Tool #11

It has been exciting to see how teaching and learning are enhanced by the use of technology in the classroom. There are so many resources I'm now more knowledgeable about after completing the 11 tools. My comfort level with blogging in itself has increased, and I look forward to using it in the future with parents and students.

Tool #10

Digital citizenship is all about recognizing your rights and respecting the rights of others in the use of technology. The more we educate our students on how to be responsible in this area the better equipped they will be to avoid possible dangers and consequences of inappropriate use. One way we could teach digital citizenship is by incorporating videos into our advisory lessons on cyberbullying. We could also share this information with parents on our campus website.

Tool #9

1.Why do you think it is important to tie the technology to the objective?
We are surrounded by technology and therefore by connecting it to our teaching, we are preparing students for real world applications and in the process making learning more enjoyable.
2.Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?
Holding students accountable communicates to students the message that they are capable of making responsible choices and working together as a team.
3.Visit 2 of the applicable links to interactive websites for your content/grade level. Which sites did you like. How could you use them as stations? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?
I was impressed by the SBISD Interactive Database. The list of approved web tools and apps available all in one place is convenient and practical.
4.List two to three apps you found for the iPod Touch/iPad that you can use in your classroom. What do you see that station looking like? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?
Sock Puppets is one that could be used in the collaboration of service learning projects between high school and younger students. This app lets you create videos, using puppets, props and scenery, all while recording your voice. I could see students using this tool to role-play scenarios on bullying prevention and sharing their finished product on YouTube.
5.What about other ways to use the iPod Touch/iPad? Share another way you can see your students using the device as a station.
It can be used for blogging throughout the course of a project, to share what they are learning with others.

Tool #8

I learned how to set up an iTunes account and sync the IPad to my laptop. Although I will not be receiving the new devices, my goal is to continue familiarizing myself with various apps I can use in the future when working with students and involving them in service learning projects.

Tool #7

Collaborative Project Idea

a. Content Objective
High school students will learn about substance abuse and share what they learn with younger students.

b. Implementation would begin during Red Ribbon Week and continue throughout the school year.

c. Tools Used
YouTube, Polls Everywhere, and Skype

d. Project Description
High school students would research information on substance abuse, such as trends and effects, and communicate their findings using the tools above. They would create a substance abuse prevention campaign for middle school and high school students.

Tool # 6

Build television sms voting polls at Poll Everywhere

I liked Poll Everywhere...It's very simple to use and no extra technology is required.

Tool #5

I used Wurdle and Tagxedo.  I was introduced to these at one of our Counselor meetings.  Both would be great tools to use in the classroom...View my finished products to the right.

Tool #4

I started using Google Apps this year.  A form one of our 9th grade teacher teams uses is a parent contact log to document calls made to parents of 9th graders.  The form helps us communicate with each other and monitor students who are in need of intervention.  I also share a Google Doc with my grade level principal to communicate with each other about student grades and attendance.

Tool #3

1 & 2.YouTube is a great resource...The videos I chose are on bullying, a topic that comes up quite often in our line of work.  I feel they accurately depict its effects on young people both inside and outside of the classroom.  Both videos are very powerful.

3.Reviewing copyright and fair use laws is helpful in the process of using these resources in the classroom.

Tool #2

I've discovered many resources out there to learn from and be shared with others, which makes it more enjoyable and interesting.
One new site I plan on visiting more often is NextStepU, which provides a step by step breakdown of the college application process.  Another great feature are the virtual campus tours offered on their blog at http://nextstepu.wordpress.com/.  A new college or university is highlighted almost every other day.
I've also joined ASCA Scene, a networking site for school counselors to stay abreast of best practices and other counseling issues.

Tool #1

Welcome to my blog! I'm looking forward to sharing ideas with students and colleagues.  Please feel free to make comments and suggestions.