Take a few moments to reflect on your journey. You've covered a lot of material over the past ten weeks. What does it all mean? How has your thinking changed between Thing 1 and Thing 23? Has this program changed how you view the Internet or how view education in the digital world? What plans have you made for using these tools in and out of the classroom? How will you continue to learn about Web 2.0 tools? What are your big "take aways" from this experience?
I feel excited, energized, empowered, hopeful yet, frustrated. I am excited to be done and ready to continue to build my skills using the Web 2.0 tools. Energized, empowered, and hopeful because I want to use what I have learned to help my teachers teach and prepare my students for the 21st century. I am frustrated because I wanted to be done sooner to enable me to have more prepared before school starts. There were some obstacles that delayed me and I did spend more time on each Thing as I wanted to learn as much as I could before I moved on. I know when school starts it will not be possible to devote hours learning new stuff! I did have to spend hours as I had not used any of the tools, I had just heard about all of them.
I have a new understanding of the term "digital kid" and this was a great way to learn it. So many have talked about different books and articles on the subject but, completing this class made it meaningful and I truly understand what Alan November was talking about. Thank you Greg and Sue for spending your summer helping us all!!!! I knew kids liked to play on the computer but, I didn't really understand the power "being digital" provided or how it enables everyone to communicate and learn from each other. Hearing about it, seeing examples and knowing how to use it are very different. Slowly we will teach all the old dogs new tricks!
I didn't know where to start with the Web 2.0 tools before taking this class and I am not one to just go exploring and doing on the internet. In a very short time I have accomplished the ability to find and do what I want to do. Completing this class provided me with greater knowledge to fight for the tools my students and teachers need to do a better job in the classroom. I have seen how students are more engaged when using the computer and this class has increased the necessity for up-to-date equipment even more.
I plan to use and talk about as many of the tools as I can. It will take me time to get it all organized but, I feel each tool will add to anything I do in my personal or professional life. The tools will also save me time as they allow me to communicate in a better way with my students, colleagues, and friends. I have already used the internet to search, learn and communicate with people in both my professional and personal life from what I have learned.
Continuing to learn is going to be a snap. I have already discovered many new "things" from exploring with each "thing" I have done. I feel confident I now have the ability to learn about anything I hear about. This is why we need to enable, engage, and allow our students to be digital kids and empower them to be ready for their future.
This was fun, I just wish it was the middle of July instead of the middle of August! I also feel more comfortable about writing my thoughts for everyone to read. I don't even want to discuss what school was like when I was a kid, as it would reveal how old I really am. Yea!!!! I'm free to get going on a new and exciting school year. Thank you again Greg and Sue for making all this possible.
About Me
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thing 22 Create a Wiki
In your blog post be sure to include the link to your wiki. Then discuss your feelings about using a wiki. How does a wiki differ from a blog? When is one more appropriate to use than the other?
My first reaction to creating a wiki was this is something for classroom teachers and I probably won't use it very much. Now that I have played, I am ready to get started and the ideas are forming. I hope my principal and counselor will think this is a good idea and help me to formulate what we would like to use as a topic each month. For two years we have been having the elementary students work on a given asset each month and awarding one student from each class who has excelled with the given asset in an assembly. Voicing their thoughts on a wiki would allow all students to contribute and get recognition. I want to look at a few more wikis and determine how I want to allow the students to make their comments. If I have all the third, fourth, and fifth grade students commenting on this wiki, I want to be sure it is organized. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate the help. Also, would it be possible for the younger students to participate?
I don't think any teachers at my school have ever used a wiki with their students and I am ready to get them started. I also feel it would allow me to collaborate more with teachers when they are working on projects with their students. If teachers would have their students do their projects on a wiki it would allow me to see what the students are being asked to do and what they are doing. It would allow me to be involved with class projects and require little one on one contact with a teacher. Yes, I love it, and can't wait to see what happens.
To me blogs are individual journals for posting thoughts, ideas, etc. and they allow others to post comments on what has been said. A wiki has endless possibilities and can contain very simple or very complicated chunks of information in many different forms. You are able to do so much more and have many more active participants with a wiki than with a blog. A wiki is created so others may learn from it and a blog is a means for someone to express themselves and allow others to read what they are thinking.
My first reaction to creating a wiki was this is something for classroom teachers and I probably won't use it very much. Now that I have played, I am ready to get started and the ideas are forming. I hope my principal and counselor will think this is a good idea and help me to formulate what we would like to use as a topic each month. For two years we have been having the elementary students work on a given asset each month and awarding one student from each class who has excelled with the given asset in an assembly. Voicing their thoughts on a wiki would allow all students to contribute and get recognition. I want to look at a few more wikis and determine how I want to allow the students to make their comments. If I have all the third, fourth, and fifth grade students commenting on this wiki, I want to be sure it is organized. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate the help. Also, would it be possible for the younger students to participate?
I don't think any teachers at my school have ever used a wiki with their students and I am ready to get them started. I also feel it would allow me to collaborate more with teachers when they are working on projects with their students. If teachers would have their students do their projects on a wiki it would allow me to see what the students are being asked to do and what they are doing. It would allow me to be involved with class projects and require little one on one contact with a teacher. Yes, I love it, and can't wait to see what happens.
