I did it. I completed the 23 things. I never thought I would have been this successful with technology. I learned more about the internet than I have ever known. Everything I have learn will assist me in my masters and my teaching career. For starters I have a blog. I sent a link of my blog to my sister, and she wants to start one as well. I gave her a push. Just as the class gave me.
I also want to start another blog when I become a teacher. I want the blog to connect parents with what their children are doing. It could be titled "what we did in class" or the standard we worked on today...... As a future history teacher I want to do all I can to enhance learning and motivate students to participate. I also want to incorporate web 2.0 for the students and create an environment where technology is welcomed, and can assist my own lesson plans.
My favorite site has been google. Before I thought google was just a search engine. Now I have an igoogle, google reader, and google docs. With igoogle I have everything I want in one page. My calendar, news, you tube, and even horoscopes. I also subscribe to blogs with my reader. Recently I subscribed to a podcast. With google reader I can type and save my writing on line. I utilize the many tools that I have learned because I am more organized, more technologically savvy and it eases my work load.
Overall, I think this program does not need to be improved. It took me out of my comfort zone and usually that is the only method I learn. I could not control how sites were going to react, and what I would find, but I did complete every "thing". In the end this has improved the way I view technology and how I will incorporate it in the future.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thing 23
Today I learned about creative commons. This site allows users to share their work with others. No need to fear copyright laws, because collaboration is the main principle in creative commons. My 23 things is based on the Stephen Abram article titled 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006). It was modified, for APSU students but the credit was given to the person who created it first.
After learning about creative commons I can teach my students about copyright laws and how it can negatively affect them. The internet should be utilized not plagiarized. Students should not copy and paste articles and submit it as his or her own. Also as a future teacher I can utilize internet resources for my classroom and give credit to those who created it first. I understand that because of the limited resources educators sometimes may use "fair use" but ultimately educators should set the example and do what is correct.
After learning about creative commons I can teach my students about copyright laws and how it can negatively affect them. The internet should be utilized not plagiarized. Students should not copy and paste articles and submit it as his or her own. Also as a future teacher I can utilize internet resources for my classroom and give credit to those who created it first. I understand that because of the limited resources educators sometimes may use "fair use" but ultimately educators should set the example and do what is correct.
Thing 22
Today I discovered the podcast world. I had heard about podcast before, but I never had used them. I never understood how podcast worked. All users need is the internet and a computer. The audio or video is delivered through the internet. Users could listen to them whenever they wanted to.
In my case its in my google reader. You do not need to only use itunes. There are different directories that can be used. I searched through education directory, and learn out loud. Both are easy to utilize, and I recommend both. I found history podcast. This podcast is devoted to history everything and anything. The segments range from Henry VIII to Pocahontas. I already began to listen to the segment about Pocahontas. I made my husband listen to it. He does not believe me that the Disney portrayal of Pocahontas is totally wrong. After he heard it, he was still in denial.
My husband encouraged me to begin a podcast, but i think I would rather create podcast only for my future class. I think I could incorporate it to my lesson and utilize it for those students that are absent.
In my case its in my google reader. You do not need to only use itunes. There are different directories that can be used. I searched through education directory, and learn out loud. Both are easy to utilize, and I recommend both. I found history podcast. This podcast is devoted to history everything and anything. The segments range from Henry VIII to Pocahontas. I already began to listen to the segment about Pocahontas. I made my husband listen to it. He does not believe me that the Disney portrayal of Pocahontas is totally wrong. After he heard it, he was still in denial.
My husband encouraged me to begin a podcast, but i think I would rather create podcast only for my future class. I think I could incorporate it to my lesson and utilize it for those students that are absent.
Thing 21
Today I explored animoto. Animoto is this cool site that lets you create professional videos. Who knew. I sure did not. I have a lot of pics that I would like to make videos of, and now I can. This site is easy to use, and your video is completed in minutes. Users have the option of uploading their own pictures or pics from the website. It also let you add sound. When it is completed you have the option of remixing it which creates something different.
I created a 30 second video. I used pictures of my wedding day. I loved the final outcome of the video. It is not long, but the pictures are memorable. It reminded me of that day. Where all my family was together. I uploaded my images and it was done in minutes. The 30 second video is free, and lets you upload 12 pictures. If a user wants a longer video it can also be created, but it will have a charge.
