Can it be possible that I actually finished all 23 Things, plus Thing a and Thing b? I can blog in the dark, I can blog while dogs bark. I can NING, I'm Delicious! I've got a wiki here, working on a wiki there. I am so socially networked it's crazy! I have flickred my picasas and read my feeds.
I can't remember a class that was so intimidating going in, time consuming, at times frustrating, yet absolutely mentally challenging and fun! It is truly worth it.
It is hard to limit a discovery to my favorite as it seemed everything was new. Professionally, I think the Google docs will help me the most in my position. Once I create a wiki for work or adapt the one I have to include work that will be nice. As much as I love to read, it's hard to keep up with, not to mention cost, books. The feeds are a super way to stay updated with what is going on. And you are getting current thoughts.
This class has taught me that even though I thought I was a lifelong learner, I am not sure in what world I was learning. Obviously not the tech world. Whew, I never knew all that was out there. As I said in several of my posts, with all this available how can learning in 09-10 be anything but exciting?
I plan to keep checking my feeds but honestly I have to make a schedule to remind myself. I am planning on either adapting this blog or starting a new one that is more open to literacy. I think one with teachers would be fun.
I think the take-away for me is that the internet is an incredible tool that we are not using to the fullest (hmmmm like our brains maybe). I was very skeptical whenever anyone would mention technology being used in the classroom. Always afraid of being replaced! How ignorant could I have been?
If there is an update class like 46 Things or something I would be very interested. Maybe during the year would be a little easier. I thought the summer would be easier but the time was short if one is still working. Certainly worth it though. I wouldn't change a thing. You ladies did a superb job! I am proud of myself for finishing and have such a sense of accomplishment. I even added the badge to my facebook page! What a nerd I am!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thing 23
I had no idea there were so many different social networking sites. I was already a member of Racenation which is for athletes (again I use that term loosely as far as I am concerned). I had also joined Linked In but never quite figured it out. Plus, it didn't seem like too many people had even heard of it. I finally joined Facebook. Now I am the happy member of NING and Classroom2.0 oh, and let's forget 23Things. They all have their own individual twist.
When I explored Classroom2.0 I came across a video called It's Time to Change Learning. It really validated technology in the classroom. One thing the guy said was that we needed to adapt to the kids (and technology) not have the kids adapt to our old way of teaching. Pretty good stuff.
Another good post I checked out was Reading Revolution. Here two classes, one rural and one inner city used NING to discuss books they had read. I thought that was a unique way to get other people's perspective on a book rather than the same old classmates.
I joined two groups on Classoom2.o, Book Club for Educators and Elementary Reading Teachers
I found Nancy Willard's article on Schools and Social Networking interesting. She shared some of the same concerns I have. She works with middle schoolers so she would have diffferent problems. However, she stresses that social networks should be carefully monitored at school (sort of a duh). I would probably only use NING or those that are limited to educators. I like that they are ad free! They can access the other more social ones one their own time.
When I explored Classroom2.0 I came across a video called It's Time to Change Learning. It really validated technology in the classroom. One thing the guy said was that we needed to adapt to the kids (and technology) not have the kids adapt to our old way of teaching. Pretty good stuff.
Another good post I checked out was Reading Revolution. Here two classes, one rural and one inner city used NING to discuss books they had read. I thought that was a unique way to get other people's perspective on a book rather than the same old classmates.
I joined two groups on Classoom2.o, Book Club for Educators and Elementary Reading Teachers
I found Nancy Willard's article on Schools and Social Networking interesting. She shared some of the same concerns I have. She works with middle schoolers so she would have diffferent problems. However, she stresses that social networks should be carefully monitored at school (sort of a duh). I would probably only use NING or those that are limited to educators. I like that they are ad free! They can access the other more social ones one their own time.
Thing 7b
I have to get better at checking my feeds. I had over 900 that hadn't been read. Wow, it took a long time to read them all! Seriously though, if you don't' keep up it does get out of hand. I did actually read two that were interesting. The first one really caught my eye because it was titled, Hey Leader, Tell Me Story. The gist was that if Hollywood were to make a movie of your school (or district, classroom, really) would it be a drama, comedy, hero's journey, inspirational tale or a tragedy. Very thought provoking. The author likens it to story elements. We have the power to write the script, choose the characters (to some degree) create the setting, etc. Her point was that people are driven by stories not data. It's when we hear the story of a teacher who moves mountains to get kids to improve, that we get motivated. Really good thinking. I hope it's true.
The second one was actually from the Star telegram covering the social studies TEK debacle. I was curious to see their coverage as opposed to the Dallas Morning News. Too depressing to really comment.
I do check my New York Times Best Sellers regularly. I love to see what is on it and whether I have read itor not.
The second one was actually from the Star telegram covering the social studies TEK debacle. I was curious to see their coverage as opposed to the Dallas Morning News. Too depressing to really comment.
I do check my New York Times Best Sellers regularly. I love to see what is on it and whether I have read itor not.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Thing 21
I have to laugh about Google being a verb. I am glad it's been officially recognized. My daughter always says, "Let's just google it." She finds everything that way. I have used Google earth for a while as my map of choice. I have gotten updates from my son's college team through the year, but I am not sure it was through google alerts. Now, I'll have to check into it.
These tools were great. I had heard others talking about creating their own google homepage but I didn't know how to do it. I had the Google search page as my homepage, not real exciting. Obviously, I didn't know what I was doing. Now that I explored igoogle it makes a lot more sense. The best feature is your email shows there and I can delete without having to open/close a tab. Great! My page is a work i progress.
