I added a Ning badge to my blog and responded to a discussion about our favorite tools. Then I checked out several of the suggested nings and the one I enjoyed the most was Fuzzsters. I love animals and animal pictures so I had to look at that one.
I probably won't join any other Nings since I have so many blogs I monitor daily. Just don't have time to do more. However, I do plan to go back and explore further before school starts. The Food and Hobbies looked promising for future use.
I discovered since taking this class that I belong to several network communities and didn't even realize it. LOL Through MyFamily.com I have two family sites - one for researching one line of my family, the other for my out-of-state family members to keep in touch. I also belong to scrapbooking communities, but have been slow to become an active member. Since taking this class I am becoming more active because I understand the concept better.
It's a great way for people to connect with others of like interests, and I do enjoy being able to have "friends" around the world. I don't believe it will take the place of old-fashioned, personal relationships, but it does offer an opportunity to broaden our horizons in knowledge and understanding.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Final thoughts
I guess I should have read the last link before I posted my Thing #23! I already answered some of the questions so I'll be brief in repeating them.
I. Feedback
1. Favorite exercise: playing with Flickr, setting up a blog, setting up iGoogle and all the goodies that come with it
2. Lifelong learning goals: this program has made me even more eager to continue learning how I can use the Internet to my advantage
3. Unexpected outcomes: discovering RSS feeds and that I can follow specific topics by subscribing to a feed
4. Improve program: the only thing I can think of is to check the links; some are not working
5. Participate in future: absolutely! This was so much fun and I love that I could do it at home where I have plenty of time to play and digest the information.
6. Influence my teaching: I definitely plan to use technology more with my students this year than in the past. I want to have a class blog, use Animoto with my classes, and let them use a mapping program to help write their papers.
7. I hope to keep up with web 2.0 by using RSS feeds from sites that pertain to the new technology
II. Where do I go from here?
I do plan to start a blog for my class and keep up with the latest tools for productivity and creativity. I also plan to teach my students as much as I can about the tools I use with them. Since I spend a lot of time on the computer at home, it will be easy for me to spend a few minutes each night checking out the latest.
I had not thought about adding my blog URL to my signature line, but I like that idea. If every teacher who receives an email from me sees the blog URL maybe they will check it out and get excited about trying it with their class. I also plan to share our blog with my administrator. I want her to see what my kids are doing.
I just subscribed to the Learning 2.1 blog.
I am relieved to complete this class, but so excited aobut all I've learned. I have plenty of time to decide how I plan to integrate the new things into my lessons. By the time school starts I will have the blog set up, widgets added, an introductory letter posted, and invitations to my principal, fellow teachers, and students.
I. Feedback
1. Favorite exercise: playing with Flickr, setting up a blog, setting up iGoogle and all the goodies that come with it
2. Lifelong learning goals: this program has made me even more eager to continue learning how I can use the Internet to my advantage
3. Unexpected outcomes: discovering RSS feeds and that I can follow specific topics by subscribing to a feed
4. Improve program: the only thing I can think of is to check the links; some are not working
5. Participate in future: absolutely! This was so much fun and I love that I could do it at home where I have plenty of time to play and digest the information.
6. Influence my teaching: I definitely plan to use technology more with my students this year than in the past. I want to have a class blog, use Animoto with my classes, and let them use a mapping program to help write their papers.
7. I hope to keep up with web 2.0 by using RSS feeds from sites that pertain to the new technology
II. Where do I go from here?
I do plan to start a blog for my class and keep up with the latest tools for productivity and creativity. I also plan to teach my students as much as I can about the tools I use with them. Since I spend a lot of time on the computer at home, it will be easy for me to spend a few minutes each night checking out the latest.
I had not thought about adding my blog URL to my signature line, but I like that idea. If every teacher who receives an email from me sees the blog URL maybe they will check it out and get excited about trying it with their class. I also plan to share our blog with my administrator. I want her to see what my kids are doing.
I just subscribed to the Learning 2.1 blog.
I am relieved to complete this class, but so excited aobut all I've learned. I have plenty of time to decide how I plan to integrate the new things into my lessons. By the time school starts I will have the blog set up, widgets added, an introductory letter posted, and invitations to my principal, fellow teachers, and students.
Thing #23
I finally made it!!! What a trip! I have learned so much about the web that I had no idea even existed. Many of the tools we explored I plan to use regularly. I especially appreciated learning how to set up and manage a blog since I've been wanting to do that for my scrapbooking.
Now for the last question: I did not enjoy the video. It was really difficult to figure out what it was saying. In fact, it took awhile before I realized what the characters were doing and had to restart it to make sense of it. However, after reading through the links I finally figured out where it was headed. I do like the idea of the Creative Commons copyright effort. It just makes sense since the copyright laws are so strict.
I'm not sure what was meant by an example of how "this" program was modified unless the program referred to is the Learning 2.0. This statement from the article explains it best:
"This course is designed under a Creative Commons license and is an example of how one can take a piece of information or a product and re-work it to make it fit your needs."
But based on that statement I assume the example referred to is the fact that Learning 2.0 is based on the 43Things program and a website called 43 Things I (You) might want to do this year.
Now for the last question: I did not enjoy the video. It was really difficult to figure out what it was saying. In fact, it took awhile before I realized what the characters were doing and had to restart it to make sense of it. However, after reading through the links I finally figured out where it was headed. I do like the idea of the Creative Commons copyright effort. It just makes sense since the copyright laws are so strict.
I'm not sure what was meant by an example of how "this" program was modified unless the program referred to is the Learning 2.0. This statement from the article explains it best:
"This course is designed under a Creative Commons license and is an example of how one can take a piece of information or a product and re-work it to make it fit your needs."
But based on that statement I assume the example referred to is the fact that Learning 2.0 is based on the 43Things program and a website called 43 Things I (You) might want to do this year.
Oh my goodness!! I just saw the most amazing podcast video! I found it under Elementary Podcasts. It's from Penn Manor School District entitled "Monster Exchange Video" created by a 6th grade teacher explaining how he and a 2nd grade teacher use a podcast between their classes. In case it cannot be found by a search: the 6th grade students draw a picture of a monster then write a story about it and read it into the computer to create their podcast. The 2nd grade students listen to the stories and try to draw the monster from the description by the 6th grade. They later meet in the library to compare drawings, trying to find their partner based on the pictures. They spend time reading the stories to each other, comparing and contrasting the pictures. Finally they go to the cafeteria for a demonstration of the different technology from early days [vinyl records] and today. They celebrate by making and eating monster cookies.
To further extend the project the 6th graders contact a school in another part of the state and those of 6th graders listen to the podcasts, draw monsters based on the descriptions, then upload their pictures to the web so the first group can see what they drew.
I got so excited about this project that I started trying to think of ways I could use this with my students. Instead, I plan to tell one of my colleagues about it and encourage her to try it with her homeroom. We have always had "reading buddies" between our 6th and 2nd grades. Imagine how the podcast experience would enrich both groups' learning!
I found the Educational Podcast Directory to be a little overwhelming. There was no search option so it was a little hit and miss trying to find anything specific. I just happened onto the podcast above.
I tried to find a podcast on scrapbooking using the other three sites, but the search options were limited. I did find one I sent to my Google Reader, however it is outdated by two years! Still the information is good and there are several episodes. I like the option of listening before subscribing. This was my first experience with podcasts. I really had no idea what they were or that you did not need an ipod to listen. I may explore them more in the future to see how else they can be used. But, I probably won't subscribe to one to listen to regularly due to time constraints.
To further extend the project the 6th graders contact a school in another part of the state and those of 6th graders listen to the podcasts, draw monsters based on the descriptions, then upload their pictures to the web so the first group can see what they drew.
I got so excited about this project that I started trying to think of ways I could use this with my students. Instead, I plan to tell one of my colleagues about it and encourage her to try it with her homeroom. We have always had "reading buddies" between our 6th and 2nd grades. Imagine how the podcast experience would enrich both groups' learning!
I found the Educational Podcast Directory to be a little overwhelming. There was no search option so it was a little hit and miss trying to find anything specific. I just happened onto the podcast above.
I tried to find a podcast on scrapbooking using the other three sites, but the search options were limited. I did find one I sent to my Google Reader, however it is outdated by two years! Still the information is good and there are several episodes. I like the option of listening before subscribing. This was my first experience with podcasts. I really had no idea what they were or that you did not need an ipod to listen. I may explore them more in the future to see how else they can be used. But, I probably won't subscribe to one to listen to regularly due to time constraints.
Thing #21
I really had fun with this one! I could sit and make videos all day with my family photos! What a fun way to tell a story. It was so simple - the hardest thing was deciding which pictures to choose.
In fact, I like Animoto for my students to create videos to go along with whatever we are studying, or just for the experience of making the decisions of what goes where. The problem solving aspect of that intrigues me.
Now, while I'm making my Ta-da list, I'll add "making an Animoto video" one of my items. When I set up my class blog, I can add all kinds of goodies to it to make the experience for my students a lot of fun. I can see a video of my students working on a project to put on the blog for their parents to watch. Between Animoto and PhotoStory 3 [another staff development I did this summer] we should have some awesome entries on our blog.
Only two more modules to go and I am finished! yeaaaaaa
In fact, I like Animoto for my students to create videos to go along with whatever we are studying, or just for the experience of making the decisions of what goes where. The problem solving aspect of that intrigues me.
