3 ~ 2 ~ 1

3 things I was introduced to in the class.....

1 - Google Docs - I had never played around with Google Docs prior to this class.  I think it is a great tool.  In fact, I have used it some when typing up information for my Samford classes.  Since my home printer doesn't always work well, I've saved my work in Google Docs, opened it at school, and then printed it out.  I loved learning about the forms you can make on Google Docs for teacher walk-throughs as well as surveys.  This will be very helpful whenever I become an administrator.

2 - Dropbox - I absolutely love Dropbox and had never heard of it prior to this class.  I have saved many important documents in Dropbox for my research paper.  If I found an article, I would simply save it to Dropbox and then read it later on my computer or iPad.  Dropbox was extremely helpful when I went to my parents for a few days.  They live in the dark ages and don't have Internet.  I was able to take my iPad to their house and pull up my documents in Dropbox and work on my paper.  This is a tool that I will definitely continue using.

3 - Wordle - Wordle is a great tool that is easy to use.  I had never heard of or used Wordle prior to class.  I enjoyed using it in class as we introduced ourselves with words that described us!  I can definitely see how this would be a great tool for the classroom. I hope to incorporate it with my students in the area of reading.

2 questions about how tech tools fit into he classroom.....

I have two questions about a couple of tools that were used in class.  First, I would like to learn more about the logistics of using podcasting in the classroom.  I think it would be great and beneficial for students to write a script, practice reading it, and then record themselves.  I can see how this would be a great tool to use in the classroom.  I'm just concerned about the time factor as well as the access to necessary technology.  I would like to learn more in the future about podcasting in the classroom.  I think it would be helpful to do podcasting with a buddy teacher.

Another question I have is how to use Google + effectively whether in the classroom setting or out of the classroom setting.  Is there a better mode for communicating with others outside of school?  Does Skype work better?  My computer kept kicking me out of our Google Hangout tonight.  It was really frustrating because I heard bits and pieces of what we were supposed to be doing.  I'm thankful for the PowerPoint that Mrs. Sullivan provided with the pertinent information that I needed to know.  I definitely think Google + is a cool tool, but I wonder if there is something more effective (and less aggravating).

1 thing I will incorporate in the classroom or use as an administrator.....

It's hard to pick just one thing that I have taken from this class and will incorporate in my classroom.  I guess my top pick will be blogging.  Having to post a blog topic each week has helped me to learn a lot about blogging.  Prior to the beginning of the school year, I had a friend help me set up a blog for my classroom.  I was excited about updating it weekly regarding things that were happening in the classroom.  However, when my Samford classes started, I put my classroom blog on the backburner.  I'm excited about starting it back up soon. I think it is something that parents will enjoy reading as well as students.  I want to include events that are occurring in the classroom as well as personal stories.  I have found that parents and students like to hear about things that are happening in their teacher's daily life....it makes them seem more human. 

If God's plan is for me to be an administrator, I would love to keep a blog for the school.  This would hopefully help me to stay in touch with parents and students even though I won't have a classroom. I really have enjoyed blogging during this class and I look forward to going further in my classroom blog.

Thanks, Mrs. Sullivan, for all that you have taught us this semester!!!  We are blessed to have you in our system!!