Tool 11 Reflections :)

1. What are your favorite tools you now have in your personal technology toolbox?
My favorite tool was using the Image Generators and Mashups. I had so much fun generating my Trading Card and Wanted Poster. I also enjoyed the Digital Storytelling. It was fun to take some of my own photos and incorporate them into a photo story that I could post on my blog for others to view. Finding motivational videos to share with my class and post on my blog was also one of my favorite tools.

Briefly describe a particular activity that you will plan for your students using at least one of these new tools.
I definately plan on spending some time at the beginning of the year to teach my students how to use the photo story. I want them to feel very comfortable using this tool, so that they can create their personal narratives and essays digitally. I know that they will extremely enjoy using this tool on the new netbooks for the classroom and it allows them another way to publish their work. :) I also would like to incorporate a class blog and have my students a part of the building and creating of the blog. They can post and share individual work and be in the decision making process of choosing work to post on the blog.
2. How have you transfomed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom?
I realize the importance of implementing more technology into my classroom. It motivates the students and creates a more exciting learning environment. I am no longer afraid of trying new things using the netbooks, i-touches, active boards, and computer labs. I realize how easy it really is to use and plus these programs and sites are free. The future is now and to better reach our children, we have to become more computer friendly. It takes learning to a whole different level and definately a more enthusiastic, creative thinking kind of level.
3. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
It suprised me that I actually had a good time completing most of these tools. This task was not overwhelming and with the detailed directions, I had an easy time completing the assignment. It was enjoyable for me to spend my quiet mornings drinking my coffee and completing a couple of the tools at a time. Now I am ready to show my students all that I learned this summer !!!! :)