Now, while I'm making my Ta-da list, I'll add "making an Animoto video" one of my items. When I set up my class blog, I can add all kinds of goodies to it to make the experience for my students a lot of fun. I can see a video of my students working on a project to put on the blog for their parents to watch. Between Animoto and PhotoStory 3 [another staff development I did this summer] we should have some awesome entries on our blog.
Only two more modules to go and I am finished! yeaaaaaa
Thing #20
Actually this was an easy one for me. I have already embedded a video that a friend sent me last week. It took me awhile to figure out how to do it, but I got it done. It's posted as "Something Extra" in my archives. If I had not already used that one, it is the one I would have chosen anyway. A very inspirational story that brought tears to my eyes, it struck a chord with me because I work with children who are disabled.
I love the idea of adding videos to our classroom blog - some for information, some for just plain fun. As I said before, our students need to enjoy learning to stay engaged. This would be just one more way to keep their attention.
I think the same could be true of the library website. Informational videos could serve a dual purpose - dispensing the information and freeing up the librarian to work with students.
I found this video today that I thought my readers would enjoy.
But this is without doubt one of the funniest I have ever seen. I keep it on my desktop and whenever I need a laugh, I play it. As many times as I've seen it, I still laugh!!
I love the idea of adding videos to our classroom blog - some for information, some for just plain fun. As I said before, our students need to enjoy learning to stay engaged. This would be just one more way to keep their attention.
I think the same could be true of the library website. Informational videos could serve a dual purpose - dispensing the information and freeing up the librarian to work with students.
I found this video today that I thought my readers would enjoy.
But this is without doubt one of the funniest I have ever seen. I keep it on my desktop and whenever I need a laugh, I play it. As many times as I've seen it, I still laugh!!
Thing #18
I explored both MySpace and Facebook. I actually have a MySpace account already, but had never really checked it out. I opened it for the express purpose of keeping in touch with my grandson. He has an account and with our busy schedules I knew I could always correspond with him there. Other than that I've never used it. Here is the link to my profile page.
MySpace
I also signed up for a Facebook account since my niece uses it regularly and that is the best way to stay in touch with her. I just now sent a request to add her as a friend, but have not heard from her yet. Here is the link: Facebook
After examining both sites I decided I like MySpace best for its content and numerous options to customize the space. I prefer less clutter on Facebook, but it is limited as far as customizing it. Both sites disturbed me as far as the friend search. All a person has to do is type in a name and the sites bring up their list of subscribers with that name. I'm not sure how one could protect children from predators unless they are extremely careful to avoid disclosing personal information. It sort of bothers me that anyone could attempt to contact me!
My daughter-in-law closely monitors my grandson's site, and he's in high school! I truly believe that all parents of children under 18 should monitor their sites. As a parent we can never be too careful. It's too late after something dreadful has happened.
I'm really not crazy about using either but will check them to keep up with my grandson and niece. My network of friends are scrappers and genealogists [cousins who are researching our family] and we have our own websites that we frequent so another site to upkeep would be more time than I have to spare.
I believe it's important for educators to be familiar with these sites mainly to understand the new culture/community our students have created for themselves. If we gain access to their sites, and that is a BIG if, we can gain insight into how they think, their values, and their social lives. Like I said, that is a big if - it's not likely we will have that access unless we have already developed a trusting relationship with them. Fortuntely, some will think it's cool to have a teacher as a friend. :)
I'm not sure I see much value in using either sites with our students since we have the option of blogging, which seems to me much more personal and useful. I think the classroom blog will be of more benefit and certainly easier to customize to one's needs.
MySpace
I also signed up for a Facebook account since my niece uses it regularly and that is the best way to stay in touch with her. I just now sent a request to add her as a friend, but have not heard from her yet. Here is the link: Facebook
After examining both sites I decided I like MySpace best for its content and numerous options to customize the space. I prefer less clutter on Facebook, but it is limited as far as customizing it. Both sites disturbed me as far as the friend search. All a person has to do is type in a name and the sites bring up their list of subscribers with that name. I'm not sure how one could protect children from predators unless they are extremely careful to avoid disclosing personal information. It sort of bothers me that anyone could attempt to contact me!
My daughter-in-law closely monitors my grandson's site, and he's in high school! I truly believe that all parents of children under 18 should monitor their sites. As a parent we can never be too careful. It's too late after something dreadful has happened.
I'm really not crazy about using either but will check them to keep up with my grandson and niece. My network of friends are scrappers and genealogists [cousins who are researching our family] and we have our own websites that we frequent so another site to upkeep would be more time than I have to spare.
I believe it's important for educators to be familiar with these sites mainly to understand the new culture/community our students have created for themselves. If we gain access to their sites, and that is a BIG if, we can gain insight into how they think, their values, and their social lives. Like I said, that is a big if - it's not likely we will have that access unless we have already developed a trusting relationship with them. Fortuntely, some will think it's cool to have a teacher as a friend. :)
I'm not sure I see much value in using either sites with our students since we have the option of blogging, which seems to me much more personal and useful. I think the classroom blog will be of more benefit and certainly easier to customize to one's needs.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thing #17
So excited! This was the easiest one yet. I had to laugh when I saw it. I just completed the staff development on Social Bookmarking so I already have my del.icio.us account set up and a fairly decent size network in place.
This is one little tool that has made the biggest difference in my life! I have hundreds of bookmarks due to my scrapbooking and genealogy research, not to mention all the sites I use for school. I had to wade through all those sites to find one for which I wasn't sure I remembered the name correctly. Now, with the tags, it has become so much easier and quite a preserver of my sanity. What used to be innumerable bookmarks now become a handful. Plus, they actually have notes that tell me what that site is. Of course, I'm still in the process of transferring my bookmarks from my old program, but eventually I'll have them all in a manageable form and I will save soooo much time. Here is a screen shot of my list:
I love being able to see the sites my networking family bookmarked. That's how I found some really great websites that I can use. Reading the comments helps to identify the site, what kind of problems someone might have had or how wonderful they think it is and why.
I believe del.icio.us can be used quite successfully in a classroom or library. Our students are required to do a research project. Websites related to their general topic can be bookmarked and tagged in del.icio.us so the students can access the list, choose from the chosen/acceptable sites and do their research. It is a good way to monitor what sites the students are using if necessary, and saves them valuable time and frustration by having sites available to be considered.
I am really excited about del.icio.us. It will save me a lot of valuable time as well.
This is one little tool that has made the biggest difference in my life! I have hundreds of bookmarks due to my scrapbooking and genealogy research, not to mention all the sites I use for school. I had to wade through all those sites to find one for which I wasn't sure I remembered the name correctly. Now, with the tags, it has become so much easier and quite a preserver of my sanity. What used to be innumerable bookmarks now become a handful. Plus, they actually have notes that tell me what that site is. Of course, I'm still in the process of transferring my bookmarks from my old program, but eventually I'll have them all in a manageable form and I will save soooo much time. Here is a screen shot of my list:
I love being able to see the sites my networking family bookmarked. That's how I found some really great websites that I can use. Reading the comments helps to identify the site, what kind of problems someone might have had or how wonderful they think it is and why.
I believe del.icio.us can be used quite successfully in a classroom or library. Our students are required to do a research project. Websites related to their general topic can be bookmarked and tagged in del.icio.us so the students can access the list, choose from the chosen/acceptable sites and do their research. It is a good way to monitor what sites the students are using if necessary, and saves them valuable time and frustration by having sites available to be considered.
I am really excited about del.icio.us. It will save me a lot of valuable time as well.
Thing #16
I'm a little overwhelmed at all the "stuff" in this module. So much to see, so little time. :)
I chose iGoogle as my home [start] page. I added some news modules, a translator [handy with my genealogy], map, weather, my gmail and just for fun a "Places to Visit Before You Die" pictures. I plan to add more when I have time to explore my options. I rearranged all the modules and customized the page with an ocean theme. I still have some work to do, but it's usable as it is. I do plan to keep it my permanent home page since so many of my tools are from Google. However, I also kept my former home page available as a bookmark until I have fully converted.
The Ta-da list is saved as a bookmark on del.icio.us. I can access it anywhere to add, make changes, delete, create new lists. I think this may be one of the most useful tools I found of all I examined. I am a big list-maker anyway, but using Ta-da I won't have to take my list with me - I can get it online. The first list I made is here:
My second list is each task I have to complete by the end of this course. I plan to use Ta-da for organizing household chores, things to pack for vacation, activities to see at our destination. All these things I would be doing on paper anyway. It's a lot faster on the pc, and I can email the lists to my sisters, to school, wherever they were needed.
I looked at several other programs, but most of them were not things I needed or wanted to use. Engrade is a grading program that incorporates the ability to make notations and share with students, parents, administrators. I already have a grading program that I like and I will be using Wikispaces for my communication tool. But for someone who needed both, it seems like a promising solution. Chalksite is another very similar to Wikispaces. Again, if someone needed a program that would allow them to network with parents and students, it seems like a good one - easy to use. One that I thought I would try is Schoopy. I can't remember now what it did, but it's no longer available. MyTicklerFile is a program that helps teachers and students organize and prioritize tasks related to long term projects such as the science fair with multiple deadlines. I thought it would be a great program for any kind of large project that needed to be broken into manageable pieces with various deadlines.
Overall, most of these programs are fluff, meaning they are not really necessary because they can be accomplished by other programs, but would be convenient for someone who needed the various services and wanted them combined.
I can see that the calendar would definitely be helpful so will go ahead and add one to my home page later. Right now, with no school dates to enter, there's really nothing pressing that needs to be added. I will use it to indicate when ARDs are scheduled, test dates, activities at school, special days...anything that I would normally write on my desk calendar but not able to access at home. :) With the calendar on Google, I can check it anywhere.
