Reflective Post

What a semester! I had learned so much! I really enjoyed learning about new technology and how it can incorporated into the classroom. I must say that I use Google Docs more than anything- I love it! I also really enjoyed making the iMovie and playing around with Glogster. Webquests are also an AMAZING addition to classroom learning! I thought that the way we presented the Web 2.0 tools was a great way for everyone in the class to learn about all the tools. However, I wish we had more time to play around with all of them. I did struggle the most with the classroom website. I also was not a big fan of wikis. I can't see myself using them in the classroom. I am usually pretty technologically savvy, but google sites had me all confused. Navigating around the site was difficult and I had a hard time in the beginning with creating pages and not knowing where they went. After a few classes I was able to figure my way around the site and will definitely be using this in my classroom! I think it is a great way to involve students and parents. We are living in a technology driven world and it is important for my professional development that I stay aware and on top of what is up and coming. Students need to be active in their learning and sites that allow them to blog, post, be interactive will help them thrive! I will definitely be using many of the Web 2.0 tools and I am so thankful this class showed me how!

My Life Movie

I enjoyed this project! I love making movies and will definitely be using this in my classroom! The movies are so smooth and a picture really does say a thousand words. Students will get to learn about my life whenever they want by watching the video! I would also love for students to be able to make these videos, however, I know how limited technology can be in the classroom. Hopefully one day all of my students will be able to work on Apple computers and make iMovies!

This is a screen shot of my excel spreadsheet! I chose to do this on the same topic as my Inspiration activity. I really enjoy teaching clouds and think everyone should know the different types! I will definitely use this tool in the classroom if I have enough time. I feel as if it took me a decent amount of time to create this spreadsheet, however, with practice it may not take as long. This is a great and easy way for students to know immediate results of their knowledge. I definitely would have enjoyed this as a student.. I still would!

Clouds Inspiration

Here is a screen shot of my Inspiration activity! Of all the technology tools we have learned about this semester, this one is my least favorite. I like how easy it is to create webs, show connections, etc., but I just don't see myself using it very often. However, it is a great tool to keep handy in the case that I want to make a web like this. Students may like the graphics and colors involved!

Glogster Slideshow

http://erinkaty.edu.glogster.com/colors/

Picasa

Using Picasa is a great way to share with the world your experiences and pictures. It is easy to use and even more easy to edit pictures through Picnik. I will absolutely use this not only in my personal life, but in the classroom as well. Picasa is an accessible tool to share pictures with students, parents, and anyone else who wants to view what students have been doing in the classroom. This is also a great website for students to scroll through pictures and view exactly what you want them to. I really enjoyed it!

Glogster

I really enjoy Glogster! I think it's a great way to present information to the class. Students are easily able to create "about me" pages or describe a certain event, book, or experiment. It can be used in ANY subject. You can also post links, pictures, and unlimited information. I also think this is a great tool to post weekly updates in the classroom for parents to see. This keeps them involved and interested!