Tool 11:

1. What are your favorite tools you now have in your personal technology toolbox? Briefly describe a particular activity that you will plan for your students using at least one of these new tools.

I really like Google Docs.  I have used it in the past, but now I have new level of understanding at how it can be used for interactive writing. not only for the students, but also for professional use when collaborating with colleagues.

2. How have you transformed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom? How has your vision for your classroom changed? Are you going to need to make any changes to your classroom to accommodate the 21st Century learner?

I am really looking forward to having an opportunity to start the year fresh with my students and train them how to use the technology properly.  I am going to need to rotate my students through stations at the beginning of the year, so that they know how each piece of equipment works, how to log on and off of each device and what capacity each device has, at least on a surface level.  

I foresee my classroom becoming much more self directing as a result of having the freedom to explore student interest and the ability to present in a manner that fits individual learning style via technology.  It is very exciting.  I hope that I have the patience to deal with the technological difficulties that we may encounter.  Anything has to be better than what we have been dealing with over the past few years as our technology became more and more antiquated.

3. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

I was surprised to learn how many resources the district has on their website and where to find the resources I need within the district resources.  I really had no idea about the depth of resources available to me as a teacher.  I was also excited to learn more about how to set up the Ipad for effective use in the classroom.  I was also surprised how much my own 8 year old daughter took to the new Ipad with the camera to film herself and create videos on all kinds of topics from duct tape to American Girl Doll play.  It helped to bring into focus what potential there is for the use of Podcasts in presentation for students.  It provides an incredible opportunity for student creativity.  I am excited for the new technology in my classroom.  

For your Tool #10 assignment:

In YOUR blog post:

1. Discuss at least three things you would want to make sure your students understand about being good digital citizens.

A. Students will understand how to access safe sites and what to do when they encounter the wrong information/ inappropriate information
B. Students will understand that whatever is written online is equivalent to speaking to someone face to face, so all interactions should be respectful of people and cultures.
C. Students will understand how to share new information without breaking copyright laws.

2. Share at least one of the resources mentioned above or on the Ed Tech website that you plan to use instructionally.
One resource that I liked for teaching digital citzenship was MouseTales on YouTube. First of all, it was made by fifth graders, so it shows students what a powerful tool the internetnet is: kids teaching kids. In addition, it is interactive. Students present situations and then react to them. In order to use the video to its maximum, the teacher will stop after or during each skit and discuss the students' choices. The class at that point could also brainstorm other appropriate reactions in each situation.
I will use the chart provided in 11 Tools as I am teaching Digital Citizenship this fall.

3. Explain briefly how you would "teach" the idea of digital citizenship to your students.
I think in years past, digital citizenship was addressed in the beginning of the year with ONE lesson and repeated reminders. I realize now that there is a lot to teach. I will be teaching more mini-lessons and requiring students to complete more stations on the computers/Ipads than I had previously required. I am just now realizing how much needs to be accomplished. I like the idea of having a chart that tracks students completion of various trainings that I expect students to complete, much like I track Bluebonnet reading. Students are in charge of completing and recording their accomplishments. I will follow the chart and encourage and assist those who are falling behind.

4. Explain briefly how you plan to share the idea of digital citizenship with your parents.

I will encourage all parents to allow students to fully participate in digital learning. I would like for all students to have an "ALL ACCESS PASS". I will explain my three goals as stated in question number one to parents. I will share the district website and digital lessons with parents highlighting a few clips of videos during the parent curriculum night. I will keep my blog updated, so that parents may see what I am learning, as well as, what the students are learning. I will encourage parents to Follow Edmodo so they can see what their children are communicating and have their own conversations with students about etiquette. I will communicate with parents how crucial it is for students to be able to use the technology, because if they do not learn to use, they will be left behind and struggling in the future. It is not only the future, it is the present.