To me blogs are individual journals for posting thoughts, ideas, etc. and they allow others to post comments on what has been said. A wiki has endless possibilities and can contain very simple or very complicated chunks of information in many different forms. You are able to do so much more and have many more active participants with a wiki than with a blog. A wiki is created so others may learn from it and a blog is a means for someone to express themselves and allow others to read what they are thinking.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Thing 21 Wikis
Describe a wiki you found that inspires you to create one of your own. What hurdles might stand in the way of your using a wiki? What would it take to remove the hurdles? Is it worth the fight?
I couldn't stop looking at all the ideas and great projects students and educators are doing. I skimmed through the entire list and ended up checking out 15 different wikis from the Examples of Educational Wikis. I saw several examples of librarians using a wiki to have students respond to what they are reading and encourage reading. Summer Reading TMS was the best and it might be something I might try. Students in each grade level all read the same book and worked as a group to discuss and summarize the book. I also saw another wiki for HS students called Booktalking with You. It would be a great site for HS students to visit for suggestions for books to read. I will probably add this to my page on the HS website. I also looked at some great wikis for instruction in using web 2.0 tools adding to my knowledge of what is out their for free. I will definitely go back to eToolBox and CreativeWebTools for and By Kids. I will also go back to teachlibrary a wiki created by Pittsburg Public Schools providing lesson plans for library skills for the 21st Century. I only read a couple topics and found some good suggestions. Most of the wikis were huge projects but, I felt Mr. Monson's Grade 5 Classroom Wiki: Thousands Project, and 1000 Names were simple wiki's that anyone could look at and get an idea to create their own. I also thought MWV Science Fair Wiki was an incredible way for students to do and plan their Science Fair Project.
I am not ready to jump into this with my elementary library classes. I feel it might be a little more than I want to tackle this year. In the future I may try to create something like the 1000 names project done by first and second graders or, possibily create something library related similar to Mr. Monson's grade 5 Classroom Wiki: Thousands Project. Time will tell. I never seem to find enough.
I couldn't stop looking at all the ideas and great projects students and educators are doing. I skimmed through the entire list and ended up checking out 15 different wikis from the Examples of Educational Wikis. I saw several examples of librarians using a wiki to have students respond to what they are reading and encourage reading. Summer Reading TMS was the best and it might be something I might try. Students in each grade level all read the same book and worked as a group to discuss and summarize the book. I also saw another wiki for HS students called Booktalking with You. It would be a great site for HS students to visit for suggestions for books to read. I will probably add this to my page on the HS website. I also looked at some great wikis for instruction in using web 2.0 tools adding to my knowledge of what is out their for free. I will definitely go back to eToolBox and CreativeWebTools for and By Kids. I will also go back to teachlibrary a wiki created by Pittsburg Public Schools providing lesson plans for library skills for the 21st Century. I only read a couple topics and found some good suggestions. Most of the wikis were huge projects but, I felt Mr. Monson's Grade 5 Classroom Wiki: Thousands Project, and 1000 Names were simple wiki's that anyone could look at and get an idea to create their own. I also thought MWV Science Fair Wiki was an incredible way for students to do and plan their Science Fair Project.
I am not ready to jump into this with my elementary library classes. I feel it might be a little more than I want to tackle this year. In the future I may try to create something like the 1000 names project done by first and second graders or, possibily create something library related similar to Mr. Monson's grade 5 Classroom Wiki: Thousands Project. Time will tell. I never seem to find enough.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Thing 20 Subscribe to podcasts
Include in your post the name of at least one podcast to which you subscribed. Describe your experience using the various search tools. Which do you prefer and why?
I liked listening to podcasts and I found that I could do other things while I listened. Searching on EPN and Podcast Alley was not as productive as looking at the podcasts from the list in Thing 19. I really think it would be best to look at this site's list of choices before anyone went on the two search sites EPN and Podcast Alley. From EPN I found the site TechTalk for Teachers and subscribed to it on ITunes. So many of the sites under EPN's Technology and Language Arts were so old , 2006 etc. I prepared dinner while I listened to one episode of Tech Talk and learned how Twitter will probably bring a whole new meaning on news reporting in the very near future. The election in Iran was an example used for reporting exactly what was happening. This seems to be a site that could keep me well informed about technologies. I also subscribed to Miette's Bedtime Stories on my bloglines. The stories are not for children but, I will probably listen to them and they would be good to listen to before you go to bed. I don't have a I-pod but, I want to get one now. I found an assortment of funny and interesting podcasts that I might find entertaining for my personal use but, again your list from thing 19 produced far more useful podcasts for education. I think I would tell my teachers to checkout the site Learn Outloud as it had so much to offer and there were several others like Learning and Learning Disabilities. I also felt the K-12 Science.net looked pretty useful.
I did have trouble with iTunes. I was given the choice to update my iTunes and I got an error message when it was installing. I haven't been able to get it corrected so I can not subscribe to any additional podcasts on iTunes. This will give me something to do when I am not busy. HaHa! Pressures of school starting soon are already beginning.
I can see elementary teachers using podcasts in centers and it would also be fun to introduce the students to the Vocab Minute or Book Talks Quick and Simple to be used during their library time. I also could see Internet Safety podcasts useful for background info for us to discuss the topics with our students. As teachers we don't do gaming and all the many things our students do on the internet and this would allow us to talk about the issues and know what we are talking about.
I was glad I spent as much time as I did on podcasts. I feel I can provide some good suggestions to both my elementary and high school teachers for using podcasts.
