1. Final Reflection Post:
Reflect on the Web 2.0 tools that you've experimented with, the process of learning these tools
Learning how to use the Web 2.0 tools was an eye opener for me. I was introduced to many tools I will be able to incorporate into my instruction. Implementing the tools wasn't always smooth for me, however: I love how easy Popplet was to use. This will be a tool I will use to introduce and review concepts with students. The visuals are kid friendly and the layout is easy to read. Another tool I liked using was screencasting. What a great way to reach out to families and students. Having information posted with a visual hopefully will be effective communication. Quizlet offered many options for enhancing students' learning. I will continue to explore the options of that tool so I get the most out of that site. I used Zooburst to write and illustrate my story. The illustrations weren't very motivating. I will use that tool again but will import clipart from other sites. The technology knowledge I learned from this class is an awesome springboard for me to continue exploring the multiple options on the web I can use to supplement my lessons and classroom experiences with the students.
What implications you see in your classroom and in your curriculum. You might also be interested in commenting on how the interactive blog format worked for you personally in terms of collaboration. Be specific about challenges/obstacles as well as rewards/successes.
There are many positive implications I see happening in my classroom and with the curriculum. Using these tools in my instruction will add the technology piece I'm currently missing. Any additional quality materials and information I can add to the curriculum will improve my instruction and highlight the students' learning experience. I'm realizing that I need to continue experimenting with the tools so I'm using all the resources that are available to me. Because many of my team members are taking this course, we have learned how to use the Google drive as a resource when planning and collaborating. It will be convenient for each member to have access to our documents. I think the rewards will far out weigh the obstacles. As with most tools in education, the more I use them, the easier it gets. I need to continue using the tools and trying new features. I realize I will continue to make mistakes, but that's part of the learning process. I hope by the end of the year, I'll have a collection of teaching aids to use in my classroom and share with other educators.
You did such a great job, Tschida. I am impressed. I'm glad there are a few of us on the team that took the class. That will make it easier to remind each other of all of the tools we have out there to use to make our lessons and communication ROCK!
ReplyDeleteNice work! You say things weren't always smooth for you, but you would never know that from looking at your final products! I love that almost all of your team took this class. You guys will be able to use and share tons of new stuff this year! YOU ARE AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteThat's an important reminder for us teachers to take our own advice and not avoid things that are new or complicated, just like we tell our students this is how we learn, by trying and making mistakes and adapting. It's true but it's also funny to have the tables turned on us for a change! I also felt I got off to a slow start, but each activity got easier as I gained fluency and confidence, so glad we did this!
ReplyDeleteYou have created many great activities that will be very useful! I agree that sometimes we stumble to get them started, but the outcome usually out weighs the stumble. I do look forward to collaborating as a team with our new knowledge!
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection on the course! I see all of the key words I am looking for when it comes to these web 2.0 tools: Benefits, convenient, planning, rewards, obstacles, try. I hope that you will use some of these to improve your classroom practice.
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