Sunday, February 3, 2008

Top Ed Tools

(cross posted on my blog) Obviously, since today's date is February 3rd, I'm a little behind on this, but I just stumbled upon the eLearn Magazine's Top 100 Tools for Learning 2007. I was struck by two things: 1. The number of tools that the Global Learners are using regularly in our classrooms, we are ahead of the curve in Adams 14. 2. They note that only two of the top ten (Word, PowerPoint) are commercial applications, the others are free. 75% of the tools in the top 100 are free.

Tools are just tools without great teachers using them to impact learning in their classroom. Tonia's post addresses this important point: learning comes before tools. Take a look at the top ten. What tools have impacted student achievement the most in your classroom? In 2007, my students have improved their writing through the use of blogger as a publishing and reflection tool. They have become more reflective and better editors by tweeting our lessons throughout the day. Our wiki has helped my students use the internet better for research.

There is a call for best tools of 2008 already. How will student achievement in Adams 14 be impacted through the use of these tools in 2008? (I can't wait to find out...)

3 comments:

Wesley Robinson said...

Hello Jeff!
Thank you for the helpful comments you posted on my blog. Your integration of Web 2.0 tools is mighty impressive. I checked out the 2007 roundup and it does appear that the Global Learners are riding the wave of classroom technology innovation. I know we will all further push our students to become more adept to their 21st world. Great job with your class!

Kelly Berry said...

Keep up the great work Jeff! Your students definitely walk through the halls excited to enter your class and add to the information they have learned!

It's interesting to think that less than a year ago we didn't have the knowledge, skills or resources we do now! Definitely no going back with our technology!

Emily Taylor said...

I agree with Wesley and Kelly! You are doing a fabulous job integrating Web 2.0 tools in your classroom (and you make it look so easy and fun). A lot sure has happened in a year. Thanks for always being so helpful to me!