Thing #23: Summarize Your Thoughts about This Program

Technology is like a box of chocolates - so many tidbits to discover and enjoy.

Like the delicious all-chocolate piece, I was already familiar with some of the tidbits in 23 Things, but I believe I came away from each Thing with a new tasty tool, skill, or insight into technology and how to apply it to my classroom. Here's a few of my observations:

• My "Favorite Things" include the ones covering Google tools, especially Google Reader, image/text generators, and finding, embedding, and using video. Google Reader enables me to stay current in topics that interest me like never before, and the image/text generators and video applications offer many possibilities to add a touch of creativity to documents or assignments that might otherwise be somewhat bland.


• Overall the program encouraged me to delve deeper into the opportunities technology offers and provided me with interesting new tools to use both in teaching and privately.


• I can't believe it, but I LOVE blogging! Admittedly, I was skeptical when first instructed to start a blog, but before long the blog bug bit, and I was hooked. I actually look forward now to creating new posts, reading comments on my posts (sadly very few, but still nice), and following other players' blogs and even professional blogs, especially the political ones. The infinite opportunities for blogging in education excite me, but are also somewhat frustrating because so seemingly few of us are interested in and willing to utilize this tool to reach and collaborate with colleagues, students, and event parents. Unfortunately the wheels of change tend to roll at a snail's pace in our field.


• With my newly discovered fondness for blogging, I eagerly sought friends and colleagues also playing 23 Things, but I found it a little difficult to find blogs to follow by authors I actually know. Following the blogs of educators from other districts was helpful and informative, and it was helpful to see SBISD bloggers identified, but it would be even better if bloggers were identified not only by blog title but also by name. Making this information available might encourage those teachers working together to share ideas specific to their school and learning environment.
  
• Would I play again with L2P? You bet! When does the next game begin? My only hesitation would be playing during the school year for fear that I would spend more time playing than teaching. Summertime, however, is a perfect time to play.


• Describe 23 Things in one word? Enlightening
• More detail? 23 Things broadened my technological horizons while providing a worthwhile and fun summer staff development experience.

Thanks, team captains, for developing and organizing the game and giving me the opportunity to play!

Thing #22: Nings

What a good idea! Nings could be used in a variety of ways in education, and since kids love Facebook and MySpace, they should really buy into using a Ning sponsored by a teacher, coach, club sponsor, etc.

At first I thought that the most successful application of class Nings would be in college, or maybe in upper level high school classes. But then I thought about how many of my own students have requested to "friend" me on Facebook, something that is strictly forbidden in my personal Facebook rules. So I decided to try out using a Ning this coming year. I'm not sure exactly how I'll use it yet, or if my students will even be interested (since so few of them ever visit my school web page), but I've set up a Ning account and will work on the page over the next few days. Who knows, it might never be visited, or I might decide it's folly and delete it before it ever gets started. Guess we'll see....

Thing #21: Podcasts and Videocasts

I enjoyed this Thing, especially learning to use Photo Story. It's like an advanced PowerPoint. It's also very similar to software I've been using to create DVD's of our family vacation photos. I like that you can tell a story without narration too. Sometimes images paired with music creates a more powerful message than the spoken word. My students would enjoy using this on a variety of projects, but I think I'd like to see them create a story that documents the process used in creating a final product. Here's my Videocast. It was fun!

Thing #20: YouTube, TeacherTube and Zamzar

I enjoyed this Thing. It was fun to explore videos that actually pertain to what I teach. I found YouTube easier to use than Teacher Tube. When searching TeacherTube, I kept forgetting to specify "video," so my search took longer. Buffering on TeacherTube also tends to take awhile longer than on YouTube.

Here's what I found on YouTube. I've enjoyed this group for awhile and have shared another of their videos with my students in the past. Once I saw them create a full-size elephant with shadows!



Here's what I found on TeacherTube. A handy, quick tour of a theatre to use when I introduce parts of the theatre and theatre etiquette.




I've actually used Zamzar before to convert a YouTube video to DVD so I could share it with my students on a larger screen. Now if I only had an Active Board (Smart Board?) in my classroom so I could show videos on the really large screen. Alas, I'm but a Lowly Elective Teacher, so I'm at the bottom of the list of Teachers Worthy of Active Boards. I'll put that on my Perfect World Dreams List....

Hey! These are the first videos I've embedded! My how far I've come....

Thing #19: Web 2.0 Awards List

I was pleasantly surprised at how many of the award winning sites I'd heard of and how many I'd actually had experience with.