I created a 30 second video. I used pictures of my wedding day. I loved the final outcome of the video. It is not long, but the pictures are memorable. It reminded me of that day. Where all my family was together. I uploaded my images and it was done in minutes. The 30 second video is free, and lets you upload 12 pictures. If a user wants a longer video it can also be created, but it will have a charge.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thing 19
Today I explored other social networks. I did not realize that there so many. There are social networks that fit everyone's interest. From books, films, songs, the list can go on and on. The latest crave is facebook, myspace, and twitter. I have a facebook but I wanted something with a specific interest. I just joined teacherpop. I am waiting to be accepted so I could read comments and chat with teachers and aspiring teachers. Many of my classmates have joined and I think this would be great social network to be apart of. This can helpful for my future classes in the teacher program and when I become a teacher.
Another social network that I just became apart of is filmcrave. After reading Kim's blog I knew I also wanted to join. I love watching movies. My favorites are comedies. With filmcrave you can watch movie trailers, write movie reviews, and create your own movie list. Also other movie lovers can chat and discuss their favorite movies. Its a social network where movie lovers can share their opinions. I will probably have my husband join in since he shares the same interest in movies.
Another social network that caught my interest is goodreads. I can finally share my interest of reading with others. Also I can get great advice on the books I should read. Sometimes when I go to borders, I do not know what to buy. There are sooo many books and no one one to really give you advice on what to get. Being a member of goodreads should change that. I always wanted to be apart of a book club now here is my chance.
Another social network that I just became apart of is filmcrave. After reading Kim's blog I knew I also wanted to join. I love watching movies. My favorites are comedies. With filmcrave you can watch movie trailers, write movie reviews, and create your own movie list. Also other movie lovers can chat and discuss their favorite movies. Its a social network where movie lovers can share their opinions. I will probably have my husband join in since he shares the same interest in movies.
Another social network that caught my interest is goodreads. I can finally share my interest of reading with others. Also I can get great advice on the books I should read. Sometimes when I go to borders, I do not know what to buy. There are sooo many books and no one one to really give you advice on what to get. Being a member of goodreads should change that. I always wanted to be apart of a book club now here is my chance.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thing 18
Social networking has become a global phenomenon. Everyone including me at least has a myspace, facebook, and or twitter. Sometimes people have all three. I use to have a myspace page but I recently deleted it. In the beginning it seemed like a good idea. I began having new friends and keeping contact with old friends. It became a better method than email or instant message. I shared pictures, thoughts, and designed my page. My husband was in Iraq and it was the fastest method in order for me to know he was online.
Once he came back my page kept on getting hacked and I began receiving weird messages from people I did not know or want as my friend. As myspace became more popular users were not protected as they should be. My page was set on private but it still did not help. I figured there was something better. My sister introduced me to facebook. I like it better than myspace. I also share pictures, messages, and I have my own wall. Which makes it a lot easier than everyone designing their own page. My friends can write on my wall, leave messages, or comment on what is on my mind.
Teachers an educators can use social networks to keep in touch with parents or their students. Students can have a facebook page and share information with the class. They would be writing and reading in a creative format. It just depends on the parents. There needs to me more emphasis on user protection. Students should be able to utilize the internet without having parents fearing the worst. Ultimately, students safety may be the number one reason why educators would not use social networking.
Once he came back my page kept on getting hacked and I began receiving weird messages from people I did not know or want as my friend. As myspace became more popular users were not protected as they should be. My page was set on private but it still did not help. I figured there was something better. My sister introduced me to facebook. I like it better than myspace. I also share pictures, messages, and I have my own wall. Which makes it a lot easier than everyone designing their own page. My friends can write on my wall, leave messages, or comment on what is on my mind.
Teachers an educators can use social networks to keep in touch with parents or their students. Students can have a facebook page and share information with the class. They would be writing and reading in a creative format. It just depends on the parents. There needs to me more emphasis on user protection. Students should be able to utilize the internet without having parents fearing the worst. Ultimately, students safety may be the number one reason why educators would not use social networking.
Thing 17
Today I learned about social bookmarking. Everyone has bookmarks, but the process needed an upgrade. It could not have come at a better moment. As a college student I have too many favorite websites and bookmarks that have taken over my computer. Using the older method of bookmarking was becoming tedious. I had too many sites and nothing was organized. I explored delicious, furl, and magnolia. In my opinion the best one is delicious.
