This is a bittersweet post. I can’t believe Cool Tools is coming to an end. I’m not good at writing about the things I learn from Cool Tools, but I reference the website almost weekly looking for new ideas and things to try. Sure, there are other resources that showcase new tools, but none are as comprehensive and well written as Cool Tools. I’m really going to miss it when it’s gone. As for this year’s final reflection, here goes.
1: What did you learn?
My first graders are just beginning their annual animal research projects and the websites I discovered while exploring Thing 10 Search Tools are coming in handy now. I’d like to say that we’ll be making ebooks as our final project, but the year is winding down quickly and I’m not optimistic that we’ll have time. I do have high hopes for next year.
I’m working on a Summer Reading page for my webpage where I’ll post some of the links to the Read Aloud YouTube channels I learned about in Thing 20 Book Stuff. I’ll also send home a flier with the links and QR codes.
I appreciated being reintroduced to people like Eric Curts and Matt Miller. Matt has a podcast with Kasey Bell called Google Teacher Tribe. I listened to it pretty religiously in the fall, but got away from it when a bunch of audiobooks I had on hold all started becoming available at the same time. I need to get back to it. If you haven’t listened, you should.
2: What’s next?
I’m really looking forward to creating the Make Your Adventure book with my fifth grade team when we study Ancient Civilizations next fall. I’m going to have to figure out a way to display my postit book reviews as they’re starting to accumulate. The kids really like them!
I also can’t wait to try creating a reading backchannel. We’re doing a whole school read and I’m toying with trying to establish a back channel for that.
3: Did you like learning this way?
I love learning this way. I was one of the early cohorts of the online MLS program at Syracuse University in 1998. My first “Things” learning experience was Michael Stephens 23 Things in the summer of 2008. I like the independence and freedom of choice. As I said earlier, I struggle with actually writing up my reflections. I do my best thinking while walking and the flow is just not the same once I sit down to write. I’m sad that I won’t be able to do this again, but I wish you well in retirement Polly!
Once Upon a Page 
It’s great to hear that you use the resources so much. When I hear things like that, it makes it worth the effort to keep things up to date. I’ll keep the site up for at least a year. But I suppose it will start to get dated by then. 😦 Thanks for participating over the years, it’s been a pleasure learning alongside you. See you on FB & IG!