I spent some time discovering some really exciting web tools that is great for engaging both students and teachers in literacy learning.  As I discovered these new web tools, I have been highly intentional and purposeful in the way that we use them in our teaching.   It’s not about just using a 2.0 tool because it’s cool and flashy.  I really spend time thinking about how each particular tool may strengthen our teaching and make it easier for students to grasp the concepts we are presenting.

Wordle creates a “word cloud” that helps to interpret the meaning of the words by assigning font size according to how frequently the word appears in a text or is typed into the Wordle text box.  We have used Wordle for brainstorming and as a reflection tool at the end of a professional development session.  Below is a Wordle that I created from the poem that’s on my blog.  www.wordle.net

Hello everyone here is my iGoogle Screen Shots, I hope you enjoy what you see. I am trying to adjust to the new technology that I am learning but mainly trying to keep up with my blogs, I defiantly don't like blogging so this is a huge challenge for me. Well I hope you all like what you see and I hope to get a hang of this blog thing soon. 

Hello my name is Devloun Jeter and I am a special education teacher, I love my job even the not so good days. I am also a basketball coach I coach 7 & 8 grade basketball, it takes a lot of discipline to deal with my crazy bunch of players but I love every minute of it. I am also I a full time Education Media Design and Technology grad student at Full Sail University.

It's only the beginning now
...a pathway yet unknown
At times the sound of other steps
...sometimes we walk alone

The best beginnings of our lives
May sometimes end in sorrow
But even on our darkest days
The sun will shine tomorrow.

So we must do our very best
Whatever life may bring
And look beyond the winter chill
To smell the breath of spring.

Into each life will always come
A time to start anew
A new beginning for each heart
As fresh as morning dew.

Although the cares of life are great
And hands are bowed so low
The storms of life will leave behind
The wonder of a rainbow.

The years will never take away
Our chance to start anew
It's only the beginning now
So dreams can still come true.