Thing #6

I did a google search on scholar and found several journals(articles) that were detailing the many features and ways to use the iTouch.

Ways to Use iTouch
1. Teachers can download a specific activity, for example, a research project on a historical figure. Step by step instructions can be given for students to do: abstract page(that lists purpose, statement of the problems, delimitations, and summary/recommendations/), review of the selected literature, summary and recommendations.

2. Teachers can also have a guided format for students to use when working on book reports, book reviews, and comparing/contrasting books or authors.

3. Teachers can also download a series of directions to follow like a scavenger hunt to learn about the different areas of the library. This can include the fiction, nonficture, and so forth. This is a great way to have the students work as a team and learn about the library.

4. Teachers can create or download on specific skills in a particular subject like reading, math, social studies, or science for a group of students to use in the library. For me, GT students can be given independent projects to work on at their own pace.

4.

Thing #5

As for Facebook, I was abit more skeptical to use earlier this June, but with the 3 day staff development course CCP, I had to join! Now, I am more comfortable and at peace with using Facebook. Found one of my cousins waiting to talk to me there.

For the classroom, I am glad there is Facebook. With CCP, there will be plenty of times that Facebook will be used to share ideas, as I will be implementing CCP. If I need extra resources, help, or more guidance, I can get first hand knowledge via Facebook. Students or former students can communicate with me if needed at anytime. Facebook can also be utilized when groups of students need to discuss a particular assigned topic. Moreover, if students are having trouble during an assigned topic, the teacher can offer guidance, as well as, make recommendations.

As for twitter, this tool can be used also for teachers that need updates on staff developments or during inclement weather.

Backchanneling will be most helpful for me because during the school year. Let me explain. Usually around TAKS time, I am tutoring students, and staff meetings are held. Many times I do not receive all of the items that were discussed at staff meetings, which leave me feeling yuk! Sure I get some of the items that were discussed during the meeting, but I feel there are important issues that were left out. Since I am a detail person, I feel a mere here are major points aren't going to do it for me---here is where Backchanneling can be a real blessing!

Thing #4

Using teaching/learning videos in the classroom can be an introductory tool for presenting a unit or can be utilized as a center for students to reinforce objectives that were covered. Imagine not having to toil for hours to find that magical way of presenting a new unit or an objective.

At the beginning of the year, I know that teachers need to have work stations available for students to use throughout the day. This tool would be a wonderful work station for students to see, hear, and understand concepts that were not mastered.

As far as uploading students' work, I know this tool can open a new world! Instead of assigning the usual book review or character study, students can create their projects and share with other students.(this certainly beats grading stacks of papers!)I think that sharing these videos with other students can bring the enthusiasm back to the classrom.

Library2Play 2: Thing #3

Skype is a great tool to use to complete team planning road maps! Every teacher knows that team planning is essential to sharing ideas and completing the nine weeks road maps for each subject. There are many times during the year that these road maps need to be turned in to the administrator, and the team has had to plan too quickly.

Skype can help ease the pressure by offering time to discuss, share ideas, and get feedback from team members when the element of time is crucial. Skype can also be utilized when those agenda items have not been discussed. This is also a great tool to use with ACP Interns and their mentors for feedback and/or planning.

Remember IKE? Skype would have been an excellent tool to contact each other! I know that I had my computer with me during Ike as I made my journey to my sister's house in Austin. Moreover, I could have contacted other family members all over the country.

As a side note: teachers can use Skype during the school day to communicate with students who are researching in the library(if the Skype is available), or think about having meetings with parents to share about your classroom, TAKS prep, and other important information.

Thing #2

Wordle
Students can use this to reflect on TAKS vocabulary, CCP genre features, science words that were acquired,and high frequency words for reading. Wordle brings lilt and vitality to any subject area. Students will find Wordle to be easy and students can pair/share their work. In addition, Wordle can be utilized to help students find the main idea, context clues, "right there" answers to any TAKS passage.

Voicethread
For the struggling reader, Voicethread can assist this type of student to retell a story or answer comprehension questions about a given story. Students will feel empowered and not threatened. Students reading at a lower DRA level can succeed and make gains with confidence. This is also true for stuggling writers. Students who dread to write can take a step by step approach and use Voicethread to produce, share, and receive feedback--great to use with CCP.

Voki
I really liked Voki because emailing can be more personal and add a little something extra to the recipients. For students, Voki can be personalized and students can practice their writing skills by emailing each other or the teacher. As a teacher, I know that receiving an email from my student(s)is a wonderful form of expression.

Bookr
This can be utilized by the students as a sort of prewriting tool. Bookr offers the students an opportunity to "picture" their form of writing--be it essay, q&a, book review, or personal story. Moreover, Bookr can be used as a story arc for certain stories that were read independently, during guided reading, or for TAKS practice. Students can visualize their products for reading or writing with ease. Think about it, this is a great tool to use for summarizing a story, or for making a story map via pictures. For the teacher, Bookr offers many opportunities to see where the student has progressed, having problems, or has made improvements.

Library2Play 2: Thing #1

Wow! The video displayed a whole new world of information for students to ascertain, and yet the student has the teacher to provide guidance, proper etiquette, and how to generate feedback. The world of blogging brings knowledge to the student, and this knowledge is generated to many people. It's amazing how one question or a search for knowledge is just a click away.

Sara The Belles

Today I have said good-bye to my beautful black Havana rabbit named Sara The Belles. Some people may think it silly, but I don't. She gave me joy when I was sad, and jump around the house with such zest. She was the pet I always wanted. Yes, I cried very hard because she has been a blessing to me for several years.

I will miss her very much, and I am so glad that she was a part of my life. Now she will hop in heaven and run through the gardens without barriers or pain.