Reflections: Technology Tools

iWeb * * *

http://www.apple.com/ilife/iweb/
http://web.me.com/s.celes/From_Myth_to_Movie!/From_Myth_to_Movie!.html

Although I found this technology tool on my own, I was introduced to the wonderful world of Macs while in ED 451. I know it sounds dramatic but I believe that Macs have changed the way I think about and use technology. I have literally convinced 3 different people to purchase Macbooks in place of their original intentions.

iWeb holds true to the many superior qualities I have come to love in Apple products. iWeb allows users to create professional looking websites with ease.

I struggled for more than a week looking for free online website creators and then struggled further while trying to navigate the controls and weed through the many “bugs.”

Although you have to purchase a mobil-me subscription in order to use the iWeb program, it is well worth the money.

Online Educational Games * * * *
http://www.de.mingoville.com/content/view/13/29/lang,en/

Online educational games are great for supporting and reinforcing classroom instruction in a fun and student-centered way. There are so many different games on the internet for educational purposes that you can use them in virtually any content area.

The only con to using online educational games in the classroom is that there are not enough computers and internet connections in the GPSS classrooms for all students.

However, this should never stop an educator from including this type of activity in the classroom. Students can participate by taking turns or competing two at a time.

Slideshare * * *
http://www.slideshare.net/

Slideshare is a really interesting concept. I had never heard of this site before ED 451 but have found it very useful since. I like seeing other people’s presentations. It’s a good place to find ideas to incorporate into your own presentations.

Slideshare also allows you to embed your uploaded presentations on to your blog or webpage with ease.

Blog * * * *
http://elementechblog.blogspot.com/

I’m sure it would be very difficult to encounter anyone under the age of 60 in any of the developed nations that has never heard of a blog. However, much like myself, I’m sure that most people have no idea of the capabilities that a blog can offer. I had no idea that I could upload videos, slideshows, presentations, audio, etc. to a blog.

After I was introduced to the world of blogging, I have used my blog in other classes for various different assignments. This tool has proven very useful and I will definitely use it in my classroom in the future.