Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Thing #23 - Beginning of the Road
What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I liked the cool new web tools and toys I found along the way. I am continually amazed at was is new and fresh on the internet.
How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
It definitely fits in with my goals for lifelong learning. I know I will continue to seek out other avenues of learning as long as I breath. I plan to use what I learned about blogs, wikis, podcasts, etc. to incorporate them into my classroom and other areas of my life.
Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I'm not sure... I learned a lot, but I EXPECTED to do so.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
Again, I'm not sure. I really enjoyed this experience. I esp. enjoyed the convenience and the format of it.
If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
Yes, I would love to! I'd REALLY REALLY like to see blogs & wikis used for CORE CURRICULUM training and discovery. Sometimes, the in-person meetings are VERY boring, inconvenient, or not all that great. It'd be nice to see things done using a fresh-new venue.
How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?
The 23 Things Learning Activity was fresh, interactive, and FUN! Definitely worth the time.
I liked the cool new web tools and toys I found along the way. I am continually amazed at was is new and fresh on the internet.
How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
It definitely fits in with my goals for lifelong learning. I know I will continue to seek out other avenues of learning as long as I breath. I plan to use what I learned about blogs, wikis, podcasts, etc. to incorporate them into my classroom and other areas of my life.
Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I'm not sure... I learned a lot, but I EXPECTED to do so.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
Again, I'm not sure. I really enjoyed this experience. I esp. enjoyed the convenience and the format of it.
If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
Yes, I would love to! I'd REALLY REALLY like to see blogs & wikis used for CORE CURRICULUM training and discovery. Sometimes, the in-person meetings are VERY boring, inconvenient, or not all that great. It'd be nice to see things done using a fresh-new venue.
How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?
The 23 Things Learning Activity was fresh, interactive, and FUN! Definitely worth the time.
Thing #22 - Nings
Okay. I love searching for education blogs. I actually starting reading various teacher blogs about 24 mos. ago. I was excited about TeacherLingo, but was disappointed w/ what I found there. I was looking for more middle/high school math teacher blogs. I like to engage in discussions on what kids lack, what works great,and NEW IDEAS!!! Some blogs are nothing but gripe sessions. I guess I will keep searching for great blogs to bookmark so I can get new ideas and share in good discussions.
I'm always wanting to know what/how other math teachers are doing what they are doing. I want to know more/do more in an effort to make my kids successes greater and my teaching "easier" if you will. Teaching is NOT easy, but effective teaching can make it FEEL easy.
I'm always wanting to know what/how other math teachers are doing what they are doing. I want to know more/do more in an effort to make my kids successes greater and my teaching "easier" if you will. Teaching is NOT easy, but effective teaching can make it FEEL easy.
Thing #21 - Podcast (updated)
Okay. Now I've finished my podcast. I LOVE THIS!!! I can see so many uses for podcasts and blogs in the classroom. In the previous posting I was trying to post my "draft" podcast. I don't think it worked. I made this one about one of our CESIT classes. It was very EASY to do and actually a lot of fun. I could get addicted to photostory. I'd really like for each CESIT class that is taught often to have it's own podcast or perhaps just a compilation podcast of all CESIT classes available at our school. I'd also like to do a general one for my core subject I teach then branch into videos of lessons. That would be great if we had document cameras.
See post #24 for video
See post #24 for video
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Thing #20 - Videos in the Classroom.
I do love TeacherTube. I like the idea of recording the lesson as shown in the video below for the classroom website (or blog or wiki) and also as another resource for students who are absent or homebound. You don't have to post EVERY lesson, just the main important ones. I've seen other posting about Blinx ? I went and checked it out and there are some cool Algebra 1 videos. I used some videos last year from UnitedStreaming. The kids really like them. I guess if I don't find one on the topic I need, I could just create one! OOOO that is very very scary.
Thing #19 - Web 2.0 Awards
Hmmmm... so many "toys"... so little time. I like the Sudoku puzzle on Arcaplay. I'm addicted to that game!
I also like the idea of Desktoptwo. What a neat way to add more functionality to the virtual office.
I'm also interested in Wetpaint. I love the whole Wiki thing, so I'm all about researching that. That will definitely be something I look into more.
I also like the idea of Desktoptwo. What a neat way to add more functionality to the virtual office.
I'm also interested in Wetpaint. I love the whole Wiki thing, so I'm all about researching that. That will definitely be something I look into more.
Thing #18 - Online Productivity Tools
Yeah! Something I'm already familiar with... :)
I have actually been using Googledocs for a while now. I don't like the editing of a document while using Googledocs, but I think the application is still really cool. I can basically store files and access them anywhere just by logging in to my gmail account. The calendar feature is nice too, esp if you share it with someone and you can create multiple calendars and share with specific people. Did you know you can also post to your blog from googledocs?