I liked listening to podcasts and I found that I could do other things while I listened. Searching on EPN and Podcast Alley was not as productive as looking at the podcasts from the list in Thing 19. I really think it would be best to look at this site's list of choices before anyone went on the two search sites EPN and Podcast Alley. From EPN I found the site TechTalk for Teachers and subscribed to it on ITunes. So many of the sites under EPN's Technology and Language Arts were so old , 2006 etc. I prepared dinner while I listened to one episode of Tech Talk and learned how Twitter will probably bring a whole new meaning on news reporting in the very near future. The election in Iran was an example used for reporting exactly what was happening. This seems to be a site that could keep me well informed about technologies. I also subscribed to Miette's Bedtime Stories on my bloglines. The stories are not for children but, I will probably listen to them and they would be good to listen to before you go to bed. I don't have a I-pod but, I want to get one now. I found an assortment of funny and interesting podcasts that I might find entertaining for my personal use but, again your list from thing 19 produced far more useful podcasts for education. I think I would tell my teachers to checkout the site Learn Outloud as it had so much to offer and there were several others like Learning and Learning Disabilities. I also felt the K-12 Science.net looked pretty useful.
I did have trouble with iTunes. I was given the choice to update my iTunes and I got an error message when it was installing. I haven't been able to get it corrected so I can not subscribe to any additional podcasts on iTunes. This will give me something to do when I am not busy. HaHa! Pressures of school starting soon are already beginning.
I can see elementary teachers using podcasts in centers and it would also be fun to introduce the students to the Vocab Minute or Book Talks Quick and Simple to be used during their library time. I also could see Internet Safety podcasts useful for background info for us to discuss the topics with our students. As teachers we don't do gaming and all the many things our students do on the internet and this would allow us to talk about the issues and know what we are talking about.
I was glad I spent as much time as I did on podcasts. I feel I can provide some good suggestions to both my elementary and high school teachers for using podcasts.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thing 19 Podcasts
Which podcasts did you find interesting? Identify one or two podcasts and describe how you would use them in your work. (Be sure to include links in your blog entry to the podcasts mentioned.)
Okay, big mistake, I watched both part 1 and 2 on educational podcasts, spent several hours watching them and because it was late, I didn't do my reflection. I was super busy the next two days cataloging books and buying books so, I didn't write my reflection. Now, coming back to my Things, I just remember I looked at some great stuff. I will have to go back and review this. It just goes to show you that if you don't use it you lose it. Technology is so like this, either you make use of it several times after you learn something or you won't remember what you looked at and did. I do know that I really liked Storynory at http://storynory.com/. At the present time our teachers want listening centers in their rooms for their literacy stations. We have tons of books on tape but, the cassette players are dying and I don't want to replace them. I have been looking at CD players and MP3 players but, didn't want to spend money purchasing the CD's for the books we have and I haven't downloaded podcasts, itunes etc. Teachers will now be able to use their computers as a listening station by using storynory and students can do podcasts of their stories. I need to do some more researching with this and I would appreciate any advise that anyone has to offer for doing it in the most cost effective way.
I also liked Grammargirl at http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/default.aspx. and feel it offers tips for both elementary and high school students. I liked listening to a couple and I will return to this one.
Podcasts give teachers and students an endless list of resources of anything they are teaching and the students are learning. I see it as a great tool for teachers to engage their students and be able to individualize instruction for the students. It is a super way for students to broadcast their writing as the Jamestown Elem. first graders did in their poetry podcasts. Students thrive on showing off and being heard. I was happy to hear that it has become very easy to do. I am ready to get started using and creating podcasts.
Okay, big mistake, I watched both part 1 and 2 on educational podcasts, spent several hours watching them and because it was late, I didn't do my reflection. I was super busy the next two days cataloging books and buying books so, I didn't write my reflection. Now, coming back to my Things, I just remember I looked at some great stuff. I will have to go back and review this. It just goes to show you that if you don't use it you lose it. Technology is so like this, either you make use of it several times after you learn something or you won't remember what you looked at and did. I do know that I really liked Storynory at http://storynory.com/. At the present time our teachers want listening centers in their rooms for their literacy stations. We have tons of books on tape but, the cassette players are dying and I don't want to replace them. I have been looking at CD players and MP3 players but, didn't want to spend money purchasing the CD's for the books we have and I haven't downloaded podcasts, itunes etc. Teachers will now be able to use their computers as a listening station by using storynory and students can do podcasts of their stories. I need to do some more researching with this and I would appreciate any advise that anyone has to offer for doing it in the most cost effective way.
I also liked Grammargirl at http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/default.aspx. and feel it offers tips for both elementary and high school students. I liked listening to a couple and I will return to this one.
Podcasts give teachers and students an endless list of resources of anything they are teaching and the students are learning. I see it as a great tool for teachers to engage their students and be able to individualize instruction for the students. It is a super way for students to broadcast their writing as the Jamestown Elem. first graders did in their poetry podcasts. Students thrive on showing off and being heard. I was happy to hear that it has become very easy to do. I am ready to get started using and creating podcasts.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Thing 18 Slideshare
What did you like about the presentation you embedded? How might Slideshare be useful in the classroom? out of the classroom?
I like to read quotes as they make me think and see things in a different light. I have several perpetual calendars that have quotes written on them so, this presentation is a good one for me. I found it interesting that this slideshow was listed under education and entertainment. Yes it is both. Hope everyone enjoys it and it adds some entertainment and education to your day.
