Personal Learning Networks

Classroom 2.0 is a social network for educators that are interested in integrating technology in the classroom. It focuses on Web 2.0, Social Media, and Participative Technologies in the classroom. This sight looks like it would be helpful for beginners like me and the membership is free.

Edutopia is sight for educators that is geared toward helping teachers implement best practices for various strategies. Everything is evidence based and has resources for all grade levels. It is a great website for finding solutions, finding inspiration, and starting conversations with other educators.

Special Education Advisor looks like a useful website for teachers, parents, and other service providers who want to better understand special education rights and services. There is a lot of information on the IEP and special education law. There is also a lot of general information on various special education topics.

Cell Phones in the Classroom

I understand that there is a place for cell phones in the classroom. The argument for cell phones always being turned on is that it is a safety issue. Some schools force the students to turn their phones off and check them in to the teacher on standardized testing days to keep them from cheating. I have heard that parents have complained about this because they are worried about their kids not having their phone in an emergency situation.  If done correctly, cell phones can be used as an educational tool. For example, students can text in answers and do classroom polls. However, more often than not cell phones are a huge distraction in the classroom. I have sat in high school classes where 90 percent of the students are texting. As a grad student, I still struggle to not be distracted by my cell phone. This is why I would prefer to have cell phones turned off in my classroom.

Web 2.0 Lessons

I would use ToonDoo to create a lesson that would help with language development. In my field of special education, I may have students that are delayed in language skills. My students can use this web 2.0 tool to create their own cartoon to write a story, tell me about their day, or summarize a book that they are reading in their language arts class. It is also a fun and interactive way to make a social story for a student who has a behavior that needs to be addressed. The student and I would work together to create a comic that would demonstrate the appopriate way to behave in a certain situation.

Another great web 2.0 tool is Quizlet. I can use quizlet to introduce my student to new vocabulary words. I would create flashcards with the new words that I could use to quiz the student or have the student quiz him or herself independently. I could also add pictures to the flashcards that could help cue the student on the definition. Quizlet would also allow the student to hear the vocabulary word and would then have to practice spelling the word. I could use Quizlet to create practice quizzes or have the student practice the words independently.