This summer I have been working on preparing many Web2.0 tools for our school.

WordPress: I have had so much fun over the past few weeks blogging with WordPress. The ease of the program and the fact that it is embedded in our web server, makes it so much more manageable in my eyes. Probably the best feature is the fact that students can be contributors as well. I just sent one of our teachers her log-in, hopefully she will find it as exciting as I do.

Moodle: I had learned about moodle last summer at NECC in San Diego, but I was constantly running into problems when installing on our server. Finally our web hosting company offered moodle as a “Click and Build” application. Simple enough I had Moodle installed within 10 minutes and the students enrolled in classes an hour later. I began playing around with the program and am so excited to start using with our upper elementary and middle school students.

Wikispaces: Last spring one of the teachers asked if I could research how to use a wiki in her classroom. After some research we decided to use WikiSpaces for her middle school students. The students took the the program instantly but sadly the school year ended. I have been developing ways to use in the classroom as a study guide, research guide or a million other options.

We also use Google Apps, del.icio.us, and OnlineGrades to give students many tools to give them the most authentic 21st century experience. We are always searching out new options and avenues to make learning more meaningful for students. We also welcome new ideas so that we can continue moving forward.

I called my boss this morning to talk to her about the ideas for SRS 2.0 and in true millennial and digital native fashion, I multi-tasked. On the cell phone while at my house I finished my small chores, then entered my car switched to my bluetooth headset and talked on my hour drive. By the time I got to my destination, our conversation was still going strong. Took care of the small business at my location and finally hung up. Yes, the digital native who is now in the workforce is still a social butterfly.

So what did we discuss?

• Using a blog to communicate assignments (all teachers have a wordpress account ready)
• Journalism Club
• 1st Annual SRS Film Festival
• Spring Fling/Fall Ball- after the great success last year …why not?
• Setting up the calendar for better communication
• Google Apps
• Using Moodle/ATutor
• Workshop Week Training
• Technology Refresher/Handbook
• Preparing Grading Program

This weekend I will be working on my action plan to detail the professional development for our teachers. It will be a time consuming process but in the end even better for our students.