After exploring delicious and viewing the tutorial I could not wait to become a member. What delicious does is lets you bookmark but also tag and add your own description. Everything becomes a given list based on your tag. The best part is that you can share and view others tag. Sharing bookmarks can be helpful especially for researching, lesson plans, and or finding new information.
I would want to teach my future students this new method of bookmarking, because it would be beneficial for their educational careers. For instance, maybe they all have a report based on the 13 colonies and they have begun creating their bookmarks. If they would want to find more tags or popular tags based on 13 colonies they could easily find other tags on delicious. It is an easier method to find information and the possibilities are endless.
As a future history teacher I can bookmark websites that will enhance my lesson plans and tag them. Once I become a teacher all have the information and other peoples' "popular tags" as well. The information will assist my lesson plan and will benefit my students. Its a win win situation.
After exploring delicious and viewing the tutorial I could not wait to become a member. What delicious does is lets you bookmark but also tag and add your own description. Everything becomes a given list based on your tag. The best part is that you can share and view others tag. Sharing bookmarks can be helpful especially for researching, lesson plans, and or finding new information.
I would want to teach my future students this new method of bookmarking, because it would be beneficial for their educational careers. For instance, maybe they all have a report based on the 13 colonies and they have begun creating their bookmarks. If they would want to find more tags or popular tags based on 13 colonies they could easily find other tags on delicious. It is an easier method to find information and the possibilities are endless.
As a future history teacher I can bookmark websites that will enhance my lesson plans and tag them. Once I become a teacher all have the information and other peoples' "popular tags" as well. The information will assist my lesson plan and will benefit my students. Its a win win situation.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thing 16
Getting organized can make any difficult task a lot easier. There are start up pages that can make your job a lot faster. I have igoogle as my homepage. It is wonderful. Every morning I wake up and look at the news, weather, horoscope, calendar, and tv shows on one page. This appealed to me from the beginning. Having everything together is easier, faster, and free. I have my personal calendar that lets me know about my assignments that are due so I wont fall behind. I also have google reader which has everything I subscribe to in one page.
I also explored mystickies. I just did an annotated bibliography, and this would have helped me a lot. I kept on going back to webpages because I forgot why I thought they were important. This made my project a lot longer than it should have been. Mystickies lets you add information about a webpage as a sticky note would. When you go back to it you know why you used it and why it was important. This tool will be great for future research projects.
I also explored chalksite. It can be used as a great online workspace for classrooms. Sharing, collaborating, and homework assignments. Usually universities utilize these features like blackboard and D2l, but I want my future high school students to have this experience. Workspaces can be created for each class and students would be organized.
I also explored mystickies. I just did an annotated bibliography, and this would have helped me a lot. I kept on going back to webpages because I forgot why I thought they were important. This made my project a lot longer than it should have been. Mystickies lets you add information about a webpage as a sticky note would. When you go back to it you know why you used it and why it was important. This tool will be great for future research projects.
I also explored chalksite. It can be used as a great online workspace for classrooms. Sharing, collaborating, and homework assignments. Usually universities utilize these features like blackboard and D2l, but I want my future high school students to have this experience. Workspaces can be created for each class and students would be organized.
Thing 15
Today I understood what a wiki is. In short a wiki is "an online community encyclopedia." I even created a wiki page on wikispace. The page was created for my own personal use. I have a lot of pictures. Its like my own personal collage. I am writing about my family, friends, and love ones. So when I am finished they could read it. I always hate when you have not seen a picture for so long and then you ask what was I doing. That's what I am using wiki for to add my comments and see what my family can add about that particular image. I may be surprised when there comments are added.
While pursuing my undergrad all my professors would tell me stay away from wikis, and I did. My professors did not like wikipedia because everyone can change it. Some students were using it on their research papers and having incorrect information. I missed out on a lot of creative tools because of it. Now I realized that wikis can be used to benefit students. As long as its monitored it can work. For instance, I explored our apsu23sandbox which has some interesting feedback on what we have done over the semester. I added information to the google page. I love my google reader. I use it everyday. I keep up with the blogs I follow and the podcast too. The ideas are great and the collaboration becomes easy because of the wiki.
I will utilize wikis for my students benefit. From time to time all have them post assignments, and make the class comment on our own sandbox. Instead of reviewing it in class they can review their peers assignments and comment on them. Their ideas and opinions will be shared and we will collaborate as a group.
