Finally the end...err beginning......

I now have a lot of really cool tools and tricks that I can use everyday in my classroom. I learned about a lot of new sites and gadgets but also some tricks about things I already used. Now I would like to sit down and really organize my toolbar and all the bookmarking sites I have to make them cohesive yet not repeating.  The sky really is the limit and I can make a world of a difference now with these resources.  At first the class seemed like a nonsense class that wouldn't really help but I have learned many extremely useful things that I may have been lost without.  The only thing I would change is the way things are assigned.  The assignments themselves were great but I'd like more cooperative learning and group work.

I plan to blog and read blogs to add information to my bookmarking sites at least once a week.  In a year and a half when I graduate, I should have a numerous amount of resources already in the palm of my hand.

Thing #23

AT the bottom of the 23 Tings home page there is a disclaimer that says, "*Note: This project is loosely based upon the website 43Things (which allows you to set and track personal goals) and the Stephen Abram article titled 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006)." This tell me straight forward that it was taken from Stephen Abram's 43 Things and where it says loosely based upon, it tells us that it has been modified. I think Creative Commons can be taught when explaining cheating and how it affects the other person. You could use a set of graded papers and switch the names. When the students complain that it was their paper but someone else's name and grade you can relate it to creative commons.

Thing #22

I love this site. I have a little difficulty at first but then I figured it out. I thought as you add things you could under one tab. So I sat there with one link and one tab for like 10 minutes. I wish there was a way to embed files. There may be and I just haven't found it yet. I will be definitely using this for other things as well. I will use this to plan for lessons and discipline and the set up for my classroom. I can also share with other teachers and we can help each other out.

Random Tips, Tricks, & Ideas

Thing #21

This is my first time with something like this and it is absolutely ingenious. I love it. It really personalizes slide shows even though you don't personally do it. I loved how easy it was and how well it ran. We could definitely use this to share pictures or videos from field trip, events, and happenings. This is great for end of the year parties or going-away parties. I am definitely going to use this and may even pay for the larger videos.

Make your own slide show at Animoto.

Thing #20

I chose a video from a group called historyteachers. They use common songs and create parodies to teach history lessons. They are awesome and the students love them. Since teachers made them they are clean and focus around standards for the most part. YouTube is a really great site once you become experienced. I think an advanced search should be added as an option because there have been several times when I couldn't find a video yet it was still there. I do like how you can create a favorite playlist. I plan on sitting down one day and creating a playlist for each subject area. That way when I begin to teach I will have several resources and seem cool ;-)

Thing #19

I surfed The Gather and found it rather interesting.  It had more intelligent conversations than "what I found in my shower drain".  It also offers opportunities to debate on controversial topics.  It isn't fun to debate with someone you care about because it gets personal and emotional.  However, you are free to speak your mind on The Gather.
     I also checked out Ning but found out you have to pay.  It looks really interesting and once I have a real job, I may fork out the money to become a part of some groups.

The TeacherPop website was cool.  I'll have to spend some time and add people and reach out to some to really get the full experience.  I did reach out to Tonya Haley and commented on her page.  I also tried to embed the Ning badge.  Let's hope it work :-)



Visit TeacherPop

Thing #14

     The first website I tried was Bubbl.us and created a mind map.  I made a map for my Reading 4050 class.  I used the characters in a book and showed how they related to the protagonist.  A mind map primarily shows relationships.

      Next I used Gliffy to create a flow chart off events during an accident in this same story.  A flow chart shows a succession of ideas.  The experience was extremely easy and actually quite enjoyable.  Both charts were easily exported and then I uploaded here as images.  I initially chose these two because I figured with their names they would either be easy or amusing.  They were both easy.
   

Thing #13

I created an account in Zoho and ,surprisingly before this assignment, had never heard of it.  It seems to be just like Microsoft.  It is simple and the user interface is easily observable and usable.  The main thing I love is that you can save it and convert to any format.  This will make life so much easier!!  Like, it even converts to word which is forbidden for any other document. 
     I already have a GoogleDocs account but rarely use it.  Many times I have uploaded a document only to have it weirdly manipulated into a weird layout.  After that point I have to find the original and start over.  However, if you create the document in GoogleDocs, many people can edit and add to the same document.  This can be helpful is a child gets sick during group work or if you assign a group project to be done outside of school.  With Skype and GoogleDocs it is possible to completely do the assignment over the internet.  I like Zoho better because of the user interface.  I have had many last minute difficulties with GoogleDocs and I may have done something wrong but it put a bad taste in my mouth.

