Tool 11: Reflecting

There are so many digital tools out there that it is very difficult to choose a favorite. I tend to gravitate toward the ones that students can use to collaborate and create innovative products. The animation and movie-making tools are the ones that appeal to my own learning style. Other tools that I plan to use include Poll Everywhere and Wallwisher. The 8th grade team tried out just a few of these, but I can see them being used regularly and effectively in the science classroom.

Even though my students had access to some technology this past school year, I am looking forward to having devices in more hands this coming year. Every student will have access to a device so that they can efficiently connect to new information and ideas. I am planning to restructure the layout of my classroom to incorporate an idea I have about using a small group of students as experts. This group will change continually throughout the year so as to allow all students to participate at least once.

Now that I have worked with the 11 Tools, I am more aware of what is available for myself and my students. Though I know that there are many apps and websites out there, I hadn't taken time to actually use many of them. The next step for me is to expand my toolbox even more at an upcoming technology conference.