While pursuing my undergrad all my professors would tell me stay away from wikis, and I did. My professors did not like wikipedia because everyone can change it. Some students were using it on their research papers and having incorrect information. I missed out on a lot of creative tools because of it. Now I realized that wikis can be used to benefit students. As long as its monitored it can work. For instance, I explored our apsu23sandbox which has some interesting feedback on what we have done over the semester. I added information to the google page. I love my google reader. I use it everyday. I keep up with the blogs I follow and the podcast too. The ideas are great and the collaboration becomes easy because of the wiki.
I will utilize wikis for my students benefit. From time to time all have them post assignments, and make the class comment on our own sandbox. Instead of reviewing it in class they can review their peers assignments and comment on them. Their ideas and opinions will be shared and we will collaborate as a group.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thing 14
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This is my flow chart that I created with Bubblus. This application is very simple to use. Once I got to the page the bubble was already waiting for an idea. Now to come up with the idea. I figure I would create one for Halloween. I love Halloween. The candy, costumes, everything. I wanted to see what my mind would come up with in a minute. I wanted to see what I thought about. I know I could add more things, but I wanted to see what my mind would think in a minute. I realized I focused on the costumes the most. It may be because I am thinking of ideas for my husband. He does not like Halloween, but he promised he would buy a costume with me. I think if the computers are available in class this would be a great tool to free write. They can practice their writing skills with an interactive tool. It would be cool to see what students came up with. I think students would like it as much as I did. They can change colors, and make it as huge as they want it.
Thing 13
Having the technology that is needed to succeed in a university is seldom inexpensive. There is always the latest lap top, Word version, and Microsoft. Not to mention if you will buy a PC or a mac. Keeping up with it is sometimes very difficult. It gets worse when you finally understand the application and they "upgrade it." This happened to me with the latest word. I knew word like if it was the back of my hand and then it was changed in 07. Not kidding, when I say it took me half an hour to begin typing a paper because they moved everything. It was because I did not realize that the bubble on the left hand side was the new file tab. Although some say the new application made it easier for me it was more difficult.
I think Zoho writer and Google Docs will finally be its competition. One company may finally lose their monopoly. I explored both sites, and they are easy to use. Not to mention they are free. No need to worry if computer crashes, because your documents are online. I have my research paper in google docs just in case anything happens to my computer. Better safe than sorry!!! Also since they are online you can access it from any computer. I think the best feature is the instant collaboration when the documents are shared. This feature can put a smile on people's faces in terms of group projects. Everyone can share and collaborate. I hope that schools begin to use this feature because then students would not have to spend so much money to keep up with the latest word application.
I think Zoho writer and Google Docs will finally be its competition. One company may finally lose their monopoly. I explored both sites, and they are easy to use. Not to mention they are free. No need to worry if computer crashes, because your documents are online. I have my research paper in google docs just in case anything happens to my computer. Better safe than sorry!!! Also since they are online you can access it from any computer. I think the best feature is the instant collaboration when the documents are shared. This feature can put a smile on people's faces in terms of group projects. Everyone can share and collaborate. I hope that schools begin to use this feature because then students would not have to spend so much money to keep up with the latest word application.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thing 12
Google is not just a search engine. This semester my google knowledge has expanded greatly. I have been using google pretty much daily now. I read my google reader, I share my google docs and now I have my own igoogle.
igoogle, its your very own homepage, but you add mostly anything. Like for instance, This was one of my quotes for the day. "The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid" Art Spander. It makes you think doesn't it. I once had those calendars that gave you a quote for each day. Its about the same concept but its free. My page also has news, weather, more recipes, even tv guide. It will definitely rain tomorrow, and I am in need of an umbrella. My only television addiction is Bones. One of my favorite shows, and its on tonight. I can not wait.
I even made a google calendar. Helps me remember important deadlines especially for my education courses. Every project is written on the date that its due so I know I wont fall behind. It could also be used to schedule lesson plans for a school year. As a future teacher I can use the google calendar to schedule my classes on a daily basis. Then I know the lesson plan, what will be doing for the next day, and the daily assignment.
igoogle, its your very own homepage, but you add mostly anything. Like for instance, This was one of my quotes for the day. "The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid" Art Spander. It makes you think doesn't it. I once had those calendars that gave you a quote for each day. Its about the same concept but its free. My page also has news, weather, more recipes, even tv guide. It will definitely rain tomorrow, and I am in need of an umbrella. My only television addiction is Bones. One of my favorite shows, and its on tonight. I can not wait.
