Blog Post #8 - Tool Kit

Wow! Cited.org is pretty much a bookmarking website! Those are usually very handy as it can be difficult to remember the numerous websites that you easily come upon. Another bookmarking website that I really like is educlipper.com, which also includes screenshots of the website and it allows to write a brief info about the website. You can even install a quick button onto your task bar. So for some of those reasons, I do prefer to use educlipper than cited.org. Granted, cited.org also has many awesome articles - which can be sometimes be difficult to find. However, to my dismay, there were many links that had "page could not be found". Nevertheless, cited.org is another good source to get resources! (It is also extremely organized - which I love!). 

The resources I chose to put in my toolkit centered on how to integrate technology to help students with special needs. As a general teacher, I find myself still not sure how to teach students with special needs effectively. The resources I included are the following: 

• Accessible Book Collection  Remove
• Accessify  Remove
• ASL Pro  Remove
• ASL Video Dictionary and Inflection Guide  Remove
• Assistive Technology for Children with Autism  Remove
• Assistive Technology Ideas for Writing, Reading, Math, Studying, and Organizing  Remove
• Classroom 2.0 LIVE Conversations  Remove
• E-ssential Guide to Assistive Technology  Remove
• LD OnLine Teaching with Technology Forum  Remove
• Using Digital Mapping Programs to Augment Student Learning in Social Studies  Remove

I especillay like the Classroom 2.0 LIVE conversations website. On that website, you can plan to participate in a live conversation with whoever that volunteers. Topics ranges to professional development to help with algebra. It would also be a nice space to get guest speakers and the class to meet. It includes video, chat, and audio. With the ease of crossing from space, I would love to have a guest speaker meet with my class in a live session. That's utilizing the power of technology! 

If I would send the kit to an administrator, I would include articles and resources for curriculum development. If I would to send the kit to a teacher anxious about technology, I would include forums, and tutorials for professional development in integrating technology into the classroom. The tool kit is an easier and effective way of sharing meaningful resources. Based on who I am delivering it to, and what the overall goal is, I would modify my toolkit accordingly. 

As for now, I'll continue shopping for more tools! :)