Social Bookmarks

I can see how social bookmarks are helpful for a teacher. I was able to learn about a lot of new blogs and website because of the sharing ability. I could get lost on the Delicious. I went from one website to the next. I also found it helpful that if a person tagged a website, I would likely be interested in other links he/she had. I can definitely see how this is a helpful tool.

Week 7- social bookmarks

week 6- Google reader

I have always enjoyed reading blogs. I started following blogs of teachers back when I was in college. It was such a helpful tool when I needed to find an idea or get advice on things going on in my classroom. I was excited this part of the grade because now I have an excuse to spend a little extra time on the computer reading what I love to read. CoolCatTeacher Blog at CoolCatTeacher.blogspot.com was a great blog. I love how she discusses her family and makes her easy to relate to. She post great information about technology. Will Richardson at Willrichardson.com was a great blog to read. I liked his post. They were "feel good" post that make you happy to be a teacher. Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day at larryferlazzo.edublogs.org was a great resource to find other great blogs and websites. Free Technology for Teachers at freetech4teachers.com was great for links to technology resources. A Media Specialist’s Guide to the Internet at mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com was another great resource for finding ideas on how to use technology in my classroom. One of the blogs I chose to follow was Jessica at www.jmeacham.com. She is an amazing teacher to shares ideas and resources. She has resources for math,reading, writing and much much more. She is definitely a top notch teacher.

My favorite blog is one that I have followed for a couple years. Her name is Jessica Winston. She was previously a 2nd grade teacher but moved to 3rd grade this year. She has great ideas and shares so generously. She has great holiday post and ideas that I usually have never heard of. I love her passion for reading and I think she truly does education justice. I have often thought how lucky her students are to have her. Her creativity amazes me!!

My favorite blog post was when we posted a video and questions. I have a classroom blog that I use for communication with my students and parents and it did not hit me until that post that a youtube video would be a great tool to use. I have found a couple of great videos explaining topics I teach in math but because the school does not allow youtube videos, it would be great to post those on the blog and then the students would have an opportunity to watch them.

Great experience.

Week 5- digital citizen

Importance of Digital Citizenship

Why is it important to be a good digital citizen?
I believe there are many reasons why it is important to be a good digital citizen. I believe as teachers our personalities/traits will reflect in many of our students. It is important to be a good digital citizen so our students will see how to use technology in appropriate ways. If we use technology the way it is intended and not abuse it, the possibilities are limitless. However, if we abuse the internet it will have a negative impact. In order to be a digital citizen, I believe we need to be aware and know what is appropriate and inappropriate. Sometimes I think people don't know the difference and do things they think are okay when in fact they are not. If we model this behavior, I believe it will have a positive impact on our students.

What value does a good digital reputation have?
I think it has a huge value on a positive reputation. If we are confident in the way we use technology and use it in appropriate ways, we will have a positive reputation that will benefit us in the future. Technology is the basis for everything we do and will forever do. If we mess up our reputation it will have a negative impact on our professional lives in the future.

week 4- pg.201

Thinkport was an interesting sight to visit. Simulation sites are great for creating a real life experience. I thought the games were interesting and I can see where my students would definitely benefit from the use of them. I think the "scratch" activity would be great for my students who finish early and are hard to challenge. I also like the "lemonade stand" it would be a great way to tie in math related games with my instruction.

Week 3- software review

I believe it is important to review software because the financial situation schools are in it is important to know what the software has to offer before you pay for it. I have experience with this now, we currently have a contract with a company for the software. Overall the faculty is not pleased with the software so it was a waste of money for many teachers. It is important to review and understand what you are getting before you buy it.

1. Which sites evaluate the largest number of titles?
I think Education World and Super Kids

2.Which sites are most recently updated?
SuperKids and Education World

3. Which sites include reviews submitted by site visitors?
All of the sites

4. Which sites would you use to learn about software you were considering for your students?
I believe evalutech would have the most information in learning about software.

Week 2 Video

Questions:

1. What ancient Greek word does "planet" mean?

2. What year did we discover Pluto?

3. Why is Pluto no longer considered a planet?

4. What do we now call Pluto?