I chose iGoogle as my home [start] page. I added some news modules, a translator [handy with my genealogy], map, weather, my gmail and just for fun a "Places to Visit Before You Die" pictures. I plan to add more when I have time to explore my options. I rearranged all the modules and customized the page with an ocean theme. I still have some work to do, but it's usable as it is. I do plan to keep it my permanent home page since so many of my tools are from Google. However, I also kept my former home page available as a bookmark until I have fully converted.
The Ta-da list is saved as a bookmark on del.icio.us. I can access it anywhere to add, make changes, delete, create new lists. I think this may be one of the most useful tools I found of all I examined. I am a big list-maker anyway, but using Ta-da I won't have to take my list with me - I can get it online. The first list I made is here:
My second list is each task I have to complete by the end of this course. I plan to use Ta-da for organizing household chores, things to pack for vacation, activities to see at our destination. All these things I would be doing on paper anyway. It's a lot faster on the pc, and I can email the lists to my sisters, to school, wherever they were needed.
I looked at several other programs, but most of them were not things I needed or wanted to use. Engrade is a grading program that incorporates the ability to make notations and share with students, parents, administrators. I already have a grading program that I like and I will be using Wikispaces for my communication tool. But for someone who needed both, it seems like a promising solution. Chalksite is another very similar to Wikispaces. Again, if someone needed a program that would allow them to network with parents and students, it seems like a good one - easy to use. One that I thought I would try is Schoopy. I can't remember now what it did, but it's no longer available. MyTicklerFile is a program that helps teachers and students organize and prioritize tasks related to long term projects such as the science fair with multiple deadlines. I thought it would be a great program for any kind of large project that needed to be broken into manageable pieces with various deadlines.
Overall, most of these programs are fluff, meaning they are not really necessary because they can be accomplished by other programs, but would be convenient for someone who needed the various services and wanted them combined.
I can see that the calendar would definitely be helpful so will go ahead and add one to my home page later. Right now, with no school dates to enter, there's really nothing pressing that needs to be added. I will use it to indicate when ARDs are scheduled, test dates, activities at school, special days...anything that I would normally write on my desk calendar but not able to access at home. :) With the calendar on Google, I can check it anywhere.
Thing #15
What fun!! I didn't know what a wiki was. Like many others, I thought it was short for Wikipedia! Now I know it's Hawaiian for the word "short." I'm not sure how that fits with the wiki concept, but there it is.
I have been suspicious of Wikipedia for a long time. Since it is editable by anyone, anytime, I don't trust its content; especially after hearing that celebrities' entries have been altered to reflect untrue facts. I figure if some can be made inaccurate, then so can others. I will not allow my students to use Wikipedia as a reference unless they can prove the facts from another source.
However, the concept is phenomenal as it relates to a collaborative writing. I love the idea that several students can contribute to a single piece of writing, plan projects together, and share ideas through use of a wiki space. I have already joined wikispaces.com and plan to set up more than one space for my students to work on various projects throughout the year. The first will be identifying and gathering information about the Texas state symbols. We'll probably use another one for a timeline on major events in Texas. A third one will be a collaborative short story featuring a pioneer family so they can show me what they have learned about the early days of Texas.
[I decided to fancy up my blog by adding a few interesting pictures. :) ]
One of my scrapbooking pages of my great grandmother's family who came to Texas in a wagon train.
The little girl is my grandmother whose family arrived before Texas became a state.
I am so excited about using the computers more this year than just for math tutorials. The problem will be finding the laptops available or the computer lab free when I need them!
I have been suspicious of Wikipedia for a long time. Since it is editable by anyone, anytime, I don't trust its content; especially after hearing that celebrities' entries have been altered to reflect untrue facts. I figure if some can be made inaccurate, then so can others. I will not allow my students to use Wikipedia as a reference unless they can prove the facts from another source.
However, the concept is phenomenal as it relates to a collaborative writing. I love the idea that several students can contribute to a single piece of writing, plan projects together, and share ideas through use of a wiki space. I have already joined wikispaces.com and plan to set up more than one space for my students to work on various projects throughout the year. The first will be identifying and gathering information about the Texas state symbols. We'll probably use another one for a timeline on major events in Texas. A third one will be a collaborative short story featuring a pioneer family so they can show me what they have learned about the early days of Texas.
[I decided to fancy up my blog by adding a few interesting pictures. :) ]
One of my scrapbooking pages of my great grandmother's family who came to Texas in a wagon train.
The little girl is my grandmother whose family arrived before Texas became a state.
I am so excited about using the computers more this year than just for math tutorials. The problem will be finding the laptops available or the computer lab free when I need them!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thing #14
I'm finally learning to do all the things I wondered about in other blogs! I can hardly wait to start my scrapbooking blog now. Now on to #14...
The instructions for Bubbl.us were minimal and difficult to access through help; but by trial and error I figured out how to use it since I am familiar with that type of program. I enjoyed working with Bubbl.us to create the following for one of the units my students will be doing this year. However, I will most likely use Inspiration with them. It has better instructions, more options [adding graphics] and I know it well so I can teach them what they need to know. Here is the mind map I made with bubbl.us:
Since the flowchart.com link was broken as was the link from the cached page, I chose Gliffy to examine for my flowchart. Just from the picture I like Gliffy better because it uses traditional flow chart shapes with which I am very familiar. I used to teach computer literacy and elementary programming in which we created flow charts. I love using the concept especially with my students who have difficulty seeing the connections between ideas. It's particularly good for cause and effect. I would even use the correct flowchart shapes since they indicate a specific action. However probably not with Gliffy. [see paragraph below]
Another option with Gliffy is a floor plan. Here is the link to the floorplan I created:
http://www.gliffy.com/pubdoc/1456021/M.jpg
Although these tools were fun to use, I don't see me using them with my students since I have Inspiration. It will do this and much more with all the various options available. A few of the same options are available with these two programs, but not nearly as many. Plus, I have the detailed instructions for using Inspiration from the staff development which would be an advantage over two programs that have very little in the way of help or instructions.
I had fun playing, but I believe I'll stick with what I know and what has plenty of help at my fingertips if I need it.
The instructions for Bubbl.us were minimal and difficult to access through help; but by trial and error I figured out how to use it since I am familiar with that type of program. I enjoyed working with Bubbl.us to create the following for one of the units my students will be doing this year. However, I will most likely use Inspiration with them. It has better instructions, more options [adding graphics] and I know it well so I can teach them what they need to know. Here is the mind map I made with bubbl.us:
Since the flowchart.com link was broken as was the link from the cached page, I chose Gliffy to examine for my flowchart. Just from the picture I like Gliffy better because it uses traditional flow chart shapes with which I am very familiar. I used to teach computer literacy and elementary programming in which we created flow charts. I love using the concept especially with my students who have difficulty seeing the connections between ideas. It's particularly good for cause and effect. I would even use the correct flowchart shapes since they indicate a specific action. However probably not with Gliffy. [see paragraph below]
Another option with Gliffy is a floor plan. Here is the link to the floorplan I created:
http://www.gliffy.com/pubdoc/1456021/M.jpg
Although these tools were fun to use, I don't see me using them with my students since I have Inspiration. It will do this and much more with all the various options available. A few of the same options are available with these two programs, but not nearly as many. Plus, I have the detailed instructions for using Inspiration from the staff development which would be an advantage over two programs that have very little in the way of help or instructions.
I had fun playing, but I believe I'll stick with what I know and what has plenty of help at my fingertips if I need it.
Thing #13
I chose to use Google Docs as my exploration vehicle. Since I already had all my other accounts with Google, I figured I might as well stay with it.
I was surprised to see how easy it was to do the spreadsheet. It's very similar to Excel - just not as sophisticated. I quickly set up a page with imaginary students including the information I would use if they were my real class. I had their names, current grade, current instructional level, type of TAKS they will take, and date of their next annual ARD meeting. For my students, this would be an excellent first step in learning spreadsheets. Here is the link to the spreadsheet:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pkYVfDoi5TtxpToH_qm-qWA
Next, I went to the Presentation tool and set up a very simple two page presentation using some of my scrapbook pages. Again, it was pretty simple to use and I love the ability to publish to the web. My students could use this to create projects based on what they are studying.
Finally, I experimented with the word processor. It's very simple, much like Microsoft Word. It would be a good program for my students to use; I wouldn't use it for most documents. There were only a few font choices, none of my favorites.
However, I might use it in connection with lessons or instructions for my classes. But for my students' writing needs, it would be fine. I do like the option of publishing it to a web page and being able to share it with others, something my students could do for an assignment.
All in all I like the options for Google Docs and see the potential for use in my classroom.
I was surprised to see how easy it was to do the spreadsheet. It's very similar to Excel - just not as sophisticated. I quickly set up a page with imaginary students including the information I would use if they were my real class. I had their names, current grade, current instructional level, type of TAKS they will take, and date of their next annual ARD meeting. For my students, this would be an excellent first step in learning spreadsheets. Here is the link to the spreadsheet:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pkYVfDoi5TtxpToH_qm-qWA
Next, I went to the Presentation tool and set up a very simple two page presentation using some of my scrapbook pages. Again, it was pretty simple to use and I love the ability to publish to the web. My students could use this to create projects based on what they are studying.
Finally, I experimented with the word processor. It's very simple, much like Microsoft Word. It would be a good program for my students to use; I wouldn't use it for most documents. There were only a few font choices, none of my favorites.