I even made a google calendar. Helps me remember important deadlines especially for my education courses. Every project is written on the date that its due so I know I wont fall behind. It could also be used to schedule lesson plans for a school year. As a future teacher I can use the google calendar to schedule my classes on a daily basis. Then I know the lesson plan, what will be doing for the next day, and the daily assignment.
Thing 11
I have added some new RSS feeds to my google reader. I try to read them on a daily basis. Its so easy and simple to use I cannot imagine my life without it. I searched in edublogs and found "free technology for teachers." Once I subscribe they had an article on Copyright friendly. Its a wiki link that lets helps you search copyright friendly images and sound resources. As a future teacher I think its important to know the many resources that the internet can give you. With copyright laws its better for teachers to be able to get copyright friendly resources. Then there able to share them with their class with no problem.
I also went to Topix. It gives local news in an instant. Its a great resource to know how your local community is doing. I read many articles on The Leaf Chronicle. The more feeds I get the less television I have been watching. I read about schools, H1N1 virus, more rain. Everything that has to do with Clarksville. I have officially been living here for almost a year and I really want to keep up to date with everything. After all its my new home.
I also navigated through google blogs. Found some very interesting blogs. I like google blogs the best. Especially because it links to my google reader. I got more recipes. I hope they help me. My cooking skills are not that great. I always try something new. I subscribe to more education, news and recipe blogs.
I tried going on Synd8.com but it was confusing. I prefer google instead. Better resources and not difficult to navigate in.
I also went to Topix. It gives local news in an instant. Its a great resource to know how your local community is doing. I read many articles on The Leaf Chronicle. The more feeds I get the less television I have been watching. I read about schools, H1N1 virus, more rain. Everything that has to do with Clarksville. I have officially been living here for almost a year and I really want to keep up to date with everything. After all its my new home.
I also navigated through google blogs. Found some very interesting blogs. I like google blogs the best. Especially because it links to my google reader. I got more recipes. I hope they help me. My cooking skills are not that great. I always try something new. I subscribe to more education, news and recipe blogs.
I tried going on Synd8.com but it was confusing. I prefer google instead. Better resources and not difficult to navigate in.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thing 10
Every "thing" that I accomplish never fails. It always gives me something new that the internet can be used for. I think after I finish all the "23 things" I will have the knowledge that I need to use the internet for my benefit. Thing 10 is using RSS. First time I have ever heard this. RSS means Really Simple Syndication. I used the google reader. Its very simple to use. You add a subscription my typing in the url or any phrase and it will search it for you. You go to the page and then you hit the subscribe button. Then it appears on your left hand side with the new blogs, or articles it has posted. Mine relate to education, recipes, history, news, lifestyle. There all there. There is no need to go to every single one unless you want to comment. Makes life easier when everything is together and there is no need to search for it.
I have already began using it. I have been reading the latest blogs cool cat teacher has and the news from google. Its like being an editor of your own personal magazine. Everything is there. I like the recipes in the myrecipes. I will begin to see if they help me. My husband is a picky eater always trying to find new ways to create meals.
I think teachers can use RSS to stay in touch with the new educational hot topics. To get more insight on there content area without having to search all day. The teacher can also have students create their google readers as an assignment. It can increase literacy because they can select what they want to read. Or have them read latest news that will affect them. It will create a great discussion.
I have already began using it. I have been reading the latest blogs cool cat teacher has and the news from google. Its like being an editor of your own personal magazine. Everything is there. I like the recipes in the myrecipes. I will begin to see if they help me. My husband is a picky eater always trying to find new ways to create meals.
I think teachers can use RSS to stay in touch with the new educational hot topics. To get more insight on there content area without having to search all day. The teacher can also have students create their google readers as an assignment. It can increase literacy because they can select what they want to read. Or have them read latest news that will affect them. It will create a great discussion.