I chose Etsy.com to play with. I especially like that all the items on Etsy are handmade. So much creativity! It's well organized and easy to maneuver. I enjoyed looking at all the cool handmade items and making a mental list of possible Christmas gifts. Unfortunately, I don't see much use for it in a school setting, but it's lots of fun for personal use!

Thing #18: Online Productivity Tools

Um, I think I missed something. I'm not sure why one would use Open Office instead of MS Office. Maybe it's because I'm so comfortable and familiar with MS Office, but it seems way easier and more flexible to use that Open Office. Maybe I just need more time with Open Office and I'm judging it too quickly, but I don't anticipate using it in place of MS Office.

I did like Google Docs however. I like having a secure place to store my docs so easily, and I really liked the templates - much more convenient and easier to find than MS templates. Most of all I like the flexibility of accessing my docs from any computer. No more emailing docs to myself! This is another great tool for students to use when collaborating on group projects - if all of them have access to computers away from school.

Thing #17: Rollyo

I liked this Thing and see lots of potential for Rollyo. I really like the idea of narrowing searches for both students and for myself. I created a search for Shakespearean plays, and there's a definite advantage to search in a limited number of sites. Next I'm going to combine my American musical theatre sites into a search roll. Very worthwhile Thing.

Thing #16: Wikis

I added a comment to the sandbox. How easy was that? I'd like to start using wikis in the classroom to encourage collaboration among students on projects. For example they could keep track of brainstorming sessions from home so they don't spin their wheels back in class. Of course that would assume all the kids have access to computers at home. A big hole in my idea....

BTW, I was actually discouraged from encouraging students to use Wikipedia and Google by a school librarian I worked with about three years ago. She said Wikipedia information was too undependable, and she preferred her district's approved search sites to Google. I can't imagine not using either now! Another indication of how slow some are to accept new technology tools.

Thing #15: Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the Future of Libraries

I have to admit, I've not given libraries and their functions much thought before doing this Thing. In fact I haven't been in a library in years - except to use the photo-copier and to attend meetings. After watching the thought-provoking video, reading the first two articles, and scanning a couple more, I realize what a monumental challenge librarians, especially school librarians, have. Not only do school librarians need to equip students with the necessary tools to effectively utilize Web 2.0 in a learning environment, but they also need to convince many reluctant teachers to accept Library 2.0 so that the librarian and the teacher can work together in the best interests of the students. At the same time, the school librarian must constantly strive to stay current in Library 2.0 developments so that they can incorporate changes into their library systems. Whew!

After completing this Thing, I'm more tickled than ever that I'm participating in L2P. Already I feel more competent using Web 2.0 tools, and together with my school librarian, I will be able to help my students increase their technological knowledge.

Thing #14: Technorati and How Tags Work

I completed the required searches in Technorati, and in all three several "Thing 14's" popped up. There wasn't a significant difference in the three searches, but the search in tags turned up some really old posts. No surprises on the popular searches either.

I think using Technorati would be a useful search tool - less broad than say a Google search. Using tags definitely helps to narrow the search within specific interests, etc.

I also claimed my blog on Technorati and added a widget. I have "no authority" and still don't seem to be getting any readers. :( But I'm getting better at manipulating my blog and I'm more satisfied with its appearance now. :)

OBAMA'S SHIFTY ECONOMICS

OBAMA'S SHIFTY ECONOMICS

Shared via AddThis

Interesting article by Dick Morris that explains the ramifications of Obama's stimulus plan in nutshell.

Joining Technorati

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Thing #13: Tagging and Discover Delicious

Whew! This Thing is a little overwhelming. I watched and enjoyed the Common Craft Guys video, and primarily because of their video I have a clear understanding of Delicious, bookmarking, and tagging. I really like their stuff, by the way. The podcast was so dull (the gal speaks in a sleepy monotone) that my mind kept wandering, so I closed that and explored without it.

I then loaded Delicious and imported my Favorites. Um, that might have been a big mistake. I discovered that I have nearly 200 items in Favorites - most of which are neatly organized into folders so I can easily find what I'm looking for. It will take forever to tag all of these sites, but I'll tackle it anyway. Actually I'll probably just tag my most commonly used sites because of the potential of accessing the bookmarks from any computer.

Clearly having the sites tagged will be advantageous for student use. I could share the sites about Broadway for my Broadway Scavenger Hunt so students could complete the activity at home - perhaps for extra credit or to replace an in-class assignment they missed.