I have used Picasa for a while now but never the albums on Picasa Google. I have been invited to view other's but never did my own. Crazy. I created my own, called Why I Love Estes Park. I had a lot more pictures to add but it took a LONG time to upload them. So, I'll do it in stages. I think this is a great tool to share pictures with parents. All those pictures we take. Goodness, we spent a fortune getting them all developed, multiple prints for each child. Now, create an album of all the activities the class does and all parents have all the pics.
These tools were great. I had heard others talking about creating their own google homepage but I didn't know how to do it. I had the Google search page as my homepage, not real exciting. Obviously, I didn't know what I was doing. Now that I explored igoogle it makes a lot more sense. The best feature is your email shows there and I can delete without having to open/close a tab. Great! My page is a work i progress.
I have used Picasa for a while now but never the albums on Picasa Google. I have been invited to view other's but never did my own. Crazy. I created my own, called Why I Love Estes Park. I had a lot more pictures to add but it took a LONG time to upload them. So, I'll do it in stages. I think this is a great tool to share pictures with parents. All those pictures we take. Goodness, we spent a fortune getting them all developed, multiple prints for each child. Now, create an album of all the activities the class does and all parents have all the pics.
Thing 20
This is true confessions of a staff development attendee. It always bothers me, as a presenter, that people attend staff development and don't implement.I am ashamed to say I have been one of those!! I attended a training, quick but still none the less training, on google docs back in October. When I signed in tonight, I even had some documents I apparently had saved! Go figure! I never used that knowledge and now I am kicking myself. It would have made so many things easier this past year.
Writing curriculum would have been helped if I could have shared a document with the others on the team, they could have commented, edited, etc. and we could have moved on. Although, google docs does take the fun out of emailing and forgetting to attach, then emailing to remind the person there was no attachment, then sending it again! Wow, I may be even more productive now!
I used a google doc to send to the participants in the class. It might not be the best format but I'll soon see if I get comments from my contributors. I also created a spreadsheet calendar to share with my husband. This seemed to have had more features than google calendar. I do so hope they are not one in the same and I was just too dumb to figure it out!
I plan on using a document format with the people in my literacy class. I want to creat rubrics and collaborate to create them. I really like the idea b's babble had to create a spreadsheet for acceleration. Finished My First Year had a great idea for a newsletter.
The only frustration I had was that I kept getting an error saying that Firefox couldn't support googledocs. So, I did it on explorer
Writing curriculum would have been helped if I could have shared a document with the others on the team, they could have commented, edited, etc. and we could have moved on. Although, google docs does take the fun out of emailing and forgetting to attach, then emailing to remind the person there was no attachment, then sending it again! Wow, I may be even more productive now!
I used a google doc to send to the participants in the class. It might not be the best format but I'll soon see if I get comments from my contributors. I also created a spreadsheet calendar to share with my husband. This seemed to have had more features than google calendar. I do so hope they are not one in the same and I was just too dumb to figure it out!
I plan on using a document format with the people in my literacy class. I want to creat rubrics and collaborate to create them. I really like the idea b's babble had to create a spreadsheet for acceleration. Finished My First Year had a great idea for a newsletter.
The only frustration I had was that I kept getting an error saying that Firefox couldn't support googledocs. So, I did it on explorer
Thing 19
With each new Thing, I think, okay this is the best. I know many of these have been around for a while and that I am technologically delayed BUT, the more I see the more I question why teachers and students are so bored in school in 2009. As part of the Reading Team, I am trying to keep a list of all these cool tools to try and implement into the curriculum. At the same time, I could spend an entire day searching and completely miss things that someone else found. So, we really need teachers and the tech facilitators to help us. I am hoping the future Reading wiki will help enable this.
About Voice Threads,pretty cool. I have been giving all of this a lot of thought and I hear teachers comment on how their gifted or higher kids would love these (and other tools.)Without a doubt, but the gifted and higher kids have already found these on their computers at home and/or are the ones creating half the stuff! What a way to excite the struggling child! Think if they could do a voicethread for an alphabet book for a younger child. The struggling child is the one who needs a lot of motivation. I am not saying, don't use it with gt kids, but let's not leave our sturggers out.
Coming and Going I think would be a wonderful way for teachers to track oral language development in primary children. They could have them talk about a picture at the beginning of the year and then revisit it each six weeks. What a way to see growth in language. Back in the day we used tape recorders. How it would have been nice to have this.
If one is going to do "Morning Work" I think What is Bellwork is good. Personally I like it when the kids come in and just read. I love his idea but think it would work better during writing or at least not every morning.
Library A-Z was actually what got me thinking more about the struggling reader, especially those learning the letters and sounds. In addition, you could take digital pictures, create a very basic book and have the child read it. OR you could read it and the child could read along for fluency OR....the list goes on.
The best example so far of incorporating all the technology we have looked at so far is K-12 art, poetry, and music from Erin Berg. WOW! 2nd graders in Utah created the art with digital cameras and then explained itheir art. Ninth graders in Colorado used a wiki, wrote poetry for the art and then fifth and sixth graders in Texas wrote music using Garage Band. Incredible! Check it out.
About Voice Threads,pretty cool. I have been giving all of this a lot of thought and I hear teachers comment on how their gifted or higher kids would love these (and other tools.)Without a doubt, but the gifted and higher kids have already found these on their computers at home and/or are the ones creating half the stuff! What a way to excite the struggling child! Think if they could do a voicethread for an alphabet book for a younger child. The struggling child is the one who needs a lot of motivation. I am not saying, don't use it with gt kids, but let's not leave our sturggers out.