Thing #4

I think commenting creates a sense of community because you relate to one another.  Your feelings and opinions are shared and that creates a sort of bond.  If you show the blogger that you "hear" them, they will feel as though somebody cares and is paying attention.  That too begins to build a camaraderie.  You should also share a little about yourself when you comment.  This mimics natural conversation and you can begin to build history and actually get to know the blogger.  I chose to comment on Myleah's blog because she really seemed like she was going to use this in her classroom.  I understood her excitement in using it as the days get closer.  I also chose Ariel because she plans to use her blog in the classroom.  She really wants to share with teachers and be able to relay back and forth.  I again agree and am readily looking for more ideas on how use a blog in the classroom.  There are soooo many possibilities.  I commented on Christina's blog in reference to finding ways to use iPads in the classroom from Delicious.  I did not know you could research like that.  I also replied on Becky Philips blog because we both were not initially sure about the blog but then found we had a lot we could do and learn.  Finally, for the last of my "inhouse" comments, I commented on Tonya Haley's Blog.  I commented on her 22nd thing because I have not completed it and she made it sound interesting. 
     I chose to comment on The Pioneer Woman's Blog because I love the things she writes about.  She has amazing recipes, I just made the lasagna, and might I say it was to die for.  I also commented on the PinkHammer Blog because I love DIY tutorials and blogs.  I could read and do them all day.

Things #18

I have had a Facebook account since I was about seventeen years old.  I was one of the last of my friends to get one.  I do not use it much because I am just not that interested.  I did just add the College of Education page to my friends though.  I also added Margaret Peterson Haddix because she is one of my favorite authors.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=893125157

I then checked out Zimbio.  But it took my to a news ticker.  There were several stories onthe front page but I didn't understand how it was like Twitter or Facebook.  It didn't relate people together.

Thing # 17

I already had a delicious account so this was pretty easy.  When I typed in 'educational technology' I found a cool website called Teachertube which has tons of 'howto' videos and videos that can be used in lessons.  First off, I would like to say that website it totally amazing.  The tags are useful because it helps give you keywords of what is included in the website.  I'm not quite sure how this can actively be used in a classroom other than to find relevant resources.  You can find videos, websites, blogs, etc. with tags.  The can all enrich your lesson.

Thing #16

I chose to first create a homepage with iGoogle.  I added gadgets such as a to do list, funny pictures, word of the day, bible verse of the day, and a link to YouTube videos.  I does make things easier having them collectively in one place.  And, there are things that I may forget about and usually not pay attention to that I can include in my day.
     I then created a to do list.  I like the fact that I can save and e-mail the to-do list.  I created it using ta da list.  I can e-mail it to members in a group project or post them for all to see.  However, I wish they were portable to say my desktop or phone.
     Lastly, I created sticky notes.  These I can download to my computer.  So after I created a few notes using Stickynotes.com I download zamar to convert the notes to images that I could add to my phone.  I then had personal notes that I could personalize my home screen with.

Thing #15

I actually enjoyed the wiki experience.  I too was a little weary after being lectured about how not to use Wikipedia.  I understand how anyone can change the information but, there is factual information as well.  I wish there was a way to like link if to other sites that show its worth.  Like sites that back it up.  Kind of how that essay submission site checks for plaguerism.  I could use something like this to create a class information site.  We could choose a topic to explore and research throughout the year and gradually add to our site.

Thing #12

I am a very strong supporter of Google and love everything about it.  I decided to create and iGoogle page to set as my home page.  I love it.  At first they ask your interests and usually you wind up getting dumb irrelevant stuff but majority of the information I was interested in.  There were healthy recipes and up to date news.  I also added a few gadgets.  I added a quote of the day gadget as well as word of the day and a to do list.  The page comes with gadgets uploaded already but you can delete any of them.  From this page you can directly send e-mails, chat, and even connect Facebook.  Then I set up a few alerts.  I'm not a huge news follower so I put in upcoming video games.  Ghost Recon is supposed to come out in March but the release date has been changed so many times.  So I added Ghost Recon to my alerts so I can be notified it the release date changes.  I love Google even more now.

Thing #11

The first tool I used was EduBlog's Award Winning Blogs.  I liked this link because the blogs that one were really good.  naturally, the first award I clicked was best education blog.  Teacher Tom is a great Blog and it became hard to finish the assignment because I just wanted to read all of his posts.  Next, I clicked on Topix.net and I did not like that site at all.  It confused me the minute it uploaded.  I immediately clicked out and went back to Edublogs.  Nearly all of the blogs were useful to some aspect of my life on this site.  I enjoyed it and plan on returning with more free time.  In the past I looked up blogs by typing a keyword plus the word blog in the Google search bar.  Usually after a little clicking I was able to find a comprised list of blogs on that specific topic.  I like the idea of RSS feeders and think they will be a joy to work with.

Thing #10

I really like RSS.  I like blogs but I'm never good about following them, just like television series.  This help keep all the information together without having my inbox flooded everytime some comments on a post.  This could be really useful in school when talking about specific content.  For example, in a Government class you could follow a political blog and track the campaigns.  Any other class you could find a blog that relates to the content and expand the children's minds and perspective.  Younger classes may be interested in culturally significant blogs and they could be used to diversify the classroom and bring culture directly to the students.  Personally, I will follow way more DIY blogs and education blogs.  I love hearing other people's ideas and either using them or creating a spinoff from them.  They always say two heads are better than one, but now it's millions of heads are better than one.

Thing #9

I think these sites are really cool.  The first one I went to had picketers and you could change their writing but, when I got ready to copy the html they announced they could no longer provide free images.  Hopefully, more generators won't follow in their footsteps.  This site was very simple and after playing around with a few I realized most are very simple.  All you have to do is edit the actual text you want and let the computer convert it for you.  Often you can also change the font style, color, and size.  If you used signs like these you could make sure students didn't just pass by them.  The colors and graphics will cause them to take notice and have a higher probability of following the sign.  If you make flyers or reminders these could also be helpful.  I think I would find a cute comforting one to add my contact information to.  Then I will convert it to a magnet and distribute to my students.  This way they and their parents have quick access to my contact information and me.

This image was generated at http://www.happyfacegenerator.com/

Thing #8

  
I think this is so cool.  I thought people actually went out and took pictures for every letter like you do for collages in school.  This can be used to make anything look interesting.  I love that you also have the choice to change individual letters and not the whole word.  I like vintage looking things and therefore I like older looking letters.  But, you can mix and match however you like.  This will probably be one of those things I overload on in the beginning and then begin to use it more wisely in the future.  Even though we only have to use one site I am definitely looking the rest up this afternoon to see how else I can use them.  This is an interesting way to present new letters to new younger learners and for activities like activities with names and vocabulary words.

Thing #7

I think Flickr is really cool.  However, a lot of the people on there are actual photographers.  It is kind of intimidating because I have a $60 camera and have silly shots.  There were some gorgeous shots though.  I looked for a group with the keyword Dreams and found some amazing shots.  The group description explained the different aspects of dreams.  hey can be lovely, scary, beautiful, horrible, make you cry, make you laugh, and some dreams you forget while others you never can let go.  The picture I chose is definitely something that could appear in my dreams and it is an amazing shot and perspective of the theater.  There is also a cool editing program you can subscribe to called Picnik.  However, it is closing in April.  Flickr intends on adding editing tools to their software to compensate for the closing of Picnik.

Thing #5

I think web 2.0 is a wonderful opportunity.  However, without proper resources, I believe a socioeconomic group with get over passed and and a rather large gap will form.  While majority of America has regular access to a computer and the internet, there is still a group that does not.  This group that does not is generally already behind in education and opportunities.  If there is a way to offer the opportunity to ALL students then I believe it will encourage a deeper understanding from students and more passionate teaching from educators.  I think web 2.0 use in the schools can be helpful in differentiated learning.  It gives amazing new ways to reach a variety of students and actively engage them all together.  Students can also gain a new in depth understanding of the world and its problems with the use of Skype and social media sites.  I believe the upcoming generations will be better educated and have a better grasp on learning and the world thanks to web 2.0. 

Thing #1

I really liked the 71/2 habits of Lifelong Learners.  I can see how and where they are all applicable.  The hardest habit for me would be to have confidence in myself as a competent learner.  I believe I have a hard time retaining things and still at 21 have not found a successful study program.  However, I do take responsibility in my learning and always attempt to expand my knowledge in important content.  I love to learn in general and I am always looking for new opportunities and ways to learn something new.  My favorite habit and the habit I strongly believe in would be the last one, PLAY.  It is important to enjoy learning or else you will unconsciously reject it.  Play makes everything more enjoyable and helps concrete things in your mind and memory.

Thing #6

I explored iTunes a little more than I have in the past.  I use iTunes even on my pc.  I used to have a MacBook and I spilled sweet tea on the keyboard and fried the motherboard ;-(.  I love how organized iTunes is and how much you can use it.  I have several different playlists broken up by decades and genres.  I do not have to create playlists of specific artists because you can use the search bar and consolidate your entire library or any one playlist down so a specific artist or keyword.  It really just makes listening to music an even more enjoyable experience.  The iTunes store is also helpful since it automatically can find songs that match what you have been recently listening to.  I love iTunes and I am soooo glad that it is available for other computer systems.

Thing #3

I really like the blogging concept and would like to get more involved with it.  I would like to have a education section where I offer resources and materials to parents and students.  There would be additional assignments available along with answers and tips.  This will help students with computers.  However, for those who cannot access the internet from home, I will offer time in class in which they can access the blog and respond to students posts and still interact with the web 2.0 aspect of class.  I may offer a question of the day for extra credit or have a blog hunt as a study guide where I post notes and questions.  They would search for the answer and then find the next question.  I plan on teaching in a low SES district so it might be difficult to require students to use the blog but I could certainly expand their learning and use it as a motivating tool.

Thing #2

This is my first time creating a blog.  I have since then created one for Reading 4050 and had a difficult time figuring out which was for which class before I actually added things.  Since then it has been smooth sailing.  I created an avatar that kind of resembles me, if you can say they look like any body.  They are quite disproportionate.  However, the face shape and hair are similar to mine.  I chose my name as my blog title because I was not quite sure how that worked.  There was a place for a blog title and blog name and I could not decipher between the two seeing as how I had never created a blog before.  I was also weary about how any title could be misconstrued and chose to keep it simple.