Tool #5

I mostly searched for tags relating to math and math games that could be used during stations to help the kids with addition and subtraction facts. I found the following 2 sites that I really liked:
http://www.funbrain.com/
http://arcademicskillbuilders.com/
Sorry but I couldn't get them hotlinked something weird is going on. I will try to get them linked again later!
Also, if you are an upper grade teacher I found a really good website that had games for part-part-whole that I really liked. Let me know if you would like the link and I can share it.
In the classroom I think that the students will enjoy sharing the pictures or websites they find with their peers.

Tool #4

I love the idea of Google docs! It will make so many things we have to do collaboratively so much easier (like roadmaps, lesson plans, etc.)I think that the students could also use Google docs to help edit each others writing or comment on science projects etc.
The Google reader is really cool too! I like being able to link to sites that I want to keep up with on a regular basis.

Tool #3

I used the Bubblr, which used pictures from Flickr and speech bubbles to add some comments. I had a lot of fun doing this. I was imagining what kids could do after a field trip or something. What a great way to do some fun writing!


I also used Bookr to create this book. I think the kids will really be able to have a good time searching for pictures and creating their own books. Imagine the joy they will feel after creating a book that they can share with their friends. I can't wait to try this with my kids.

Tool #2

I think that creating online communities and participating in PLNs is a great idea for teachers. We are always looking for ways to get and share ideas. Also, I think being able to communicate with teachers in other districts, cities, and states can increase our knowledge and our toolkits. Teachers naturally want to talk about what they do (what is working or not working for them) and getting other peoples opinions and ideas is extremely helpful. I am excited about this journey!
The thing that stood out for me about commenting was how to attract comments. Asking questions within my post is definately something I am going to try to do. I also liked the part about returning comments. I think it is very important to respond to what people say in their comments, just as it is important to respond when people are talking to each other face to face.
The blogs I commented on were:
Live Laugh & Learn
Hard at work
Life long learning
Jello's 11 tools
Ms. Farias' 11 tools for the 21st century

Tool #1 continued

Woops I forgot to add the part about how I could use this in the classroom. . .
I think the kids would have a blast creating avatars and imagine how much fun it would be for them to comment on each other's blogs. I can't wait to try it!

Tool #1 Creating a blog and avatar

This was not as hard as I thought it would be. I found that while creating my avatar it was fun just to play around with the various clothes, facial structures, and bling provided by the site. I also found that I wish there would have been a little more there. Anyway, I had fun and learned something new.