Coming and Going I think would be a wonderful way for teachers to track oral language development in primary children. They could have them talk about a picture at the beginning of the year and then revisit it each six weeks. What a way to see growth in language. Back in the day we used tape recorders. How it would have been nice to have this.
If one is going to do "Morning Work" I think What is Bellwork is good. Personally I like it when the kids come in and just read. I love his idea but think it would work better during writing or at least not every morning.
Library A-Z was actually what got me thinking more about the struggling reader, especially those learning the letters and sounds. In addition, you could take digital pictures, create a very basic book and have the child read it. OR you could read it and the child could read along for fluency OR....the list goes on.
The best example so far of incorporating all the technology we have looked at so far is K-12 art, poetry, and music from Erin Berg. WOW! 2nd graders in Utah created the art with digital cameras and then explained itheir art. Ninth graders in Colorado used a wiki, wrote poetry for the art and then fifth and sixth graders in Texas wrote music using Garage Band. Incredible! Check it out.
Thing 18
You were right, one could spend hours and hours on YouTube and TeacherTube. It is really easy to get lost in the abyss of videos. I guess I think it's fine that there is a venue for people who want to be performers to post their products but I have seen email after email fly around with links to youtube videos that really make fun of people. Maybe that was the creator's intent, to get noticed. I hadn't really experienced Youtube as educational until we started watching them in One Tech Tutorial. I must say I prefer TeacherTube over Youtube just because the inappropriate stuff is filtered out.
I watched several, in one, the premise was good but it was boring to watch. It was How To Correct Common Reading Problems in Children: Robotic Reading. I didn't even copy the address I clicked off of it! I do think with a little digging I could find some that would work for teachers. Again, what a great, short staff development. Why recreate if someone has already created?
Of course there are funny ones. I watch Very Funny Cats. However, I didn't realize that there were so many how-to videos. Since I run, I watched one on breathing.
My favorite was on TeacherTube, Why Read Stories. It's a little heavy but good.
On a lighter note - Reading Everywhere
I have to fix my videos. They show up in the preview but when I published I got an error. I thought it had to do with a different one so I deleted that one. Hummmm.
I watched several, in one, the premise was good but it was boring to watch. It was How To Correct Common Reading Problems in Children: Robotic Reading. I didn't even copy the address I clicked off of it! I do think with a little digging I could find some that would work for teachers. Again, what a great, short staff development. Why recreate if someone has already created?
Of course there are funny ones. I watch Very Funny Cats. However, I didn't realize that there were so many how-to videos. Since I run, I watched one on breathing.
My favorite was on TeacherTube, Why Read Stories. It's a little heavy but good.
On a lighter note - Reading Everywhere
I have to fix my videos. They show up in the preview but when I published I got an error. I thought it had to do with a different one so I deleted that one. Hummmm.
Thing 17
I have been anticipating this Thing for some time. (I know, how silly, I could have jumped right to it first, but since I am an educator and they were listed sequentially, I followed them sequentially!)
I listened to several podcasts on The Education Podcast Network, Miette's Bedtime Stories, for one. I was disappointed the The Daily Idiom wouldn't open. Author's in Your Pocket and The Rob and Bob Show were good too.
I actually subscribed to: Authors in Your Pocket, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips, Just One More Book. In fact I learned when to use a colon as opposed to a dash on the Grammar Girl's podcast. Pretty funny. Kids would love listening to them. It's a lot more interesting than a worksheet.
I loved the Jamestown Elementary podcasts. Now there is an example of incorporating technology into the classroom! Wow, the podcasts the 2nd graders created using every genre from poems to songs to depict life in early Jamestown were unbelievable!
There are so many uses for these. Obviously in the classroom but I think I am going to create some quick ones for curriculum. Teachers don't have time to sit and watch a 30 minute video, but everyone can squeeze in 3 minutes.
I listened to several podcasts on The Education Podcast Network, Miette's Bedtime Stories, for one. I was disappointed the The Daily Idiom wouldn't open. Author's in Your Pocket and The Rob and Bob Show were good too.
I actually subscribed to: Authors in Your Pocket, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips, Just One More Book. In fact I learned when to use a colon as opposed to a dash on the Grammar Girl's podcast. Pretty funny. Kids would love listening to them. It's a lot more interesting than a worksheet.
I loved the Jamestown Elementary podcasts. Now there is an example of incorporating technology into the classroom! Wow, the podcasts the 2nd graders created using every genre from poems to songs to depict life in early Jamestown were unbelievable!
There are so many uses for these. Obviously in the classroom but I think I am going to create some quick ones for curriculum. Teachers don't have time to sit and watch a 30 minute video, but everyone can squeeze in 3 minutes.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Thing 16
Although overwhelming, this one was easy. I can see a lot of uses for me personally. When I have time I would like to add my professional books. That way teachers in the district could look and see if I have the book without emailing. Just cut out the middle man. Also, with the tags, they could see other books that they might like. For my fun books that may have to wait.
Library Thing was really a wealth of information. I think kids would love to join the 50 Book Challenge. I think being part of a group would excite them. Much more fun than keeping track on a list. Plus, not as easy to lose. They could see other books by the same author or topic.
I was blown away by all the groups. That should have been a burning quesion! Who thinks of all these groups. The Tea Group...really, it made me laugh.
I do think the groups would be good in upper elementary, middle and high school. I think it would be a good example for boys. They could even start their own group. It seems like it could almost be a support group for kids who need 'permission' to read.
