Tool 6

I have made a wall wisher. I think I could use this in my classroom to really teach typing skills. Since my first graders are still getting use to the computer and skills to use it, I think this would be something easy for them to do. They don't have to log in or sign up...the can go to the link and then use a sticky note to write somethings.

You can visit my Wall Wisher here


The other tool I explored was Skype. I didn't know what to link on here, but I did make an account. Today my team and I were planning and were talking about using Skype when we learn about our countries in January. That would be so fun to Skype with someone in Egypt!!

Tool 5- Web 2.0 Tools

This little animation was fun to make! I think the kids would love making these and I could use this to help get a better understanding about what they know about a certain topic.

Click here to see the video I made!

Using wordle was fun too! Not only did I learn how to do this, but while doing this, I learned how to take a screen shot and post it into my blog! Cool!

This is a wordle from my 11 tools blog. Its cool to see the words that I have been using!

Tool #4- Google Docs

This was my first time using Google Docs. I see a lot of people using this on the blogs that I follow and Im glad I now know how to use them as well! I think this will be a good way for the grade level to create documents and/or letters to send home as a team. It was much easier than saving them, then attaching them, then sending it!

Tool #3- Embedding Videos

I have always wondered about copyright laws and its good to know that teachers can use these resources safely when teaching. I like using Discovery Education a lot...and I use Youtube when I know what the video is and that its safe to show. I feel comfortable searching for something on Discovery Education and playing it instantly. With Youtube, I always preview it before because you never know what might pop up in the middle of the video!!

I use this video almost every day with my class as a math warm up! We get up and dance to it so it also allows them to get some movement out!! Its bright and colorful and they love it!

If you have ever been in my classroom on a Friday afternoon, you may have seen my class doing the Tooty Ta to celebrate TGIF!! They LOVE this and I must say that I do too!

Dropbox is an easy way to save pictures and files and helps keep everything in one spot!

Tool #2- Building Community in the Online Environment

Today I was able to visit many fellow VOE teachers blogs and see their thoughts on 11 Tools! I have been blogging for awhile now and try hard to update my classroom blog for parents as much as possible. I follow many other teacher blogs and have found so many helpful ideas for lessons out there! There is a huge community of teacher bloggers with amazing ideas. I am glad we are able to comment on blogs...even if its just a quick note to say thanks for sharing an amazing idea. One of my favorite blogs to follow is www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com. This is an amazing 1st grade teacher with such talent and energy from who knows where!

11 Tools: Tool 1. My new friend Bill

My school district is starting a new program called 11 Tools. We have to finish 11 steps to get our prize!! I will be getting 5 mini lap tops and 5 itouches for my classroom! I can't wait!!!! So, step 1...create a Voki. I named him Bill and I think he's pretty cute!