Kidspiration

The school where I work has Kidspiration and Inspiration on the student and teacher computers and until now I have never actually sat down and viewed either one. Since I am a first grade teacher I chose to evaluate Kidspiration and I have to say that I love it! There are so many useful tools to use in this software that can really get the students motivated and learning. There are various math activities that can really help the student visualize certain concepts. I think the writing activities available are a real change of pace to the ordinary pencil and paper tools. There are also different science and social studies lessons that can take the students a step further in the curriculum. One of the things I really love about Kidspiration is the audio, which is great for preliterate students. I wish I had a data projector or more computers in the classroom in order to have whole group lessons using Kidspiration, but I am definitely going to start to use this program as best I can in the classroom.

Blogging

Well at first I was a little apprehensive about blogging. I associated it with myspace and facebook and other online communities, which I do not really have much interest in anymore. There was a time when I was younger that I belonged to some online communities, but I felt that I my tastes changed and I just outgrew it.

Let me just say that this class has definitely changed my perspective on blogging. I now see that it can be used for other things besides frivolous chit chat. I have learned a lot from others in this class through our blogs. I also felt the blogs helped me with my webquest. I love that fact that I can share my ideas and educational websites with you all as well. Because of these blogging assignments, I am a much more comfortable blogger now. :-)