I wasn't impressed with the Suggester. Each time it just listed different editions of the same title. I tried several and got the same thing. I did find the Unsuggester kind of cool. It was interesting to see what they thought one wouldn't enjoy. Sometimes I read completely different books. But I have friends who will only read one type of books. For them, this would be helpful.
So this is one more bookmark for me to go back to and explore in much more depth!
Library Thing was really a wealth of information. I think kids would love to join the 50 Book Challenge. I think being part of a group would excite them. Much more fun than keeping track on a list. Plus, not as easy to lose. They could see other books by the same author or topic.
I was blown away by all the groups. That should have been a burning quesion! Who thinks of all these groups. The Tea Group...really, it made me laugh.
I do think the groups would be good in upper elementary, middle and high school. I think it would be a good example for boys. They could even start their own group. It seems like it could almost be a support group for kids who need 'permission' to read.
I wasn't impressed with the Suggester. Each time it just listed different editions of the same title. I tried several and got the same thing. I did find the Unsuggester kind of cool. It was interesting to see what they thought one wouldn't enjoy. Sometimes I read completely different books. But I have friends who will only read one type of books. For them, this would be helpful.
So this is one more bookmark for me to go back to and explore in much more depth!
Thing 15
Creating a wiki was a blast. I can see a lot of potential for using it not only personally but professionally as well. It was very easy to create and add things to mine. It's Running Reader. I would like to go back and really take some time and create a unique one since we were all using the same template.
I was a little confused about the title. I noticed some people called theirs practice page, etc. I guess I thought the title of the wiki was the main thing, then each page would have a sub-title. Maybe I am wrong or maybe it doesn't matter.
Adding the Voki was a tad frustrating only because I didn't read carefully enough (go figure). Once I went back through and realized I was to use the widget button it was great.
In addition to creating a Voki I also used the billboard feature. That was fun. I can see kids having fun creating billboards maybe with persuasion or a character study.
Trying to get my page added to the others is still frustrating. I can't seem to do it or even find where I am suppose to do it. One comment I found was that the link was on the bottom of the homepage. Didn't see it. My page does show up in orphans. It was comforting to see that there are some other orphans. Perhaps we will be fostered out soon and have a home. Actually I think if I leave this for a while and come back to it, I can figure it out.
I was a little confused about the title. I noticed some people called theirs practice page, etc. I guess I thought the title of the wiki was the main thing, then each page would have a sub-title. Maybe I am wrong or maybe it doesn't matter.
Adding the Voki was a tad frustrating only because I didn't read carefully enough (go figure). Once I went back through and realized I was to use the widget button it was great.
In addition to creating a Voki I also used the billboard feature. That was fun. I can see kids having fun creating billboards maybe with persuasion or a character study.
Trying to get my page added to the others is still frustrating. I can't seem to do it or even find where I am suppose to do it. One comment I found was that the link was on the bottom of the homepage. Didn't see it. My page does show up in orphans. It was comforting to see that there are some other orphans. Perhaps we will be fostered out soon and have a home. Actually I think if I leave this for a while and come back to it, I can figure it out.
Thing 14
I have heard about wikis for a year now ( I am sure they have been around for a while but remember I just joined Facebook!) They are an incredible tool that we should be using in the classroom. I enjoyed visiting the 1001 Flat World Stories. Wow, talk about connecting around the world. I liked the fact that not only did they share, add to stories but I loved the running clocks to show the time in Hawaii, Seoul and Colorado.
The Code Blue wiki was very well put together. I loved how they added the feature of actual patients with different problems. I can see how students would love to work on that. It was very thorough.
My least favorite was the K Counting Book. I am not sure what I was expecting but not that. I didn't think the pictures were good and in some it was hard to really tell what number was being represented. I should go easy as I haven't created one yet. Mine may look very similar.
I actually joined wiki, Primary Math The homepage was good but what was phenomenal were the links to teacher's blogs or wikis. One in particular, Kindergarten Tales, was outstanding. The teacher chronicled units of study they had done complete with videos, mosaics etc. It seemed she may have taken a class and really implemented. I want to use it as an example for teachers.
My absolute favorite was Go West. I think the teacher summed it up when she said, the excitement of the students never waned; they were eager to work on it at every opportunity. that's why we need to incorporate wikis and really all the tools into our teaching.
The Code Blue wiki was very well put together. I loved how they added the feature of actual patients with different problems. I can see how students would love to work on that. It was very thorough.
My least favorite was the K Counting Book. I am not sure what I was expecting but not that. I didn't think the pictures were good and in some it was hard to really tell what number was being represented. I should go easy as I haven't created one yet. Mine may look very similar.
I actually joined wiki, Primary Math The homepage was good but what was phenomenal were the links to teacher's blogs or wikis. One in particular, Kindergarten Tales, was outstanding. The teacher chronicled units of study they had done complete with videos, mosaics etc. It seemed she may have taken a class and really implemented. I want to use it as an example for teachers.
My absolute favorite was Go West. I think the teacher summed it up when she said, the excitement of the students never waned; they were eager to work on it at every opportunity. that's why we need to incorporate wikis and really all the tools into our teaching.
Thing 13
Delicious has been the best so far as getting everything organized. I did set up my account. It isn't as organized as I want it to eventually be but...I had to move on. I enjoyed tagging things and realized that you really have to be careful how you tag things. For instance, when I went to bundle my tags I couldn't remember if 'articles' pertained to professional articles or running articles. I guess it doesn't matter in the long run. Just more I would have to sift through.
I think the feature of being able to see other people's sites is great. It really is a time saver in that I can log on, look at mine and then check out what the people in my network are reading. Since we are all educators, as far as profession goes, we are interested in similar topics.
