Wow! these tools are a little overwhelming, I like them all. The task now will be to decide which one to use first because we need to start writing from day one. What I really like is that we teachers can monitor student´s writing from anywhere, we don´t need to carry notebooks with us and decipher handwritings.
Once students are comfortable using this site, I would also like to introduce google word and have them create storybooks.
Another tool I liked is the incorporation of a short movie (you tube).
I would use the site about Houston (Tool #8) at the beginning of the school year for Social Studies and LA at the same time. First we would brainstorm what Houston means to them and record it on chart paper. After watching the movie the student would create his/her own ideas about Houston in wiki. Each group would collaborate online, then in whole group we would discuss their findings. I would tell the students that in Social Studies we will be learning how Texas (and Houston) became to be.
One concern though, is spelling. Will students relay too much on the spell check? Will we offer a typing program for our students?
My thinking has been transformed; I am already incorporating these tools when I´m thinking on how to design my lesson plans and classroom management.
The outcomes were not really unexpected. I am glad to work in such a technology oriented school district. Among my fellow teachers who come from different parts of the US, there is only one teacher (Plano,Texas) who has state of the art technology in his classroom.
I am glad that we were asked to complete this task, for a change, I will be the one teaching my own grown kids about some cool technology!!
It really is a great time to be working in SBISD, and especially Thornwood, so that we can participate in this grant for more technology. I think next year is going to be very exciting once all the classrooms start implementing their technology-based activities. Hang on tight because here it comes!
ReplyDeleteMillie