I never realized that there was a resource like http://www.cited.org out there, but I am really excited to start using it. It pools a number of professional development opportunities and tools for enhancing the curriculum in one place for teachers, administrators and other professionals.
I had to laugh while reading the blog prompt because I did create my professional development toolkit based on purely selfish instinct. However, I chose to share it with my colleagues in the English Education cohort at Rutgers because we all share very similar interests. Tools like “Book Builder” and “Web Quests” can be brought into any English classroom and provide a platform for students to use technology interactively. I also added a file converter to the toolkit to make it easier for teachers to use Youtube videos and other files that may be blocked on a school server.
In addition to tools, I included links to professional development specifically for teachers interested in using technology in their classroom. Having training and background knowledge in cyber bullying before implementing collaborative technology can prevent a number of issues from arising. In addition, several of my colleagues are also pursuing their special education certifications and might be especially interested in learning more about differentiation through technology, as well as UDL principles
If I were to send this to an administrator rather than my colleagues, I would also include articles and webpages that show how to practically integrate technology into the curriculum. I would also include professional development and training on using technology safely in the classroom, so that they could then disseminate this information to teachers and possibly use it to revise the schools technology policy as needed.
If a teacher is new to technology and reluctant to use or implement it, I might add tools that help them learn how to use the technology, making it clear, easy and simple for them to begin to adjust to using it on their own. One example is the article titled “Better Web Searching”. I would also introduce them to Classroom 2.0 a social networking site for educators who are interested in educational technology, and can field any questions they may have at a moments notice . I would also consciously choose articles that highlight the benefits of technology use for students through anecdotal experience and statistics. Creating toolkits for a variety of purposes can make it easy to access information when it is needed. It serves as a way for teachers to challenge themselves to continue learning through online professional development opportunities. Cited.org, is a great resource for this.
jessicaandtheweb 
Jessica,
I was also pleasantly surprised to have found this website. It is really great to have all these resources gathered in one place. Besides the fact that we can create toolkits comprised of wonderful resources, I just found it so great that this one website has links to many useful resources! I think that it was a good idea for you to include professional development resources in your kit to become better educated on a topic. I found that I also had similar thoughts as you when it comes to creating a toolkit for a reluctant teacher. As you know, my cooperating teacher was anti-technology so I tried to think of her when I was thinking of tools I would include. Your mention of Classroom 2.0 is a great one because like you said, people can ask each other questions, and communicate if they are having trouble. Great post!
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Jessica,
I really loved the “Book Builder” tool too! I think including links to a wide variety of resources (including tools you can use, articles about how to use technology in the classroom, and professional development resources) are great resources to share! Even though you described your creation of your toolkit as somewhat “selfish” the resources that you find most useful are likely to be resources your colleagues in your cohort will likely find useful too! So I think that’s a great way to select the most useful resources!
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Hi Jessica,
What a great post. Like you, I found the Cited website very easy to use, and thought it was a great resource to combine all the research topics that I am interested in. I agree with others that your mention of Classroom 2.0 is a really novel idea, and it would be a huge help for people (especially novices like me to be able to consult when I have questions). Thanks!
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