Initially, several of us used Google Docs to conference about our studies at Kennesaw State. It was very convenient to just log in and see our rough drafts without having to email back and forth and download documents. After this initial use, I am beginning to see the potential for us using it to create ongoing documents for our classroom curriculum ideas. We have a curriculum guide, we jokingly call our “kindergarten bible.” If this curriculum guide were accessible to all teachers, we could all add, correct and insert additional material to the document. Another important feature of Google Docs is the real time editing component; this would allow us to all work together on our guide in the computer lab. Additionally, lesson plans become more detailed every year and we usually plan by wings in the building. We could share the plan and each of us add and change parts of it and just email the collaborators without even attaching the document. I don’t see much potential using it with kindergarten students but I do see great possibilities of using it with the faculty at my school.
In exploring the Classroom 2.0 site the first thing that jumped out at me was two digital storytelling apps. The video 50 Classroom 2.0 Ways to Tell a Story the creator says “Don’t shoot bullets at your audience” referring I’m sure to PowerPoints. Storytelling is a powerful tool to grab and keep your audience, therefore, when I saw an app on Classroom 2.0 that was titled, “Make Writing Less Intimidating With These Two Apps,” I was intrigued. I reviewed two apps Bitstrips and ToonDo. The first was a paid service but, the second one was free and easy to use. Additionally, I search kindergarten and finally found a place where other teachers like me are trying to make lessons meaningful using Classroom 2.0.
In a coaching role I could use Edmodo with other teachers. However, I found it difficult to find age specific material for kindergarten, and it was time consuming to navigate. However, I can see where it would be helpful for teachers of older students as they have several useful tools for students to become and stay organized. Parents who have access to their child’s account probably are grateful for the information as well.