After 11 Tools: Reflections

I have considered myself digitally literate but working at the 11 Tools project makes me think that my knowledge just scratches the surface of the digital ocean. When our students jump into that depth, most of them start swimming but would I be able to do so? I hope I would - “with a little help from my friends” :).

My favorite tools so far are the iMovies, the word clouds, Wiki, and Skype.

Tool 11: Digital Citizenship

The most important things about being good digital citizens for me are: being safe, being responsible, and being honest.

Being safe in the digital world is a huge topic that needs to be constantly addressed by parents, teachers, authorities, medias, etc. The social networking is an area where our teens rush into without realizing the consequences of their openness.

Being responsible in the digital world includes being kind with your comments and thinking before sending your thoughts out for everyone to see. Unfortunately, the cyber bulling becomes more and more common among the middle school students.

Being honest in the digital world associates with giving credit to your sources of information. Although the battle against the plagiarism has been fought for a long time, the digital generation needs daily clarification on the copyright law issues.

Tool 10: Exploring Mobile Technology And Apps

I do not own or have access to the i-devices. The middle school students use those mainly as music and games sources. The most common Math related app is the scientific calculator. Since the state restricts using calculators for testing at 7th grade I warn my students not to rely on them. I teach and want my students to master computation skills. I expect them to be able to show the process of solving a problem. There is nothing wrong though with checking the answer afterwards.

I have come across the Wolfram Alpha website that is now available as app. It is a very clever and useful data system with the ability to solve equations. That tool would be highly beneficial for college students or teachers.

Tool 9: Sharing Information Through Jing & Skype

I have seen Jing but have not used it. It seems suitable for sending snapshots of printed or written materials - handouts, notes, drafts, etc.

Skype is a convenient way of having real-time conversation with people far away or next door without leaving your work station. One can do audio or video connections, conference calls, send links or pictures - you name it. I have been using Skype for years talking with my family and friends oversees as well as businesses and services at different places. I like the idea of a teacher being available on Skype at set times in the afternoons for student needing after school help.

Tool 8: Video Resources

In my class the students watch Math videos often. Those are part of our online resources from the textbook publisher. I use videos to refresh previous knowledge as well as clarify or re-teach difficult concepts. The YouTube video embedded bellow would be a fun way to review finding measures of central tendency.




The embedding on the second video I chose was disabled so I linked it. The song presents the roman number by counting the wheels on a big rug.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60hAeDm7jb0

Tool 7: Digital Storytelling

My first iMovie is Journey through Bulgaria. I combined personal pictures and favorite folk music to show the beauty of my native country.



Students can use the digital storytelling to present both the process and the product of their MYP projects.

Although I have never worked on a Mac before, it was easy to get a grip of it with Cheryl Wegscheid’s help. Thanks a lot.

Tool 6: Wikis

Using a wiki seem to be similar to creating Google docs. The mutual accessibility can stimulate discussions, enable the students to communicate about math, and increase their engagement over all. Wikis can be powerful tools in group projects, especially our MYP units.