Tool #4: Google Documents and Google Reader

This tool was not as much fun as the last one. I was very excited about the possibilities of collaborating with others with greater ease by using Google Docs, but it was frustrating when it became difficult to share a document. Even though I had sent an invitation for another user to be able to view and make changes to my documents, I still received emails to approve the user. This seems like an unnecessary extra step. It also took several tries for the documents to load successfully. If these issues become easier, I do see how powerful Google Docs can be in many aspects of school.
Keeping up with the latest news on education can be a challenge. Google Reader quickly places articles on the different topics in one place for me to view. I see this as a useful tool in keeping up with my own personal growth and then sharing the most interesting with others in our learning community.

Tool #3: Image Generators

Creating and adding pictures and images to has been the tool that has been the most fun so far. I had to make myself stop and go on to the next tool. I probably could have added one of each of the tools. I used spell with flickr, big huge labs, Image chef and one other one.

I can see how this would also be exciting for students to use in their work. Some students who have a difficult time writing, can express their thoughts through pictures. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. We all can see a picture and without words feel what others are trying to convey.

Tool #2: Creating Professional Learning Community

• This is the second year we are trying to set up a professional online learning community. We thought of it last year as a way for us to communicate and share ideas on important topics. It is exciting that this year we are making this happen. I believe that it is the next step in creating a school that works together towards a common goal with shared ideas. This is way for everyone to have a voice. At times there are some that are unwilling to share due to several factors, this is a way for some to feel comfortable with sharing. It allows all of us to share our points of view and understand were others stand on the same issue.
• When reading about how to comment on others blogs, I connected to the part of asking questions and leaving your responses open ended so others might want to comment on your post. I think that asking others questions is a great way to get others to share their ideas in more detail to keep the dialogue going. This is a great way for others and ourselves to reflect on our own practices.
• I commented on Irvin, Hammack, Leon-Garcia, Ramsey and M. Garcia.

Tool #1: Getting Started

I started this back in June with all intentions of getting it done during my few weeks off. It was fun creating the voki and choosing my alter ego. I'm back a month later to continue with the process of learning about the 11 Tools. I have heard many comments from others about their experiences and many of them have been positive.
I am excited to learn about the different tools we can use to help our students learn all they can about the world we live in today. Many times our students feel they come to school and have to power down. Outside of school they are used to being engaged in multiple media. This is going to be an exciting year for Westwood and Spring Branch is joining our students in the 21st Century.