Tool #6

What I like about Wikis is the same thing I like about Google Docs - it saves time and energy.  I see Wikis as more applicable to larger, more global applications.  Where I would use Google Docs for the campus level, I can see coordinating a Wiki with my colleagues at the district level to achieve more of a cohesive approach to filtering information down to our campuses from the administration. 

Tool #5

I wanted to use Delicious - but due to issues with Yahoo I settled for Diigo instead, which is much more complicated than I actually need it to be - I appreciate the specificity, but I prefer a google search instead I think.  I found it easiest to search for tags within Community Library - that is where I actually found things I could use.  I searched recipes and came up with this spot... NY Times Recipes which looks pretty good.  Then I searched Gardening and came up with this one - gardening-techniques that is very user-friendly.  I found the broader the subject you searched, the easier it was to sift through.  I'm glad to know about social tagging, but I don't think its a tool that I will use.

Tool #4

Aiding and abetting!!!  Google docs is going to be a TREMENDOUS time saver for me. This may take some time to set up, but I'm looking forward to using it for gathering info on students from a variety of sources and sharing that info with those that need to know-all without leaving my cubby hole. I can even get info on students from their former SBISD schools without waiting for phone calls to be returned. If this works like I hope it will, it may be worth the pain of learning new technology!

Tool #3

I used Spell with Flickr and Big Huge Labs Motivate generators, and I have to say I was impressed with both of them.  While these are not tools that I would use daily, I am glad to know that they exist - when I need them I can get to them.  I can see how using the Spell with Flickr would be very motivating as a reward or center for a younger student who struggles with language - they would enjoy "producing" their own words.  The motivational poster generator will come in handy with my small groups - I can personalize messages to meet their needs.  This will be great for them before benchmarks and other other big tests.

Tool #2

As the ESOL specialist - my direct colleagues are scattered all over the district since we are allocated by campus.  A PLN is a concept that will allow us to collaborate more efficiently as a cohesive group, rather than to feel solitary regarding decisions made on our campus.  As far as making comments go, I think the old adage "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" is highly applicable.  If you can't be at least constructive, why bother?

Tool #1

I just found out that I have to complete these tools, and I don't really want to do this.  However, the avatar tool was kind of fun and made me laugh - I don't giggle.  I'm keeping a journal written on my desk so that I can refer back to it about all of the sites and tools I'm using - I don't know that I can remember everything I've done just using the computer.  I have a feeling this is going to take a while.