Thing # 6: Google/ iTunes

The Web 2.0 Award nominees winner is..............There is a tie between Google and iTunes. The reason for the tie is because I use both of them often and there is no way that I can choose. As a future teacher, I will use them in my classroom a lot.

GOOGLE:
 I chose Google because it is a great way to search for anything and get results quickly. Google is the most commonly used search engine. Google features include pictures, videos, blogs, news, maps, and other options. I will definitely use Google inside my classroom because it will allow to access any subject matter that I will be teaching my students. I can use Google to show my students animations and videos of any subject matter in history, geography, and much more. It will be a great way to step away from the textbook and allow students to get a better visual of the subject.

 www.google.com/help/features.html



iTunes:                    
Music is an art of sound that expresses emotions and ideas. Children enjoy listening to music. I chose iTunes because I definitely want to incorporate music in my Social Studies classroom. When teaching about World History, I want my students to listen to the music of each era. During the lecture about culture, using iTunes would be a great way for my students to hear a variety of selections of music from the past and the present. iTunes offers cool features such as browsing so that you can search for the music that you are looking for. iTunes is easy to access and purchase if necessary. iTunes is very easy to import to a Cd, computer, or an mp3 player. iTunes is a great way to hear any genre of music whenever you want. 

www.apple.com/itunes/features/

Thing #5 Web 2.0

I think that "School 2.0" is a good thing. "School 2.0" to me means using technology to teach inside of the classroom vs. always using a textbook, pencil, and paper. Technology is being used in the classroom daily (K-5) with "educational games" on the computer that students can access during group time as a method of learning. In the article "Web 2.0: A Guide for Educators", it states that children ages 12- 17 use social networking sites for communicating about everything from school-related issues to where the next party is taking place. I believe that at this age children are very familiar with using computers and it interests them, so "School 2.0" is a great way to incorporate learning.

In the future, "School 2.0" will enhance teaching and the curriculum. It is important that teachers know how to use the technology, so that it can be incorporated into the classroom. "School 2.0" will be a great way to teach students with different methods. It will also be a great way to help our students complete projects such as using PowerPoint's vs. poster boards. I plan on teaching 6th grade Social Studies, so "School 2.0" will way for me to use visuals such as animations and videos to teach history vs. teaching straight from the textbook.

Thing # 4: Commenting

I believe that commenting helps creates a sense of community and interactions because it allows someone to get involved. Commenting gives someone the opportunity to express their opinions about the subject matter. 

I commented on JRichardson explores 23 things, 23 things with Ms. Davis, Shaffer's Blog, Moore to Learn, and C. Barlow's 23 things.

I commented on JRichardson explores 23 things because she had some great points on how blogging can bridge the gap between teachers, parents, and students.

I commented on 23 things with Ms. Davis because she had some great points and tips on why it is important to use a blog in the classroom.

I commented on Shaffer's blog because she was very open about how technology is constantly growing and she doesn't use the new technology to her advantage.

I commented on Moore to Learn blog because she was very creative and used her personal future goals and incorporated it into her avatar.

I commented on C. Barlow's 23 things because she enjoyed the idea of using two different types of technology and being able to teach the same subject matter with both methods.

Thing #1

A lifelong learner is someone who is willing to learn new things no matter how old they are and get.
The easiest habit for me of the 7 1/2 habits is # 7 "Teach/Mentor others". This habit is easy for me because once I learn something new I always share and pass on the information to someone else especially my kids.
The hardest of the 7 1/2 habits for me is # 4 "Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner". This habit is difficult for me because I sometimes have trouble in trusting myself and my abilities. I often second guess myself even when I know that I am right. I know that I should trust myself and believe in what I am doing or trying to accomplish.

Thing #2

I decided to pick the name Mrs. K because it is very hard for people to say pronounce my name. I know that if is hard for adults to pronounce my name, then it will definitely be hard for my future students to say it. I created my avatar to look nothing like me because in real life I am a tomboy at heart. I rarely dress up and if I do then I will wear slacks, but never a dress or skirt. I wanted to create my avatar based on what I am trying to merge into since someday I will become a teacher. Creating this blog was a little hard for me because I rarely use a computer unless I am typing a paper or submitting assignments. I understand the basic knowledge of using a computer such as power on/off and etc, but learning all of the other stuff will probably be a challenge for me.

Thing # 3

I will use a blog in my future classroom as a tool of communication amongst my students, parents , and myself. I believe that it will be a great way for my students to check homework assignments, test dates, lectures, and etc. For example, if a student was absent from school and didn't want to fall behind on classwork then they could view the blog and find all of the information that was needed for the assignment. A blog would also be a great tool for parents if they wanted to check in on what their child's was learning in class. A blog is a perfect solution if you don't have time to make a phone call or send an email to each parent.