Tool # 8

I learned a LOT of things today. I am so happy we have Atomic learning. I have been watching their tutorials; they are awesome and very specific. I highly recommend them. One of the things I learned was the that the Dells 2120 are very similar to our teacher’s laptops but smaller, with the difference that they have a camera where students can take pictures or record videos, even use them to collaborate with other students through Skype.

I learned how to navigate in iTunes, how to create an iTunes account and download apps. I also learned how to add those applications, music, videos to my iTunes and iPod. I already added some of my “children’s music” to iTunes. Very important, we will need to download applications and tools to our laptop first and then sync them to our classroom  iPods,  plus, we are going to have to name each iPod to keep track of what we are adding and where we are adding it. I am proud to say I already named my first iPod touch!

The most exciting thing I learned was to create icons or web clips for my favorite web sites and add them to my home screen.

As for classroom management, I think it is very important to set the rules and expectations with the children since the first day, so just like as we create our “constitution” in the classroom for rules and expectations on mutual respect  and appropriate behavior inside and outside the classroom , I will let the students brainstorm ideas for rules and expectations on how to use and respect our classroom’s property (devices). It is very important to let them know they are going to be held accountable for their products when using the technology devices.  I will model how to operate  each device, application and tool (one at a time)and practice, practice, practice, whole group then small groups. At the beginning , and once the rules and expectations are set, just like with the rest of the materials in the classroom, I will give them time to free explore the iPod touches and Netbooks. I will be designating my “classroom technicians” to help take out and put away the devices and trouble shoot problems.