Reflections

I think that we as teachers should use new technology to access valuable information and communicate it to our students. In this process, we need to learn and practice on rejecting and ignoring technologies that do not help us to improve our instruction, and also accept and use those technologies that can help us to improve our work.

Tool #11

http://www.brainpop.com/technology/computersandinternet/socialnetworking/preview.weml

http://www.brainpop.com/technology/computersandinternet/onlinesafety/preview.wevel

http://www.brainpop.com/technology/computersandinternet/digitaletiquette/

First of all online safety is crucial for students to know so they will not be exposed to negative information. Second, digital etiquette will help them to learn proper manners to communicate and will also learn to recognize and reject inappropriate information. Social networking will help them to meet students with different cultures around the world.

All that can be taught by showing them videos from Brainpop.

Tool #10

ABC Phonics Animals Free Lite -Talking & Spelling Alphabet Flashcards Kids Games – Brain Counts
Math Drills Lite – Instant Interactive

My First Words – Flashcards by Smart Baby Apps – Smart Baby Ltd

My plan is for students to use these apps during centers while I monitor their activities.

1. The ABC Phonics- will help students to learn conversational English skills.
2. Math Drills Lite- will support and improve the skills students were already exposed to.
3. My First Words-will help students that at the beginning stages in acquiring English
and will reinforce English vocabulary in other students.

Tool # 9

From what I understood from the videos, Jing is for capturing images and making videos and Screencast the place to share and save such information. Maybe Kindergarten students could be taught to capture images they like and save them using their personal username and password. I think that will take a lot of effort. Please correct if I am wrong, but for Kindergarten students to use Jing, a video should be already recorded and saved and ready to be presented with visual and audio components and that involves Jing and Screencast. When the images in the video relate to the objectives or skills we want to teach and at the same time with an explanation to students on how to follow instructions on the video, students can get help in any subject or skill while teachers monitor their learning and students watch the video.

And through Skype we can invite authors to read stories to the entire class or to more than one class. We can also access professional development opportunities such as conference presentations.

Tool #8

http://www.brainpopjr.com/science/plants/partsofaplant/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGjQn0IkpUU This web contains videos for all levels including Kindergarten. For example, when teaching continents and oceans, it provides a variety of videos to reach all kinds of learners.

They will add to the learning because they will reach students with a variety of learning capabilities and at the same time will reinforce skills and knowledge needed in the curriculum.

Tool #7

It is a tool that requires many details to set it up. I tried to edit it including more pictures and music, but my nephew Jorge had to guide me. But with patience and time, I can set up digital stories with the purpose of teaching sequence, bginning, middle, and end and can use also as visuals.

Tool#6

We can put students in groups and let them write sight words they know and direct them to edit each other's words within a group. It is a handy tool when asking staff for input or participation on things that we need to get done. To use it in a team is a plus; we can organize items, information, etc. when planning for a field trip, a party, or a document for school and even for input on designing instructional requirements.