Tool #4 - Google Apps

In my personal life, I already use several Google Apps, especially ones through Google Docs.  After exploring the Google Docs a bit more, I do see several possibilities with using Google Applications within my classrooms -- both Math and my co-teaches.  I like using YouTube to show "How To" videos.  I also like the idea of using the Forms part of Google Docs to create mini quizzes to go with pre-teaching videos I ask my kids to watch at home.  The quizzes could be used as a way to check to see what kids understand and still need help with.

We are already using Google Docs and Presentation in my English Co-teach classes for student group projects and presentations.  The kids LOVE the fact they can edit shared materials in real time but don't all have to be in the same place.

Tool #3 - Video and Media

I have found the files from Discovery Education really, really helpful in my classroom.  The videos I have used so far for linear equations have been wonderful for putting the concepts we are learning into real world examples.

I love how easy it is to embed a video but frustrated that the only easy way was through YouTube videos.  I really like the Discovery Education videos but they take F-O-R-E-V-E-R to load.

I read through the copyright and fair use laws and understand them.  I do plan to be more aware of what I am borrowing and attribute the items at the end of my flipcharts.

I already have Dropbox because of a professional development requirement but at this time, don't really see the use for it in my Math classroom.  I could see it possibly being useful in my English Co-teach classes (or any co-teach class really) for students who receive the accommodation of having oral administration of tests or quizzes.  This is an easy way to share a test or quiz with specific kids. They could use netbooks and earbuds along with the Read, Write, Gold application to take quizzes or tests and remain in the classroom.

This Tool is #2.

I feel I am already a part of a PLN through the Mommy Blogs that I follow and participate in.  Having those Blogs helps me keep my sanity, keeps me in check, and teaches me so many things I am grateful to know.  One of the Blogs has a pledge one can sign called the Mom Pledge.  It basically says "I will conduct myself with integrity, I will treat other comments with respect, I will not bully, I will not allow others a platform to attack. . . that we are all a community and should work together to better each other" (Elizabeth Flora Ross). This is something I completely agree with.  I have encountered too many comments on Blog posting that become just plain mean and hateful.

I have been wanting to get Google Reader set up for a while but other things always seem to pop up and take priority on my To Do List.  This weekend I plan to dedicate some time to finally getting it set up.

I don't have a problem posting on other people's sites but (contrary to this posting), I am not much of a writer.  I would much rather have a face to face dialogue with someone.  I feed off not only people's thoughts and ideas but body language as well.

I hope to find some of the same wonderful things I have found in my personal blogs in the professional blogs I have found, and continue to find.  Many of the blogs are geared towards educational philosophy, news and ideas.  But a couple are also real.  They are more of a place where teachers vent frustrations and cheer celebrations from the classroom.  I was pleased to come across Math Tales from the Spring.  This teacher posts some of the lessons she has done with her Algebra students.  I have also enjoyed what I have read from Education on the Plate which is a nice blend of educational news, philosophy and musings (with a touch of snarky which I love).

The Beginning . . .

I am actually a bit anxious about this adventure we are beginning.  I realize that many other schools have already done this or are currently in the middle of it and everyone has survived.  I am worried this will just add more to my already overflowing plate.  Also, I am too sensitive to the anxiety felt by others so that does not help.  


Having said all of that, I am hopeful certain good will come out of this.  I will go with the flow.  It has been pretty easy so far.  We are all in this together so it is easy to find someone who can help when I have a question.  Who knows, maybe I will find something, maybe The One Thing that will help all of my kids "get it" -- that "Ah-ha Moment".  Fingers crossed . . .