GTFS Final Progress Reflection

Learning about Google tools has opened my eyes to how rapidly technology is improving for any computer user.  It is mind boggling!  My head is spinning just thinking about all of the great resources that I can use with my students.  I find it hard to decide what to use and when to use it so that I can be most effective when teaching in the classroom.  Most of my students are more comfortable and adept with the computer than I am but I have never been afraid to explore and learn new ways to teach language arts content.  Something that I think is fun and would be great for kids does not always work because I have not been current on what students familiar with.  That is why I am thrilled that I took this course.  What I have learned with Google Tools will definitely enhance student learning and how engaged they will be when they can use these online tools to be creative and innovative.

After completing the Google Tools for Schools course, I believe that I have greatly improved my skills as a Google user.  There are many ways that I have improved although my greatest improvements mostly occurred with the tools that I was already familiar with.  The Google site tool is one that I spent a great amount of time using during the course along with my colleagues and know now that my students success with e-portfolios will be increased since I have a clear vision of how to teach the skills while allowing students to learn independently.  I will be a greater resource to my students when using tools such as Blogger, Google Docs, etc.

I see myself continuing to explore with diigo and facebook as tools for myself and my students from the PLN.  I am a bit nervous to use Skype but, hey, why not take a risk like my instructors modeled for me.    

Video Challenge-Newton on the Playground- Rappers in Motion

My students were learning about Newton's Laws of Motion and they found a rap on line and sang the rap on the playground to demonstrate Newton's Laws of Motion.

Digitizing Student Portfolios with an IPod Touch

I wanted to share this video from You Tube called Digitizing Student Portfolios with an IPod Touch.  I am currently working on a project on E-Portfolios and this video explains how students can display their authentic work using video and pictures to capture and display evidence of their learning.  The IPod is an effective tool for capturing important learning moments and information can be emailed instantly.

Using the Presentation Tool

I'm learning about Google Tools for Schools in a course this summer.  I think that the Presentation tool is beneficial for my students and the team of teachers I work with.