letterpop newsletters

http://letterpop.com/builder.php?newsletter_id=83015

This is a link to my very, very rough draft of a second grade newsletter. I really like this site since I do send newsletters every week. I'll have to play around and put some class pictures on flikr so I can add those. It's a pity that more of our students don't have computers at home because it would be great to just do newsletters digitally!

Swivel

I have not used Swivel before either and I think this is a great tool. This is a great way to demonstrate data in a variety of ways. As an educator, I know that people learn (and see things in different ways). Swivel gives you the opportunity to show relationships to your students. Most of the data that I found on Swivel was a bit above my kids heads I can see how this would be very useful if I were to upload my own data. I think this is something I will try when we do graphing in math!

Google Docs

I did not know that this existed and I am very excited about it. I can see how there would be a debate because I can see all the good points such as not having to have all the software (and updates required) to read or create documents. This is the biggie for me so I think it is great. However, I also have a dad who is paranoid about people getting his documents off line so he may not want to use it. I'm not sure about the safety details because I am naive and I generally don't worry about that so much but I can see both sides of the coin. I have sent many attachments using a program that people can't open (yes, I'm a big appleworks user) so this is a great tool! I'm glad to have my eyes opened to this.

Teacher Tube

United Streaming

I have used United Streaming Video in my class a few times. It is a great way to have film to incorporate into your lessons and enhance your planning. I have used a video about soil and silt to enhance my science curriculum and I have used some animal video to enhance our reading curriculum on camoflage of animals. I do enjoy that you have this all available at your fingertips to show in your class. I believe the research that this can definitely improve your lessons and learning when used appropriately. I tend to be lazy sometimes and I have videos in waiting at the ESD that just come but I will have to try to incorporate United Streaming more.

La Conner Library Site

I love that our district library site has so many resources available! My kids use it a lot to access AR and they love the fun zone link as well. It is great to be able to search for a book from your class instead of having to visit the library. It is a great idea to have reviews available and to be able to add your own. It is very helpful and as a computer loving individual, much appreciated! You do a great job of explaining how to use it as well.

Web 2.0

Even though I did not realize what the term Web 2.0 meant, I realize I use these sites A LOT! My family is a big craiglist.org user. I was excited to also learn of seattle.oodle.com. My husband is a notorious seller to the point where my son tells me he is going to sell his toys and buy new ones. I also often use Google Maps (couldn't live without it!), flickr (what new mommy doesn't love flickr) and my newly acquired pageflakes that I love. I am a bit of an internet junkie and I can't imagine how we used to get information and connect without it. I can see Web 2.0 would be useful in any classroom because they are just tools to connect in everyday life.

So far this course has been very fun for me. I am familiar with most of the tools we have used so far but this course has given me the opportunity to find different aspects and tools involved. It has helped me find more ways to use the internet and more ways to waste even more time:)! What a great way to get people involved in technology!