Thing 9
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This is a creative tool to enhance any images. You upload any pictures to the templates and the website adds your picture. It is really neat and creative tool. I used http://www.sillyscenes.com/?page=7. At first I was having trouble with the pictures that I chose, they were too large. Also the first webpage I used gave me a lot of trouble. My computer would freeze. I had to search in order to find some that would work. It may have been my lap top. As i said before I need a new one its old in computer years. Anyways, I used the Simpsons template to write on the board and to add a picture. I think that show is hilarious. The movie was not bad either. Image generators is really addicting. I did like six of my own pictures. Once you start you cant seem to stop.In a classroom you can use this tool because it will collaborate with any project. For instance, maybe I want to get to know my students. I can ask them to use a template and add their picture, that describes their likes and write about why they used it. They can also use comic strips to add voice to anything. I could give them a picture of someone from history and say "what do you think they will be saying." I will probably be surprised to what they come out with.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thing 8
I enjoy doing puzzles. It makes me forget about my surroundings, and just focus on completing the image. When I read the link to make a puzzle I knew what I was going to do with my picture. I used a tool that would make your picture a puzzle. I used the picture of the Grand Canyon with my husband and I. It came out better than expected.I also used the tool that would find different pictures to spell a word. I spelled mashups since. Using mashups can enhance any photo. I could use it in class to begin a new lesson and have students decipher a picture. I think it would have students paying attention because the graphics will involve them in the lesson.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thing 6
The web 2.0 that would work for me is google docs. Google docs is a great web 2.0 that can be used for basically anything. I can do spread sheets, papers, notes, letters, and share them without having to email. I choose who can access it. The person that can access it can view it as soon as they log in. It is a form of instant messaging but better. I can access my work from every computer. I do not have to worry of things not saving or flash keys not working because everything is online. The documents are created on the internet and you control who gets to view them. I created one that my sisters and I view. We are all attending a university and we all help each other with grammar in our essays. By using this we can have our essays ready to be revised. This helps us a lot because its quicker than email. My sister already began using it and I have the honor in reading her first essay.
Google docs would also be a useful tool for any classroom environment. As a teacher I can have my students view the information I want them to view without them going to different sites. I can post the homework so no students can say "we had homework." Also if they would have any questions they can view what their peers wrote which would make class discussions. Also spread sheets can be seen which could illustrate the students grades and what will be coming next. Parents will know how much time their children will need for homework and will be reluctant for them to be playing games when they would see the site. Overall, I had no issues with the site and it does everything it says its suppose too. Its simple and easy. If I could do it anyone can.
https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=writely&passive=true&nui=1&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F%3Fhl%3Den%26tab%3Dwo&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F%3Fhl%3Den%26tab%3Dwo<mpl=homepage&rm=false
Google docs would also be a useful tool for any classroom environment. As a teacher I can have my students view the information I want them to view without them going to different sites. I can post the homework so no students can say "we had homework." Also if they would have any questions they can view what their peers wrote which would make class discussions. Also spread sheets can be seen which could illustrate the students grades and what will be coming next. Parents will know how much time their children will need for homework and will be reluctant for them to be playing games when they would see the site. Overall, I had no issues with the site and it does everything it says its suppose too. Its simple and easy. If I could do it anyone can.
https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=writely&passive=true&nui=1&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F%3Fhl%3Den%26tab%3Dwo&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F%3Fhl%3Den%26tab%3Dwo<mpl=homepage&rm=false
Thing 5
Technology has not only influenced our social life, but it has also influenced are education. I think school 2.0 will acknowledge the resources that will facilitate classrooms for the future. As a future teacher I want to use blogging, podcast, web 2.0's, and the internet in order to illustrate important facts in history. Its a new age where students just wont have to listen to lecture but incorporate their ideas too.
For instance, The Harvard study results were that if students participate in small group they will be better prepared, learn more, and will participate. Therefore, social learning will be a definite must in future schools. As the article says "we participate therefore we are." The growth and evolution of the internet has given students a new medium to declare their opinion. "55% of students raging from 12-17 years of age participate in a social network." It is up to educators to use those networks for their advantage. These sites are promoting reading and writing with engaging tools.
What I found interesting was the use of "CyberOne" and the "Digital Study Hall." I do not know if they would implement these strategies in public school but only time will tell. I think both assisted their students with a first glimpse of virtual education with a traditional education. The possibilities are endless its really going to make things better for the student and the teacher.
For instance, The Harvard study results were that if students participate in small group they will be better prepared, learn more, and will participate. Therefore, social learning will be a definite must in future schools. As the article says "we participate therefore we are." The growth and evolution of the internet has given students a new medium to declare their opinion. "55% of students raging from 12-17 years of age participate in a social network." It is up to educators to use those networks for their advantage. These sites are promoting reading and writing with engaging tools.