I watched several slide shows on what makes a good presentation and I know in the future I will view powerpoint presentations very differently. This is a way for students and teachers to present information. I haven't used any but, it is something I will think about. I didn't find any slide shows that I felt I just had to download to use but, a couple were entertaining. This is a resource I will keep on hand in case it is needed. Myself, I prefer the video versions. I guess I like the additional sound and movement of the video clips.
I read Carma's post about the problems she had and I hope I have not picked up some viruses. The slide shows were very slow to load and kept rendering when I would advance quickly. One show had a video clip in it and I thought it would take forever to watch.
I like to read quotes as they make me think and see things in a different light. I have several perpetual calendars that have quotes written on them so, this presentation is a good one for me. I found it interesting that this slideshow was listed under education and entertainment. Yes it is both. Hope everyone enjoys it and it adds some entertainment and education to your day.
Quotable Quotes
View more presentations from Trinity Blu.
I watched several slide shows on what makes a good presentation and I know in the future I will view powerpoint presentations very differently. This is a way for students and teachers to present information. I haven't used any but, it is something I will think about. I didn't find any slide shows that I felt I just had to download to use but, a couple were entertaining. This is a resource I will keep on hand in case it is needed. Myself, I prefer the video versions. I guess I like the additional sound and movement of the video clips.
I read Carma's post about the problems she had and I hope I have not picked up some viruses. The slide shows were very slow to load and kept rendering when I would advance quickly. One show had a video clip in it and I thought it would take forever to watch.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thing 17 Online productivity tools
Give a review of the tool you explored - what worked, what didn't work, how might it be used in your personal or professional life?
I explored all the tools to see what they had to offer. I really liked zoho show as the video clip explained the features quickly and easily. It would be great if all the tools had done that. If I ever need a presentation I will for sure use this tool to save me time. This would also be a good tool for students.
I do want to take a closer look at Remember the Milk and 30 boxes as it would be good for me to be able to be more organized with my to do lists. Our school website does have a calendar for putting my appointments on but, I really don't want to use that for all the little things I have to keep track of and do. At this point Remember the Milk looks like the one to use. I will do some networking with a couple of people at school to see what would work the best for me.
Library Thing will come in handy for me as I will use it to write up a quick review each time I read a new book from the library. I have read so many books I am starting to forget what I have read and what I liked about the books. I should have been using this a long time ago. It will be a good resource for my students to check, they always want to know what I think about a book before they read it. I can also see me using this for the students to write a quick book review recommending a book to their friends.
I loved Trailfire! I found so many useful podcasts, and student resources relating to library issues that I could have spent days looking and using this tool. It will be something I will use in the future unless someone suggests something better.
I briefly looked a Knowtes and like what it does. There was even some flash cards that could be used for library lessons. One person had started a card stack on Library expectations but, they never added cards. I feel elementary students would find this lots of fun. It would be so much easier if they did some video clips to demonstrate how to use the tool. I feel I spent a lot of time just figuring out what to do. I am glad I spent the time looking at all the tools and not just one.
I explored all the tools to see what they had to offer. I really liked zoho show as the video clip explained the features quickly and easily. It would be great if all the tools had done that. If I ever need a presentation I will for sure use this tool to save me time. This would also be a good tool for students.
I do want to take a closer look at Remember the Milk and 30 boxes as it would be good for me to be able to be more organized with my to do lists. Our school website does have a calendar for putting my appointments on but, I really don't want to use that for all the little things I have to keep track of and do. At this point Remember the Milk looks like the one to use. I will do some networking with a couple of people at school to see what would work the best for me.
Library Thing will come in handy for me as I will use it to write up a quick review each time I read a new book from the library. I have read so many books I am starting to forget what I have read and what I liked about the books. I should have been using this a long time ago. It will be a good resource for my students to check, they always want to know what I think about a book before they read it. I can also see me using this for the students to write a quick book review recommending a book to their friends.
I loved Trailfire! I found so many useful podcasts, and student resources relating to library issues that I could have spent days looking and using this tool. It will be something I will use in the future unless someone suggests something better.
I briefly looked a Knowtes and like what it does. There was even some flash cards that could be used for library lessons. One person had started a card stack on Library expectations but, they never added cards. I feel elementary students would find this lots of fun. It would be so much easier if they did some video clips to demonstrate how to use the tool. I feel I spent a lot of time just figuring out what to do. I am glad I spent the time looking at all the tools and not just one.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thing 16 Google Docs
How might you use this tool in your personal and/or professional life? What issues come to mind about using this tool with students (ie, they need email addresses to log-in)?
Okay has the spreadsheet disappeared? I couldn't find it but, I have sent out help messages to a couple of the other participants. I will go back in and do the spreadsheet later. I visited "20 ways to use Google Docs in the classroom" from the posting on another blog. After reading that I have lots of ideas, I just need to check into the ways to do this with an entire grade level and not just a class. I will do some more networking to see what a couple of others are doing at school. I also looked at photos, calendar etc. and understand all the uses. Wow the templates are endless. The next time I want to create anything I am going to check here first.
I have done the spreadsheet as it appeared after Carma shared it with me. Thank you Carma. Not sure why it didn't show up the first time.
Okay has the spreadsheet disappeared? I couldn't find it but, I have sent out help messages to a couple of the other participants. I will go back in and do the spreadsheet later. I visited "20 ways to use Google Docs in the classroom" from the posting on another blog. After reading that I have lots of ideas, I just need to check into the ways to do this with an entire grade level and not just a class. I will do some more networking to see what a couple of others are doing at school. I also looked at photos, calendar etc. and understand all the uses. Wow the templates are endless. The next time I want to create anything I am going to check here first.
