Module 6

A very successful Module! The Bubbl.us is an excellent tool that was easily used in my classroom. We tend to do a lot of brainstorming with the chn for new topics and throughout the term in order to help direct our learning experiences. We have been relying on a very old mind mapping program or inserting shapes with connectors etc to link ideas. The Bubbl.us has definitely done away with these very limiting tools! The Glogster was also received enthusiastically by the chn. We are familiar with Photostory and while this still has a place, the chn decided that Glogster was far superior and elected to transfer what we had already done using this tool. I successfully emailed my own Glogster to friends and family!

Module 5

This was the first Module that I found really easy to complete in a short space of time. I tend to use Youtube quite a bit in the classroom as I have found that it is a fantastic way to introduce new topics, reinforce content and stimulate discussions. The chn have shown me time and again that they can recall information provided by Youtube clips more easily than that provided by listening to me read modelled texts during LFTT lessons for example.The combination of visual and audio is a definite bonus when it comes to stimulating and challenging some of the chn in my class! I have also noted an improvement in note taking skills as the chn become more familiar with identifying relevant information about a topic. I can defintiely see the relevance of using Podcasting in a classroom, and found the examples provided really interesting. I particularly enjoyed the chn's interview with Andy Griffith.

Module 4

This module was a load of fun. My boys and I (both Primary school age) downloaded photos taken from a recent snow trip and proceeded to arrange them into an album using Flickr. We accessed Picnik and then spent ages editing individual shots, added tags etc - a lot of laughs were had. As a parent I am pleased that I can control who has access to these photos as well as knowing that the the use of the Safe Search and Content Filters will also protect my children. As a teacher, obviously these are also very important to ensure that the children can only access what is safe for them. A great module!

Module 3

This was a great Module for so many reasons, the most important of which was that I had success creating the Google docs easily. The videos provided a great explanation as to how teachers could use them in their own classrooms. Initially I felt that Google docs were more geared towards older students (high school etc). After giving it further thought, I realised that I could use the Google docs during the conferencing and editing stages within LFTT or creative writing time. They could be used to encourage student discussions and collaboration when completing partner or group activities as well as giving the teacher an opportunity to provide essential and immediate feedback to students as they complete different components of major research work for example. I have introduced my Year 3 team members to Google docs and we are now working together to see if we can integrate it's use within our Literacy and Numeracy
Programs (to start with) for Term Four.

Module 2

I am finally completing this Module with a huge sigh of relief!I found that I spent a LOT of time looking at all the links that were provided to the extent that I became quite overwhelmed as to what I should actually be producing. Thank goodness I was able to get the support from Jo (School ICT leader) to help me out.
While I found setting up and adding gadgets to the iGOOGLE account quite easy to do, I did not find it as easy with the blog. I'm still not entirely happy with the template and some of the gadgets I have included, but figure I can always alter them any time and as my skill improves. To date, I have always organised My Classes Pages to share information about such things as contracts, homework, parent administration etc. After this module it became much clearer to me the extra benefits a blog would provide. I could get regular feedback from student, parents and colleagues about the successes or failures of learning experiences posted which would greatly assist in future planning. I look forward to creating a blog that will be informative, exciting and beneficial for my Year 3 children.