Blog #1 Tools for Teachers

By reading this article it provided examples of specific programs, activities and websites that can be used in the classroom. These different examples are used in the classroom to support a lesson or to get the most out of learning. I always had the misconception that teachers that used these types of technology like Google Sites or programs like Edmodo, were using these in place of teaching lesson themselves that it was an easy way out. By reading some of the different types and options of using the web, it can be a great way to support and emphasizes what you are teaching. In the section talking about enriching communication, I liked the idea of having and providing the open communication between students and students but also students and teachers. Peer to peer communication about assignments or activities can really be beneficial to bounce ideas off each other. Of course having everything monitored by the teacher. I would use this if students were working in the computer lab on a project or a paper. If they had questions or needed clarification they can openly discuss with a peer or with the teacher without disturbing the entire class. Some students are afraid to ask questions because they don't want to embarrass themselves in front of the rest of the class. If they had the opportunity to openly communicate via a web program like TodaysMeet they would feel better about asking their question to the teacher or a classmate. I would use this only occasionally if my class was working on a project in the computer lab or when writing a paper/reflection. I think that it could be really useful and would help to open that communication between students and also between students and the teacher.

Things to do