However, I might use it in connection with lessons or instructions for my classes. But for my students' writing needs, it would be fine. I do like the option of publishing it to a web page and being able to share it with others, something my students could do for an assignment.
All in all I like the options for Google Docs and see the potential for use in my classroom.
Thing #12 - half-way there!!!
Probably the most fun I've had since I started - exploring all the Google goodies! I had no idea how easy it is to use iGoogle. I've always used Yahoo! as my home page and for all my favorites, etc. It often required jumping through a lot of hoops to get where I wanted to be and do what I wanted to do.
I now have a new home page! I love the fact that in addition to choosing a template for the page, I can move things around any place I want and they will stay there. On my previous home page, only certain modules would fit in one column or another. I wasn't ever happy with where my modules had to be because some of them were set! Google is totally at my whim.
Everything was so easy to use - Notebook [WOW! what a great tool when I'm researching!]
Alerts - again, great tool if I'm trying to follow a particular topic
Calendar - much more flexible than my previous one, I can fully customize it
Picasa - I already was familiar with Picasa since I took the district staff development on it last year. However, I probably won't use it for most of my pictures since I have them organized in my Paint Shop Pro program. I'm satisfied with that, so I don't see any reason to change.
Now that I finally switched over to iGoogle for my home page, I have a lot of work to do to transfer all my information; but from what I've seen, it won't be that difficult, just time-consuming.
I can definitely see the benefit of using Google Notebook with my students. What an easy way for them to take notes! That was the most difficult job for them when they did research. Now just click and they have whatever they need right at their fingertips. The best part is that they can access it from home. I plan to make good use of that tool.
What I'd like to try, if I can manage the time, is to have my students create an iGoogle home page for our class. It would have to remain private due to condfidentiality, but they could give access to their parents, our principal, and other teachers by sharing the link. On here they could post their work - both written and artwork. We have access to a scanner, so it would be no problem for them to put it on the page. They could have a page for different topics and/or classes.
Dang! I'm getting so excited, I have to make that happen!!
Now, I'll see if I can get this link to work...the one to my iGoogle home page.
www.google.com/ig
I now have a new home page! I love the fact that in addition to choosing a template for the page, I can move things around any place I want and they will stay there. On my previous home page, only certain modules would fit in one column or another. I wasn't ever happy with where my modules had to be because some of them were set! Google is totally at my whim.
Everything was so easy to use - Notebook [WOW! what a great tool when I'm researching!]
Alerts - again, great tool if I'm trying to follow a particular topic
Calendar - much more flexible than my previous one, I can fully customize it
Picasa - I already was familiar with Picasa since I took the district staff development on it last year. However, I probably won't use it for most of my pictures since I have them organized in my Paint Shop Pro program. I'm satisfied with that, so I don't see any reason to change.
Now that I finally switched over to iGoogle for my home page, I have a lot of work to do to transfer all my information; but from what I've seen, it won't be that difficult, just time-consuming.
I can definitely see the benefit of using Google Notebook with my students. What an easy way for them to take notes! That was the most difficult job for them when they did research. Now just click and they have whatever they need right at their fingertips. The best part is that they can access it from home. I plan to make good use of that tool.
What I'd like to try, if I can manage the time, is to have my students create an iGoogle home page for our class. It would have to remain private due to condfidentiality, but they could give access to their parents, our principal, and other teachers by sharing the link. On here they could post their work - both written and artwork. We have access to a scanner, so it would be no problem for them to put it on the page. They could have a page for different topics and/or classes.
Dang! I'm getting so excited, I have to make that happen!!
Now, I'll see if I can get this link to work...the one to my iGoogle home page.
www.google.com/ig
A little something extra
An old high school friend sent this video today. It is so inspirational that I just had to share it. I hope you enjoy it.
Thing #11
I'm on to bigger and better things - I think. :) Having just completed Thing #11 I'm feeling pretty good about myself. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find enough time to get caught up. I feel pretty good that I'm half-way finished.
I think I like my method of finding feeds better than some of these tools. First, Feedster would never load. I waited several minutes, went back to it, nothing...So I skipped it. Google Blog Search was very similar to the general Google search that I use regularly, so it was definitely the easiest because I was most familiar with it. Topix was basically all news and I was not interested in subscribing to any of those news feeds. Besides, each article was followed by numerous comments, some inflammatory, some ignorant, some possibly thoughtful. I really don't like reading comments from other people about news articles, and the comments sections wasted so much space on the page, that I didn't bother checking out very many. Syndic8 was probably the most confusing. The search brought up results, but they didn't make a lot of sense when you clicked on the link. Not much information was listed, and it was difficult to figure out if it was something usable. Finally, Technorati was a little better than most, not as good as Google Blog Search, in my opinion.
Overall, I felt Google served me better; but that's the way I always find things on the Internet. I wanted a good local news feed and was pleased to find one that centers on Mesquite and the surrounding areas. Since my primary interests are genealogy and scrapbooking, those are the two things I focused on while I used each of the search sites - the ones that loaded, anyway. I was able to subscribe to a local news feed; a few genealogy blogs, including some useful tools for researchers; a tutorial blog for my Paint Shop Pro program; and several scrapping blogs. I really can't think of any unusual ones that I found since genealogy and scrapbooking are pretty straight-forward sites. I did, however, find some rather interesting news stories while searching for a local news feed.
The fun part comes when I try to check all this stuff, finish the staff development, work on my scrapping, work on my genealogy, and find time to clean house and sleep - not to mention planning to set up a blog for my scrapbooking. :)
If you see me wandering the streets looking dazed and confused, just point me to the nearest computer and I'll be fine.
I think I like my method of finding feeds better than some of these tools. First, Feedster would never load. I waited several minutes, went back to it, nothing...So I skipped it. Google Blog Search was very similar to the general Google search that I use regularly, so it was definitely the easiest because I was most familiar with it. Topix was basically all news and I was not interested in subscribing to any of those news feeds. Besides, each article was followed by numerous comments, some inflammatory, some ignorant, some possibly thoughtful. I really don't like reading comments from other people about news articles, and the comments sections wasted so much space on the page, that I didn't bother checking out very many. Syndic8 was probably the most confusing. The search brought up results, but they didn't make a lot of sense when you clicked on the link. Not much information was listed, and it was difficult to figure out if it was something usable. Finally, Technorati was a little better than most, not as good as Google Blog Search, in my opinion.
Overall, I felt Google served me better; but that's the way I always find things on the Internet. I wanted a good local news feed and was pleased to find one that centers on Mesquite and the surrounding areas. Since my primary interests are genealogy and scrapbooking, those are the two things I focused on while I used each of the search sites - the ones that loaded, anyway. I was able to subscribe to a local news feed; a few genealogy blogs, including some useful tools for researchers; a tutorial blog for my Paint Shop Pro program; and several scrapping blogs. I really can't think of any unusual ones that I found since genealogy and scrapbooking are pretty straight-forward sites. I did, however, find some rather interesting news stories while searching for a local news feed.
The fun part comes when I try to check all this stuff, finish the staff development, work on my scrapping, work on my genealogy, and find time to clean house and sleep - not to mention planning to set up a blog for my scrapbooking. :)
If you see me wandering the streets looking dazed and confused, just point me to the nearest computer and I'll be fine.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Thing #10
I haven't decided which I like best - Google Reader or del.icio.us. They both do basically the same thing - keep favorites organized and subscribe to feeds. After debating and working back and forth between the two, I finally decided I'd use del.icio.us for school and Google Reader for home. That seems to make sense to me - not sure why, it just does. :)
I do want to keep the home and school accounts separate because I have a lot of entries for each. Del.icio.us seems more suitable to the social networking that I hope to do with my students and their parents. Google just seems more suitable to my scrapbooking and genealogy interests. Since I plan to create a blog for my scrapping, and I already use Google mail for my email connected to the scrapping, I thought it would be less confusing to leave it as it is.
One thing about the exercises for these classes that is a little bothersome is the repetition of some of the questions. I have answered the same question more than once and I feel like people will get tired of reading the same thing over and over again. I guess each module was written as a separate entity, or maybe I'm misreading them! LOL
Anyway, to answer, again, the question about how I would use these readers at home and school - I plan to set up a networking with my parents, students, and myself. I want my parents to be able to go to a specific site and get information on what we are doing, read the blogs I share with the students, and be able to respond or contribute to the discussion/information. I think it would be very exciting to have that open access between home and school where parents can see what their kids are doing and have some input. I want my students to be able to blog with me or with other students throughout the year, and hopefully to create a real sense of community among my students.
First, I think it will make a difference in their behaviors in the classroom. Second, I believe it will give them valuable experience in reading, writing, and gaining computer skills beyond game playing. Finally, I hope the parents will become actively engaged in the education process. I can only see positive benefits from the use of the social networking, which will include the RSS feeds I include.
I really wish we had more time to develop these skills in every class. Can you imagine how great it would be if every child in the district could have their own laptop and spend the majority of their time at school on it?
I do have some students who will not be able to take advantage of this new concept. Unfortunately they have disabilities that preclude their participation to a large extent. But the majority of my students are capable of some level of participation; and the two who are not, their parents can still be involved.
Using Google Reader at home will simplify for me what has been taking hours to accomplish. I monitor around 25 scrapping blogs on a daily basis. That takes an enormous amount of my time and once school begins in the fall, I won't have that kind of time. I also monitor several ancestry websites where members share information and photos. That requires a lot of time as well.
Gathering all those feeds into one place, and having the updates come to me, will save me hours and make it possible for me to get other work completed. I design scrapbooking kits and create page layouts; I've been researching my family for almost 30 years; I'm creating a family album for my sisters and our children. I also spend the summer preparing lessons for the next school year.
