In researching the web tools available, I realize how little I know about the various tools available. So, life is a real learning process. I am finding so many wonderful things available, and I hardly know what I would use and not. Because we learn things so quickly and move on, I need to, one day, take some time to play with these tools and see what seems to really work for me.
All that put aside, I think that one thing I am really fascinated with is igoogle. When we were given the homework assignment to build this site, with all these things going in it, at first, I was just following the instructions, putting in one thing, then another.
When I stepped back a bit and looked at what was happening, I was excited. To think I can open my work email, home email we’ve had for years, my school email and personal email, all from the same place is such a time saver.
Then, to add in things like facebook, reader and other web 2.0 tools, again, all from the same place, I am quite excited about that.
For the second page, the one left for us to do the way we wanted, I have put several things in it. I put links for email, professional standards for school and a note pad to put my lesson plans at a glance. I also put the weather as it really affects my classroom because PE classes come inside the adjoining room (no walls) in bad weather, so I can keep up with that. I put a search engine for educational things, like lesson plans from other teachers. I also put in a few things that may not stay, like learning an unnecessary fact, a couple of games (I never have time to play a game, but just in case there are a couple of minutes, it might keep my brain sharp.) I have a Rachel Ray and a Bible Verse of the Day. The best part is, if something isn’t working for me, I can change, rearrange or do anything to make it better. I really like this and think it is a great help in any classroom!
The way this can be an asset in my classroom is that during class, I can walk over by my computer and see everything at a glance, if needed. Of course, during my planning, between classes, I can use them quickly . But, during class, I can see if the weather is getting worse, or getting closer, to know if the PE classes will be coming in soon, which makes my room very noisy. I have my condensed lesson plans at a glance for those moments when, after an intercom interruption, a child who gets sick, a disruptive child, etc., I forget exactly where I am in the plans, I can glance at the screen and keep going. (I have typed lesson plans on a music stand, and the computer is across the room from there. That gives me 2 places to glance at plans, on either side of the room.
During the planning time, I get 20 minutes before my classes begin, and 25 minutes at the end of the day. Not very productive with a split planning period, but being able to use the one page to see emails, Florida Sunshine State Standards page, the State Professional Organization Page, that is a real time HELPER! I really believe this one small page will be a big help.
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