Module 8

This is the first time I had heard of RSS and initially I thought it would be not something I could use because I’m not a big blogger . After exploring some of the possible sites that I could subscribe to, however, I could definitely see some of the benefits.

I already receive newsletters and publications on line via email and tend to plan to come back to them when I’m going through my inbox which inevitably rarely happens. I like the way with google reader, you can keep track of what you intend to read and what still needs to be read. That way it doesn’t just get lost in my inbox and I can consciously make a plan to read articles at a time that suits me.

Some of the sites that I have subscribed to include- The Sydney Morning Herald, Caritas Australia, The Big Picture and Amnesty Australia. Hopefully with this new tool, I can keep abreast of the latest news articles and stories of interest.

Module 7

Delicious is a fabulous tool, which I was fortunately introduced to last year as part of a Network of ESL teachers working on The Successful Language Learners (SLL) project. The tool allowed us to easily share great websites in a very simple way. I now have a really valuable collection of useful websites. It also has helped me be much more organised in how I store useful websites. I tend to work regularly on at least 2 different computers and makes it much easier to track my favourites between home and work.
I anyone is interested in becoming part of the SLL Delicious network, let me know and I will add you add you as a contact.
I haven’t yet used this tool with students but imagine that it could be useful at creating a list of websites for a group of students completing a research assignment

Module 6

I found Flickr relatively simple to use as I am familiar with photo sharing on social networks sites such as Facebook.  I’m not sure that I would use it for personal use as a I have other means of sharing photos through social networking, however can see the benefits of using it in the classroom. The highly secure privacy settings make it appealing for using in the classroom as teachers can be assured that children will only view images which are appropriate.

I can also see benefits for students with special interests and talents to access the group option to explore topics of interest to them eg dinosaurs, cricket, dancing to name just a few. Students with more specific interests could even start their own group, which could be fun.

It was interesting to read through some of the rules and regulations for students and copyright. I think we often take it for granted that images and material that we can access on line is public, however this made me much more aware of how important it is to respect the creator of the material. Students, particularly those in upper primary who are often researching topics, need to be aware of this too. Flickr can simplify this process  as it can be used in the classroom in many creative without child safety or copyright concerns.

 Flickr could also used by teachers and schools to safely share information about events such as excursions, sports days, special feast days etc. Here is a photo that I uploaded on my Flickr account showing one of the guest speakers sharing with Year 4 students on Refugee Day.

Module 5

The highlight of this module for me was learning how to use Glogster as I it is a tool which I think the  children will love. It gives so much scope for creativity and for students to be able to express their learning in fun and interactive ways. It's great how different media can be embedded in the glogs created and there is so much scope for individulity. I have just finished a unit on transport with some of my year 2 students and can see potential for embedding this tool into the teaching learning activities where students could create a glogster on transport to reflect their learning. I would like to see students working in pairs too so that there is communication involved in the design.

I can see potential too for bubbl.us too in the classroom as I often use brainstorming as a strategy for gathering and organising information. It is more time-consuming than the pen and paper brainstorming method, however so I would be selective when I chose to use it. The main benefit I think is that it allows for the mind map to be shared electronically and students could work collaboratively on their mind maps.

Thanks for a great module.

Module 4

Digital storytelling is great for both teachers and students. I have found this tool particularly useful as an ESL teacher to assess children in their oral language communication skills. With kinder and year 1 students, I chose stories that the children were familiar with, scanned the pictures and then uploaded them into Photostory 2. The students then were able to record themselves retelling the story using a microphone. They loved recording themselves and listening to their voices. As well as being a great assessment sample for me it provided students with an opportunity for self evaluation.

I will continue to do this for assessment purposes and Module 4 has given me lots of other ideas for digital story telling. I would like to have a go at videoing the children using puppets and toys to create a story that can be viewed by their peers and other students in the school. I think digital story telling provides students with a great purpose to create  stories and a captive audience which makes the process much more motivating. This tool has potential is so many different KLAs too so that students can consolidate their skills.

I would also like to use storytelling strategies in guided reading for assessment and to give students a chance to self evaluate. The students will get so much enjoyment from listening to themselves and each other.Story Nory was another site that I explored which could provide another way to introduce a story and possibly use in reading groups.

It was interesting in this module to see so many sites like Teacher Tube and Teachers TV where teachers can share ideas and strategies with each other. I look forward to exploring these sites further and trying out some new ideas.

Module 3

Google docs makes perfect sense and is a great application for saving time and simplifying life. I am often confusing documents saved under different names and which come from different sources and Google docs could be the solution! I also love the interactive nature of it and how it can be used collaboratively in schools. There are a multitude of ways that it could be used both in the classroom and with colleagues. As teachers we are always pressed for time and I can see that Google docs could be a great way for teachers to plan and update programs collaboratively from our own loungerooms. Also, it could be a great way for students to help edit and provide peer feedback for each other in the classroom. I'm looking forward to getting started.

Module 2

Module 2 makes blogging simple and I love the idea of using it in the classroom. Having browsed some of the blogs it makes me realise how motivating it can be for students to blog. It is great that they can have an audience beyond their own classroom and interact with  children all over the world. Also like the way that teachers can share ideas....I'm keen to try some of the Art projects posted by Kathy Barbro.