Christine+C.

Hi Everybody,

I am a high school English teacher in Philadelphia. I am excited to be here, so that I can learn new strategies for integrating technology into my curriculum. I believe that the technology will help me to differentiate the material that I am teaching, so I can reach a variety of learners.

__Toolbox #1__ I looked at a number of websites that contained some valuable resources. I like the idea of using something like Edmodo, Schoology, or EDU 2.0 because it would allow me to post assignments, poll students, etc. I tend to shy away from Facebook and Twitter, but I guess at some point I am going to have to give in and create an account for both sites. I definitely see my self setting up some blogging assignments and having students create fake face book pages. I am a little intimidated, but I assume that is only natural under the circumstances.

__Toolbox #2__ I really liked the resources that I viewed. I am interested in using Google Docs to create student writing portfolios because it would allow me to take writing instruction to a new level. I could look at student writing as they are completing the assignments. I can also have them share their work and peer edit. What is really great is that I can comment on their work without collecting a single paper and it is all stored in a central location. I also liked the the resources on the CAST website because they have a little bit of everything. I looked at visuwords and I think that some of my students would really like that site.

__Toolbox #3__ As I made my way through this particular toolbox I became a bit overwhelmed. Cast contains so many resources that one does not know where to begin. I love the CAST Editions, but they are limited. I hope that they continue adding to it because the material is pretty good. Something else that I really liked was the template for systematic change. UDL requires educators to plan from the beginning, so the template could be very helpful. The template could help me formulate a plan of action for implementing UDL.

__Toolbox #4__ According to Dr. Rose, multiple means of Representation focuses on perception, understanding, and comprehension. Multiple means of action/expression deals with physical expression and options for expression, fluency, and executive functions. Multiple means of engagement provides options for recruiting interest, sustaining effort, and self-regulation. The technology serves as a tool for promoting the aforementioned principles. The technology allows educators to differentiate instruction and reach a variety of different learners.

__Toolbox #5__ I found really great ideas in this toolbox. The live binders were an absolute favorite. I found great ideas for all kinds of activities that I am going to work into my classes. I only looked at the first thirty items under the heading of English, and I found good stuff, so I look forward to viewing more binders. I also want to try creating a binder because that could save me mad space in my classroom. Everything I have is stuffed into a filing cabinet or a closet which is not real user-friendly. Placing those lesson ideas in live binders would make my life so much easier. I also want to try creating glogs. I love that you can put together audio,video, graphics, etc. to create digital posters. The wiki and website links were helpful as well because they will help me to create an online presence. They provide me with a starting point and options to explore. I want my students to blog, but money may be an issue. I like the Class Press, but it only provides a few free options.

__Toolbox #6__ I liked the secondary tools and I think that I may be able to use a few of them in class. I am interested in creating a prezi for the beginning of the school year as a way of introducing my course, but I am going to have to play around with the program a bit. I would also like to create an informal syllabus using the zagxedo because I think my students would really get a kick out of it.