D/B2

I apologize for my late post, but I am getting over an illness. Everything we've learned this week was pretty new to me, with the exception of the Blogger. The introduction of new technology-based tools had my complete and full attention, once I got started. I had never heard of a RSS Reader, or Wiki! At first glance these tools looked pretty complicated and a little over whelming, but after reading the instructions in Module 2, watching the videos, and looking over the site I found these tools easy to use, with exception of the Wiki! This was a little tougher for me to figure out.   

I laughed at myself for not knowing what a RSS Reader was! It was just as easy to set up. I was already logged into Google, and simply clicked on MORE in the upper tab and down the list to READER. I love the fact that I can see all the updates from my favorite sites in one place, which definitely saves time and keeps me organized. I would definitely use this as a classroom tool to keep specific topics organized for me and for the student to do research themselves. Obviously, these sites should be chosen by the teacher in order to monitor its contents.

From past experience, I found the blog to be a useful tool for a group to use in a classroom. For my Technology for Elementary Education course (EDT 3470), I was required to setup and create a blog. However, I never used it afterwards. It was easy to share information about our progress, ideas, and comments. There was no need to schedule meetings, to find out where we all were on a project, because we were able to post it to the blog, which kept everyone informed. It also provided an opportunity for everyone in the group to contribute. Rather than in a face to face group meeting, one might be hesitant or another may take complete control, preventing others from speaking up.

Furthermore, it even gave our instructor an inside look of who was, and who wasn’t participating in the group, which gave a sense of accountability to all members of the group.  I had already set up a Google account so when I logged in and clicked on Blogger it took me straight to my dashboard, where I can edit or change the title of my page at any time.

Wiki! Another shocker to me! This was a whole different story. However, with the exception a slow start, once I started navigating through the site, it became easy to understand. I guess I was overwhelmed by all the tabs or options on the page. I think this would be a great tool for a group paper. I love the fact that you could even upload files; create a page, control access, and so many others.

I know for a fact that, communication and organization are key elements in a classroom environment. That being said, I believe that these three tools would be easy and engaging tools to use in a classroom. These tools would definitely promote more student involvement, thus creating a more productive learning environment.