Wow! I just realized how much I'm trying to do and how little time I have to sleep or rest...no wonder I'm so tired!!! LOL I also talk a lot! :)
I do want to keep the home and school accounts separate because I have a lot of entries for each. Del.icio.us seems more suitable to the social networking that I hope to do with my students and their parents. Google just seems more suitable to my scrapbooking and genealogy interests. Since I plan to create a blog for my scrapping, and I already use Google mail for my email connected to the scrapping, I thought it would be less confusing to leave it as it is.
One thing about the exercises for these classes that is a little bothersome is the repetition of some of the questions. I have answered the same question more than once and I feel like people will get tired of reading the same thing over and over again. I guess each module was written as a separate entity, or maybe I'm misreading them! LOL
Anyway, to answer, again, the question about how I would use these readers at home and school - I plan to set up a networking with my parents, students, and myself. I want my parents to be able to go to a specific site and get information on what we are doing, read the blogs I share with the students, and be able to respond or contribute to the discussion/information. I think it would be very exciting to have that open access between home and school where parents can see what their kids are doing and have some input. I want my students to be able to blog with me or with other students throughout the year, and hopefully to create a real sense of community among my students.
First, I think it will make a difference in their behaviors in the classroom. Second, I believe it will give them valuable experience in reading, writing, and gaining computer skills beyond game playing. Finally, I hope the parents will become actively engaged in the education process. I can only see positive benefits from the use of the social networking, which will include the RSS feeds I include.
I really wish we had more time to develop these skills in every class. Can you imagine how great it would be if every child in the district could have their own laptop and spend the majority of their time at school on it?
I do have some students who will not be able to take advantage of this new concept. Unfortunately they have disabilities that preclude their participation to a large extent. But the majority of my students are capable of some level of participation; and the two who are not, their parents can still be involved.
Using Google Reader at home will simplify for me what has been taking hours to accomplish. I monitor around 25 scrapping blogs on a daily basis. That takes an enormous amount of my time and once school begins in the fall, I won't have that kind of time. I also monitor several ancestry websites where members share information and photos. That requires a lot of time as well.
Gathering all those feeds into one place, and having the updates come to me, will save me hours and make it possible for me to get other work completed. I design scrapbooking kits and create page layouts; I've been researching my family for almost 30 years; I'm creating a family album for my sisters and our children. I also spend the summer preparing lessons for the next school year.
Wow! I just realized how much I'm trying to do and how little time I have to sleep or rest...no wonder I'm so tired!!! LOL I also talk a lot! :)
Thing #9
I am having way too much fun here!! I could sit for hours and play with these programs. Here are my first two creations made at http://www.fototrix.com/
I had an old coat that was worn out, so instead of throwing it away, I gave it to my kittens to sleep on. I kept getting up and finding that coat in the hall, in the den. I could not imagine how it got there. Then one night I heard a strange noise while I was on the computer, looked out my door, and there were my two babies dragging that heavy coat down the hallway!! They weren't even a year old at the time. Needless to say, I had to grab my camera!
My next creation was also at fototrix but is a magazine cover:
Rusty likes to get inside anything he can, or cannot, fit. My son had just emptied the bottled water package and set it next to the trash can. Next thing I knew, Rusty was in it and having a grand old time. I'm glad I keep my camera handy...
Finally, my news headline from http://www.imagechef.com/ It was easy too...just type in your words and it automatically generates the headline in all caps.
Fototrix was very simple to use. Simply upload a photo from your computer, or you can do a web search for one, using their upload tool. Choose from hundreds of layouts, click on the one you want and it automatically inserts your image. Save it to your computer and it's there for whatever use you have in mind.
I tried to use the Body Switcher, but I could never get a picture that fit into the body just right. All I got was a corner of the face, or an ear - the pictures were either too big or in the wrong place on the photo. I gave up on it. I'm sure I'll go back and try it again. I saw many possibilities for funny pictures, but tonight I was more anxious to move on and see what was next.
The last picture, the headline, was the one I thought I might use with my students. I can see them using the headline to report the main idea of a specific passage, make a cover page for a report, create a headline using required parts of speech - any number of ways. Image Chef has so many templates in so many different categories that I believe my students would be able to find several they could use for demonstrating learning.
I also can see using both FotoTrix and Image Chef myself for some of my family photographs and vacation pictures to add some humor to our family album or to my scrapbooking pages.
I had no idea there were so many great programs out there to use - free! I've found myself wanting to sit for hours and just browse, play, create. Unfortunately I have a house that needs cleaning, pets that need feeding, and a bed that really needs to be slept in!!! Time flies by when I'm playing...er, I mean working...and all of a sudden it's after midnight, one o'clock, and I'm still at the computer.
I'd really like to hear how some of you are planning to use the toys we've found in your classrooms. I think it's great to be able to share our ideas. Can you imagine what it will be like when our students get involved in online education. I think it's a good move. Now if we can only convince the government to back off and let us get about the business of teaching....
I had an old coat that was worn out, so instead of throwing it away, I gave it to my kittens to sleep on. I kept getting up and finding that coat in the hall, in the den. I could not imagine how it got there. Then one night I heard a strange noise while I was on the computer, looked out my door, and there were my two babies dragging that heavy coat down the hallway!! They weren't even a year old at the time. Needless to say, I had to grab my camera!
My next creation was also at fototrix but is a magazine cover:
Rusty likes to get inside anything he can, or cannot, fit. My son had just emptied the bottled water package and set it next to the trash can. Next thing I knew, Rusty was in it and having a grand old time. I'm glad I keep my camera handy...
Finally, my news headline from http://www.imagechef.com/ It was easy too...just type in your words and it automatically generates the headline in all caps.
Fototrix was very simple to use. Simply upload a photo from your computer, or you can do a web search for one, using their upload tool. Choose from hundreds of layouts, click on the one you want and it automatically inserts your image. Save it to your computer and it's there for whatever use you have in mind.
I tried to use the Body Switcher, but I could never get a picture that fit into the body just right. All I got was a corner of the face, or an ear - the pictures were either too big or in the wrong place on the photo. I gave up on it. I'm sure I'll go back and try it again. I saw many possibilities for funny pictures, but tonight I was more anxious to move on and see what was next.
The last picture, the headline, was the one I thought I might use with my students. I can see them using the headline to report the main idea of a specific passage, make a cover page for a report, create a headline using required parts of speech - any number of ways. Image Chef has so many templates in so many different categories that I believe my students would be able to find several they could use for demonstrating learning.
I also can see using both FotoTrix and Image Chef myself for some of my family photographs and vacation pictures to add some humor to our family album or to my scrapbooking pages.
I had no idea there were so many great programs out there to use - free! I've found myself wanting to sit for hours and just browse, play, create. Unfortunately I have a house that needs cleaning, pets that need feeding, and a bed that really needs to be slept in!!! Time flies by when I'm playing...er, I mean working...and all of a sudden it's after midnight, one o'clock, and I'm still at the computer.
I'd really like to hear how some of you are planning to use the toys we've found in your classrooms. I think it's great to be able to share our ideas. Can you imagine what it will be like when our students get involved in online education. I think it's a good move. Now if we can only convince the government to back off and let us get about the business of teaching....
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Thing #4 Addendum
I have been reading my classmates blogs - especially the six I chose to respond to as the course progresses. I hope to become part of a network of teachers who are developing technology skills and can serve as supporters, encouragers and sources of ideas as we attempt to move with out students into the world of education online and beyond.
I offered a suggestion to Ms. Brownie about how to find her files that keep getting lost whenever she downloads. I used to have the same problem! On JJ's Summer Time Fun blog I shared what I had found to be potential classroom tools in Flickr. Her idea for a department blog sounded like a good idea so I want to keep monitoring her blog to see how it progresses.
Kimberly's Corner had a great idea for another use of the magazine maker. I commented on that and decided I need to use some of her ideas.
I enjoy reading the other blogs...every one is so different. I assume as I get into the "things" I'll be creating more features on my blog. Right now it's just kind of plain vanilla. As I get more comfortable with what I can do I plan to create another blog for use in my scrapbooking. I'd love to do that right away, but I need to get these courses behind me first!
Back to the "Things" so I can see what's in store for me next. I am loving it...
I offered a suggestion to Ms. Brownie about how to find her files that keep getting lost whenever she downloads. I used to have the same problem! On JJ's Summer Time Fun blog I shared what I had found to be potential classroom tools in Flickr. Her idea for a department blog sounded like a good idea so I want to keep monitoring her blog to see how it progresses.
Kimberly's Corner had a great idea for another use of the magazine maker. I commented on that and decided I need to use some of her ideas.
I enjoy reading the other blogs...every one is so different. I assume as I get into the "things" I'll be creating more features on my blog. Right now it's just kind of plain vanilla. As I get more comfortable with what I can do I plan to create another blog for use in my scrapbooking. I'd love to do that right away, but I need to get these courses behind me first!
Back to the "Things" so I can see what's in store for me next. I am loving it...
Thing #8
I'm so glad I'm not doing summer school!! I've been able to spend several hours the past two days catching up on our 23 Things. So far, Flickr is my favorite - well, the Flickr Tools, that is. I had so much fun playing that I almost forgot what I was supposed to be doing.