I'm downloading Open Office and I'm looking forward to trying it out and comparing it to Googledocs.
Both of these tools could possibly be used to share documents (i.e. assignments) with students ... maybe? I'll have to investigate that avenue.
OKAY ... HERE IS A GRIPE! I understand the need for security, etc. but seriously! If the district wants us to participate in certain things... they need to give us appropriate administrative rights on our pcs! I just waited forever for the Open Office to download... NOPE cannot complete due to my user rights! This is so frustrating and it occurs frequently. I've been w/o several components on my pc lately (yes, it's geeked), but I could easily take care of it if I has the permissions... instead I still wait. This is the reason, along w/ working pc's why I'm often reluctant to use super cool technology in class.... it only works some of the time ... and when it fails, it's when the kids are there waiting.
Okay... I feel better now. I'll get over it.
I have actually been using Googledocs for a while now. I don't like the editing of a document while using Googledocs, but I think the application is still really cool. I can basically store files and access them anywhere just by logging in to my gmail account. The calendar feature is nice too, esp if you share it with someone and you can create multiple calendars and share with specific people. Did you know you can also post to your blog from googledocs?
I'm downloading Open Office and I'm looking forward to trying it out and comparing it to Googledocs.
Both of these tools could possibly be used to share documents (i.e. assignments) with students ... maybe? I'll have to investigate that avenue.
OKAY ... HERE IS A GRIPE! I understand the need for security, etc. but seriously! If the district wants us to participate in certain things... they need to give us appropriate administrative rights on our pcs! I just waited forever for the Open Office to download... NOPE cannot complete due to my user rights! This is so frustrating and it occurs frequently. I've been w/o several components on my pc lately (yes, it's geeked), but I could easily take care of it if I has the permissions... instead I still wait. This is the reason, along w/ working pc's why I'm often reluctant to use super cool technology in class.... it only works some of the time ... and when it fails, it's when the kids are there waiting.
Okay... I feel better now. I'll get over it.
Thing #17 - Wiki Sandbox
Here is the post I put in the Wiki Sandbox....
Okay.... I just had a brainstorm -- in Math we could use a Wiki for POTW!!! Post it and have the kids provide their discussions and answers. Wikis in math would also be good for projects. Instead of grading a million individual projects, have them work in groups and use the wiki as part of the platform. They could even present using their wiki. The poster just above me has great ideas... blog for assignments and student/parent comments and the google calendar as part of that blog as a visual timeline. Hmmmm.... I might have to try out those ideas and revamp my classroom website as well. Then link the blog to the wiki so all is collaborative and exciting!
I also like the idea of a sandbox in my own classroom wiki. Again, another way to add fun. The sandbox for play only.... no math... only APPROPRIATE subjects that students want to discuss. :)
Okay.... I just had a brainstorm -- in Math we could use a Wiki for POTW!!! Post it and have the kids provide their discussions and answers. Wikis in math would also be good for projects. Instead of grading a million individual projects, have them work in groups and use the wiki as part of the platform. They could even present using their wiki. The poster just above me has great ideas... blog for assignments and student/parent comments and the google calendar as part of that blog as a visual timeline. Hmmmm.... I might have to try out those ideas and revamp my classroom website as well. Then link the blog to the wiki so all is collaborative and exciting!
I also like the idea of a sandbox in my own classroom wiki. Again, another way to add fun. The sandbox for play only.... no math... only APPROPRIATE subjects that students want to discuss. :)
Thing #16 - Wikis
Okay. How can I make one? Is there a site similar to blogspot for creating Wikis or it is really nothing more than a blog with it's own domain? I liked watching the TeacherTube video. The camping pals example was great ... simple idea of what a wiki really is. That guy seems like a pretty tech-savy teacher too. :)
Anyhoo. I love the idea. Can you imagine the collaboration in classrooms, teacher meetings (that never happen due to insane schedules), community organizations, etc.? It could totally transform how people meet. It can certainly cut out a lot of unnecessary time spent at boring meetings, etc. esp when something could be done concise and simple. Can you tell I'm a woman with very little free time?
I'd love it in the math class... notes, projects, outside experiences involving math, etc. What fun?! Most kids think math is boring so I'm willing to try anything ONCE and keep what works. I like the idea of a wiki and a class blog. Would both of them be redundant? I already have a class website. WHAT TO USE? Do I use all 3 or pick one and stick w/ it?
Okay. I just went to a place called Wikispaces.com TOO COOL!!!! I just created one named "Math Every Day". I hope to start up this math class wiki. (maybe I'll do one for other things I'm involved in too).
