Tool #5

I played around with Stupeflix tonight.  It was really easy to use.  Before uploading pictures I didn't realize that the site only provides you a 1 minute video for free.  After uploading a few pictures I quickly realized how little time 1 minute really is (especially when it comes to pictures of my beautiful family)!  I used photos of Addie for this video just so I could learn the program.
It would be fun for my students to use Stupeflix to document a field trip or a VOE program.  They could also use pictures from home to write a short story using photos about a trip they took with their family.  There are many options for using Stupeflix.  The only limitation I found was with the 1 minute limit for free videos.
Now for the video...ENJOY!!

Tool #4

I am really excited about Google Docs.  It makes so much sense to me!  I decided to upload my schedule as it is always a work in progress...I gave access to my 2 paras and all the teachers that work with my students.  This way they can add any changes in their schedule to the document and they will also have access to the most current schedule if they ever have a question about who will be supporting the students in their classroom at what time.
I think that my students would respond very well to Google Docs because it is simple to use and it makes so much more sense to store documents on the internet than in a folder they can only access from school.  I am really looking forward to teaching my students the benefits of Google Docs!
I am looking forward to exploring more of the Google Apps.  So far I like what I have seen!

Tool #3 Fair Use and Copyright Laws and Picasa Web

I didn't realize that fair use was based on context and situation.  Since the description of fair use is somewhat open ended, I would rather err on the side of caution when using material that I am not sure is copyrighted or not.  I will teach my students to do the same.
I enjoyed browsing through the web albums on Picasa Web.  I really liked the feature called "Where in the World".  I enjoyed playing with it.  I need to look more into the parameters of the feature to figure out if you can customize the pictures and have the students match pictures of major landmarks to their location on the map. I look forward to exploring Picasa Web more since I have never used it before.  

Tool # 3

I use Youtube.com a ton to support lessons.  I find so many wonderful videos.  I didn't even know about teachertube, schooltube or kidstube.  I am glad to have those resources as well!
Here is a video about matter (solids, liquids, gas):



Here is a cute song about raising your hand:



My students love this rounding rap!



I will have to finish numbers 3 and 4 at a later date...I am all out of time for today!  I could spend all day looking up videos.

Tool 2

This tool took me longer than expected.  I ran into some bumps along the road with logging in.  I created this blog before starting 11 tools and I didn't realize that registering it using my gmail account would prove to be a big hassle!  It took me a while to figure out how to sync my accounts so that I can use both my gmail account as well as my school email.  Now I am set up!
I am really excited about developing a PLN.  I have always wanted to figure out google reader.  I am excited to start using it.  It seems to be just what I was looking for to organize the best of the web (according to me!)
I feel pretty confident in commenting on blogs.  I have background in posting in various online communities, so it doesn't bother me.  I do often struggle with a fear that I have shared too much, but I am becoming more and more comfortable with my online presence.  I am really ready to start using this blog as a tool for my classroom. I have many big ideas and as the year has gone on, my ideas have gotten bigger.  Hopefully I can implement them soon!!
My current obsession is www.Pinterest.com I am very surprised by how many wonderful teaching ideas I have gotten by searching for education, following my colleagues, searching for Autism education or just browsing the main Pinterest board.  This is also a great way to find blogs!!