Thing 9

Skype:

It would be cool to use Skype if we were learning about a specific topic and wanted to talk to a real geologist or oceanographer but they couldn't come to our school.  We could Skype with them and the kids would still get the feel of a real professional guest speaker.  Or, Skype could be used to communicate with pen pals that we have in another school in another state.  Or, Skype could be used if a student if out sick for a long period of time and your class just wants to check in with that student and say hi or to see how they are feeling.  It could also be used as a tutorial tool with someone who can't be there face to face.

Padlet:

I like the idea of Padlet for the kids.  I could use it as a whole group mannerwhere i can create a board on a specific topic and the kids just post to the board.  They are able to communicate and collaborate together.  I could use it in small group settings where the kids are working on a project together and on Padlet they can post their ideas.  Or kids can create a board on a topic of their choice and other students post to it their ideas.  Then the kids can take that information and take their project one step further.  For example, if a student creates a wall of "Which country would you like to travel to?"  Then others post their ideas.  The student takes those ideas and creates a graph representing that information.  Or the student picks the most popular country to research about.  They create a new wall for people to post things on. 

Both are great tools to use in the classroom with the kids.  It's highly engaging and motivating to use.  Kids would love learning and sharing their ideas because it's not done in an intimidating manner.