Exit Slip

Today's class was jammed pack with information! We had two groups present their chapter and each group provided multiple resources. Doing the chapter presentations definitely clarifies information about that chapter that I didn't necessarily understand the first time. It also allows us to explore the resources in class and become familiar with things we could use in the future.

Last summer my computer crashed and I was unbelievably sad about the things I almost lost (thankfully, a dear friend recovered the computer). Dropbox is a tool we learned about which is a site that allows people to store information and is a "back up" in case something happens to the files on your computer. Brainpop is a cool that Jacki presented and like her, I too believe this is a great site to use in the classroom. You can use this site to introduce different topics. There are interesting videos and games that children truly enjoy.

I presented my contemporary issue on a subject that I am passionate about and believe that everyone should be aware of; media and technology's influence on body image. After seeing the Dove Campaign video several years ago I was shocked and basically mortified by the way technology distorts body image and creates these "beings" and bodies that are very unattainable. I want children and my peers to understand what the media is doing to they do not buy into the lies or think their body or appearance isn't "good enough."

Another issue that Brittany brought up was social networking and if it is appropriate for children. Personally, my own children will not be allowed to participate on social networks at such a young age. Even though I think social networking is an awesome way to connect with people and share information, I do not believe sites like Facebook or Myspace are the places to do this for elementary and even middle school students. The can be social at school, on other "child-friendly" sites such as webkins, club penguin, or Kidswirl.

I hope to play around and work with some of the tools that were introduced today. I mentioned in class that I am concerned with how to use certain resources in an elementary classroom setting so hopefully I can modify them for future use!