I have done the spreadsheet as it appeared after Carma shared it with me. Thank you Carma. Not sure why it didn't show up the first time.
Thing 15 Revisit RSS
Is RSS becoming easier to understand? Do you recognize new benefits of using this tool? Do you remember to check your feeds regularly? Has it become a habit (or obsession!) yet?
Not only is it getting easier to understand, I also see many more benefits for using RSS. I really like the idea of subscribing to tags from delicious. Now I understand how you can keep up with so much and learn about so much. I just didn't see how anyone could spend all that time surfing and adding to their delicious accounts. With every "Thing" that I do I am learning additional tricks from connecting with others and reading what the others in the online class are doing and experiencing. I am going to have to pace myself to finish this class on time as I get sidetracked so easy. RSS has not become a habit but, I have been there several times to get updates. On to Thing 16!
Not only is it getting easier to understand, I also see many more benefits for using RSS. I really like the idea of subscribing to tags from delicious. Now I understand how you can keep up with so much and learn about so much. I just didn't see how anyone could spend all that time surfing and adding to their delicious accounts. With every "Thing" that I do I am learning additional tricks from connecting with others and reading what the others in the online class are doing and experiencing. I am going to have to pace myself to finish this class on time as I get sidetracked so easy. RSS has not become a habit but, I have been there several times to get updates. On to Thing 16!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thing 14 Social Bookmarking
Include your Delicious username in this blog post so that others can view the bookmarks that you have chosen to share. Then reflect on how you think social bookmarking can be used in your teaching. Does Delicious seem to be a tool that can enhance your productivity?
My user name for Delicious is librarydragonkb. I was introduced to Delicious several years ago and I just didn't take the time to get an account set up. What a mistake. I would have saved myself a lot of time if I had done this earlier. Did we get some instruction on organizing these in folders? I know my list will get very long. I do need to spend some more time on this but, it will be easy as I will go to a couple of media specialist lists first to see what they have done. They have been using Delicious for a while now. I learn so much from others.
Share your thoughts about tagging. Is tagging a useful way to organize your digital resources and why? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages? What is important to think about before assigning tags to bookmarks or other Internet content?
I found the suggestions for tagging confusing but after watching the videos and saving some sites it was seemed easy. As I look at my tags I begin to see how the organization is taking place and I will probably go back and edit some of my tags. I am going to look at some of the other Delicious accounts before I add any more sites. I know that I need to think about who might want to use the tags before I assign the tags.
My user name for Delicious is librarydragonkb. I was introduced to Delicious several years ago and I just didn't take the time to get an account set up. What a mistake. I would have saved myself a lot of time if I had done this earlier. Did we get some instruction on organizing these in folders? I know my list will get very long. I do need to spend some more time on this but, it will be easy as I will go to a couple of media specialist lists first to see what they have done. They have been using Delicious for a while now. I learn so much from others.
Share your thoughts about tagging. Is tagging a useful way to organize your digital resources and why? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages? What is important to think about before assigning tags to bookmarks or other Internet content?
I found the suggestions for tagging confusing but after watching the videos and saving some sites it was seemed easy. As I look at my tags I begin to see how the organization is taking place and I will probably go back and edit some of my tags. I am going to look at some of the other Delicious accounts before I add any more sites. I know that I need to think about who might want to use the tags before I assign the tags.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thing 13 Online Social Interaction
What applications appeal to you? Now that you know more about Twitter and Facebook, pay attention to where you hear references to them in the every day world. How do you think you might use these tools?
I never thought I would create an account on Facebook. I really thought it was for the young kids and not something I wanted to do. After reading all the reasons to do it, I am now very excited that I have created an account. My account has only been out there for less than 24 hours and I have connected with friends I haven't communicated with in a very long time. In fact I had received an e-mail that a group wanted me to join Facebook because that was the way they were going to start communicating. (A friend even before I became connected!) Does this appeal to me, Yes! I am so glad I read the suggestion to not get carried away with this. I will have to set my limits or will get nothing done. I am trying Twitter but, this is a little more difficult to find other tweeters. I will give this a little more time and see what happens.
I will be using Facebook for family and friends at this time. I'm not sure what I will use Twitter for as I don't know if it can be used at school.
Why do you think MySpace and other social networking sites are so popular with kids today? What safety tips would you share with your students who are talking about using social networks?
Students love to stay connected with each other and the social networks are the ticket. I had my fourth and fifth graders signing up for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and they went wild. It allowed the students to create a profile which included creating an avatar. They could message by selecting a response and there were tons of other games and activities to do. I could not believe the excitement. The site also included safety tips that I discussed with the students.
I really liked the suggestion, only put on your facebook what you would have on your desk for your boss to see. It gave me the idea that all students should be required to have a facebook account and they should be assigned to a teacher who would "walk" by their desk. Wouldn't that be a real world experience. If we are going to instruct students for real world experiences, let's give them one.
Twitter can be accessed by phone so, I can see this as a great learning tool if we allow cell phones in school. I know our high school has been discussing allowing cells phones at school. Someone suggested that students could respond to what books they are reading on Twitter and this sounded like a good idea. My question is, how do you limit the users on your twitter account? As I said before, I need to explore and network the ins and outs of Twitter.
This Thing has been fun and I look forward to doing more.
