends.

Tool #6: Wiki's

Wiki's a great tool for students and teachers. With Wiki, it is important to remember posting etiquette. This is something we need to stress to the students from the beginning. In my classroom, I have already had students post comments on fieldtrips they took. We can now use Wiki for the same concept. Wiki allows the students to post pictures we may take and see the comments their classmates and other students from our school are making and have made.