I can see value with this in sharing articles with teachers. The one concern I have is that some of the links some teachers have tagged aren't ones that we really want them replicating the activities. Some don't follow best practices. I guess that's where a blog response would come in?
I need to go back and try to tag misd23things on one of mine. I tried a few times but it didn't show up on the wiki.
I think the feature of being able to see other people's sites is great. It really is a time saver in that I can log on, look at mine and then check out what the people in my network are reading. Since we are all educators, as far as profession goes, we are interested in similar topics.
I can see value with this in sharing articles with teachers. The one concern I have is that some of the links some teachers have tagged aren't ones that we really want them replicating the activities. Some don't follow best practices. I guess that's where a blog response would come in?
I need to go back and try to tag misd23things on one of mine. I tried a few times but it didn't show up on the wiki.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thing 22
I know I skipped a few but I could do this one easily, or easier than some of the others. I decided to save them until I am fresh!
I have dabbled with social networking for a few months although not Facebook. I joined RaceNation when I started running with the Dallas Running Club. They made it clear that it would be their mode of communication. I just got a profile and basically checked notifications and messages. I haven't really used it too much for 'talking' back and forth. I am part of a few groups, again that deal with running. It is a network for athletes ( and I use the term loosely for me). When I read comments people post or blogs I do find them interesting and people have gotten quesions answered etc.
I was hesitant to join Facebook, not because of any thing bad but because my kids were on it. Since I knew it had began as a way for university kids to communicate my own children were irritated when everyone in the world joined. I listened to them go on about how this 'old' person or that 'old' person had joined. I really felt like I was treading on their territory. I think they had this illusion that people over thirty, and certainly well over 30 shouldn't be into social networking.
Well, I joined.Right now Race Nation is easier for me to use. I am sure just because I am familiar with it. On Facebook while trying to set up my profile, I inadvertandly posted my three children as mother! Thankfully they are my 'friends' and called it (albeit publically)to my attention. I guess I am not as techno savvy as I thought.
I do think these have merit. Of course there is the reconnecting part which is cool. I have friends however, that say if they haven't kept up with them till now why start. Well, life gets in the way and if we now have an easy way to reconnect, why not?
Educationally, the different groups you can join is great. I haven't joined any yet, I was ovewhelmed with the search. I am thinking about making a group for the people in my literacy class. I think it would be a great way to stay in touch with current and past members.
I did look up friends and request to be friends. I like the feature 'mutal' friends. It makes it easy to link to them.
It can be a huge time sucker. But really what isn't? I know some people that will hole themselves up an entire weekend to read a book. What else are they getting done? Frankly, I would rather people spend time chatting and reconnecting then playing video games. Plus, you can control and set all those settings so that you don't get everything.
I also think there is merit for communicating with parents. This would be easier than 22 individual emails.
I have decided that facebook isn't the spawn of the devil that maybe we "older" folks had made it out to be. It's kind of fun see who is friends with whom, I look at some of the connections and just think wow how do they know each other. I think it's a great tool. If you don't want to alert the world that right now I am drinking coffee - then don't. I personally don't think anyone else is interested in my minute by minute activities. But hey, if others want to...some of them are sort of funny to read!
I have dabbled with social networking for a few months although not Facebook. I joined RaceNation when I started running with the Dallas Running Club. They made it clear that it would be their mode of communication. I just got a profile and basically checked notifications and messages. I haven't really used it too much for 'talking' back and forth. I am part of a few groups, again that deal with running. It is a network for athletes ( and I use the term loosely for me). When I read comments people post or blogs I do find them interesting and people have gotten quesions answered etc.
I was hesitant to join Facebook, not because of any thing bad but because my kids were on it. Since I knew it had began as a way for university kids to communicate my own children were irritated when everyone in the world joined. I listened to them go on about how this 'old' person or that 'old' person had joined. I really felt like I was treading on their territory. I think they had this illusion that people over thirty, and certainly well over 30 shouldn't be into social networking.
Well, I joined.Right now Race Nation is easier for me to use. I am sure just because I am familiar with it. On Facebook while trying to set up my profile, I inadvertandly posted my three children as mother! Thankfully they are my 'friends' and called it (albeit publically)to my attention. I guess I am not as techno savvy as I thought.
I do think these have merit. Of course there is the reconnecting part which is cool. I have friends however, that say if they haven't kept up with them till now why start. Well, life gets in the way and if we now have an easy way to reconnect, why not?
Educationally, the different groups you can join is great. I haven't joined any yet, I was ovewhelmed with the search. I am thinking about making a group for the people in my literacy class. I think it would be a great way to stay in touch with current and past members.
I did look up friends and request to be friends. I like the feature 'mutal' friends. It makes it easy to link to them.
It can be a huge time sucker. But really what isn't? I know some people that will hole themselves up an entire weekend to read a book. What else are they getting done? Frankly, I would rather people spend time chatting and reconnecting then playing video games. Plus, you can control and set all those settings so that you don't get everything.
I also think there is merit for communicating with parents. This would be easier than 22 individual emails.
I have decided that facebook isn't the spawn of the devil that maybe we "older" folks had made it out to be. It's kind of fun see who is friends with whom, I look at some of the connections and just think wow how do they know each other. I think it's a great tool. If you don't want to alert the world that right now I am drinking coffee - then don't. I personally don't think anyone else is interested in my minute by minute activities. But hey, if others want to...some of them are sort of funny to read!
