Polly+Miller's+Cool+Tools+Reviews+Reflections+and+Application+Plan


 * __Animoto__**: This free 30-second slideshow feature, is a digital tool I can introduce to my students to use for class presentations. At a first glance, 30-seconds appears like very little time. But I think it is a great way to have students to complete a close reading of a topic being studied. Instead, it would be a close visual reading of the topic.

__Application:__ For example, when studying //To Kill A Mockingbird//, during the trial chapters I could have students work in groups of 2-3 compiling evidence supporting Tom Robinson’s verdict (guilty/not guilty). Groups would be divided into 2 sections: guilty and not guilty. Before presentations begin, a vote will be taken determining whether the class thinks Tom Robinson is guilty/not guilty. One side of the argument will present at a time via Animoto. Each group will present their research to the jury – the jury being the section not currently presenting. After all groups have presented another ballot will be passed around asking the students to vote again. The vote will be collected and recorded. The verdict will be announced.


 * __Wii:__** This Cool Tools session was my absolute favorite! I’m a Wii-advocate and Super Mario aficionado, so when I learned about ways I could incorporate this popular gaming system into my curriculum I was ecstatic. In this session I learned a new term known as transduction. Transduction means using skills learned in one facet and transferring them directly to other areas. Students learn from Wii, and other gaming systems, problem solving. They can transfer this skill to any area of their educational career, and even daily life. Problem solving is vitally important for students to master because it engages critical thinking. Thus, by using the Wii in my classroom I can assist students in building their problem-solving arsenal. I can also use the Wii to scaffold students to consistently and subconsciously think critically about everything. An additional bonus, the Wii accesses students’ audio, visual, and digital literacies.

__Application:__ I will incorporate the Wii into my curriculum specifically during years when I have struggling or low level learners. During my recent teaching experience, I taught the 2 academically lowest 7th grade classes at my school. Due to their low academic ability, I found it challenging to get the students engaged in the subject matter. By using the Wii for class projects and presentations, I can really grab academically low students’ interests. One challenge of using the Wii in the L.A. field, is finding games that are suitable for the curriculum. My solution: I will utilize the Mii characters! The Mii characters can be created on any Wii system – no game required. This is a feature already included on every Wii system. I will use these Mii avatars to represent characters from the text we are reading in class. For example, //Romeo & Juliet//: Students could reenact a specific act from the text by creating avatars for specific characters. Each group would present by reenacting portions of the dialogue/act. However, the Mii cannot be Shakespeare’s dialogue. The Mii conversation must be student discourse. This would be a highly engaging way to get students interested in Shakespeare!


 * __PREZI:__** The new and extremely improved PowerPoint, is an awesome presentation tool for anyone. Essentially, the Prezi program is a non-linear presentation tool that will grab anyone’s attention. For example, teachers can incorporate the tool to teach a lesson, give a test, present the syllabus, and so much more. Too, students can utilize Prezi for class presentations. Staff can use the technology during professional development. Administration may use Prezi to enhance staff meetings. Finally, colleagues can use the visual tool during weekly PLC meetings.

__Application:__ A new approach to an old tradition. Personally, I would use this tool to present my class syllabus. The syllabus is pertinent to any structured class. The syllabus details my expectations for the class. It also provides information on class assignments and expected behavior. Overall, the syllabus is a tour guide to successful navigation of my classroom. By using Prezi to present my syllabus, it is an engaging way to bring students’ attention to “the basics” of my class. I will also distribute a hard copy of the syllabus for those who still need paper confirmation.


 * __Voki/Xtranormal:__** Both of these tools use avatars. However, Voki is a more user-friendly application because everything you need is free! The visuals and graphics are easy to navigate. The digital program also affords students the option to pre-record their thoughts.

Xtranormal is only free once. Meaning only one video per email is permitted. Multiple emails can be created to use with Xtranormal. An issue here is that teachers run the risk of students forgetting their emails. However, Xtranormal taps into students’ multi-modality.

__Application:__ This was my dyad’s compelling question:

Question: How to use VOKI as a lens to view historical figures and literary characters?


 * 5 Day Lesson Plan:
 * Materials: Computers for students and teachers; paper; media lab; media assistant
 * Objectives:
 * Students will be able to appropriately analyze historical figures via their representations on Voki by using the 60-second audio to articulate their findings.
 * Students will be able to portray important literary characters or key literary writers (such as Shakespeare) by using the visual and audio components of Voki.
 * Day 1: Teach students how to use VOKI during class time. The remainder of class students will explore VOKI.
 * Day 2: The class will learn how to use appropriate research methods. Students select historical or literary figure and use the remainder of class time to research in class and media center.
 * Day 3: A lesson on proper presentation methods. Students will finalize their character or figure research.
 * Day 4: Students create their VOKI to be presented to the class. All Vokis must be finished by the end of class.
 * Day 5: All students will present their VOKI with their partner or individually. The class will discuss the significance and effectiveness of VOKI avatars (can be continued on Day 6).


 * __Flipping the Classroom:__** Innovator, Salman Khan, has inspired teachers to teach in the digital realm by posting videos prior to class for students to view and study. By posting lessons online, the classroom is available all of the time. Students of every academic level will benefit. The advanced students will excel; while the lower-achieving students will use the video as an aid.

__Application:__ I would use this new literacy as a homework feature. I would give assignments via video posts on the class website. This new literacy eliminates wasting instructional time on explaining homework assignments. Now, instruction can be camouflaged by homework. *Students can also utilize this tool for presentations.


 * __Collaborative Literacy using Free Google Tools:__** This is a nice feature for anyone: teacher or student. It is free, which is always a plus in education.

__Application:__
 * Google Sites can be used for:
 * Student assignments
 * Students create the website with any type of “vision”
 * Students can add any background, text, gadget
 * Essentially can customize all aspects of project
 * Google Customize Search can be used for:
 * Student projects
 * Class assignments
 * Student collaboration with research developing content
 * As a teacher I can scaffold students by limiting the sites they explore
 * Google Docs
 * Free Microsoft Word Applications for teacher and student
 * Google Apps for Schools/Education Positives:
 * Takes away student need for emails
 * Accessible by everyone with internet
 * Computer access on and off campus
 * Easy to navigate because familiar


 * __Considering Free vs. Paid Cool Tools:__** //For example, Animoto offers 30 seconds of video free, but there are pay options for other services.//

As a teacher in the public school system funds are limited both at school and personally. Because of this disheartening fact, I like to use free resources. An option to get these resources for the school, is proposing a plan of work to the administration in charge of funds in hopes they would sponsor the technology. After all, it never hurts to ask.