What I found interesting was the use of "CyberOne" and the "Digital Study Hall." I do not know if they would implement these strategies in public school but only time will tell. I think both assisted their students with a first glimpse of virtual education with a traditional education. The possibilities are endless its really going to make things better for the student and the teacher.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thing 4
After reading about commenting I think I am ready to comment on my classmates blogs. Like one of the rules states "I wont be afraid to comment." I will try to right a meaningful comment to let them know that I feel the same way they do. I would be great way to know my classmates outside of class. Also all try to use the rule of thumb "Share something about yourself when you comment." Then they will know something about, me and maybe they will blog on my page as well. I think technology has given us a different method to communicate with each other with regards to blogging. It is like your own personal newspaper.
I never really understood blogging until now. Blogging creates interaction with the author and its readers. The blogger realizes that he has readers and that his point is not lost in his blog but throughout the readers. It really does create a community because the blogger will interact with the readers and the readers with the blogger. I think I may edit some of my blogs to invite and encourage comments.
The first comment I blogged was Sylvia's. We shared the same ideas when it came to blogging. I could relate to her because I never have blogged either. I thought I was going to be the only one. Since nowadays blogging is not new. I enjoyed sharing this new experience with the class. In the end though I think we will both find it easy and useful to blog. After commenting I realized how blogging becomes a social network and will probably continue to blog on my own.
The second comment I blogged was Emma's. She has a great idea for the use of blogs with regards to staying in contact with parents. She wants to be an elementary teacher and will use the blog as a method to keep parents updated on whats going on in her future classroom. I think it will work perfectly with those parents that have work schedules that wont allow them to visit the school. The blog will act as a newsletter that will keep the parents involve. Once the parents are involved the students will be more involved.
The next comment I blogged was Kimberly's. I could relate to her because she wants to use this new tool to share pictures with her family. I also found flicker to be the easiest and fastest to share pictures and be in contact with family. Her use of mashups came out great. She used mosaics to put together wedding pictures and pictures of her beloved dog. I tried using mosaics but it did not work on my lap top. Seeing how her pictures came out will ultimately get me to use my husbands computer to try it again. I also think I can use it in my future class because it will enhance the lesson plan and will have students interact in a positive manner.
I also commented on Tiffany Burghardt blog. We had the same trouble using the mosaic feature. I bet in the beginning everyone had the same trouble. I also can relate about her opinion that sharing pictures on line of students can be a bad idea. Teachers need to get permission and need to track who are watching the students. Unless it is set to private, but the whole point of flicker is to share your images. Teachers should always be aware of parents feelings about having pictures of their children on the internet. In the end even our own President had to take down pictures. It is that important to always double check.
Another blog I commented on was Ashley's. Great thing about reading blogs is that information is shared that benefits the reader. I read her blog about delicious, and imcooked.com. I had never heard of imcooked.com but after reading her blog I could not wait to search the videos. I think its a lot better than you tube if you only looking for food related content. Its really helpful and I have already seen a couple of videos. The site will help anyone its easy and free. Become a member and see the online chefs. Its great.
The two outside blogs that I am subscribing to is Free Technology for Teachers and Cool Cat Teacher. I been reading their blogs on a daily basis and they have both given me resources for education. I commented on their helpful resources. Like for instance, I recently found out what Google wave was all about. Google has so many apps that I need to keep up with. Also I recently read about vorbeo.com. It helps you create polls in your blog. I love subscribing to blogs its a new feature that I cant live without.
I never really understood blogging until now. Blogging creates interaction with the author and its readers. The blogger realizes that he has readers and that his point is not lost in his blog but throughout the readers. It really does create a community because the blogger will interact with the readers and the readers with the blogger. I think I may edit some of my blogs to invite and encourage comments.
The first comment I blogged was Sylvia's. We shared the same ideas when it came to blogging. I could relate to her because I never have blogged either. I thought I was going to be the only one. Since nowadays blogging is not new. I enjoyed sharing this new experience with the class. In the end though I think we will both find it easy and useful to blog. After commenting I realized how blogging becomes a social network and will probably continue to blog on my own.
The second comment I blogged was Emma's. She has a great idea for the use of blogs with regards to staying in contact with parents. She wants to be an elementary teacher and will use the blog as a method to keep parents updated on whats going on in her future classroom. I think it will work perfectly with those parents that have work schedules that wont allow them to visit the school. The blog will act as a newsletter that will keep the parents involve. Once the parents are involved the students will be more involved.
