Tool 11: Practicing Good Digital Citizenship.

I would like my students to understand three main concepts about "digital citizenship":

Students safety: using the internet requires to take basic actions to ensure the safety of the students. It is important to access educational websites, locking their personal identity, and commenting to teachers and parents about places to visit and/or communications on line.

Following teacher instructions to access academic content: this point is impoortant because we are using digital resources as educational tools for eduaction.

Privacy of password: The unique combination of User ID and Password allows teachers and administrators keep track of each student's academic advancement. The password is of personal use and no one else should know it.


I am going to explain "digital citizenship" to my students based on the following facts:

The internet world could be considered as an extension of the school in which they are "citizens". The use of the internet and digital tools to enrich their education, is a privilege. They have in consequence the responsibilty of making good use of the resources. There are rules and ways to communicate, share information, websites to visit, etc.


Questions?

1. What are your favorite tools you now have in your personal technology toolbox? Briefly describe a particular activity that you will plan for your students using at least one of these new tools.

Two of the more useful tools are "Bookr" and the "iPod Touch". I will teach my students how to create stories using Bookr to describe concepts or the meaning of new words. The iPod Touch has many possibilities, however, I would like my students use them for on line data gathering regarding Science and Social Studies.

2. How have you transfomed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom?

I think that the digital tools will help to create a more friendly learning environment. It will benefit the students because in many ways they already started using some of the tools. Personally speaking, I think that a good balance between traditional media and digital tools is the best way to conduct teaching and students learning.

3. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

Just a confirmation that education is evolving at a very fast pace. In order to keep us updated and ready for the new generations, we, the teachers have to continue learning and changing our tools and methodologies to better serve our students.

Tool 10: Exploring Mobile Technology and Apps.

"Google Earth" is one of tha applications that the students could have in the iTouch to learn about their city, state and country. It could be used mainly for Social Studies lessons.

AccuWeather could fit perfectly be used for Science. The students could check current weather conditions and forecasts. Particularly we are interested in the daily temperature and the type of clouds.

There is no question about the fact that mobile devices, such as the iTouchs, are "cool" and student friendly to acces the internet. The students feel inclined to use them instinctively. We can guide our students to take advantage of this tool and also have fun.

Tool 9: Sharing Information Through Jing & Skype.

Jing seems to be a realy good tool for students because they could benefit by snapping pictures from the screen to check for understanding or working on a project. Also, they could work on more elaborate activities using the record feature of Jing.

Skype is a great tool for communicating among people using this tool. For free, you can "call" anywhere on the world to anyone who is using a Skype program. I have been using it extensively and the quality of the voice is generally speaking very good. You can also have a videoconference, however sometimes the quality of the video is not so good. It is difficult for me at this point in time figure out how the students could benefit from this tool (I am thinking about second graders), however I will continue looking for an application appropriate for the students.