I tried out many of the tools listed, but my favorites are the Puzzlemaker [I am a jigsaw addict] and the Bead Art Maker. I love how the Magazine Cover looks, but I prefer using my scrapbooking programs where I can customize more. However, I've included the cover I did - I think it looks fantastic. One of my favorite Grand Canyon pictures makes a great jigsaw puzzle - just wish I could have it for real. I think there was an option for that. I'll have to go back and check. Finally, my favorite result was the Bead Art Maker. I had to decorate an old '70s VW bus for a scrapbooking challenge. I used flowers [ala the Partridge Family bus] then put it in the middle of a flower garden surrounded by trees in front of a real photo of a lake. It turned out fantastically with the Bead Maker. I have to find time to experiment with that again and again...
Here are the results of my "hard" work - hehe
I can definitely use Flickr and the tools for my personal use, especially with my family albums. I believe some of the tools could be used in the classroom as well. I can see using it to let the students create something then write about it. Creating illustrations for projects and papers would be a lot of fun for them and for me when I evaluate them.
Map Maker and Poster Maker could be used by the librarian, teacher and students. Without naming them all, I can see most of the Flickr Tools being used to stimulate writing, engaging students, encouraging reluctant readers and writers to attempt reading and writing. Who says learning cannot be fun? I found that if kiddos are having fun they are more likely to learn something and may not even be aware they are learning.
Now I've gotta get back to those Flickr Tools - some of them are calling my name... :)
hummm
Now I have to figure out why my pictures don't show! The links work great. The pictures are ??? I have a little more studying to do on this blog thingy!!!
Finally! I figured out how to add more than one image. Now to get the links -I just reread the instructions and found out I don't have to put the links back to Flicker. At least I think that's what it means... The chances are next to none that I will be doing that for my personal blog, but I do want to do that for my students. Back to the Help files to see what I'm doing wrong. 
On second thought, I think I'll take a break and work on my scrapping for awhile. I'm behind on that, my dog needs a bath, my cats are vying for my attention, my stomach is empty........But I'm having a lot of fun with this class! I'm learning so many new things and remembering so much I had forgotten.
Onward and upward toward #8.
Finally! I figured out how to add more than one image. Now to get the links -
On second thought, I think I'll take a break and work on my scrapping for awhile. I'm behind on that, my dog needs a bath, my cats are vying for my attention, my stomach is empty........But I'm having a lot of fun with this class! I'm learning so many new things and remembering so much I had forgotten.
Onward and upward toward #8.
Thing #7
I viewed all the information about Flickr and proceeded to open an account. It asked if I wanted to use the new name or the former one. I was a little confused but I clicked on the old one out of curiosity. Was I ever shocked to see photos of my students and various activities we did in class. My first thought was - those kids look just like some of mine! Then I discovered they were... :) Once again, I had an account at a website I had completely forgotten about!
Those photos are marked private for reasons of confidentiality; but the ones I uploaded today are for public viewing. I guess I must like Flickr -- since I've used it in the past. I also used Webshots, but it's just such a chore to keep up with everything. I usually copy all my photos to a DVD, then if something happens to the computer I still have them. In fact I'm in the process of scanning all my photos - hundreds and hundreds of them - into the computer and saving them to a disk. Many of my old photos are in the albums with the paper that sticks to the backing...not a good way to preserve them. I'm switching to photo sleeves as I scan. I may grow very old before it's all done.
I guess I don't really have a concern about making the photos public, at least not the ones of scenery. I may have second thoughts about the ones with identifiable people. I'll probably blur out the faces of underage subjects, maybe even adults. However, most of my photos would be for family and friends anyway so that probably won't be an issue.
As for using Flickr - yes, I believe I will use it. It's really easy to use and I like the way things can be organized and displayed for viewing by others. I can see that it will really be helpful to my students for saving illustrations they find for their papers, and locating pictures I have for them to view. I like to show them a photo or illustration or painting, then have them write about it. Sometimes they have to write descriptive phrases; sometimes what happened before or after the picture; sometimes just make up a story about the photo. Flickr would be a great tool for such projects.
I really can't compare Flickr with Webshots because it's been such a long time since I've used Webshots. As near as I can remember the process is basically the same. They are divided into albums with a place for captions, ability to email, etc. I did go back and look - had to search awhile to find where I wrote down the sign-in, but finally succeeded. I uploaded the last pictures in 2004!! So much for sharing files on the web...
Here are a couple of the photos I put on Flickr today. My sisters and I took my grandson to AZ last summer to see the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Indian ruin
s, and lots more. We had such a great time! I told him he was a unique kid - 13 and vacationing with three old ladies [two of us teachers] and he actually had a great time! LOL Now to the pictures:
Those photos are marked private for reasons of confidentiality; but the ones I uploaded today are for public viewing. I guess I must like Flickr -
I guess I don't really have a concern about making the photos public, at least not the ones of scenery. I may have second thoughts about the ones with identifiable people. I'll probably blur out the faces of underage subjects, maybe even adults. However, most of my photos would be for family and friends anyway so that probably won't be an issue.
As for using Flickr - yes, I believe I will use it. It's really easy to use and I like the way things can be organized and displayed for viewing by others. I can see that it will really be helpful to my students for saving illustrations they find for their papers, and locating pictures I have for them to view. I like to show them a photo or illustration or painting, then have them write about it. Sometimes they have to write descriptive phrases; sometimes what happened before or after the picture; sometimes just make up a story about the photo. Flickr would be a great tool for such projects.
I really can't compare Flickr with Webshots because it's been such a long time since I've used Webshots. As near as I can remember the process is basically the same. They are divided into albums with a place for captions, ability to email, etc. I did go back and look - had to search awhile to find where I wrote down the sign-in, but finally succeeded. I uploaded the last pictures in 2004!! So much for sharing files on the web...
Here are a couple of the photos I put on Flickr today. My sisters and I took my grandson to AZ last summer to see the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Indian ruin
s, and lots more. We had such a great time! I told him he was a unique kid - 13 and vacationing with three old ladies [two of us teachers] and he actually had a great time! LOL Now to the pictures:
Thing #6
After last night's torrent of words you'd think I wouldn't have anything left to say. :) I don't think that's ever been a problem for me - at a loss for words. I usually come up with something to say.
I chose MyHeritage to explore. As I looked down the short list "genealogy" jumped out at me. Since it's one of my greatest passions I chose it for my assignment. There were others listed but this one was #1 and I didn't care for the others just from a cursory look.
I was curious about Amiglia and took the tour of the site. I really liked the mapping section much better than MyHeritage, but to use the site required registering for a free year and I was afraid I'd forget to cancel it! :)
Back to MyHeritage- It's very user friendly: simple and easy to use. The funny thing is that when I signed on to experiment with it, I was informed I was already registered! Apparently I had tried it out some time ago and forgot all about it. Oh well, senility hits us all eventually.
I did go ahead and input information to see how the program operates. It has a lot of good features, easy to navigate and even offers several languages with which to work. Reports can be generated for ancestors of a specific person or descendants of a single person. Relationships between family members can be determined. I don't like the map feature since it wouldn't zero in on a specific town, just the state. Amiglia showed the actual place and an aerial shot of the area. That was pretty neat.
While I think MyHeritage is a great beginner's tool, for the more experienced genealogist it's too simple. I guess I'm spoiled to the program I use that has so many more features and options. It's like using an outline instead of the whole document. But for those just starting, it's great.
I'm not sure I can see its use in the school library; possibly in the classroom as part of a unit of study in history or sociology. When I was in college one of my history professors was excited about her ancestor who was the subject of a poem about a Revolutionary War-time hero. She encouraged us to do some research on our family. The next year an English professor chose a photo journal of our family as one of our required assignments. I was hooked after those two assignments. I can see students using research tools [a TEKS objective] to discover information about their family and using the website to store the information. Using information from their family tree they could produce written documents for English, history, etc. It would definitely be a fun way for them to learn.
I chose MyHeritage to explore. As I looked down the short list "genealogy" jumped out at me. Since it's one of my greatest passions I chose it for my assignment. There were others listed but this one was #1 and I didn't care for the others just from a cursory look.
I was curious about Amiglia and took the tour of the site. I really liked the mapping section much better than MyHeritage, but to use the site required registering for a free year and I was afraid I'd forget to cancel it! :)
Back to MyHeritage- It's very user friendly: simple and easy to use. The funny thing is that when I signed on to experiment with it, I was informed I was already registered! Apparently I had tried it out some time ago and forgot all about it. Oh well, senility hits us all eventually.
I did go ahead and input information to see how the program operates. It has a lot of good features, easy to navigate and even offers several languages with which to work. Reports can be generated for ancestors of a specific person or descendants of a single person. Relationships between family members can be determined. I don't like the map feature since it wouldn't zero in on a specific town, just the state. Amiglia showed the actual place and an aerial shot of the area. That was pretty neat.
While I think MyHeritage is a great beginner's tool, for the more experienced genealogist it's too simple. I guess I'm spoiled to the program I use that has so many more features and options. It's like using an outline instead of the whole document. But for those just starting, it's great.
I'm not sure I can see its use in the school library; possibly in the classroom as part of a unit of study in history or sociology. When I was in college one of my history professors was excited about her ancestor who was the subject of a poem about a Revolutionary War-time hero. She encouraged us to do some research on our family. The next year an English professor chose a photo journal of our family as one of our required assignments. I was hooked after those two assignments. I can see students using research tools [a TEKS objective] to discover information about their family and using the website to store the information. Using information from their family tree they could produce written documents for English, history, etc. It would definitely be a fun way for them to learn.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thing #5
Now to finish #5 - not the Short Circuit robot #5! :)
I have to agree with MsBrownie - I was expecting a cool computer program I could use with my students. Little did I know it was LOTS of computer programs...a movement of sorts toward a more technology-related future in the classroom and out.
