I'm eager to use many of the technologies suggested. I have a bit more freedom in my current setting than perhaps some in a more traditional setting. I do have to consider our limited resources, and how we could incorporate these technologies as we move forward to look at expanding our resources.
I do hope to incorporate WebQuests and blogs into my classes, but since we have already discussed those, I thought I'd expand my horizons a little. I would like to consider using podcasts/videocasts in my classroom. I do wish that these provided a place for collaboration. Perhaps there is a way to integrate these online learning experiences with a form of collaboration. For instance, students could be asked to listen to a podcast (or view a videocast) and then use this as a catalyst in a class blog or a group activity in class. Maybe different groups of students will use different podcasts and videocasts to help them gain material needed for a debate. The class could also work on creating both of these. I could possibly incorporate them into a simulation going on in class and could then call on students to use inductive and deductive reasoning skills with the content of the podcast/videocast. The most challenging part of this will be limited resources. We could have to do this as a whole class or students would need to listen/view them at home. As far as content goes, I think podcasts/videocasts can be adapted for all different sorts of content and could work with math and social studies, depending on whether I found useful ones to use. It could be a great way to extend some of what has already been discussed in the classroom!
The most difficult technology to use at this time would be electronic portfolios. At my school we simply do not have the resources necessary to make this work well. However, as stated earlier, we are hoping to expand our resources, and one thing we have in mind is the use of electronic portfolios. Ideally, the students are involved in keeping these up-to-date, but without additional resources, we just won't be able to have that happen.
Podcasting is a growing and valuable trend for many educators. I have not experimented much with it myself, however I plan to do that. Many times, we need to make sure that students can verbally explain themselves but it can be difficult in front of an adult as they lose some confidence. The podcast gives students a bit more confidence in themselves to discuss topics freely according to what they know.
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