Tool 4: Google Apps

Today I explored the world of Google Apps. Whereas I have used Google Docs before, I had never created my own. After creating a document and a form. I can see where Google has made collaboration super easy. My team members were able to edit a worksheet without having to go through the trouble of e-mailing back and forth. This will make creating class materials so much more efficient!

I can see the form option as being very integral in cutting down on paper usage. Students will be able to complete some assignments online. Not only will this help the paper situation, it is just plain cool!

Tool 3 (still): Copyright is Confusing!

So while checking out some videos to post on my blog, I delved into the crazy world of copyright law. Wow! As a teacher, I create lots of materials for my students to use in the classroom. Finding the perfect picture or video is a very time-consuming task (for me, at least, as I have to look at EVERY one). I really like Creative Commons and have been using it for a year now.

I also learned that Wikipedia is an excellent source for copyright information on the media used onsite.

The bottom line - you have to give credit where credit is due! There are many creative people out there who are willing to share their craft in return for a little recognition. As an educator, I appreciate this!

Tool 3 (again): Online Video

This is an awesome video clip of the predator/prey relationship and the intense competition between species for limited food sources.

Great song with eye-catching animation and factual information that my students can relate to. They leave the classroom singing it!  :-)

Tool 3: Video in the Science Classroom

Today I investigated some websites that I might be interested in using during science presentations with my 8th graders. For science video, I love Discovery Education. There is a wealth of material to choose from. One thing that I find very useful is the way that DE breaks down larger video into separate clips by specific topic. As a teacher, I have the option of showing an entire video or using just a small clip.

8th Grade Rocks!

I have the most awesome 8th graders in Texas!! I will miss you all, mucho!!

Tool 2: Online Community

I had loads of fun looking for blogs that are relavent to me and my students. Check out my blogroll to see some of the blogs I'm following. There is so much great stuff out there!

Tool 1: Blogs Are Cool

Creating this blog was very easy and painless (mostly)! :-)

Blogging will be an awesome addition to my science classroom so that my students can communicate with me any time. They will be able to express thoughts, ideas, frustrations, confusion and anything that they need help with or want to talk about!