Tool #1

Creating a blog name - NOW THIS WAS A CHALLENGE! I tried so hard to think of something catchy, cutesy, and teacherish of course, but...I failed! Seems like I jumped on the bandwagon too late and got stuck with the norm...Name and Grade level. But I think with a simple name, students are more bound to remember and parents will be more willing to allow students to access it since it has your name. But then again, I just did not get ANY of the MILLIONS of names I tried! As a casual blogger, I think that blogging is a great way for students to keep track of any learning. They can use blogging to share their science journal entries, reading summaries, writing samples...and so on. But as first graders, it may take them longer because they still need to find the keys and type, but of course there are other means to help promote using technology - with a mic and all the great free softwares out there for voiced presentations!

I had a grand time creating my avatar. At first, I didn't get the activation code and I continued to try to login, then I tried resetting my password. I finally got an email, used the temporary password to get on and finally was able to start. Of course, after all that...creating the avatar was fun. It was hard debating what my face looks like and how to style myself. I think this will be a great tool for students to use and allow them to create what they want to be seen as. Some can dress themselves more fun; some can depict themselves as an animal. Even for a freebie, the selections available will allow students to express themselves.

Happy blogging!