HOTS

Incorporating HOTS into these different technology tools is important. First because these tools are great to play with and make fun and while you have the students engaged then you can make them learn while they are playing. The cool thing about using these tools is they don't even know that your hidden objective is to get them to do work to meet their objectives.

The blooms taxonomy is easy to include while using these tools because you can have them start at the lower tier level and work their way up everytime they get on the google doc, voice thread, or, blog. You can give them a simple assignment and have them work their way up everyday to extend that assignment and enhance their knowledge on the topic.

Here is one voicethread example I found that shows how the teacher implemented HOTS into a technology tool. http://voicethread.com/community/library/1st_grade__Reading_Analysis_from_Leanne_Windsor/

Google Docs

This tool is good for us college students. You can upload a document and share with your group members. Many times it is difficult to meet in person with your group and this tool can make it easier for us to work on together in our homes.

After watching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYPjJK6LZdM&feature=related I saw how the older students may use this tool in the classroom. I like that the students can work on their paper on google docs and then save it and work on it at home. They don't have to email it to a friend and have the friend email to them back, nor do they have to purchase a flash drive to save on it.

Also the teacher and peers can add on to the document to enhance their writing and add suggestions on where they may need improvement. This is great for a teacher because the teacher can comment on specific parts of the writing and the student can see directly what needs to be changed.

How will I use a blog in the classroom?

In my field base classroom they are reading a novel called My brother Sam is Dead. I am thinking as they finish a chapter they can blog about what they read, their reactions, or what they think will happen next. I want them to blog about the story as they read along. If they have a question or are lost in the chapter their peers can reply to their blog and help them.