Tool #4- Google Tools

1. I created a boring, but desprately needed grocery list. I'm tried of of running back and forth all over the store. I shared it with JoAnne Lee thinking she might also need another organization tool now that she has had baby #2!
2. I subscribed to the following using Google Reader:
Amy's House, Ms. Sigala's Blog, Ms. Lee's Thoughts, Wegs Online & the 11 Tools learner Support
3. Google Docs- I love the idea that kids can start a document at school/home and finish it later in a different location without having to mess with flash drives or e-mails. We are placing an additional emphasis on writing in Science, and this tool will aid in that.
Google Reader- My first thought was that this would make following current events in Science much faster and easier! I can get my kids set up with a few subscriptions until they get the hang of finding reputable sources.

Tool #3- Image Generators & Mashups

This tool was so much fun!
1. I used Wordle and Spell with Flickr
2. You can see both below
3. I love Wordle for vocabulary and Spell with Flickr is just for fun. Will have to see how others think this can be used otherwise. I'm not very creative with ideas.

Tool #2- Building Community & Comments

1. I love the idea of an online education community and pln's! I think that the purpose and need of the PLN would have to change depending on the subject, but can be very successful. Due to the fact that I've never used either before, I'm curious about how the kids will respond. I can't imagine that they won't buy in, but it will take time and trials to get the right format and content to engage my students.

2. I really enjoyed reading the comments on the blogs I looked at. A concern I had with using blogs for my students was insuring that it was a safe zone for their comments. I didn't want any negative or bullying behaviors keeping kids from giving comments or questions. One comment focused on taking some time to develop group norms that were agreed on by all users. I also found that teachers of different subjects were aboe to take ideas from each other and tweak them to fit into their subject matter. This is an area I am weak in, so I found the idea sharing very helpful in planning.

3. The blogs I commented in are:
Amy's House
Ms. Lee's Thoughts
Wegs Online
Being Patty Joyce
Frogs, Chihuahuas, & Good Times

Tool #1- Blog Set-Up & Registration

Well, it only took 4 days for Google to get it together on their part so I could create a blog, but I finally was able to get it done. With help from tech savy friends (thanks Greg Clouse!) I was able to create my blog and avatar in a fairly short amount of time. Hopefully the rest of the links for the othertools will behave!