Anyhoo. I love the idea. Can you imagine the collaboration in classrooms, teacher meetings (that never happen due to insane schedules), community organizations, etc.? It could totally transform how people meet. It can certainly cut out a lot of unnecessary time spent at boring meetings, etc. esp when something could be done concise and simple. Can you tell I'm a woman with very little free time?
I'd love it in the math class... notes, projects, outside experiences involving math, etc. What fun?! Most kids think math is boring so I'm willing to try anything ONCE and keep what works. I like the idea of a wiki and a class blog. Would both of them be redundant? I already have a class website. WHAT TO USE? Do I use all 3 or pick one and stick w/ it?
Okay. I just went to a place called Wikispaces.com TOO COOL!!!! I just created one named "Math Every Day". I hope to start up this math class wiki. (maybe I'll do one for other things I'm involved in too).
Thing #15 - Library 2.0 / Web 2.0
You know the old saying "If I share and idea, and you share and idea, we now both have 2 ideas." ? Well, Web2.0/Library 2.0 makes me think of that. No one source is the authority on any one subject or idea. It's becoming a collaborative effort of many sources to provide up-to-date information to the masses. Additionally, sharing info and having ownership in something helps raise creativity, efficiency, and effectivenes.... esp if students are helping to create the very libraries they use every day. Each one leaves their own mark being in a collaborative effort to give something back to future classes.
I remember as a child I would pour over my encyclopedias for hours on end several nights a week and on weekends. I was a geek I know! I just loved the idea of learning all that new info and coming away smarter than I was 5 mins ago. Now, those encyclopedias are a thing of the past. I now tell my child to "google it" when he needs to research something. Now I might start telling him to "blog it" as well. LOL :)
I remember as a child I would pour over my encyclopedias for hours on end several nights a week and on weekends. I was a geek I know! I just loved the idea of learning all that new info and coming away smarter than I was 5 mins ago. Now, those encyclopedias are a thing of the past. I now tell my child to "google it" when he needs to research something. Now I might start telling him to "blog it" as well. LOL :)
Thing #14 - Technorati
Well, let me see. Technorati is useful for searching blogs, esp. with tags. Tags seem to be the better route to search by using Technorati in my opinion. I haven't decided is Technorati or del.icio.us better to use? How similar are they really? I guess if your focus is searching blogs, tag searching via Technorati seems to be pretty efficient.
When I did my Library Learning 2.0 search, the tag search was best for me. The results look uncluttered and I feel I got a "truer" list of results versus the blog search.
The widgets are neat. I like the news widget. How cool is that to be surfing blogs and still keep upon world news? Talk about a 2-for-1! I think I will add that to my blog. I also added the Technorati logo.
Oh! And I claimed by blog on Technorati. :)
When I did my Library Learning 2.0 search, the tag search was best for me. The results look uncluttered and I feel I got a "truer" list of results versus the blog search.
The widgets are neat. I like the news widget. How cool is that to be surfing blogs and still keep upon world news? Talk about a 2-for-1! I think I will add that to my blog. I also added the Technorati logo.
Oh! And I claimed by blog on Technorati. :)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Thing #13 - Tags
Oh Yeah! Bring on the organization!
I'm happy about this. I plan to re-organize (and purge) my current IE bookmarks. I like the tagging process. They are almost like directional signs for where to go in a hurry.
The benefit to schools that I could see would be where teachers help students create tags for content appropriate to their content. Librarians could use them for helpful search processes. Students could help with their own tags so other students could benefit from their experience and past research.
There is so much on the internet that your head could just spin if you get lost.
I'm happy about this. I plan to re-organize (and purge) my current IE bookmarks. I like the tagging process. They are almost like directional signs for where to go in a hurry.
The benefit to schools that I could see would be where teachers help students create tags for content appropriate to their content. Librarians could use them for helpful search processes. Students could help with their own tags so other students could benefit from their experience and past research.
There is so much on the internet that your head could just spin if you get lost.
Thing #12 - Rollyo oh Rollyo
Okay. I must be very dense! I can use Rollyo to do a search, but I'm not sure how I can save the "search" or add Rollyo to the toolbar. So, my question is ... is Rollyo any more efficient than googling for the same thing?
I did a search for organizing and also for PCOS (a women's health issue). When the search came up it was interesting. I gave me a list of places it searched then links to go to several places to go read about my topic.
Perhaps I can get a colleague to help me out. For some reason I just cannot wrap my brain around this one. But then, maybe I just need to keep plugging away at it. I guess that's what the weekends are for. LOL.
If anyone has any helpful hints, go ahead and give a shout out. =)
I did a search for organizing and also for PCOS (a women's health issue). When the search came up it was interesting. I gave me a list of places it searched then links to go to several places to go read about my topic.