School 2.0 means to me the future of education. I envision every student with a laptop and all the time they need to gather information, categorize it, develop products with it...basically the same thing we ask of them today but without the use and ease of technology. Blogging with students and parents not only gives open pathways of interaction, but also provides students with daily, practical experience reading and writing. Keeping students engaged has always been a problem...imagine a classroom full of students actively pounding away on the keyboard, researching and following the writing process and enjoying it.
Library 2.0 - I haven't made up my mind. As long as the traditional library does not disappear I think the concept of more written material available online is a great idea and should be one of the goals of dispensers of knowledge. However, I still see the value of traditional books, maps, documents, libraries and librarians.
I never want to wake up to a virtual world as a reality. Let people play their pretend SecondLife games...I still want real people in a real world doing real things - like reading books. :)
I have to agree with MsBrownie - I was expecting a cool computer program I could use with my students. Little did I know it was LOTS of computer programs...a movement of sorts toward a more technology-related future in the classroom and out.
School 2.0 means to me the future of education. I envision every student with a laptop and all the time they need to gather information, categorize it, develop products with it...basically the same thing we ask of them today but without the use and ease of technology. Blogging with students and parents not only gives open pathways of interaction, but also provides students with daily, practical experience reading and writing. Keeping students engaged has always been a problem...imagine a classroom full of students actively pounding away on the keyboard, researching and following the writing process and enjoying it.
Library 2.0 - I haven't made up my mind. As long as the traditional library does not disappear I think the concept of more written material available online is a great idea and should be one of the goals of dispensers of knowledge. However, I still see the value of traditional books, maps, documents, libraries and librarians.
I never want to wake up to a virtual world as a reality. Let people play their pretend SecondLife games...I still want real people in a real world doing real things - like reading books. :)
Wow! Web 2.0 is the Future of Education
This was such a powerful article I couldn't read another one until I commented on it. I was enthralled as I read the trends in technology and education. Phrases like "flood of information" and "platform for creativity" made an impact which almost overwhelmed me. At the same time I could feel the excitement about the potential building up from deep inside. Suddenly I was able to see what actually lies ahead for our students and for education. What potential!!
I loved when he said the consumers will become the producers - creators of content. Rather than just searching for information, students can become participants in the dissemination of content. His reference to the "hallway" learning just reinforced a belief I've always had - that one learns best when teaching others. Study groups, whether in person or in blogs, would enable students to affirm their knowledge, add to it, share it. His practical suggestions to educators make a lot of sense to me. I wish more teachers would take his challenge.
One thing that did disturb me was a comment made in response to his article. One person shared the reaction received by administrators when presented with a proposal to pilot a classroom blog for her students writing. They were astounded that she would think of such a thing and even suggested that students' writings should be confined to the refrigerator door! He even wanted to know if there were studies to show that such a program would raise test scores.
True, with NCLB barking at our heels it would be difficult to devote time to such pursuits, but in the long run who will suffer? Do our students plod away in tutoring groups, acceleration groups and constant test preparation? Or do we teach them as much as we can and prepare them for a future that will in all probability involve technology and knowledge of software to which they have never been exposed? Do we continue with paper and pencil work, losing many students along the way? Or get them involved in regular classroom use of computers that will keep them interested and engaged in learning?
I loved when he said the consumers will become the producers - creators of content. Rather than just searching for information, students can become participants in the dissemination of content. His reference to the "hallway" learning just reinforced a belief I've always had - that one learns best when teaching others. Study groups, whether in person or in blogs, would enable students to affirm their knowledge, add to it, share it. His practical suggestions to educators make a lot of sense to me. I wish more teachers would take his challenge.
One thing that did disturb me was a comment made in response to his article. One person shared the reaction received by administrators when presented with a proposal to pilot a classroom blog for her students writing. They were astounded that she would think of such a thing and even suggested that students' writings should be confined to the refrigerator door! He even wanted to know if there were studies to show that such a program would raise test scores.
True, with NCLB barking at our heels it would be difficult to devote time to such pursuits, but in the long run who will suffer? Do our students plod away in tutoring groups, acceleration groups and constant test preparation? Or do we teach them as much as we can and prepare them for a future that will in all probability involve technology and knowledge of software to which they have never been exposed? Do we continue with paper and pencil work, losing many students along the way? Or get them involved in regular classroom use of computers that will keep them interested and engaged in learning?
Another one!
I began reading Dr. Schultz' "To a Temporary Place in Time" and had to go back and read it again. I couldn't decide if it was a tongue-in-cheek article or a supportive one. Her analogy based on the economy's shift from commodity to product to service to experience was interesting. She did a masterful job of equating the stages of the library to each stage of the shift. I just can't decide if that's what she sees coming or if it's a "what if it becomes this" article.
Either way, I don't see the traditional brick and mortar library becoming extinct. Most large libraries utilize technology to locate information and books; but I don't see the books themselves becoming obsolete in the near or far future. Some books just need to be handled and people like me who like to go to bed with a good book - well, I just don't see it!
Too often I've seen mistakes in transcription from printed sources to electronic that I believe the actual input and checking for accuracy would preclude any kind of move to all things electronic.
I do agree that there is a preponderance of information on the Internet that makes trips to the library unnecessary. But there are still massive amounts of information not available; and I, for one, hope it never comes to that. I grew up in the library and still enjoy spending time browsing, researching and selecting books to take home to the comfort of my living room.
Either way, I don't see the traditional brick and mortar library becoming extinct. Most large libraries utilize technology to locate information and books; but I don't see the books themselves becoming obsolete in the near or far future. Some books just need to be handled and people like me who like to go to bed with a good book - well, I just don't see it!
Too often I've seen mistakes in transcription from printed sources to electronic that I believe the actual input and checking for accuracy would preclude any kind of move to all things electronic.
I do agree that there is a preponderance of information on the Internet that makes trips to the library unnecessary. But there are still massive amounts of information not available; and I, for one, hope it never comes to that. I grew up in the library and still enjoy spending time browsing, researching and selecting books to take home to the comfort of my living room.
Thing #4 - 30 June 2008
Well, moving right along...I decided to start "Thing 4" and come back to it as I need to later in the course.
After reading the comment blogs I realized there is more to blogging than I thought. I'm ashamed to say I'm in that 9% who comment occasionally but don't become part of the community. I frequent scrapbooking blogs; but I guess as a beginner I felt like an intruder because it seemed that everyone else knew each other. I remember reading one blog, thinking to myself, "these people must know each other pretty well," not knowing that they are part of an online community. They became "friend" through their blogging. I should have realized that since I used to belong to an online AOL group many moons ago. Now I see how and why commenting on blogs is important to creating that sense of community. The more you are seen responding, the more familiar people become, and friendships can develop.
It was with great relief that I discovered through the commenting blogs that I can actually become part of those communities just by regular comments. I do have a couple of favorites that I will put on my list of "blogs to visit for the class."
As for other points brought out in the readings, I believe the do's and don'ts of blogging are just plain common sense. It's important to consider carefully what you say so it will not be miscontrued. I like what one classmate said about the smiley face - it's a great tool, no matter what you say since people cannot hear your tone of voice. Certainly never type responses in caps since that indicates yelling. Use of inflamatory words or remarks go against all that is decent. I could go on and on, but if one uses their sense of fairness and decency, blogging will be an enjoyable experience.
I had mixed feelings with the alias vs real name argument. I feel very strongly about protecting my identity, not necessarily my privacy, but probably that too. Since one cannot see the person on the other end of a blog, it becomes a potential safety issue - especially for teens and children. I prefer to remain anonymous as far as who I am and where I'm located. Besides if you say something stupid, no one knows who you are! :) However, I do believe it's important, if one wants to belong to the community of bloggers on a particular site, that an alias is established and used regularly to identify a person.
I chose from our group:
readandgiggle, partly because the name caught my eye. I actually did read and giggle. :) But after I began reading I discovered I really enjoyed reading her comments about the various "things" she was trying. I, too, write with a sense of humor - except when I'm trying to do an assignment! :)
teachartiscool - The first page background of the blog was so interesting that I wanted to see more. As I read I discovered we have some of the same thoughts and feelings about this class and education in general. I love looking at the artwork, too!
MsBrownie's Blog -After a comment about her blog on another bloggers site, I had to check it out. She's very entertaining, and besides we are twins...check out our avatars :) The face is a little different, though. Her comment about Thing 1 and Thing 2 really had me laughing because I had thought the same thing. In addition, I want to see how her blogging idea with her students develops.
Teddy Bear Blog - Her interest in genealogy and scrapbooking resonated with me! Those are my two passions.
JJ's Summertime Fun - Her blog is an easy read and quite entertaining. I like the way she explains the "things" she has tried and I love her taste in music!
Kimberly's Corner - I enjoyed reading her blog and that's one thing I look for - something that holds my attention. Boring loses me very quickly - her's is not boring!
OK, I chose six instead of five, but I couldn't decide which one to skip. I plan to comment on these blogs regularly as well as commenting on some of the others as time permits. I had no idea this class would take so much time!!! :)
Two blogs not from this class that I frequent are Booland Designs and JulieO. These are both scrapping blogs and I love their work. They are designers for Stone Accent Studios where I get the majority of my scrapping ideas and supplies...lots of freebies. I have been a little random with my comments [part of that 9%] but I plan to change that and begin to comment regularly.
