Personalizing the Internet

This week in class, we focused on personalizing the internet. All of the tools that we used in our assignment will work very effectively in aiding in my future classroom. In using Google Alert, I chose to receive information on Diversity in Education. This tool is excellent because it allows me to receive information that could help in my classroom. For instance, if we are doing a unit on ecosystems, I can use Google Alert to send me information on ecosystems that could aid in my lesson plans.

Next, using Google Reader, I was able to set up my own personal aggregator account. This allowed me to link to my classmates' blogs and to see when they make updates.

Finally, we played around with the iGoogle tool. There are so many games and gadgets available to explore! In using the "add tab" option, it was so easy to organize the applications I chose for my iGoogle page. There are so many fun applications on iGoogle and I really enjoyed playing around with my page!

These tools would be great to use in the classroom. I think students would really benefit from the Google Alerts. In receiving information from Google about the search phrases of my choice, I can feature up-to-date and helpful information in my classroom. This is such a great tool!

I look forward to exploring these Google tools more and learning more about how to use them. I can't wait to feature these tools in my future classroom!

My New Website!

I am in the beginning stages of creating my first website!
Check it out!
I hope this website will allow my students and colleagues to learn a bit about me and my experiences. I have structured my site in a way that provides separate links for each section of information about myself that I wish to include. I believe the structure I have chosen will be rather effective in separating the sections of information so it is not confusing to guide yourself through. I will continue to add new elements to the page and am always looking for feedback! Feel free to contact me with helpful ideas in improving my website! Enjoy!

Blogging and the Classroom

Here are some ideas our class came up with today about effective ways of using blogging in the classroom:

1. Keeping parents informed
2. Keeping the line of communication open between the teacher, parents, and students (This creates a low-pressure situation).
3. Post reminders
4. Provide links for useful resources
5. Create a discussion forum
6. Post a list of off-campus activities available
7. Allow kids to connect with other students in the class (Working together on assignments, obtaining information from other classes)
8. Post sample questions or quizzes
9. Post a list of recommended books (Ex. For summer reading)
10. Keep absent students up-t0-date on missed assignments

Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome! This is my first time creating a blog and I am excited to see what I can learn from this experience!

Here is the link to Michigan State University's website, which is where I go to school. There are many useful resources through this website, so check it out!