Is it the end, or only the beginning?

Wow, I can not believe all of these Things are finally completed! The process was definitely time consuming, to say the least, but the reward is great! I can honestly say I have learned quite a bit about Web 2.0 tools -in the beginning I didn't even know what those were. Looking back, some of my favorites include: Thing # 6 (Image Chef), Thing # 20 (YouTube), and Thing #21 (Animoto)...just among the few. I already have a ton of ideas of ways I can use these tools in my future classroom. All of the Web 2.0 tools are useful one way or another...it all depends on what you need. Some were difficult..but with a little time and patience, all of them can be mastered. I look forward to teaching my students about some of these tools -and passing along what I learned throughout this entire experience. I'm proud of myself for successfully creating

my first blog!

Thing #23

Creative Commons is a very important tool to be aware of. As teachers,we have to set examples for our students to follow. We have to give to credit wherever it is due. Anything that anybody posts on the web (information, pictures, etc.) must be used an credited properly. Creative Commons allows teacher to give rights (however they choose) on their material so others can access it. With Creative Commons, we decide what to share, what to restrict...everything about our work! It s important to relay this message and concept to our students -always give credit when it's due! 

Thing #22

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=705081

Another helpful way for storing websites...Livebinders! Teachers can use these online binders to share websites that may be helpful for their students. This can aide in providing the students with research information on certain projects they may be assigned, or when learning new material altogether. The titles of my binders are Learning Strategies (which is the link above this paragraph), Anticipatory Sets, and Time Saving Tips. These are more geared for me (as the teacher) but when creating them for students, I would relate them to whatever lesson they are learning or as research to get them started on a particular project. A great tool for teachers and students -however you decide to use it.

Thing #21

A Summer in Greece

I loved the entire Animoto experience. Above is a link to my creation...last summer I visted Greece (I'm from Greece).The video includes some pictures I took while I was there. This would be great for students to do and share with the class -maybe even as an introduction of themselves at the beginning of the year? (Just a thought) But yes, I loved it and it will be a very fun tool to bring into the classroom -endless creativity can be applied.

Thing #20

I love YouTube! It is free and simple to use! I can easily spend many hours (unknowingly) on this site. YouTube can be great to bring into the classroom. Teachers just have to carefully monitor what they use (to ensure that the material is not inappropriate). I can think of many ways that teachers can use this as an effective tool in their classrooms -they find something interesting (that should also enhance what they are teaching) and simply sare it with the students. It can definitely make a lesson fun and exciting for the students.

I found a song on YouTube, the "Money Song" which I incorporated in my Unit Plan on Money for a first grade classroom. Just simple videos like this one, makes learning fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq3tVrTFcKk

Thing #19

I feel like I am already a member of enough social sites...Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest...yes, that's enough! But I have to say, I joined Teacherpop and I think it is simply great! I love the concept behind Teacherpop. This social website is exclusively for APSU pre-service teachers (and for those who have graduated too). It makes you feel like you are a part of something important -and you are! You are able to share information in regards to teaching with others that are probably  the same position as you. Teachers can even chime in to provide some insight on educational obstacles and expectations. It is a great way to share ideas and experiences. You are able to communicate through comments -which makes it all super easy.The good thing about joining this community is that it is geared towards our futures as educators -we have our sites for "play and general socialization," but this will help us grow and learn -becoming great teachers. This commuity will be sticking around for quite awhile.

Thing #18

An understanding of social networking sites is important, believe it or not, to educators. Our society is becoming so advanced in technology. Students are on these sites on a day to day basis. So having even a basic knowledge of what they are all about, will keep teachers "in the know" about things. This can apply to cyber-bullying -which unfortunately is becoming too common and tragic in our society. Teachers may be able to recognize things that are occurring on these sites, and potentially stop them from escalating.

I am a user of both Facebook and Twitter for many years. I enjoy both sites very much. They help me keep in contact with friends and families and that is very important to me. They both have similar social features, but I would have to say I enjoy Facebook more. As for using them in the classroom, I don't think I will. I plan on teaching younger kids (a first grade classroom hopefully) and these social sites are too chaotic to introduce at such a young age. But for me...I love them!