Thing 20: Tools for creating websites, pathfinders, portfolios and more

The last thing!!  I looked into many of the options and finally decided to try Weebly because it seemed the easiest.  I started a website on Dragonwings.  My 6th graders are currently reading this and we have had many lessons in the library related to the book.  Here is the start of my web page, http://52dragonwings.weebly.com/  obviously a work in progress :)
 I found Weebly user friendly for a novice such as myself.  The home page of Destiny is so quick and easy to use, but not very visually inviting.  I may consider Weebly or a similar project next year to link to my Destiny home page, especially to make it more kid friendly and inviting.


My plan is to expand the Dragonwings site to include links for all three 6th grader novels - The Lightning Thief, Bud Not Buddy, and Dragonwings.

Thing 19: Online Learning & DIY PD

Initially I had some difficulty finding a topic/link to connect with.  I found TechChicks the most useful for me. I listened to their podcast called Dry Binary Tacos - didn't understand the title until I listened to it - they are podcasting from a taco restaurant in Texas and the tacos are dry - haha.  I have to admit that I haven't listened to may podcasts over the years, but this was very useful. I'm going to put the older podcasts on my to do list.   I opened a second window so that I could visit the sites as they were discussing them.  I learned about great math sites that I am going to share with my teachers.  We use First-in-Math, but the kids are always looking for something else, and I have yet to find any math on the Cool Math site. The QR Sight word Bingo looked like a great game that I will share with my K-2 teachers.  There was also the quiz site Kahoots which I will be able to use in my lab with my library classes.  I can see having students do a short article with an online database and then taking a short quiz on Kahoots, or a quiz after a story, like AR.   Gives them accountability other than pen and paper. 

Thing 18: Digital Tattoo & Digital Citizenship

I "googled" myself on Google and Bing.  There are quite a few doctors with my name and my husband's ex sister-in-law with the same name as me pops up more often than I do :)  My Facebook doesn't come up so I'm glad about that.

I read See Why This English Teacher Says Digital Citizenship Must Begin With Pen and Paper.  I thought it was a great idea.  Students always learn more effectively when it is hands on and face to face.  I had a KidsBlog last year with my 5th graders.  Kids posted comments and answered questions about books they were reading.  I did have a few post negative comments about other student's opinions.  Because I had to review everything before it was posted, trouble was avoided.  In the future if I have the blog again, I will use this idea.

I also read the article about Digital Passport. Although I didn't sign up for an account at this point, the idea of a training program before they go online is a great idea.   I had concerns about third graders having a GMail account though.  8 and 9 year olds are a little young to navigate their own email and the risks involved.  When they have an email it gives them the capability to sign-up for all kinds of things on the Internet.  Our building is considering replacing our Netbooks and laptops with Chromebooks next year.  I will mention this program.  This year, students with GMail accounts found my GMail account I made for this class and were trying to friend me.