Tool #4

Google Google its our friend - if it can't do it, no one can!
Um - unless you want your internet service to freeze a million times. I'm having to work wirelessly, because our docking stations have not been installed yet, so maybe that's the problem, but this took me almost 2 full days to complete (and I already HAD reader from the 24 things from 2 years ago....) simply because everytime I asked both reader and/or docs to attach or subscribe or do something it was supposed to I got the equivalent of the 6-yr old blank stare. And my principal had the same problem. Eventually I got it all done, but it took a heck of a lot longer than it really should have. I can see the benefits of both applications, so I'm willing to try it all again once I get a "land line" and see if that makes the difference, but if not, as much as I would like to avoid it, I will continue emailing my documents. Sorry, kids. On the flipside, I got my iGoogle to be my homepage again. HOORAY!!!

Tool #3

Had a really good time creating my book, and I can see where I could use that in the classroom. My 4th graders create Texas songs, and they can use the Bookr tool to illustrate what they have written - a la Seuss with rhyme scheme, etc. More to ponder on that still...LOVE the BigHugeLabs - I think I will need to play with that more at home - I made motivational pictures and had a really good time doing it - looking forward to more! My favorite: Dino N. after singing on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre.

My Funny 11 Tools Bookr

Tool #2

My initial response (and I know that it is the response of many others) is along the lines of "You want me to what?" and "How am I really going to have time to do all of this!" But when I think about it - a significant portion of my planning time is spent online researching ideas for lessons. Why not use that time discussing with my closer colleagues whom I trust? For most of my years I have been the only music teacher at my school - opportunities for discussion with other music teachers have been few and far between. Its possible now, however, to communicate more effectively. I see how blogging has the potential to be useful - I'm reserving judgement to see if I will actually use it to that potential! I loved the information on DC - Darth Commenter. That may be part of my reservation - how many times have we been warned that digital information does not disappear! Once I put my ideas out there - its a "judge me" free for all. Well, not really, but that is a hump I will have to get over...

Tool #1

Well, since I sadly neglected my blog after completing the 24 things, I figured I'd update it for the 11 Tools. And I love my Scotsfish Avatar :) But I'm bummed because I asked in June if I needed to complete the 11 Tools and was told no - and now I have 2 weeks to complete it. Which is ok, if you are not already busy unpacking your classroom into a completely new space. Which I'm lucky to have, because its gorgeous at our new school - and I will get new toys which is why I need to complete the 11 tools, so I guess I'm gonna put my Big Girl pants on, suck it up and get it done! YAHOO 11 tools!