Tool #3

I used the spell with Flickr tool (see above) , it is a cool concept and one that can add to a student project. I also created a collage (below) but used Picasa for that. I have used most of the other image generators with both teachers and students. I find that image generators are a fun was to display information. The challenge is making sure there is some content learning involved in this process.

Ready for a run?????

Tool #2

I think online communities are something that we HAVE to be comfortable with. Our students are so past us when it comes to social networking, it is their world. The "real" challenge teachers face is how to tie the content in with the new methods. In order to face that challenge we can't also have a fear of the technology and what that involves.

I commented on the following blogs-
Kindergarten as SOE
Cashiola's Chronicles
Technofitness, Here I Come
Always Learning

Tool #1 part 2

WOW, yall did it! It was so exciting to spend the afternoon with 19 SOE bloggers and a few guests working on the 11 tools. We all made great progress and I think everyone walked away with a little more confidence that they CAN DO THIS. I know there were times of frustration and a bit of anger but hang in there- tool #1 really is one of the most challenging.
I wanted to add a bit of reflection about this tool after basically doing it with a class of students, they are adults but still learners. It was so good there were 2 of us there (thanks to April, you rock) because I fear that had it just been me they would not have made it as far as they did. This is something that has to be considered when working with students, there is only one you and possibly 25 of them, plan ahead and be ready for the glitches you might face. Something that happened (often) was after one person "got" the task, they walked others through it. We all know the power in this and allowing it to happen in a classroom is crucial.
I hope some others felt they walked away with some valuable learning, I know I did. Thanks to all of you :)

Tool #1

The process for setting up the blog and adding the details was not bad. It could become very time consuming with all the choices that are available. When using this with students I am thinking some limits may need to be set so they don't spend all their time with the designs/templetes/avatars.

Here I go-

Here is the first post for the the 11 Tools for the 21st Century Learner