Thing 7a
The first feed that caught my eye and I read thoroughly was on the InfinfiteThinking Machine, titled Twitter 101. I know we are to join a social network and I'll talk more about that when the time comes; however Twitter has really bothered me. From what I had heard it was a place for celebrities and local weathermen to 'tweat' and tell the world what they were doing at any particular time. Frankly I don't care if someone just woke up or just finished working out, especailly someone that lives in a world thousands of miles from mine. So, when I saw this title I was intrigued. I have to admit, after reading this author I can see some potential. Lucy Gray, the author works at the Univerityof Chicago and is part of the team that develops Every Day Math. Since that is the math program we use in elementary I respect them Ms. Gray admits that there is mindless dribbler t, actually she said tweats. However, in addition to the mundane, what about the incredible ways the Iranians used it, she also speaks about how she uses it to search other educators in the math field. She uses it to stay in touch with people using their math program. I am still not 100% convinced it is the answer to everything but I can see possibly some uses.
The second feed was a hot topic and that was the Secretary of Education speaking to the NEA on Obama's push for meirt pay. It was actually a podcast. Secretary Duncan explained to the NEA that it was time for them to endorse merit pay. One can only imagine the comments that unsued. The problem is that we do need a fair way to evaluate teachers. As Duncan stated Republicans and Democrats are behind this. Obama wants to extend the voucher program (which in itself is problematic) add charter schools and address merit pay for teachers. It's coming. Like technology we can understand it and use it in constructive ways or we can keep our heads in the sand and wring our hands.
Secretary Duncan does state that it should not be tied to a single test score. (Thankfully) But we do need a system in place where we are held accountable. Before the boos start, a system that also takes into account the issues with which children come to school. However, the answer isn't to say we don't want merit pay, but let us tell some of the stories of our kids. How can we help them so they can pass a test. Let's use this time to educate our leaders as to what goes on. If we just gripe, say it's not fair, and not offer any insight, then can we really complain?
The second feed was a hot topic and that was the Secretary of Education speaking to the NEA on Obama's push for meirt pay. It was actually a podcast. Secretary Duncan explained to the NEA that it was time for them to endorse merit pay. One can only imagine the comments that unsued. The problem is that we do need a fair way to evaluate teachers. As Duncan stated Republicans and Democrats are behind this. Obama wants to extend the voucher program (which in itself is problematic) add charter schools and address merit pay for teachers. It's coming. Like technology we can understand it and use it in constructive ways or we can keep our heads in the sand and wring our hands.
Secretary Duncan does state that it should not be tied to a single test score. (Thankfully) But we do need a system in place where we are held accountable. Before the boos start, a system that also takes into account the issues with which children come to school. However, the answer isn't to say we don't want merit pay, but let us tell some of the stories of our kids. How can we help them so they can pass a test. Let's use this time to educate our leaders as to what goes on. If we just gripe, say it's not fair, and not offer any insight, then can we really complain?
Thing 12
Wow, one could spend a day (or more) on each of these. First I played around with 30 Boxes. I am not sure how it compares to Google Calendar which I started using. I will have to play around with it more. I did like the fact that you can keep track of b-days, etc. on it. Although after I listed some, it had an April birthday posted in July. I am sure it was the progam and not me, haha!
I like Polldaddy and could see a lot of potential for the Reading Team to use with teachers. We are constantly trying to think of ways to poll information. This would be good. Again, we learned (ever so briefly) in One Tech Tutorial about a survey option and I am not sure how these compare, if there is a reason to use one over the other etc. I'll have to explore more. Here is my survey.
I loved Picnik. That can be used in so many ways. I am not sure of the educatioinal purposes in primary but for personal use it 's great. I used the black and white feature and then added the fade. I had to use a picture of my Grandson, but I guess I could have included my daughter with them!
As I have said before since starting this class, there are so many tools out there for us to use to hook kids into learning. There really is no excuse not to incorporate some. The kids are going to be technologically savvy the question is are we? How badly do we want them to learn?
I like Polldaddy and could see a lot of potential for the Reading Team to use with teachers. We are constantly trying to think of ways to poll information. This would be good. Again, we learned (ever so briefly) in One Tech Tutorial about a survey option and I am not sure how these compare, if there is a reason to use one over the other etc. I'll have to explore more. Here is my survey.
I loved Picnik. That can be used in so many ways. I am not sure of the educatioinal purposes in primary but for personal use it 's great. I used the black and white feature and then added the fade. I had to use a picture of my Grandson, but I guess I could have included my daughter with them!As I have said before since starting this class, there are so many tools out there for us to use to hook kids into learning. There really is no excuse not to incorporate some. The kids are going to be technologically savvy the question is are we? How badly do we want them to learn?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thing 11
Thing 11
These were so much fun. I had a little bit of trouble with Mosaic Maker, uploading pictures from my computer. It was mainly trial and error, mostly error!
The spelling one was great and really easy. I had trouble with the spacing but I think I just thought of a way to fix it. I'll have to go back later and try it. I am not sure at this time, other than fun, how to incorporate this into primary classrooms. Of course they can spell their names and/or word wall words but I was trying to think of something else.
I initially wanted to do a mosaic for the letters in the alphabet. I thought it would be cool to have the letter in the center and then pictures that begin with the same letter all around it. I still think it's a good idea but when I thought of having to give attributions to all the pictures I rethought it. Instead, I did a mosaic of my grandson, Parker. Those pictures I had already on my computer so it was relatively easy. Sometimes when I would click on upload nothing would happen
The trading card I think could be used in a character study. Lots of possibilities. Then the only problem I see is time. Teachers having the time to really play around with the different possibilities and figuring out to utilize them in the classroom. I suppose there are students out there that already know how to use these and they could be the 'expert' in the class. Of course that would require giving up some control and some teachers take issue with that hum.....