The next comment I blogged was Kimberly's. I could relate to her because she wants to use this new tool to share pictures with her family. I also found flicker to be the easiest and fastest to share pictures and be in contact with family. Her use of mashups came out great. She used mosaics to put together wedding pictures and pictures of her beloved dog. I tried using mosaics but it did not work on my lap top. Seeing how her pictures came out will ultimately get me to use my husbands computer to try it again. I also think I can use it in my future class because it will enhance the lesson plan and will have students interact in a positive manner.
I also commented on Tiffany Burghardt blog. We had the same trouble using the mosaic feature. I bet in the beginning everyone had the same trouble. I also can relate about her opinion that sharing pictures on line of students can be a bad idea. Teachers need to get permission and need to track who are watching the students. Unless it is set to private, but the whole point of flicker is to share your images. Teachers should always be aware of parents feelings about having pictures of their children on the internet. In the end even our own President had to take down pictures. It is that important to always double check.
Another blog I commented on was Ashley's. Great thing about reading blogs is that information is shared that benefits the reader. I read her blog about delicious, and imcooked.com. I had never heard of imcooked.com but after reading her blog I could not wait to search the videos. I think its a lot better than you tube if you only looking for food related content. Its really helpful and I have already seen a couple of videos. The site will help anyone its easy and free. Become a member and see the online chefs. Its great.
The two outside blogs that I am subscribing to is Free Technology for Teachers and Cool Cat Teacher. I been reading their blogs on a daily basis and they have both given me resources for education. I commented on their helpful resources. Like for instance, I recently found out what Google wave was all about. Google has so many apps that I need to keep up with. Also I recently read about vorbeo.com. It helps you create polls in your blog. I love subscribing to blogs its a new feature that I cant live without.
Thing 3
In my future classroom I would want to make the students blog as a weekly assignment. As a future history teacher I want to incorporate technology in my class as much as possible. Many of my past teachers did and I really understood history. I realize that using technology will assist me in finding creative ways to get fundamental knowledge out to my students.
I think using blogger would enhance my students writing, reading, and technology skills. I think the first blog would be about themselves, and I would be able to get to know them without wasting paper. Throughout the year, they could blog in correlation to what we were doing. I think my students would really enjoy this.
Also, using blogger for my teacher education program could assist me as well. I could blog about what I am learning and show it to the future school I want to work at. They would see how I have improved and what I will bring to their school. Also if I were to have issues and blog about it my classmates could help me.
I think using blogger would enhance my students writing, reading, and technology skills. I think the first blog would be about themselves, and I would be able to get to know them without wasting paper. Throughout the year, they could blog in correlation to what we were doing. I think my students would really enjoy this.
Also, using blogger for my teacher education program could assist me as well. I could blog about what I am learning and show it to the future school I want to work at. They would see how I have improved and what I will bring to their school. Also if I were to have issues and blog about it my classmates could help me.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Thing 2
This is the second time I have blogged and still no migraine. The three steps were straightforward and I had no difficulty in setting up my blog. Usually, I would be panicking because its something different and new but I am really enjoying this feature.
Making the lay out was just a click of a mouse nothing difficult but its important. Since I was introduced to blogging I can really say that it has helped me with technology. As a future teacher I may use blogging to teach my students writing with engaging tools. I identified my blog with my name. These blogs will address my answers, concerns, and thoughts throughout the course so it seems right to me to title it as so.
I also enjoyed creating my avatar. It reminds me of the program that xbox has to identify players. If my husband would have seen it he would of thought I was playing games. My avatar reflects my personality in many ways. I always like to be comfortable and my avatar relates my love of jeans and t-shirts. Unless I have to be in a formal attire I will usually be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. My avatar also is wearing sandals which usually I am too. I cannot wear heels there not comfortable and I cannot walk in them. The background that my avatar is in reminds me of Clarksville. Which I have grown to love.
Making the lay out was just a click of a mouse nothing difficult but its important. Since I was introduced to blogging I can really say that it has helped me with technology. As a future teacher I may use blogging to teach my students writing with engaging tools. I identified my blog with my name. These blogs will address my answers, concerns, and thoughts throughout the course so it seems right to me to title it as so.
I also enjoyed creating my avatar. It reminds me of the program that xbox has to identify players. If my husband would have seen it he would of thought I was playing games. My avatar reflects my personality in many ways. I always like to be comfortable and my avatar relates my love of jeans and t-shirts. Unless I have to be in a formal attire I will usually be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. My avatar also is wearing sandals which usually I am too. I cannot wear heels there not comfortable and I cannot walk in them. The background that my avatar is in reminds me of Clarksville. Which I have grown to love.
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