Perhaps I can get a colleague to help me out. For some reason I just cannot wrap my brain around this one. But then, maybe I just need to keep plugging away at it. I guess that's what the weekends are for. LOL.
If anyone has any helpful hints, go ahead and give a shout out. =)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Thing #11 LibraryThing
This is a neat website. I am obsessed with books. I have stacks and stacks at school and stacks and stacks at home. I love reading and a good book is sometimes the best friend.
I would love to take the time to add my favorite books. I added about 10 so far.
I also joined two groups: mathematics and hogwarts express.
I wonder if there is a similar website to this one for movies? I have tons of those too.
I would love to take the time to add my favorite books. I added about 10 so far.
I also joined two groups: mathematics and hogwarts express.
I wonder if there is a similar website to this one for movies? I have tons of those too.
Thing #10 Comic Strip Generator
This was way too fun! I can just see myself creating a ton of these... sending them to friends, colleagues, putting them on my website, etc.
What a great way to add humor to daily living. :)
The smiley-face generator is fun too. This is a fun and cool way to make announcements. I can't wait to add each of these types of things to my normal math website.
Thing #9 Blogs & News Feeds
I liked the Google Blog Search the best and I think the Edublog's website has promise.
There is a lot of info to go through when you are searching for feeds. I like to use key words such as math class or math for my professional searches and I use hobby keywords like scrapbooking or professional organizing for my personal searches. I guess that sounds like a weird search, but I hope to be a professional organizer when I retire someday. :)
Depending on the search tool and key words you use, you could spend HOURS looking up things.
I did add some of the ones that I want to "read" more in depth to my RSS reader.
There is a lot of info to go through when you are searching for feeds. I like to use key words such as math class or math for my professional searches and I use hobby keywords like scrapbooking or professional organizing for my personal searches. I guess that sounds like a weird search, but I hope to be a professional organizer when I retire someday. :)
Depending on the search tool and key words you use, you could spend HOURS looking up things.
I did add some of the ones that I want to "read" more in depth to my RSS reader.
Thing #8 - RSS Feeds & Readers
I use Google Reader already and have several blogs attached to it.
What I like best is that you don't have to go to each site individually each day. You can just open your reader! It's like having someone go through the paper and cut out just the important stories you are interested in. I think it also works similar to a catalog of blogs with tags on your favorite pages.
I'd like to organize my reader to have personal sites that help me be more efficient in daily living and then professional sites that link me to other teachers for sharing ideas, etc. I have limited time, so really the best advantage for me is "one-stop reading".
I have added a few user blogs and the main library2play blog to my reader. Then I don't have to search for my favorites.
What I like best is that you don't have to go to each site individually each day. You can just open your reader! It's like having someone go through the paper and cut out just the important stories you are interested in. I think it also works similar to a catalog of blogs with tags on your favorite pages.
I'd like to organize my reader to have personal sites that help me be more efficient in daily living and then professional sites that link me to other teachers for sharing ideas, etc. I have limited time, so really the best advantage for me is "one-stop reading".
I have added a few user blogs and the main library2play blog to my reader. Then I don't have to search for my favorites.
Thing #7 Google
Yes. I am a "googler"! I google everything.... from personal stuff that helps me with running a house, to researching info with my child (I used an encyclopedia when I was a child), to looking up cool stuff I can incorporate into the classroom.
I currently use iGoogle as my home page on my personal pc and love all the different gadgets you can add to your page. You can even have a multiple-page iGoogle homepage.
The calendar has been a neat tool. My husband and friends can post events to a shared calendar. That makes it very cool to know who's doing what and when or planning events for us all.
I have NOT converted to Picasa. I have too many years worth of photos on another internet photo site. I do have friends that use Picasa and share their web albums with me.
I currently use iGoogle as my home page on my personal pc and love all the different gadgets you can add to your page. You can even have a multiple-page iGoogle homepage.
The calendar has been a neat tool. My husband and friends can post events to a shared calendar. That makes it very cool to know who's doing what and when or planning events for us all.
I have NOT converted to Picasa. I have too many years worth of photos on another internet photo site. I do have friends that use Picasa and share their web albums with me.
Thing #6 Mashups
My favorite thing on the Mashups was the trading card makers. I created a nice saying about 'Sisters' and included a pic w/ my sisters and me. It was so much fun. Plus, they enjoyed receiving it.
I really liked the BigHugeLabs website. What a cool website! There is so much to do and create. The mappr feature is neat too. I also did a "letter from Santa" on there from my son.
I hope to have more time to play with it. Being on the internet and playing with virtual "toys" is a lot of fun. :)
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