I never thought I would create an account on Facebook. I really thought it was for the young kids and not something I wanted to do. After reading all the reasons to do it, I am now very excited that I have created an account. My account has only been out there for less than 24 hours and I have connected with friends I haven't communicated with in a very long time. In fact I had received an e-mail that a group wanted me to join Facebook because that was the way they were going to start communicating. (A friend even before I became connected!) Does this appeal to me, Yes! I am so glad I read the suggestion to not get carried away with this. I will have to set my limits or will get nothing done. I am trying Twitter but, this is a little more difficult to find other tweeters. I will give this a little more time and see what happens.
I will be using Facebook for family and friends at this time. I'm not sure what I will use Twitter for as I don't know if it can be used at school.
Why do you think MySpace and other social networking sites are so popular with kids today? What safety tips would you share with your students who are talking about using social networks?
Students love to stay connected with each other and the social networks are the ticket. I had my fourth and fifth graders signing up for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and they went wild. It allowed the students to create a profile which included creating an avatar. They could message by selecting a response and there were tons of other games and activities to do. I could not believe the excitement. The site also included safety tips that I discussed with the students.
I really liked the suggestion, only put on your facebook what you would have on your desk for your boss to see. It gave me the idea that all students should be required to have a facebook account and they should be assigned to a teacher who would "walk" by their desk. Wouldn't that be a real world experience. If we are going to instruct students for real world experiences, let's give them one.
Twitter can be accessed by phone so, I can see this as a great learning tool if we allow cell phones in school. I know our high school has been discussing allowing cells phones at school. Someone suggested that students could respond to what books they are reading on Twitter and this sounded like a good idea. My question is, how do you limit the users on your twitter account? As I said before, I need to explore and network the ins and outs of Twitter.
This Thing has been fun and I look forward to doing more.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thing 12 Widgets
Review the widget you selected. Are you getting comfortable with embedding code? Do you belong to other online communities? Are relationships formed online as meaningful as face-to-face relationships?
I really liked looking at all the widgets! I took notes and know there will be teachers who will find them useful for their school website pages. I really want to explore Voki's more as I believe this is a technique I have seen used for book reviews. I tried to look for something that was library or dragon related and didn't find anything. I decided on this silly little one just for fun. (Whoops it is not so little on my blog.)When I'm a little tired and need to get pumped up I am going to beat on it to fire me up and gain energy. Sure hope it works!
Embedding this was not easy. I did it so many times but the widget would not show up on my posting. I returned to the site and used the instructions on the site and this is what I got, a big set of drums. I may try something else just to see what happens. (I played with this some more and decided to move the widget to the bottom of my posts. Look for it there.)
I really liked looking at all the widgets! I took notes and know there will be teachers who will find them useful for their school website pages. I really want to explore Voki's more as I believe this is a technique I have seen used for book reviews. I tried to look for something that was library or dragon related and didn't find anything. I decided on this silly little one just for fun. (Whoops it is not so little on my blog.)When I'm a little tired and need to get pumped up I am going to beat on it to fire me up and gain energy. Sure hope it works!
Embedding this was not easy. I did it so many times but the widget would not show up on my posting. I returned to the site and used the instructions on the site and this is what I got, a big set of drums. I may try something else just to see what happens. (I played with this some more and decided to move the widget to the bottom of my posts. Look for it there.)
Thing 11 Blog Posts
What do you like / dislike about leaving comments? How did you feel when you received your first comment? Why do you think commenting is so important in online communities? What might this mean for students who share their writing online?
I have tried to be very careful leaving comments as I don't want to discourage anyone in any way or say something irrelevant. Even after reading the guidelines I am still very hesitant to leave a comment. I also don't want to say something that will be taken wrong so, I go back and reread my comment a couple of times. Some people can easily and quickly rattle off a comment but, that is not me.
I love getting comments as it encourages me to continue to work and do the best I can. It is great to know that someone is out there reading my stuff. An online class would not be very successful if you could not send comments. I am glad we are able to read what others are doing and receive comments from all. It allows us to learn more. I feel I have learned just as much from the participants as I have from the Things.
If a student is writing for a large audience and receiving encouragement from multiple people, they are destined to succeed and do better.
I have tried to be very careful leaving comments as I don't want to discourage anyone in any way or say something irrelevant. Even after reading the guidelines I am still very hesitant to leave a comment. I also don't want to say something that will be taken wrong so, I go back and reread my comment a couple of times. Some people can easily and quickly rattle off a comment but, that is not me.
I love getting comments as it encourages me to continue to work and do the best I can. It is great to know that someone is out there reading my stuff. An online class would not be very successful if you could not send comments. I am glad we are able to read what others are doing and receive comments from all. It allows us to learn more. I feel I have learned just as much from the participants as I have from the Things.
If a student is writing for a large audience and receiving encouragement from multiple people, they are destined to succeed and do better.
Thing 10 Embed and download video
This video created by "Dr. Loopy" is fun and I do want to use it this year. This media specialist has done some great stuff. It speaks to an issue we all face with our students everyday, choosing information resources. I think students will get the point in a very fun way. I hope you find it entertaining.
Dr. Loopy is a media specialist from Texas and he has done many entertaining videos on Science Experiments and library related subjects. He has had his students create some great book reviews. I even created an account on Glogster, I think that is what it was called, to post a question to him. I will be visiting his works often.
