Justin.tv

Justin.tv is a website where you can create livestreaming broadcasts. It is really simple, I figured it out in less then 30 minutes. You create a channel (when you set up the account your account name becomes you channel). You can save broadcasts, or only broadcast live. When broadcasting live, anybody who has your channel can watch, as long as they are on at the time you are broadcasting. You can set up times so viewers can watch. Applications in the classroom are students can make broadcasts of presentations and either save them or share them live. I was thinking this could be great for students home sick for a longer period of time, or during breaks. Granted, studnets mght hate you forever, but such is life. Another application would be viewing broadcasts acorss the world. Students could watch a "guest" speakers, in a different part of the state, country or even world. That could be a very powerful presentation. Here is my justin.tv channel and broadcast: http://www.justin.tv/tthornton_0518

Google docs

I love google docs. They are easy to use and have tons of applications in the classroom. Students can edit each others papers and the changes are tracked on google. Google docs can be used in Language Arts classes, math classes (you cna create spread sheets, graphs, even write equations), science (google has sample lesson plans for environmental science).

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 are tools that allow the user to interact with one an other, and are created by (or modified) by the user. Unlike web 1.0 that was centered around the creator of the site or tool, web 2.0 is user centered. Examples include wikis, facebook, blogs, and any other web based tools that allows the user to interacts with the information.

Blogs in classes

Blogs can be used in vareity of ways in schools. Students could have their own blogs and comment on one an others, focusing on specific discussions or topics. This could allow students on vacation or homesick to still stay in touch with peers (and school).
A class could have a blog they work on together. Students could update the blog with information about the class, etc.This could be a useful tool for parents and community members to have a better idea what is going on it class.

Introduction

I have always wanted to be a teacher, except for a few years as a teen when I was attempting to rebel against what I was convinced was what my parents wanted me to. Then I got over it and realized that I love working with young people, love learning, and most of all love to teach.
I am persuing my MAT at Willamette University. I am working on endorsments in Middle Level Math, ESOL, and Elementary Education.