Google Docs/Amazon Book Reviews

This assignment allowed me to explore how collaboration is a great learning tool for any project assignment or subject area.  The ability for users to access a document anywhere and anytime is a great feature for learners.  Furthermore, any revisions and creations are automatically saved.  Users are able to view the name of group members that make revisions.  It’s a great collaboration tool that definitely changes the way current research projects are conducted.  It’s definitely easier to manage, less-time consuming for teachers and students.  Also, Google Docs is a great way to monitor student’s participation in the assignment.  It’s more reliable than placing students into groups then assigning roles.   This collaboration tool in creating spreadsheets and databases is a great way to make sure students are actually working together.  Each member receives the same grade so each individual would work carefully to make sure the assignment was completed correctly.  The Google Docs assignment allows teachers to explore effective collaborative tools through the web.

Our group Google Docs/Amazon Project!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XvNZoIOP1j8FYfJ_ZTUNgi1RCf_kTDCh38-0Km1yIs4/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1#

 Amazon Book Reviews:

Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (Paperback)

Richardson - http://www.amazon.com/review/RFLNH7ATPFHCA/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Richardson provides good descriptions of each type of media/tool and how to get started using it in the classroom. A great beginning resource on web tools that can be used in the classroom. This book I feel is an excellent tool and resource for assisting educators and other professionals. It is a very informative text that I would recommend that all teachers keep in their classroom always. Furthermore, this text would be a valuable tool for professional development workshops on ways how to use technology effectively in the class. Furthermore, the author provides excellent examples on how to use blogs, wikis, podcasts, twitter and social networking sites in the classroom. I enjoyed reading about social networking apps and Riche site along with ways to use Flickr as a class assignment.  The possibilities of using twitter, podcasts and their innovative tools anywhere is another advantages.  Students are able to collaborate and learn from each other. The author maintains that social networking will revolutionize the way students learn. 

The Innovative School Leaders Guide to Social Media: recruit students, engage parents, and share your school's story (Paperback)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3TPJ27FKILGLP?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_cr_pr_pdp

Dixon provided great details and examples on how to use social media technologies in the classroom.  This book is an excellent resource for all educators to use as schools move toward using more technology in the classroom.  I recommend this book for any school that is searching for ways to move into the 21st Century teaching and may need a resource.  I am incorporating the survey concept into my classroom next year to help students develop critical thinking skills.  Also, the visual pictures made the book very easy to follow. The way each section was divided made it a great tutorial for teachers in need of examples.  I would definitely recommend this book without hesitation for beginner teachers and for veteran teachers looking to innovate their teaching style. 

Collins & Halverson - http://www.amazon.com/review/RLPW7NCQ47RPZ/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm