Saturday, February 20, 2010
Thing #19
I am now a member of TeacherPop and placed my membership card on my Facebook page. TeacherPop and all of Ning seem very interesting. Hope to see all of you there as well!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
In Summary...
My favorite discoveries on this journey were learning that I could not only have a blog, but put videos and items from other sites on it. I will wait until next school year to begin a class blog but already see several uses for it. This way I can practice using and keeping a blog until I am ready for my students to use it.
This program has definitely affected my lifelong learning goals, because of the amount I learned in such a short time period and much of it is for my students. I am thrilled! My class will seem so interesting to students because of what I have learned. Also, I will not be afraid to try new things on the computer.
I knew that I would learn to use technology, but Web 2.0 is the most surprising part. I had no idea there were so many facets of use for my students. I can completely change how I do things.
I cannot think of anything to improve this concept.
What I have learned will absolutely influence how I teach Language and Literature from now on. The global aspect has opened many doors for me and my students.
I do plan to keep up with new developments, especially with some of the RSS feeds I now receive! I am not afraid to try new things on the computer. I finally figured out at the beginning of these 23 things that if I don't give out my credit card number, I am fine.
This program has definitely affected my lifelong learning goals, because of the amount I learned in such a short time period and much of it is for my students. I am thrilled! My class will seem so interesting to students because of what I have learned. Also, I will not be afraid to try new things on the computer.
I knew that I would learn to use technology, but Web 2.0 is the most surprising part. I had no idea there were so many facets of use for my students. I can completely change how I do things.
I cannot think of anything to improve this concept.
What I have learned will absolutely influence how I teach Language and Literature from now on. The global aspect has opened many doors for me and my students.
I do plan to keep up with new developments, especially with some of the RSS feeds I now receive! I am not afraid to try new things on the computer. I finally figured out at the beginning of these 23 things that if I don't give out my credit card number, I am fine.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thing #23
I think the original 23 things came from the 43 things at www.43things.com, although there several "23 things" listed when I searched for it. A couple of the addresses I found are plcmc12-things.blogspot.com and resa-23things.blogspot.com.
I will use the creative commons license. Usually, things are open for education as far as making copies and showing videos. Now, I feel more aware of what to look for and how to go about getting to use it - all legally. I just wonder how many teachers are guilty of breaking the law?
I will use the creative commons license. Usually, things are open for education as far as making copies and showing videos. Now, I feel more aware of what to look for and how to go about getting to use it - all legally. I just wonder how many teachers are guilty of breaking the law?
Thing #22
Thing 22 is about podcasts. I saw several podcasts last semester for my multicultural course and am pretty familiar with them. In this thing, I learned of some other resources of podcasts that I could use in the classroom. The one I like deals with idioms. My students all know that it can't literally "rain cats and dogs" but don't listen and view idiomic language while listening to it. I hope this helps. The podcast is An Idiom a Day, and it is from the Education Podcast Network. The one I like is http://www.languagelearningcenter.net/idioms/an-idiom-a-day-a-bitter-pill-to-swallow/. I can use these on various days because they are short and there are several of them.
The directory I used to get this podcast was The Educational Podcast Directory. It was very user-friendly, especially for us "old English teachers." I have considered creating podcasts, especially last semester, but I won't do that for a completely personal reason - I hate the sound of my own voice. What I may do is allow someone else (a student) read what I want them to; it seems like a great, free reward for making good grades!
I will listen to podcasts from the Education Podcast Network regularly because there are so many, neat things that I could share with my students.
The directory I used to get this podcast was The Educational Podcast Directory. It was very user-friendly, especially for us "old English teachers." I have considered creating podcasts, especially last semester, but I won't do that for a completely personal reason - I hate the sound of my own voice. What I may do is allow someone else (a student) read what I want them to; it seems like a great, free reward for making good grades!
I will listen to podcasts from the Education Podcast Network regularly because there are so many, neat things that I could share with my students.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Thing # 21: Animoto.com
This was so much fun but I hardly got it on my blog. The animoto is not in this post because I could not figure out how to get it here. It is in the one titled Animoto. Cliff and I were so tickled to see the video. I want to be able to make these, not only to share with family and friends (as I did this one), but also to keep forever and share them with my grandchildren! School children would love these as well. Several of us take pictures of our students on a regular basis and this would excite them!
Thing #20
I have spent so much time seeing YouTube videos! My husband and my child must be tired of eating Ramen Noodles!! I picked a video that was funny and could tone down a frazzled, tired, and somewhat confused teacher. Please, watch it if you like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvdQ0YklTQI&feature=playlist&p=BF79084C5A8EE575&index=2. I hope you can use it as a stress relief too.
I would like to use some of the YouTube videos for class but would have to send them somewhere else from home because it is blocked at school. However, it is doable but would take me a long time to find useful, relevant material. If YouTube could be reached from our school in the library, most students would be watching it instead of sleeping. Do we dare wake them?
I would like to use some of the YouTube videos for class but would have to send them somewhere else from home because it is blocked at school. However, it is doable but would take me a long time to find useful, relevant material. If YouTube could be reached from our school in the library, most students would be watching it instead of sleeping. Do we dare wake them?
Thing #18
You can find my facebook profile at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000654342650. My daughter, Kate, has been wanting me to have a fb page for a while and made me one without any individualized information. I did not consider the number of friends that I would be in contact with! So, I got on facebook and filled in more information, and it is so nice to see how all of my friends are, to be able to keep up with all those people that I thought I couldn't keep up with anymore. I have a good time using facebook.
It is important for educators to know what their students are doing, not all the time, but generally. I have had several students contact me since I have been using it, so I know we could use it if necessary. I like the social aspects of facebook. I could see my class using it to discuss books and could draw in other thoughts on those books from people not enrolled in the class. It would definitely give my students a popular, more adult approach. Also, it is an excellent way to get to know students better.
I do not like the negative aspects of things I hear about MySpace. I would not allow my daughter a MySpace because of some of the "friends" that she may come in contact with. This may sound like I'm close-minded; that's okay; we'll both get over it. Her father (we are divorced) set a fb up for her though she is 11 and not 13. I don't mind this as much because Kate does not feel the need to keep secrets from me yet. As soon as she is ready to do that, we'll see what happens with her account.
As far as my class is concerned, we would probably use a blog more often than fb.
It is important for educators to know what their students are doing, not all the time, but generally. I have had several students contact me since I have been using it, so I know we could use it if necessary. I like the social aspects of facebook. I could see my class using it to discuss books and could draw in other thoughts on those books from people not enrolled in the class. It would definitely give my students a popular, more adult approach. Also, it is an excellent way to get to know students better.
I do not like the negative aspects of things I hear about MySpace. I would not allow my daughter a MySpace because of some of the "friends" that she may come in contact with. This may sound like I'm close-minded; that's okay; we'll both get over it. Her father (we are divorced) set a fb up for her though she is 11 and not 13. I don't mind this as much because Kate does not feel the need to keep secrets from me yet. As soon as she is ready to do that, we'll see what happens with her account.
As far as my class is concerned, we would probably use a blog more often than fb.
Thing #17
I can see a current events class or a health class using Del.icio.us or any other bookmarking site to see constant news coverage or up to date insights, what's popular, what's not, or important changes happening at the moment. I don't think I would get to use it as often in an English class, unless teaching a form of writing. I can visualize bookmarking blogs and insights to use as writing prompts, or discussions for further writing topics. Language does change (look at the word text and its uses) but I do not think I will use a bookmark for all segments of my class.
I see using tagging personally for fun reasons, such as favored vacation places and hobby sites that I visit. Other than classroom writing, my uses will be personal. A journalisn teacher or the teachers of desktop publishing and other computer courses would certainly use bookmarks and tagging much more often than I would. It is more important for them to immediately go somewhere on the web for teaching purposes.
I see using tagging personally for fun reasons, such as favored vacation places and hobby sites that I visit. Other than classroom writing, my uses will be personal. A journalisn teacher or the teachers of desktop publishing and other computer courses would certainly use bookmarks and tagging much more often than I would. It is more important for them to immediately go somewhere on the web for teaching purposes.
Thing #16
I am now using iGoogle as my start page. I really like manipulations. I can not only add the items I like but also change the colors and layout of the interface. It is individualized for me and I love it! It will be a permanent home page for me.
The online calendars can be extremely useful if one is at his/her computer, but I am not always able to view the screen and divert my attention to it. I use the calendar and alerts on my Blackberry and do not feel comfortable changing what I am already in the habit of.
I like the to-do list I added to my iGoogle homepage. I don't think I could tolerate sticky notes all on my computer desktop. On my actual desk, I have post-its everywhere. I do like My Stickies and may switch to it. I'll use it for a couple of items to see how I like it. Generally, I need the desktop on the computer to be as free as possible. We'll have to see how it goes.
The tool for school or home that I want to use and will definitly recommend is Engrade for keeping assignments and the gradebook. The state has one, but is not as easy as this one. Engrade has a section for parents, students, and teachers.
If I get to use my computer more often at school, I will strongly consider using My Stickies. I have sticky post its on my desk and throw those away as I finish tasks, but I don't get to use my computer a lot and it is slow. I really like the added portion of stickies on iGoogle. When I am able to use a computer 24/7, I am positive I will need to use My Stickies.
The online calendars can be extremely useful if one is at his/her computer, but I am not always able to view the screen and divert my attention to it. I use the calendar and alerts on my Blackberry and do not feel comfortable changing what I am already in the habit of.
I like the to-do list I added to my iGoogle homepage. I don't think I could tolerate sticky notes all on my computer desktop. On my actual desk, I have post-its everywhere. I do like My Stickies and may switch to it. I'll use it for a couple of items to see how I like it. Generally, I need the desktop on the computer to be as free as possible. We'll have to see how it goes.
The tool for school or home that I want to use and will definitly recommend is Engrade for keeping assignments and the gradebook. The state has one, but is not as easy as this one. Engrade has a section for parents, students, and teachers.
If I get to use my computer more often at school, I will strongly consider using My Stickies. I have sticky post its on my desk and throw those away as I finish tasks, but I don't get to use my computer a lot and it is slow. I really like the added portion of stickies on iGoogle. When I am able to use a computer 24/7, I am positive I will need to use My Stickies.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Thing #15
A wiki is pretty cool. I liked being able to fix typos that aggravate me when reading. I like being able to include my thoughts as well. My class may use a wiki (after I become more comfortable) for keeping parents and stakeholders up to date about what is happening. Many people suggested using the class blog for this, but teaching sophomores, I feel that the blog may be ours and the wiki may be used for all. Anyone have any other suggestions?
Thing #14
As far as the flowcharts were concerned, I choose Gliffy because Flowchart itself was too slow. Flowchart looked great and seemed nice to use in the introduction; however, the rxn time was nil. It would take much longer to create a web of any sort using Flowchart. In Gliffy, I could change the sizes, move them anywhere, and there were several from which I could choose. Also, I like creating floor plans on Gliffy.
Considering the mindmaps, I would choose neither one. Bubbl.us looked good, the colors were neat and you could change them if you wanted them different, but I could not figure out how to type information in the bubble. Also, periphery bubbles were called child and sibling. That is just too touchy/feely for me. Mindmeister looked neat but not quite well for people who are visual learners - the ones you would expect to use a mind map. Everything looked spiderish and was a turn off. I did not set up an account with either one as of now; but if I must I will choose bubbl.us.
Considering the mindmaps, I would choose neither one. Bubbl.us looked good, the colors were neat and you could change them if you wanted them different, but I could not figure out how to type information in the bubble. Also, periphery bubbles were called child and sibling. That is just too touchy/feely for me. Mindmeister looked neat but not quite well for people who are visual learners - the ones you would expect to use a mind map. Everything looked spiderish and was a turn off. I did not set up an account with either one as of now; but if I must I will choose bubbl.us.
Thing 13
I am using several different fonts (fonts) and this is fun. 
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thing #12
I have set up Google Alerts for my computer and so far, I really like it. I have not and will probably not use Google calendar because me Blackberry already does a wonderful job of alerting me about things. I know I can send invitations with Google Calendar, gut I had rather do that with my rusty old mailbox. It is important to get things like invitations through the mail because it is so different than normal now. I attempted to use Google Notebook but found that I could not because I have not used it previously. Users already using it could log in but it was not an option for me. I liked looking at the Picassa Album but am already a fan of Flickr. I like changes sometimes but not when I am already comfortable with something. I did however switch to an iGoogle homepage. I really like its versatility and and the various colors have an affect on my mood. I feel better already:)
Thing #11
I use Blogline's Search Tool but I also found Google Blog Search to be very helpful. I have not used RSS before, but now I have added six total. I was skeptical about adding too many because I do not have a lot of time at the computer. I understand that Technorati is easy to use for some students but not me. I did not enjoy wading through some things to get to others. I found ReadWriteBlog and a cool weather feed that I may use in class occasionaly as far as writing topics, but I enjoy those discussions for myself. I suspect that as I spend more time here with my laptop that I will find several more I enjoy.
Thing #10
I like RSS feeders and newsreaders because it is soo easy to stay up to date on whatever information you are interested in. Now, I do not have to wade through a lot of useless items to get the information I want, and that saves me so much time.
I will use these professionally for sure to get to sites quickly. Generally, the faster the better it is to keep student attention. I can have particular sites prepared about authors and especially about new books coming out.
I will use these professionally for sure to get to sites quickly. Generally, the faster the better it is to keep student attention. I can have particular sites prepared about authors and especially about new books coming out.
Thing #9 - Online Image Generators
These are personal pictures of my daughter with Taylor, my pup; my sister Vanda and her son, Eli (I'll send it to her for Valentine's); and a picture of my husband's Border Collies, Rusty and Murphy. I had lots of fun creating them. I can use this at school for awards, essay prompts, to introduce stories or other literature to get students initally interested in the lesson plans. Adding them on here was easy too. Students take several photos with cell phones and can upload any image to any project as well as any blog. I have several pictures that I'll upload and decorate now!!;) The link for the magazine is http://www.fakemagazinecover.com/make.asp?template=0-455-600-best_friends_BFF-0_142_458_465. The link for the Valentine card is http://scrapbookgenerator.com/?template=30-457-600-love_greeting_card-50_47_376_291. Finally, the link for the dogs and four-wheeler is http://www.fototrix.com/comics. When my 11 year old gets here, I'll show her these pics and teach her how she can do it herself. She will be thrilled!
Thing #8: My creation
I really like animals, especially dogs. I can use these photos as essay prompts in class. Most, if not all, students have had some contact with animals of some kind, and I would love reading/grading essays about animals that were close to them. Generally, students will write easily about animals and they aren't bombarded with the "What will I write about?" question.
I am not crazy about sharing photos online only because I don't have a lot of experience with it. However, I am gaining experience by the hour for this class:)
I am not crazy about sharing photos online only because I don't have a lot of experience with it. However, I am gaining experience by the hour for this class:)
Jenimg050
This is my dog Jen. She is currently my absolute favorite because she loves me too. She gathers cows for me if we need them in the corral to give vaccinations. Also, she follows me around the yard and the garden. It is absolutley delightful that I can tell Jen anything without worrying about her telling anyone else.
Thing #7: A Tale of 17 Tennis Balls and 1 Border Collie :)
I love this picture. We have 10 border collies: 3 are pups still and and 1 is Kate's, my daughter. Kate's dog's name is Ace and she loves tennis balls!! This particular picture is one of Meg Price's pictures and I found it on Flickr at http://flickr.com/photos/25822731@NO2/3915296309/.
I had fun seeing Flickr and the many, many, many photos! I can use these photos during class with permission from the photographers.
Thing #4
Commenting on a blog helps me personally because I not only clarify my thinking, but also am allowed to state what I think, my feelings, or opinions in the particular way I want them received. So many times (I'm seeing this week) many bloggers comment without considering the writer's thoughts and cause instant dislike. This may not matter to the blogger, but he/she needs to be open enough for other bloggers to feel comfortable leaving comments.
I found "inviting comments" and "ask questions" to be important. To begin with if you do either of these, then readers feel a need to answer the question or discuss an issue. If they have time to read your blog, then they have time to leave a comment. I really like the inviting part because it sounds nice. Most people may leave a thoughtful comment on an inviting blog.
I left a comment on Shavonne Valentine's blog because I wanted to express my congrats to us both for creating a blog and to talk about blogging. I expressed my difficulty with the addition of my avatar to Katherine Gott. I also love her title! I chose to discuss James Edward's pic for Thing #7 because it's cool; the baloon looks like a planet. I commented on Debbie Smith's blog as well; she was talking about reading books compared to using the computer. I found it interesting. I also commented on Kate Newsham's discussion about parents blogging, not just students. After teaching thirteen years I should have thought about parents reading my blog. I only thought my sophomores would. I commented on Darren Rowse's and Cool Cat Teacher's blogs becuase they helped me see why and how blogging could be important.
I made all these comments in order to show that their thoughts were important to me for various reasons. I like their blogs or they helped to show me what else I could do for my students.
I found "inviting comments" and "ask questions" to be important. To begin with if you do either of these, then readers feel a need to answer the question or discuss an issue. If they have time to read your blog, then they have time to leave a comment. I really like the inviting part because it sounds nice. Most people may leave a thoughtful comment on an inviting blog.
I left a comment on Shavonne Valentine's blog because I wanted to express my congrats to us both for creating a blog and to talk about blogging. I expressed my difficulty with the addition of my avatar to Katherine Gott. I also love her title! I chose to discuss James Edward's pic for Thing #7 because it's cool; the baloon looks like a planet. I commented on Debbie Smith's blog as well; she was talking about reading books compared to using the computer. I found it interesting. I also commented on Kate Newsham's discussion about parents blogging, not just students. After teaching thirteen years I should have thought about parents reading my blog. I only thought my sophomores would. I commented on Darren Rowse's and Cool Cat Teacher's blogs becuase they helped me see why and how blogging could be important.
I made all these comments in order to show that their thoughts were important to me for various reasons. I like their blogs or they helped to show me what else I could do for my students.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thing #6
I have fallen in love with Google Docs (once you are signed into Google go to http://docs.google.com/#all) and it is because my students and I will be able to do so much more. Can you imagine getting everyone together to work on a project? I had to do this a long time ago. Now, everyone is on the internet anyway and classwork can still be done! It's fantastic! You can upload things from other sites and people; you can edit 24/7; you can decide who looks at your work and who doesn't; you can visualize - actually see in real time - the editings that partners make; and best of all, it is FREE!! What I would have done to have this as student! I can see any class using Google Docs for various reasons. Science, math, economics, and all group assignments can be done so much more perfectly.
Thing #5
I'll admit I was very impressed while reading the 2.o information. It makes perfect sense that this is where our economy, education, government, and everything else is going: it's going global. Then, I had to stop and think. What about crop producers in Kansas? What about beef management people with herds of cattle and land over 1000 acres? Many of these people use Web 2.0 to obtain information, to communicate, to handle the next livestock sale. Do their hired hands? The people who get dirty doing all those hands-on activities that I can only watch from a podcast? Is the great divide becoming greater?
At any rate, Web 2.0 is a completely digital world. Wouldn't/shouldn't teacher education change as a result? It makes me feel so old and outdated. However, I can take part in this digital world because I agree with MacManus when he said Web 2.0 is "everday, non-technical people using Web technology to enhance their own lives and businesses." It is definitely changing how I look at education and what my students will be doing in the immediate future.
Schools will have to transform/change how monies are spent. The funds used for textbooks can go to technology. So many changes can be made. Classes can be taught on the Web - wouldn't this cost less too? (Fewer teachers perhaphs?)
At any rate, Web 2.0 is a completely digital world. Wouldn't/shouldn't teacher education change as a result? It makes me feel so old and outdated. However, I can take part in this digital world because I agree with MacManus when he said Web 2.0 is "everday, non-technical people using Web technology to enhance their own lives and businesses." It is definitely changing how I look at education and what my students will be doing in the immediate future.
Schools will have to transform/change how monies are spent. The funds used for textbooks can go to technology. So many changes can be made. Classes can be taught on the Web - wouldn't this cost less too? (Fewer teachers perhaphs?)
Thing #3
Students and I could blog about a book we are reading for class. Many times there isn't enough class time to discuss many of the topics students want. If I make time, students will try to lengthen the amount of time I spend on a book in hopes to either not take a test or do a main project. Using a blog, we could comment forever and still do activities in class:)
Thing #2
I thought of a segment of my name, like a nickname, for the blog. The creation was easy except for placing the pic from doppelme. Could that be because of the photo I have of myself on here? I did produce an avatar that favors me baecause I had never created one before. I thought it would be cool:) and it is but I haven't been able to post it yet. I'll keep trying.
Thing #1
This blog is credit for my computer education class right now. I look forward to adding to it and being able to use it for my personal ventures.
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