After 11 Tools: Reflections

Final 11 tool post!!!! Working on the 11 tools was hard for me but fun at the same time. I really enjoyed working on my photo story. I am sure that I will use this tool this coming year to work with my students on how to make books using the new technology that is around us. I also know that I will be receiving itouches for my classroom and I cannot wait to see how I am going to apply my new knowledge to benefit my students’ learning.
Definitely I have learned a lot working on this program. It has transformed my thinking about how useful the technology can be for teachers and students inside and out of our classrooms. Our world and the technology are changing very fast and we need to keep up with it. I am surprised that I have finished all the 11 tools, because at the beginning of the program I got the impression that I was not going to be able to do it. I did it!!! I am proud of myself.

Tool # 11 Digital Citizenship

I think digital citizenship is the most important element in this new technological world.
First, I want my students to understand how useful the new technology can be inside and out of our classroom to continue learning. We have to be very careful while using the internet in order to protect ourselves by never sharing our personal information or passwords. Second, always be responsible with actions on the internet to maintain good digital citizenship, and third, not to plagiarize any information that we find from sources to make it our own.
As a teacher of 4 and 5 years old students, I will work on making sure that my young students understand that the use of the internet is OK under adult supervision only and there are some rules that we must follow at all times.

Tool # 10 Exploring Mobile Technology And Apps

I am very surprised that ipods, itouches and other devises can be very helpful in a Pre-K classroom. I found that the majority of free apps could be used to reinforce math skills that children learn in class. I am not sure if there are some apps appropriate for Spanish speaking students who are learning Language Arts in their home language, but I found some of them that will help those children in their English Language acquisition. I cannot wait to receive all the new technology for my class next year and discover how the children will enjoy and learn from it.

Tool # 9 Using Jing and Skype

I did not have any idea about these two tools. I have not used them before but I think it will be very interesting to see how to apply them in the classroom. Capturing parts of images with Jing will be helpful during science to explain and share information to the students about particular subjects they are learning about. Using Skype will be great for the students to visit places and talk to people with out leaving the classroom while still learning and continuing to share their thoughts.

Tool # 8 Video Resources

Tool #8 was also fun. Watching and listening to a video give the children the opportunity to learn and have fun at the same time. Learning ABC's with music always helps them to remember the letters, their sounds and make associations with visual concepts on the videos. It is also interesting during ocean units to watch videos of those creatures that we are learning about.

Tool # 7 Digital Storytelling

I enjoyed working on this tool. It will be very helpful next year using using it to teach my Pre-K students about "Book making". I think that learning how to become authors will be fun for my students by using this type of technology. I could not post my picture story but I will keep working on it!

Tool # 6 Wikis

“Wikis” What a great idea!!! Using this tool also is going to help me as a teacher to organize, plan, and edit information about my projects. I think it will be awesome to use the Wikis in the classroom by the students while they gather information to create their own books online. I am very excited and cannot wait to share and use this tool in my class with the students next year.