Before 11 Tools: Transforming Learning in the Classroom

NOTE: This version of the 11 Tools program was the PILOT version for Summer 2010 ONLY. If you are a participant in the Summer 2011 program please click here.


********************************************************************************** Welcome to the SBISD 11 Tools for the 21st Century Learner online professional development program and blog. Currently this program is limited to campus groups and by invitation-only. You should have received information from the SBISD Educational Technology Department regarding your participation in this program. The program has been developed to aid you, a SBISD educator, in learning about emerging technologies that will help you transform your classroom into a learning center for the 21st century students that walk through your door. You will be receiving new classroom technology to use with these tools. The program is contained in this blog and you will work through a series of activities centered around 11 web 2.0 technologies or "tools." You will use links to information on the Internet, video demonstrations, and samples to learn about the 11 tools. You will then be asked to create samples of your own to practice the technology skills involved and to discuss how these technologies will assist you in working with your students in your transformed classroom. As you move through this program, always consider how these tools would fit in your teaching assignment(s) and how you plan to incorporate these tools into teaching and learning. Please view the following 2 videos to get an overview of what a 21st century learner looks like and what a transformed learning environment should look like.

Listed below are 11 tools that you can use in a variety of ways, either individually or in combinations, to bring about change in the way the students in your classroom demonstrate learning. Click on the Tool # and start adding to your toolbox! Tool 1: Creating a blog and registering with the learning community. Tool 2: Building a community of learners and sharing knowledge through comments. Tool 3: Using image generators and mashups. Tool 4: Using cool Google tools to share information. Tool 5: Tagging information. Tool 6: Creating wikis to store and share information. Tool 7: Creating digital stories. Tool 8: Using video resources. Tool 9: Sharing information through Jing & Skype. Tool 10: Exploring Mobile Technology and Apps Tool 11: Practicing good digital citizenship After 11 Tools Reflection At the end of all these activities, you will have an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned and share thoughts and ideas about how this professional development will help bring about change in your classroom. P.S. You can select the Tool links from the side bar on the right as well as this post.