Module 4 Assignment 8: "Dropbox"

I certainly hope I've done this correctly.  If I share the link below to my files in Dropbox, I wonder can folks gain access to my original files or just download them?  It is pretty important that I am clear about this!  Regardless of my Dropbox anxieties, below is the link to my folder of Homework sheets from this year.

First grade homework sheets

There is truly no reason why I can't use these new applications (such as Dropbox) more often.  It ultimately saves time and effort, plus the files are always there!  I've mentioned before that Henry County teachers are receiving new laptops soon (perhaps tomorrow!) so I'm excited that I know SO MUCH about technology and can use my new computer to apply my new found knowledge!

Module 4 Assignment 7: "Pinterest"

Well, I have just spent WAY too much time browsing through Pinterest.  Where was Pinterest when I didn't have children and actually had free time???  Seriously, I am enjoying getting to know how Pinterest works and finding fellow teachers to follow.  I really plan to use Pinterest so much more this summer (when I do have free time) to just get rejuvenated about starting anew in the fall with new students, new coworkers, and new programs.

I really like following folks who have their boards set up similar to mine.  It makes repinning much easier and searching for ideas quicker.  I organized my boards by subjects such as math, science, fluency, sight words, etc. Hopefully, this method will make locating certain pins easier.  We'll see...

Click HERE to view Jodie Rakes' "Classroom" board.  Most of her pins are reading related simply because she is a reading specialist.  I hope to find some great ideas from Jodie!

Module 4 Assignment 6: "Google Drive vs. Dropbox"

Whew...what a tricky article to read!  I thought I understood the differences between Google Drive and Dropbox until I read the article.

Currently I use both Google Drive and Dropbox and like them both.  The first grade teachers at my school use Dropbox for those large files that can't be emailed and when we don't want to walk to each other's room with a jump drive.  We also recently used Dropbox since we were issued new laptops and needed to get our old files onto our new computers.  Personally, I like Dropbox because it reminds me quite simply of a "Documents" folder and is easy to navigate and make changes to.

Google Drive, on the other hand, is a little bit less user-friendly than Dropbox but I enjoy using it just the same.  At our school, we use a shared document on Google Drive to sign up for iPad carts.  After county-wide collaboration meetings, we also share teacher-made assessments using Google Drive.

While I am more comfortable with Dropbox, I think the more I utilize Google Drive, the more I will see the practical uses it offers.

Module 4 Assignment 5: "Twitter"

"Why Twitter is a Teacher's Best Tool" is a very informative article.  It addresses teachers using Twitter to stay informed about the latest trends and news in education along with just gathering ideas about topics of interest.  Using Twitter in this fashion reminds me of a more sophisticated "Pinterest."  I have to admit that I see myself as one of those teachers afraid of posting too much for others in cyberspace to view, especially since I'm a teacher in such a small town.  Using an anonymous username or simply not posting negative material would easily solve that problem.

"5 Ways Twitter has Changed Education" offers to readers the role Twitter has played in education since its "birth" in 2006.  I feel as though the first three are the most profound and have inspired me to hopefully begin tweeting about the events in my classroom next fall.

• Bringing the world into the Classroom:  I love to stop what we're doing when a student has a good question that requires a Google search.  Twitter would just provide more ways to discover information about different topics.
• Helps Communication between School and Home:  This point is my favorite since it is my goal to begin using Twitter next year as a means of communication between my parents, students, and myself.
• Gives Educators Real-Time Professional Development:  I definitely plan to search the hashtag #edchat to discover educators to follow.  

Even though I may not have a lot to "tweet" about, I believe I can still use Twitter to learn and develop my knowledge of educational topics.  

Module 4 Assignment 4: "Delicious"

Delicious has certainly been helpful as I collect information for the Web 2.0 project.  I added 5 new websites this evening to Delicious, and they all were about sight word instruction.  This will prove so helpful as I begin my project this weekend.  Having the "add to Delicious" button on my toolbar makes it even easier.

I think Delicious will continue to be one of many new ideas/websites I've learned about during this class that I will use even after the class is completed.  Henry County teachers are receiving new laptops in a few weeks, so I'm definitely going to be using Delicious to help save all of my favorites!

Module 4 Assignment 3: "iPad Apps"

As a relatively new iPad user, I am still learning about the different apps that are available.  I am pleased to see that in the App Store there is an education section to help me at least find a starting point.

Dragon Dictation is an app that I have already downloaded to my iPad, and I plan to use it beginning in the fall with struggling writers.  I haven't used Facetime or Screen Chomp yet, but I did download Screen Chomp.  My 13-year-old son has used Screen Chomp in class and was able to give me a quick tutorial.

I downloaded a new Sight Word app simply because my project for this Web 2.0 class will be based on sight words.  This app has sight words already loaded into flashcards and games, but any individual can create their own recorded flashcards for any sight word list.  I wanted to use this app more this year, but I wasn't successful.  All first grade teachers plan to use this app beginning next fall.  I love anything that I can customize to meet my needs!

Module 4 Assignment 2: "iPads and Education"

I found this article/blog interesting since so much has evolved with technology since it was written only 3 years ago!  The author states that his 5 ideas are just off the top of his head upon hearing about this new "iPad" from Apple.  However, his thoughts turned out to be good predictions.

iPads are definitely used in our school system as a replacement for textbooks.  The students enjoy having the ease of carrying one item for a library of books.  

I have used laptop carts to have my own mobile "computer lab" and what a headache that is!  Students can't get logged in, they don't know which browser to use, etc.  With a cart of iPads, I can get 20 students on various math applications within minutes and actually catch my breath before there are any problems!

I've never taken iPads on a field trip, but what a good idea!  I have seen teachers at conferences use their iPads to take pictures of workshop slides and other presentations, so I imagine it would be good for students to use as well.

I would like to begin using the iPad for more innovative ways such as collecting data from experiments and math activities.  A practical way to use technology and to save paper!

Personally, I think any art or music teacher not incorporating iPads into their lessons is not aware of the need for technology in every facet of education.  I would love to see students experimenting with various music and drawing apps.  I know my 3 year old daughter loves apps like these!

Lastly, my own "contribution" to this list would be simply using the iPad as a "What do I do now?" tool.  So often teachers say "read a book" when students finish an assignment before others.  While I would never underestimate the power of reading, I believe some students would benefit from free iPad time to learn more about the way an iPad works and to discover new apps.  I know I have been introduced more than once to new useful apps by my 6 and 7 year old students!