Final Reflections

• What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

My favorite discovery was totally delicious.com. As someone who had a ton of bookmarks on their computer I really enjoyed learning about this website. I ham so glad I learned about this website before taking my research class. I know it will come in handy. I love that you can access your bookmarks from any computer it makes life so much easier. I was someone who also emailed myself links which at times got confusing. Not only will this tool benefit me but I will most definitely share this with my students so they can being using delicious.

• How has this course assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

This course has assisted my lifelong learning goals because it has given me many new tools to use in my classroom. As educators we are lifelong learners and I feel that the web 2.0 tools I have learned about this semester have definitely expanded my horizons and have given me new ideas on how to teach and present information to my students. This course allowed me to become familiar with new tools some of which I had never heard of. Not only did I learn about the concepts I was able to get to try all of them out and brainstorm ways to use them in the classroom with students of all ages. I really enjoyed reading posts from my classmates and getting new ideas.

• Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this course that surprised you?

Some of the web 2.0 tools we learned about in this class I had heard of before while some I had not. Even though I knew about most of the tools we learned about I didn’t have a great understanding of them or how to use in especially in the classroom. Through this class I was able to explore these tools, become familiar with them and discuss with my classmates way to implement these tools in the classroom. I learned things from my classmates that I would have never though of. For this I am thankful. 

• What could we do differently to improve upon this course’s format or concept?

I really enjoyed this class and the way it was formatted. The discussions were great and each project assignment was meaningful. I would have liked to learn a little bit more about podcasts and explored with them to a greater extent. Overall though I have taken a lot out of this class and cannot complain. 

• If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?

I would. I had no idea what to expect going into this class, honestly, I didn’t even know what the content of the course would entail until I began completing the first module. I am happy to say that I learned a lot from this course. It has greatly expanded my knowledge base and has given me tools to use in the classroom. I know I will use the web 2.0 tools we have learned about in my personal life and in the classroom. I feel that what I have learned in this class was extremely useful and therefore would be willing to participate in another class similar to this. 

The Webliography of Social Studies and Literacy

1. Journey on The Underground Railroad
 http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/j1.html
This site allows the user to take the journey on the Underground Railroad making the decisions that slaves who followed the trail had to make. Each decision is crucial to the user getting to freedom safely. If the user makes a decision that will lead to them getting caught the site explains what would have happened if they made this decision and allows the user to continue back on the Underground Railroad. This teaches the user about what it was like to travel on the Underground Railroad.

Advantages: This website was interactive and lets the use learn as they embark on their journey.
Disadvantages:No two journeys on the Underground Railroad were the same and not everyone made it to freedom safely even by making all the correct and safest decisions.


2.The Erie Canal
http://www.eriecanal.org/index.html
The site would be perfect for someone looking to learn more about the Erie Canal. There is a ton of great information about the Erie Canal.
Advantages: The website is easy to navigate and even has a section for other links related to the Erie Canal.
Disadvantages: Not visually stimulating or interactive. Would be better used for research.

3. Colonial Times
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002611F/index.htm
This site has information about clothing, daily life, school life, modes of transportation and different jobs in colonial times. Plus links to fun facts and different games children played plus much more! The cool thing about this site is that it was created by children for children. It is easy to read and navigate the page and the information is useful, entertaining and factual.
Advantages: User friendly. Vocabulary words are linked so you can go to the definition of that word.
Disadvantages: None

4. 10 Cool Things About Geography
http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/kidsteens_welcome.html
Quick and too the point this list lets students know what Geography is and why it is important.
Advantages: Short simple and informative. This site also links to other site where the user can find for information about something that interests them.
Disadvantages: The text is small and hard to read.

5. The Story of the Liberty Bell 
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/libertybell.htm
The Liberty Bell is an important part of US history, however, it is something that many do not know the story about. This site gives the user further insight into the history of the Liberty Bell and what it stands for.
Advantages: This site is factual and interesting.
Disadvantages: There are not many pictures of graphics and the site looks plain, sometimes with SS show students pictures is a good way to help them make connections to things they have never seen in person before.

6. Phonics/ Letter Sound
http://www.yourchildlearns.com/letters/lettersounds.htm
Interactive letter sound game allows students to chose a level. Once students have chosen a level they are given words to match to certain letter sound areas.
Advantages: They should the letter and there is also audio.
Disadvantages: Hard to drag words the words to the correct location.

7. Read Aloud
http://www.storylineonline.net/
Famous people with captivating voices read aloud to students as the write text scrolls across the screen. This is a good way for student to practice reading.
Advantages: This site has activities to go along with the reading which helps students practice comprehension as they are practicing their decoding skills.
Disadvantages: There are limited books and reading levels but other than that this site is pretty awesome!

8. Interactive learn to read activities
http://www.starfall.com
Students can select their reading ability level and there are interactive activities they can plan that help them build their skills. This site is perfect for the students to use on their own during centers.
Advantages: This site is interactive and primary students of any reading level can find something for them on this site. It is easy to navigate and the audio is perfect for a struggling reader.
Disadvantages: There are certain activities even though they are meant to be educational that they students can mess around with and be silly.

9. Spelling
http://www.tvokids.com/games/spellingbee
Students are given a word verbally to spell. They can type in the the spell and check to see if they spelled the word correctly if the student spells the word incorrectly the spelling bee shows the correct spell. Students get an overall score out of 25.
Advantages: Helps students learn to spell and isa fun and interactive way to practice spelling.
Disadvantages: Students cannot select their grade level so the words may be too easy or too difficult.

10. Interactive Writing

A way for students to practice their writing skills online with the assistance of an interactive game. Students will learn how to form letters and this will also help with letter recognition.
Advantages: Allows students to go at their own pace and helps clean up the confusion students have while practice writing alone at their seats.
Disadvantages: The website is a litte hard to navigate but once you get start is is okay.