Really, with everything that is available shouldn't learning be more fun? So much to ponder!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Thing #10
I think this has been the coolest so far. I know some of the earlier stuff on reading professional feeds etc. should have been the BEST but, this was so fun! Making slideshows has so many possibilities for classroom use. Just the example of Brown Bear was exciting. I could see the Bubbleshare being used for character studies. Think of the character trait and then students could find pictures (or take and upload their own) to illustrate. Then with Bubbleshare they could add speech bubbles. Lots of possibilities.
I thought Jan's slideshow was great. Hers is perfect for prek-kinder kids. It was very simple with clear pictures of science terms with very simple (one word) labels.
I am going to continue to play around with these different types of slideshows and create some personal ones. We all have those pictures that need a funny caption.
Photo Credits
Teacher at Desk by Victor Keppler
Children in Flower Costumes by The Field Museum Library
Dr. Drew H. Turner looking over a groups of children's teeth by State Library and Archives of Florida
Cream of Wheat, Boys Playing Footbal by George Eastman House
Repatrianten by Nationaal Archief
WIlliam Fox School, twins and grads by Library of Virginia
Free Fly by Abishesh
After adding all the attributes for the photos it would be wise for students (especially young ones) to use the pictures they have uploaded or someone uploaded for them. I need to go back and check because I got confused. Do we give credit to the person/site who uploaded the picture or the original photographer? Perhaps I did this wrong.
Okay after showing this to my husband I just realizedI have that stupid song! Now I can't figure out how to take it off without redoing the whole thing. So for now, ignore the song.
I thought Jan's slideshow was great. Hers is perfect for prek-kinder kids. It was very simple with clear pictures of science terms with very simple (one word) labels.
I am going to continue to play around with these different types of slideshows and create some personal ones. We all have those pictures that need a funny caption.
Photo Credits
Teacher at Desk by Victor Keppler
Children in Flower Costumes by The Field Museum Library
Dr. Drew H. Turner looking over a groups of children's teeth by State Library and Archives of Florida
Cream of Wheat, Boys Playing Footbal by George Eastman House
Repatrianten by Nationaal Archief
WIlliam Fox School, twins and grads by Library of Virginia
Free Fly by Abishesh
After adding all the attributes for the photos it would be wise for students (especially young ones) to use the pictures they have uploaded or someone uploaded for them. I need to go back and check because I got confused. Do we give credit to the person/site who uploaded the picture or the original photographer? Perhaps I did this wrong.
Okay after showing this to my husband I just realizedI have that stupid song! Now I can't figure out how to take it off without redoing the whole thing. So for now, ignore the song.
Thing #9
Wow, I spent way too long on Flickr. It is really addicting. I found myself searching for a certain tag and then going off from there. I spent a long time searching for pictures I knew I had uploaded a couple of years ago. I couldn't remember the sign-in information so I never did find them. It really proved how important the tags are. I can empathize with Hoopla and her comment of using Flickr to save personal pictures.
I enjoyed checking out the different educational possibilities. Of course, like everything else the list is endless. I particularly liked the idea of using the pictures to illustrate a story or poem. In addition to using pictures for stories, the vocabulary idea was great. I could see it for both primary and upper elementary. The author used it to illustrate degrees of meaning (which is good) but I think just for basic vocabulary would be super. Think of the virtual vocabulary learning the ESL student could have.
I chose the picture of the teacher by Victor Keppler because she reminds me of how we do not want to teach anymore. She's very pretty but far removed from the class. Obviously she has never had dirty, muddy hands giving her a hug! I want to incorporate this picture into a slide show for my literacy class to help make a point.This was a great lesson even though it took a long time. All of these "Things" will take going back to and really getting into them. I read on someone's blog about using Whiteboard to take notes, I had already forgotten about it! Oh me!
Thing #8
First let me say that I learned some new things about the big C copyright. I didn't realize that once we wrote, drew, sang or whatever that we had copyright. I would think it could be hard to prove if one hadn't gone and gotten the legal 'C' on their works. But oh well.
I love the creative commons. I can really see possibilities for the classroom, curriculum, the list goes on and on. I have used the commons on Wikipedia before. In preparing lessons and games for curriculum the pictures have been great.
I hadn't noticed the creative commons logo before but that doesn't mean anything. I am not always as observant as I should be. Now I notice it all the time. It's like learning a new word. You never noticed it but once you learn it, you hear it everywhere. I know students will love using the creative commons.
I had not heard of Scribd before. There are some really cool articles that people are reading. It too is overwhelming and I want to go back and spend some time.
I was surprised to see some pictures from my daughter's wedding that a friend had taken on flickr with attributions. Pretty funny.
Overall, I appreciate having access to images, articles, etc that can be used without all the legal nonsense.
I love the creative commons. I can really see possibilities for the classroom, curriculum, the list goes on and on. I have used the commons on Wikipedia before. In preparing lessons and games for curriculum the pictures have been great.
I hadn't noticed the creative commons logo before but that doesn't mean anything. I am not always as observant as I should be. Now I notice it all the time. It's like learning a new word. You never noticed it but once you learn it, you hear it everywhere. I know students will love using the creative commons.
I had not heard of Scribd before. There are some really cool articles that people are reading. It too is overwhelming and I want to go back and spend some time.
I was surprised to see some pictures from my daughter's wedding that a friend had taken on flickr with attributions. Pretty funny.
Overall, I appreciate having access to images, articles, etc that can be used without all the legal nonsense.