I did download a video, but it wasn't the one I wanted from School Tube. To save on time and move on I did one from You Tube. I will later explore downloading the ones I want from School Tube.
Dr. Loopy is a media specialist from Texas and he has done many entertaining videos on Science Experiments and library related subjects. He has had his students create some great book reviews. I even created an account on Glogster, I think that is what it was called, to post a question to him. I will be visiting his works often.
I did download a video, but it wasn't the one I wanted from School Tube. To save on time and move on I did one from You Tube. I will later explore downloading the ones I want from School Tube.
Thing 9 Online Video Sharing
What do you like or dislike about YouTube? Did you find videos that would be useful for teaching and learning? Is YouTube restricted in your building?
This is my first experience using the "Tubes" on my own. For the fun of it I went to School Tube first and found it very easy to use. I found several library related videos that gave me some good ideas and a couple I want to use. I created an account and made a comment. You Tube was next and my searches turned up many, many, many videos that were boring and had no point to them. When I returned to 23 Things and searched from the links it was lots of fun and I spent way too much time playing. I also created an account here and I know I will go back here in the future even though it is blocked in my school. I can't imagine any school that would not block it. My last stop was Teacher Tube and I can see it has more features than School Tube. After creating my account I can see it will be a great place to organize everything I am interested in. I need to spend more time here but, at this time it looks like there is more monitoring on School Tube. It may be possible for a school to safely allow students to log into School Tube? When I created my account on School Tube as a teacher I was asked info to prove my position as I will be considered a monitor and can flag videos to have them removed if they are from my school. This is definitely an area I want to do some social networking on to gain as much knowledge as I can in the shortest amount of time.
This is my first experience using the "Tubes" on my own. For the fun of it I went to School Tube first and found it very easy to use. I found several library related videos that gave me some good ideas and a couple I want to use. I created an account and made a comment. You Tube was next and my searches turned up many, many, many videos that were boring and had no point to them. When I returned to 23 Things and searched from the links it was lots of fun and I spent way too much time playing. I also created an account here and I know I will go back here in the future even though it is blocked in my school. I can't imagine any school that would not block it. My last stop was Teacher Tube and I can see it has more features than School Tube. After creating my account I can see it will be a great place to organize everything I am interested in. I need to spend more time here but, at this time it looks like there is more monitoring on School Tube. It may be possible for a school to safely allow students to log into School Tube? When I created my account on School Tube as a teacher I was asked info to prove my position as I will be considered a monitor and can flag videos to have them removed if they are from my school. This is definitely an area I want to do some social networking on to gain as much knowledge as I can in the shortest amount of time.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Thing 8 Mash-ups and online image generators
In the same post in which you placed your creation, briefly describe your experience completing Thing 8. Which of these tools intrigues you and why? Was it easy, frustrating, time-consuming, fun? Share some of your ideas for using the images you can create.
I had lots of fun playing with all the tools in Big Huge Labs. I probably spent too much time as I don't see myself using this in the library very much. I may use it for personal use if I can find the time. This is a picture of my grandson from our vacation in Texas. Even though it was 100 degrees everyday he still wanted to play outside. I know there are many ways of doing cool things with your photos. My daughter does it on the Walgreens website and she has done some pretty cool things with the pictures she has taken.
I have read some of the suggestions for using Flickr and I do see how it could be used in the classroom.
Is there something wrong with the Spell with Flickr link? I am confused how to do that feature. This was a fun Thing and I am ready to go onto the next.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thing 7 Share photos
Think of ways you may be able to use Flickr in the classroom or in your work and share your ideas. What issues might you face?
Flickr is a lot of fun and because I have not done any online photo sharing I could spend weeks playing with this. At this point I don't know if Flickr is blocked at my school and I will check that out. I also agree with several others who caution the use of personal photos on the web. I'm not sure I will have my students use this for anything they are doing in the library. I do feel it will be great to pass on to my teachers as I can see many uses for the classroom. I loved the example with the labeling on the butterfly picture. I could see myself helping teachers and students learn to use flickr as a tool for class projects.
Flickr is a lot of fun and because I have not done any online photo sharing I could spend weeks playing with this. At this point I don't know if Flickr is blocked at my school and I will check that out. I also agree with several others who caution the use of personal photos on the web. I'm not sure I will have my students use this for anything they are doing in the library. I do feel it will be great to pass on to my teachers as I can see many uses for the classroom. I loved the example with the labeling on the butterfly picture. I could see myself helping teachers and students learn to use flickr as a tool for class projects.
Thing 6 Online photo sharing
The Library Dragon I really wanted did not give me the rights to use the picture so, I had to settle for this one instead. It was fun figuring out how to do this and I want to spend a little more time on this later to alter the picture. Take a look at the post later to see if I have been successful with this. It is funny how simple things can take a long time to learn how to do on your own. I looked at pictures for a very long time and I was amazed by the thousands of pictures that have been posted. I'm ready for the next thing!
Yea! I have flipped the picture and it now looks the way I want it to look. Sorry if you didn't get to see the original. It showed more of the books and the dragon was facing the other way. This also gave me a chance to see that it is easy to edit what I have posted.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thing 5 Subscribe to blogs
RSS can be a difficult concept for some to grasp right away - what questions do you have? What didn't work or doesn't make sense? How might you use RSS in your personal or professional life? Find anything in your searching that you'd recommend to others?
