Chapter 3 Reflection

I loved this chapter because it gave us lists of valuable online tools to integrate into the classroom. A funny thing about the list (to me at least) was that I learned about a lot of them last semester in the intro technology class with Teresa Coffman (at UMW). Though, I always question whether or not an online tool is appropriate to use with elementary aged students. This chapter offered so many different tools available, but I would not feel comfortable using them in class because I do not think my students have developed the maturity level required or they may not be legally allowed (e.g. GoogleDocs requires that students be at least 13 years old to use).

 

But there are still lots of fish in the sea as far as internet tools go. Here are some examples of new one that I learned about in this chapter. If you incorporate a class video, you can use www.jumpspot.com or www.eyespot.com (the chapter lists a few more) to easily edit the video, add music and visual effects. Videos can relay important information to an audience, and can really inspire students to become more empathetic to others.

 

Another really cool idea is that of mashups. This is when ideas from two or more sites are mashed together to make a new concept. For example, I love using primary sources in my lessons. By using www.pimpampum.net/bubblr/, you can add bubbles to real pictures. I would use this to help students interpret pictures or other primary sources.

 

These are just a few examples of the wonderful things you can easily use in your classroom.

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