YouNeed YouTube!

For someone who has been teaching for a few years now, I am a little ashamed to admit that I haven't really jumped on the technology bandwagon in too many ways and forms.  Yeah, I use PowerPoint and make some web pages, but even some of the most simple forms of technological tools I have yet to explore.

Today I looked in more detail at YouTube.  I've used YouTube for some time in my lessons but mostly in a very generic and minimal way.  Some of the videos I've found have definitely helped my students to grasp concepts that were a little difficult to explain myself.

For Example:

What is a black hole?

These clips are sooooo easy to search for and give a quick break to the teacher without veering off topic.  I look forward to learning more about the amazing things this tool can do when I begin my next course through Fresno Pacific.  

Google Reader... New Best Friend!

Wow! Google reader is another new tool All About Google has taught me.  Similar to the Alerts Function google has, this keeps you up to date with all sources and publications you choose to "subscribe" to.  

I love the ability to stay up to date on blogs, postings, news articles, without having to keep checking things out and searching for them.  We will always be well-informed of the most recent information.  

What a great way to stay in the know of whatever topics and aspects we choose!

Some great technology blogs I have chosen to subscribe to:

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/

http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/

http://www.edweek.org/ew/index.html?intc=thed

Check 'em out and Enjoy!! 

Hooray! First blog post ever for the new-to-blogging Kristen Litwinka! (That's me)

Thanks so much for visiting this blog.  My name is Kristen and I am a high school Physics teacher from New Jersey.  For the past few years I have been taking courses to try to keep as up to date as possible in the field of technology and how it can be used to increase student retention, enthusiasm, and understanding.

Oddly enough, after receiving a masters degree in educational technology, I have never had the urge (or the necessity) to begin a blog.  I always wondered how to make blogging applicable to my job but now you can join me on my journey to becoming a real-life blogger!

Happy reading! :-)