Thing #7
I must admit I am a bit conflicted about commenting on blogs. First of all, do we say, I liked your post or your blog? I realize it's semantics but there is nothing worse than realizing you know enough to sound ignorant!
I loved the 10 Techniques to Get More Comments on your Blog, however when I went to leave a comment it was discontinued. How funny is that? I couldn't believe how rude some of the comments were. I think there is a sense of entitlement when people think they are anonymous. For some reason people feel they are empowered to say things in a way that they wouldn't say them in person. (Sort of like Staff Development evaluations)
I think blogs and commenting could be very useful in a classroom and/or even for the facilitators to use with teachers. I kept thinking, though, how much it reminds me of writing in journals. Teachers ask students to 'keep journals' all the time. Many of those teachers then complain that students don't take them seriously or don't write very much or write the same thing. I hate to always go back to PURPOSE but what is the purpose of the journal? IF students are going to write in journals and nobody reads it, why bother? Likewise, the technological comment? If students (or teachers) are going to comment and nobody reciprocates what's the purpose. All writing, and commenting, is for an audience. Either live or via the internet, right?
I think there could be great back and forth discussions with not only the teacher and student but outside contributors as well. My fear is that we will get kids hooked and they will eagerly check to see if anyone has responded to their comment only to be disappointed.
Now personally I feel a bit intimidated to leave a comment when I don't know the author. It's easy to contribute to Short n Sweet and either agree or disagree. But if I don't know the author I really do think twice about if I have anything to really contribute. If I were in a face to face discussion and didn't have anything to say I would just shrug or say 'huh.' I think that is frowned upon as a comment and how does one shrug on a post.? Not to mention most of those people are a lot smarter than I am. Who am I to comment except to say, I agree and that seems like a wasted comment.
So my confliction continues.......
I loved the 10 Techniques to Get More Comments on your Blog, however when I went to leave a comment it was discontinued. How funny is that? I couldn't believe how rude some of the comments were. I think there is a sense of entitlement when people think they are anonymous. For some reason people feel they are empowered to say things in a way that they wouldn't say them in person. (Sort of like Staff Development evaluations)
I think blogs and commenting could be very useful in a classroom and/or even for the facilitators to use with teachers. I kept thinking, though, how much it reminds me of writing in journals. Teachers ask students to 'keep journals' all the time. Many of those teachers then complain that students don't take them seriously or don't write very much or write the same thing. I hate to always go back to PURPOSE but what is the purpose of the journal? IF students are going to write in journals and nobody reads it, why bother? Likewise, the technological comment? If students (or teachers) are going to comment and nobody reciprocates what's the purpose. All writing, and commenting, is for an audience. Either live or via the internet, right?
I think there could be great back and forth discussions with not only the teacher and student but outside contributors as well. My fear is that we will get kids hooked and they will eagerly check to see if anyone has responded to their comment only to be disappointed.
Now personally I feel a bit intimidated to leave a comment when I don't know the author. It's easy to contribute to Short n Sweet and either agree or disagree. But if I don't know the author I really do think twice about if I have anything to really contribute. If I were in a face to face discussion and didn't have anything to say I would just shrug or say 'huh.' I think that is frowned upon as a comment and how does one shrug on a post.? Not to mention most of those people are a lot smarter than I am. Who am I to comment except to say, I agree and that seems like a wasted comment.
So my confliction continues.......
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thing #6
I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth..just been busy. I really have enjoyed reading the different feeds. I subscribed to a few but the one I have really paid attention to (and read carefully) was Leader Talk. One post that particularly caught my eye was Some Thoughts: Conditions of Community for Educators. The thoughts have been ones I have been wrestling with since we started this class. I seem to be generating more questions than answers or rather ways to implement technology. I agree with the author when he/she says, "The conversation on this topic can begin with some basic questions but at some point I hope it will move to examining practices, and ultimately grappling with reflections on the implications for our work with students." I worry that in our rush to prove we are keeping up with technology, we are implementing technology without much thought as to purpose or impact of implementation. I do agree that just having the capability to discuss different viewpoints with educators across the country and world is incredible.
I also read Teacher Evaluations. I have to admit I laughed out loud. I have been wondering myself, why, if teacher evaluations are so high, student success is low. There should be a correlation (or at least I think there should be). This post was in response to Secretary Duncan commenting on teacher evaluations. It reminds me of the teacher who states "I taught it, it's not my fault they didn't get it." Duncan seemed to believe we need to focus on teachers and those who are low performing. The question is, what tool do we use to determine whether or not a teacher is low performing??
The feeds can be a bit of a distraction to me. I tried, unsuccessfully to find feeds from specific people; however to no avail. I may try again. The other things is that I may be too ADD
to follow some. I read a little then click to follow a thought and before I realize it I am several clicks removed from the original. It does prove to be very interesting, though.
I also read Teacher Evaluations. I have to admit I laughed out loud. I have been wondering myself, why, if teacher evaluations are so high, student success is low. There should be a correlation (or at least I think there should be). This post was in response to Secretary Duncan commenting on teacher evaluations. It reminds me of the teacher who states "I taught it, it's not my fault they didn't get it." Duncan seemed to believe we need to focus on teachers and those who are low performing. The question is, what tool do we use to determine whether or not a teacher is low performing??
The feeds can be a bit of a distraction to me. I tried, unsuccessfully to find feeds from specific people; however to no avail. I may try again. The other things is that I may be too ADD
to follow some. I read a little then click to follow a thought and before I realize it I am several clicks removed from the original. It does prove to be very interesting, though.
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