Tool #2

It is necessary as a teacher to submerse ourselves in the world our students are growing up in today. Building personal learning networks is an important part of creating self-determined learners. Using technology allows students to have more freedom which spurs them to further question and find answers.

One of the things that stuck out to me from the video was Richardson's comment about students already having facebook accounts and what that means for us as teachers. We have the ability to help student explore these networks in safe ways, to help students understand how to use these networks for learning purposes and safe social purposes. It reminds me that internet safety must be taught as part of this process. I think sometimes I take that for granted --since I know what is safe and what is not. Students however need explicit instruction.

The five blogs I commented on are Foster's Findings, FairyPrincipal, My Teaching Life, Ms. Maddox 2nd grade, and Johnson's Journey.

Tool #1

As summer slowly passes by, I decided I needed to get started on the 11 Tools. I appreciated the reminders from Robye; I probably would have forgotten completely!

Creating a blog is fairly easy process and I plan on using in my classroom next year. I really enjoyed having fun creating the Voki and I am sure my students will too. I might have to set a time limit on that activity. :o) I would like for each of my students to have their own blogs. Then I will have them reflect on different content. For instance, students will write book reviews on books they are reading during independent reading. Not only will this encourgage students to keep reading during independent reading, but students will learn valuable skills maintaining a blog. Most people and/or companies have blogs; it is a vital skill.