Final Reflection

The amount I've learned in this course was really evident to me once I retook the survey from the start of the semester. Looking back I remember taking random guesses, not knowing about 99% of the web 2.0 tools listed. This time I took the test with confidence (actually I think I messed one up but hey, it's still progress)

While I'm still unsure at times, I no longer consider myself a techno-fool.

I think that making the class website was really beneficial to the course because it pulled everything together in a way that was applicable to real life. Unlike a final exam, this site and the knowledge I gained while making it will be lasting. That is how I feel about the majority of the topics in this class, as I've already thought about the many ways I could bring them into my classroom.

Like I've said before I was initially wary of the idea of incorporating lots of technology into school. I felt like they would replace communication and collaboration. However, this class has shown me how wrong I was! The things we've learned are ways to improve communication and collaboration. They don't replace books and talking, but supplement them.

Things like flipcharts on interactive white boards allow students to be interactive with the learning material, but still as an entire class. Tools like Google Forms, Google Docs, Blogger, and PBWorks are based on collaboration, bringing ideas together and sharing information.

I'm very happy about this class, and I'm sure I will be grateful for all of the knowledge once I'm in my classroom.

Timetoast

Timetoast is a fun tool that puts a spin on traditional timelines. It allows you to add dates spanning any time you wish. One great feature is that you can add information to each of the dates, as well as a picture to go with it. This is a good aspect to amp of the educational benefit of the tool. Students can go into more depth about the topics. Pictures help by adding interest to the topic.

There are many ways to use Timetoast in the classroom:

• To show birthdays of the students in the class
• To show the life of a historical figure
• To show additions of rights in America
• To show a personal timeline of ones life

I used Timetoast to make a timeline of the US Federal Holidays. This is a fun way to teach kids about important dates in US history, as well as keep them interested in days out of school!

 I like Timetoast because (like most of the other tools I've written about so far) it is great for a visual learner like me! It clearly lays out what is being discussed so students are able to take in the information in two ways.

Glogster

While I admit I didn't get very creative with my Glogster that I put on my class website, I think it's an awesome tool!

One thing I think is great about Glogster is that it speeds up the project process without taking away any of the good qualities. It allows students to make posters quickly and easily, which gives teachers more opportunities to use them. I think poster presentations are great learning experiences because it gives the class the chance to learn from a fellow student. It also really allows the student to really grasp the concept in order to make a poster about it. Glogster allows for this to happen more often.

Glogster is a fun, visual way of learning that I think kids enjoy. Instead of writing a paper or filling out a worksheet, students can use their creativity and apply what they know to something they can be proud of. All while practicing using technology. What could be better than that?

Digital Story

The digital story project was one of the more involved activities of the semester. I used iMovie to make a film about the similarities and differences between Tennessee and Ecuador.

I went on a study abroad trip this summer to Ecuador, so I had lots of pictures and ideas. On this trip we volunteered at an summer school type of program for at risk kids.

While I was with them I noticed how similar they were to kids at home. No matter what country you visit, kids are just kids. I combined that with similarities and differences between the environment and nature of Ecuador and Tennessee. I thought this would be a fun learning opportunity to stretch my "students'" minds and incorporate a technological tool.

I also learned a lot from this activity! iMovie is something I avoid on my computer because I had no idea how to use it. Now that's changed. It seems much easier now that I've learned how to use captions, transitions, music, and more.

Google Forms

Google forms are such a versatile web 2.0 tool! It allows you to gather and organize information easily on the internet.

One way I used this tool was by creating a 'Getting To Know You' questionnaire for the first week of class. I included questions like...

• what is your name
• what is your favorite color
• what is your favorite part of school

What I really liked about Google Forms was that it allowed me to choose among a variety of question formats. For favorite name and color, I used a fill in the box type of format. For the favorite part of school, I listed things like Math, Reading, Recess, Music, Science, Lunch, etc. Each had a box next to it and the student could check all that they liked. For other questions I chose a multiple choice format. This flexibility is really a great asset of Google Forms.

Another cool feature is that the information is automatically organized into a spreadsheet for the administrator. This occurs in real time so it is very helpful.


Here is a screenshot of part of the Google Form I made and uploaded to my website!