I'll post updates as I comment on the blogs I've listed, but will create a new blog with "Thing #4" in it instead of adding to this quite lengthy post. I do tend to get a little wordy...
After reading the comment blogs I realized there is more to blogging than I thought. I'm ashamed to say I'm in that 9% who comment occasionally but don't become part of the community. I frequent scrapbooking blogs; but I guess as a beginner I felt like an intruder because it seemed that everyone else knew each other. I remember reading one blog, thinking to myself, "these people must know each other pretty well," not knowing that they are part of an online community. They became "friend" through their blogging. I should have realized that since I used to belong to an online AOL group many moons ago. Now I see how and why commenting on blogs is important to creating that sense of community. The more you are seen responding, the more familiar people become, and friendships can develop.
It was with great relief that I discovered through the commenting blogs that I can actually become part of those communities just by regular comments. I do have a couple of favorites that I will put on my list of "blogs to visit for the class."
As for other points brought out in the readings, I believe the do's and don'ts of blogging are just plain common sense. It's important to consider carefully what you say so it will not be miscontrued. I like what one classmate said about the smiley face - it's a great tool, no matter what you say since people cannot hear your tone of voice. Certainly never type responses in caps since that indicates yelling. Use of inflamatory words or remarks go against all that is decent. I could go on and on, but if one uses their sense of fairness and decency, blogging will be an enjoyable experience.
I had mixed feelings with the alias vs real name argument. I feel very strongly about protecting my identity, not necessarily my privacy, but probably that too. Since one cannot see the person on the other end of a blog, it becomes a potential safety issue - especially for teens and children. I prefer to remain anonymous as far as who I am and where I'm located. Besides if you say something stupid, no one knows who you are! :) However, I do believe it's important, if one wants to belong to the community of bloggers on a particular site, that an alias is established and used regularly to identify a person.
I chose from our group:
readandgiggle, partly because the name caught my eye. I actually did read and giggle. :) But after I began reading I discovered I really enjoyed reading her comments about the various "things" she was trying. I, too, write with a sense of humor - except when I'm trying to do an assignment! :)
teachartiscool - The first page background of the blog was so interesting that I wanted to see more. As I read I discovered we have some of the same thoughts and feelings about this class and education in general. I love looking at the artwork, too!
MsBrownie's Blog -After a comment about her blog on another bloggers site, I had to check it out. She's very entertaining, and besides we are twins...check out our avatars :) The face is a little different, though. Her comment about Thing 1 and Thing 2 really had me laughing because I had thought the same thing. In addition, I want to see how her blogging idea with her students develops.
Teddy Bear Blog - Her interest in genealogy and scrapbooking resonated with me! Those are my two passions.
JJ's Summertime Fun - Her blog is an easy read and quite entertaining. I like the way she explains the "things" she has tried and I love her taste in music!
Kimberly's Corner - I enjoyed reading her blog and that's one thing I look for - something that holds my attention. Boring loses me very quickly - her's is not boring!
OK, I chose six instead of five, but I couldn't decide which one to skip. I plan to comment on these blogs regularly as well as commenting on some of the others as time permits. I had no idea this class would take so much time!!! :)
Two blogs not from this class that I frequent are Booland Designs and JulieO. These are both scrapping blogs and I love their work. They are designers for Stone Accent Studios where I get the majority of my scrapping ideas and supplies...lots of freebies. I have been a little random with my comments [part of that 9%] but I plan to change that and begin to comment regularly.
I'll post updates as I comment on the blogs I've listed, but will create a new blog with "Thing #4" in it instead of adding to this quite lengthy post. I do tend to get a little wordy...
Thing #3 - 30 June 2008
Thanks, MMW!
Now that I'm finally official I can get down to some serious blogging. Well, almost. I just finished one online class and am about to start another one tomorrow. Not sure what I got myself into, but it should prove interesting to say the least.
I'm knee deep in genealogy research, digital scrapbooking, and online staff development! Summer will not be long enough to get everything done I planned to do!!
Now I'm off the do Thing #4 and hopefully #5 before I start the new class. Or maybe I'm just dreaming I can....
Now that I'm finally official I can get down to some serious blogging. Well, almost. I just finished one online class and am about to start another one tomorrow.
I'm knee deep in genealogy research, digital scrapbooking, and online staff development! Summer will not be long enough to get everything done I planned to do!!
Now I'm off the do Thing #4 and hopefully #5 before I start the new class. Or maybe I'm just dreaming I can....
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Thing #2
What fun! I've never created an avatar before. Someone said it was like playing dress-up. It is! Actually it reminded me of the Sims characters...the way you choose elements, just not as detailed as the Sims.
I had a difficult time coming up with a blog name. I tried to think of something definitive and finally ended up with "Our Class Journal" because that's what I hope it becomes...a journal for my class.
As I said before, creating the blog was so much easier than I expected. I don't know why I haven't done it before except that it does demand time to blog and I don't have a lot of free time right now. However, I have a blog, finally. I plan to use it this year with my students. I'll create another one for scrapping since it will require a totally different kind of content.
My avatar reflects my interests rather than my personality. I couldn't find a "crazy" person among the choices. I love the beach and have always wanted to go to Hawaii so that one fits my dreams and desires. I created the character with the same attributes I have - short, dark hair and dark eyes, but that's as far as it goes. I definitely do not have her body!! Furthermore, I couldn't find an old lady in there either; I am, after all, a grandmother.
As you can see, I am having fun. I guess that fits my personality more than the avatar. I like to play, make jokes, and generally have a good time; and I'm a master at understatement. I figure if I can't have fun when I work, why work. I do enjoy my vocation. [I learned that a job, a career, and a vocation are three distinct and unique activities.]
By the way, I tend to be a little wordy too!
I had a difficult time coming up with a blog name. I tried to think of something definitive and finally ended up with "Our Class Journal" because that's what I hope it becomes...a journal for my class.
As I said before, creating the blog was so much easier than I expected. I don't know why I haven't done it before except that it does demand time to blog and I don't have a lot of free time right now. However, I have a blog, finally. I plan to use it this year with my students. I'll create another one for scrapping since it will require a totally different kind of content.
My avatar reflects my interests rather than my personality. I couldn't find a "crazy" person among the choices.
As you can see, I am having fun. I guess that fits my personality more than the avatar. I like to play, make jokes, and generally have a good time; and I'm a master at understatement. I figure if I can't have fun when I work, why work. I do enjoy my vocation. [I learned that a job, a career, and a vocation are three distinct and unique activities.]
By the way, I tend to be a little wordy too!
Thing #1 - 25 June 2008
7 1/2 Habits
I think the easiest of these would be #4, confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner. I should be a career student! I love to learn. The confidence somes from years of being self-taught in a variety of areas - cooking, sewing, crafts, genealogical research, various computer programs for publishing and photo enhancing, word processing programs and other areas of technology and electronics. I know I can learn just about anything I set my mind to learn.
Probably the hardest was #3, viewing problems as challenges. I guess it depends on the problem and the time it surfaces. Some are just too overwhelming. I enjoy problem-solving as a rule; but when the problem is something out of my control or anyone else's control - that's not challenging. The hardest thing I've ever had to face was losing my son to cancer. No matter how I looked at it, I could not turn that problem into a challenge unless you consider the challenge of how to survive the grief.
Habit #7 is a rule I live by in the classroom. I've always believed that teaching is the best way to learn; therefore I often pair my students so that one can "teach" the other to reinforce the one as he/she teaches the other.
I spend a lot of time on my computer at home doing research, digital scrapbooking, genealogy and corresponding with family and friends. I hope to gain new skills with Web 2.0 tools to enhance my experience in these areas. I am creating a family history using the genealogical research combined with the scrapping so I can provide my sisters and our children with a pictorial and printed history of our family.
I also want to create a place where I can communicate with my students and their families. I hope to publish news and information about what our class is doing for the parents and give my students a safe place to communicate with me.
I discovered that setting up a blog was extremely easy! I had been wanting to do a blog for my scrapbooking but was afraid to try because I had no idea where to start. This course forced me to do just that and now I feel silly about fearing the whole thing!
I think the easiest of these would be #4, confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner. I should be a career student! I love to learn. The confidence somes from years of being self-taught in a variety of areas - cooking, sewing, crafts, genealogical research, various computer programs for publishing and photo enhancing, word processing programs and other areas of technology and electronics. I know I can learn just about anything I set my mind to learn.
Probably the hardest was #3, viewing problems as challenges. I guess it depends on the problem and the time it surfaces. Some are just too overwhelming. I enjoy problem-solving as a rule; but when the problem is something out of my control or anyone else's control - that's not challenging. The hardest thing I've ever had to face was losing my son to cancer. No matter how I looked at it, I could not turn that problem into a challenge unless you consider the challenge of how to survive the grief.
Habit #7 is a rule I live by in the classroom. I've always believed that teaching is the best way to learn; therefore I often pair my students so that one can "teach" the other to reinforce the one as he/she teaches the other.
I spend a lot of time on my computer at home doing research, digital scrapbooking, genealogy and corresponding with family and friends. I hope to gain new skills with Web 2.0 tools to enhance my experience in these areas. I am creating a family history using the genealogical research combined with the scrapping so I can provide my sisters and our children with a pictorial and printed history of our family.
I also want to create a place where I can communicate with my students and their families. I hope to publish news and information about what our class is doing for the parents and give my students a safe place to communicate with me.
I discovered that setting up a blog was extremely easy! I had been wanting to do a blog for my scrapbooking but was afraid to try because I had no idea where to start. This course forced me to do just that and now I feel silly about fearing the whole thing!
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