So much has happened these last three weeks I had to go back and reread many of the instructions. I was so ready to do all of the "Things" and I had way too many obstacles to overcome. The cord on my laptop had a short in it, we went on vacation, sold our condo in Muskegon and had to move all the stuff home, son came home for a visit from school in Phoenix and my sister-in-law was here for a week from Texas. Wow there was no time to work on my "Things".
I think I have grasped the concept of RSS but, I don't think I have even begun to comprehend all that it can do for me. There are so many uses and hidden features it will take some time and networking to make the most of it. It is a definite time saver once you decide what blogs you want to keep up with. It will be fun playing with it. My one recommendation to others is to be sure to find a blog that will make you laugh. We all need to laugh more to releave stress and help us to feel better.
So much has happened these last three weeks I had to go back and reread many of the instructions. I was so ready to do all of the "Things" and I had way too many obstacles to overcome. The cord on my laptop had a short in it, we went on vacation, sold our condo in Muskegon and had to move all the stuff home, son came home for a visit from school in Phoenix and my sister-in-law was here for a week from Texas. Wow there was no time to work on my "Things".
I think I have grasped the concept of RSS but, I don't think I have even begun to comprehend all that it can do for me. There are so many uses and hidden features it will take some time and networking to make the most of it. It is a definite time saver once you decide what blogs you want to keep up with. It will be fun playing with it. My one recommendation to others is to be sure to find a blog that will make you laugh. We all need to laugh more to releave stress and help us to feel better.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thing 4 RSS
How do you handle information overload and how do you think RSS might help with that?
This was the big question we had to answer and this simple question turned into a four day ordeal. I feel RSS will save me a lot of time and enable me to be more organized with the information I am seeking and the learning I am engaging in. However, it has also been a good way for me to learn.
I made the mistake of responding on the ISD blog instead of going to my own blog to post my response. I waited and waited and waited and it did not show up. Gee what happened. Sooo I did it again.
I started doing the next Thing and again things didn't work. I never received the confirmation e-mail to set up my bloglines account. To make a long story short, after help from the great ISD staff, I have discovered that I already had an account on bloglines, I must have done it a couple of years ago at a media specialist meeting. Good tip for all of you, use the same password as much as possible. The way I discovered I had an account is I tried the other password I usually use. (I created a new one for this project and have been using it on everything new I have been doing.) Bingo, I was into my account and discovered I had already added some blogs. I have learned sooo much in the last four days because I spent that time looking at all your blogs to see if you were progressing or if something was wrong with the system. I have learned so much and I appreciate the comments I am receiving on my blog. This is a great way for us to learn from each other and help each other.
LD
This was the big question we had to answer and this simple question turned into a four day ordeal. I feel RSS will save me a lot of time and enable me to be more organized with the information I am seeking and the learning I am engaging in. However, it has also been a good way for me to learn.
I made the mistake of responding on the ISD blog instead of going to my own blog to post my response. I waited and waited and waited and it did not show up. Gee what happened. Sooo I did it again.
I started doing the next Thing and again things didn't work. I never received the confirmation e-mail to set up my bloglines account. To make a long story short, after help from the great ISD staff, I have discovered that I already had an account on bloglines, I must have done it a couple of years ago at a media specialist meeting. Good tip for all of you, use the same password as much as possible. The way I discovered I had an account is I tried the other password I usually use. (I created a new one for this project and have been using it on everything new I have been doing.) Bingo, I was into my account and discovered I had already added some blogs. I have learned sooo much in the last four days because I spent that time looking at all your blogs to see if you were progressing or if something was wrong with the system. I have learned so much and I appreciate the comments I am receiving on my blog. This is a great way for us to learn from each other and help each other.
LD
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thing 3 Blogging
I have looked at way too many blogs today. It was interesting reading the numerous ways to use a blog in teaching and I see myself having a blog to promote new books, or provide a book club for the students. I also liked the idea of having students use a blog to talk about acts of good at school. Teachers are suppose to do this all the time and this would be a great way for students to add to the positive support. Our PTO is always struggling for new ways to reach more parents and a blog would allow those who can't attend meetings to keep in touch. I'm not sure I will be able to digest all the settings that are available but, I can always watch the video clip again.
I liked hearing that there is a setting that allows you to review a posting before it is on a blog. One bad egg can really mess it up for the entire group. Yes it would be a lot of work to monitor postings but, it may be worth it if you create a blog for students to use.
Library Dragon
I liked hearing that there is a setting that allows you to review a posting before it is on a blog. One bad egg can really mess it up for the entire group. Yes it would be a lot of work to monitor postings but, it may be worth it if you create a blog for students to use.
Library Dragon
Thing 2 Create a blog
This was very easy and informative. Writing anything for others to read is not my favorite thing to do. I am always afraid of saying something stupid, spelling something wrong etc. I know it all goes back to a friend's mother telling me how poorly I wrote a pen pal letter in third grade. I would love to be able to rattle on the way some people do on their blogs. Maybe this will help me to be more expressive. After reading other blogs and seeing how teenagers write it makes me a little less worried about what I write. This won't be the easiest thing I have ever done but, I feel it will be one of the most beneficial things!
What a great way to spend my summer. I have read about and heard about blogging and just haven't started one. Keeping up with the younger generation is not a easy task but, we all have to start somewhere. I love reading what other people write and it will be great to communicate with others. Technology has become so easy but, why is it that it is taking so many educators so long to get on board? I appreciate this opportunity to learn at my own pace, in the comfort of my home when I am not running in a million different directions with a to do list a mile long.
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