http://www.shelfari.com/



Shelfari is a social cataloging website for books. Shelfari users build virtual bookshelves of the titles they own or have read, and can rate, review, tag, and discuss their books. Users can also create groups that other members may join, create discussions, and talk about books, or other topics. Recommendations can be sent to friends on the site for what books to read.

https://www.diigo.com/user/alpszone?msg=welcome

Diigo stands for “Digest of Internet Information, Groups and Other stuff.” It is a social bookmarking program that allows you to save your ‘favourites’ online, so that they can be accessible from any computer with an internet connection. However, Diigo does much more than this.

For more information, go to http://www.diigo.com/about , or dive right in and sign up. After reading the reasons here today, you will definitely be convinced of the productivity and time-saving power of this great online tool.

To understand the theories of technology Implementation in the classroom we reviewed several studies this week.  I used Wordle to help process the big ideas I gathered from our readings.  The quote, "Learning to Undo Thinking," was significant to me as it helped me think about the Five Phases of Changing Old Beliefs.  This is what we are currently embarking on in NVUSD.  If you look across our district you will find schools and teachers at different levels of implementation in the use of technology from Entry to Invention, but one thing is for sure, effective integration of technology and incorporating the 4 C's is where our district is headed.  It is exciting to see the pendulum swinging from a black and white world of multiple choice right and wrong to a sea of grey that incorporates student choice and inspires creativity.  I particularly enjoyed a P21 Framework for 21st Century Learning Video Spotlight, titled "Above and Beyond." 

https://thepartnershipfor21stcenturyskills238.eduvision.tv/default.aspx

The video illustrates what I hope for in the future of education.  School should be a place where we highlight the strengths of our team.  We should not value one type of intelligence over another, but rather appreciate the strengths we each bring to learning.  Through collaboration we can then make connections that makes our work more meaningful and relevant to all.

For my case study I chose Virtual Vacation Travel which incorporated active learning at the Transformation Level in Social Studies, grades 3-5.

A. The nature of this case was to inspire students to explore the world by embarking on a virtual vacation.
B. Students used the internet as a research tool incorporating Google Earth, Television, laptops, world globe and worksheets.  The culmination was to create a travel guide based on the areas visited through the virtual vacation.
C. I liked the activity for the most part, but after watching many other inspiring videos through this process, this felt a bit out of date.  We have learned so much and have many more technology resources to offer students.  
D.  I could use parts of this lesson, but would want to update a few areas with the use of an interactive white board if possible.
E.  Compared with other case studies I have watched, I would rate this a 3 out of 5.

Computer simulations are natural learning tools for a generation of video game players. More to this story. RELEASE DATE: 2/21/07

http://www.edutopia.org/computer-simulations-games-virtual-learning-video

A. The nature of this case study was to highlight a Tech Magnet School that focuses on helping students become designers of technology rather than just consumers.  
B. They found many kids that were failing social studies and science became "A" students when they were given opportunities to engage and learn through virtual field-trips and simulations.  This has been especially true for boys that often are labeled ADHD.  The school has students test games and simulations to give feedback to their creators.
C. I loved the idea of this type of magnet.  I have never seen one with this particular focus.
D. I have explored the use of virtual field-trips, but have not done much with simulations.  I think it would be fun to start using this in the classroom.
I rate this film experience 4 out of 5.

Using tech tools and games acquired through grants and his own resourcefulness, second-grade teacher Robert Pronovost tailors math instruction to match students' individual learning styles. For more articles and videos about integrating technology in the classroom, visit our Tech2Learn resource page. 
RELEASE DATE: 7/11/12
http://www.edutopia.org/tech-to-learn-differentiated-instruction-interactive-games-video

A. The nature of this case study is to show how technology-based games can be used to differentiate instruction in a second grade classroom.
B. Students receive direct instruction on how to identify key words in addition and subtraction story problems. Students then move on to an online program called Planet Turtle to practice identifying key words.  When they show 80% mastery they move on to Dreambox, another self-paced math program, that provides immediate feedback and allows all students to keep moving forward in math.  I was also impressed with his teacher table that was painted with whiteboard paint! Students could write steps to math problems right on the desk!.
C. I had never heard of Planet Turtle so I look forward to exploring this site.  I have seen Dreambox at Phillips Charter School and look forward to getting more familiar with that program too!
D. This lesson could be incorporated easily with access to technology.  I like how he had ideas of how to obtain more technology through grant writing and even shares these sites with us.
I rate this film experience 5 out of 5.

Educator Peter McIntosh helps his students to take ownership of their learning by using interactive subject-mastery tools like Khan Academy. For more articles and videos about integrating technology in the classroom, visit our Tech2Learn resource page. RELEASE DATE: 10/10/12

http://www.edutopia.org/tech-to-learn-blended-learning-video

A. The nature of the case explores how using Khan Academy can be especially effective with students that failed algebra in the past.
B. Using the "hint" function and having opportunities to ask peers and then engage with the teacher allows for multiple ways for students to interact with and learn new mathematical concepts.  The teacher's role is as facilitator.  The "coach" function of Khan Academy allows the teacher to see "who got it" and "who doesn't."  Historically students taking algebra for the second time have difficulty with engagement and the teacher is overwhelmed trying to get around to all students. The use of the computer, opportunities to work and learn from peers, the ability for students that are ready to keep moving forward, and the design of the Khan Academy looks like a highly motivating way to stay engaged and learn algebra!
C. I have used Khan Academy 1 on 1 with students at the elementary school level.  I appreciated seeing it used in a whole group high school setting.
D.This lesson can be used in the classroom right away! I was a person who had to take geometry 3 times.  I would have loved the opportunity to use Khan Academy as a kid.
I rate this film experience a 5 out of 5!