Thing #12: Creating Community Through Commenting

This Thing was very worthwhile and answered quite of few questions I had about commenting on blogs. Several points made in the readings caught my attention:

Making thoughtful comments - So many of the comments I read on some of the political blogs I'm following are meaningless (like "Go Sarah!"). It seems that contributing to the conversation and inviting further comments with meaningful ideas is a more satisfying way to participate.

Inviting comments on your own blog - Again this can lead to more interaction. By asking questions, leaving posts open-ended, and even asking for comments, a blogger can create a meaningful conversation.

Interacting with comments left - I actually had questions about the appropriate way to do this. I love reading comments on my posts, and I often want to respond, at least to say thanks for kind words. Responding to comments also can encourage more comments, so again, a fun conversation results. I'm so glad to discover the ability to track comments by email.

Since reading about comments, I've gone through all my posts and responded to comments left. I've also started commenting frequently on the L2P blogs I'm following - yes I commented on five different blogs.

I am following several political blogs (which I keep track of on Google Reader!), but I haven't yet felt compelled to comment on them. I think it's a comfort-level thing: it's a little intimidating to comment on a nationally read blog. I'll keep following these blogs and continue looking for opportunities to comment. I'll update this post as soon a I take the leap.

July 22 - Well I have now successfully commented on a couple of nationally read blogs. I took a deep breath and a leap of faith that my comments would be appropriate and meaningful. Now, am I a full-fledged blogger?

Just Wondering

Do you ever get the feeling that you're all alone out there in Bloggo World? That no one else is really reading your posts? That your blog is really more of a rambling personal journal - fun and actually somewhat therapeutic, but also kind of solitary? Hmmm... just wondering.....

Not a Thing, But Related to Thing 10

My daughter introduced me to another image manipulation site she found through Facebook. It's called "Picnik" and has some cool applications for your own uploaded photos. I've scrolled through some of the Picnik collections of teenagers, both my teenagers and their friends who have accepted me as a friend, and the products they come up with are amazing to me. SO creative. I can see using this site in school for certain presentations my Comm. Apps. kids do, and I know it could be used in art classes. If I knew how to embed the link, I would, but alas I'm not yet that skilled. So here it is: http://www.picnik.com/. (Hey that worked! Maybe I'm not as backward as I thought.) If you can't get it by clicking on it, try going through Facebook applications. Here are some cool images my daughter generated.....

Thing #11: LibraryThing

This was interesting. I had no idea there was a site out there like this, I guess I'm really getting my money's worth with 23 Things! I joined Library Thing and listed five of my favorite books by my favorite author, and amazingly there are four or five groups that applied to my very narrow interest. Two of the groups I might actually follow. Now I need to find a group or a list, etc. that will help me broaden my reading tastes. I'm afraid I'm sort of in a rut - a very comfortable, yummy rut, but a rut nonetheless.

Oh, as seems to be my personal trend with these Things, I don't see a lot of application for this Thing for me personally in the classroom, but I can imagine lots of uses for teachers in other disciplines - especially LA.

Brainstorm!

What if (in a perfect world where all classrooms were equipped with laptops for students) students blogged instead of writing in journals in classes like Language Arts and Social Studies? Even I (master dreader of grading that I am) would enjoy reading students' blogs (well at least some of them) instead of trying to decipher cryptic handwriting. Just a thought....

Thing #10: Online Image Generator

Fun Thing! This kind of Thing is right up my alley, and I know Kelley, my 16 year old graphic artist, is going to love these sites. I tried all of them (and spent way too much time playing again), and my favorites were Comic Strip Generator, Dumpr, and Wordle. To be honest, Glogster was a bit overwhelming, and since I went there last I was a little tired of experimenting. I'll turn it over to Kelley who will, I'm sure, do cool things with it. I'm thinking of using some of these graphic image sites to do a theatre project on publicity posters, etc. Fun!

"Because I said so!"

Thing #9: Useful Library-Related Blogs and News Feeds

This thing was fun and I spent way too long on it. While I usually like all things Google, I didn't think it's "blogger search" was not as good as some others - it's kind of broad. But the blog directory on Technorati was especially helpful in finding blogs that interest me. I also liked Topix.net because it references topics locally. The least helpful for me was School Library Blogs on Suprglu, probably because I'm not looking for librarian blogs, etc.

In my wanderings, I found two political blogs that I added to my Google Reader to follow.

Thing #8: RSS Feeds and Readers

Okay now RSS is cool and so useful. After I "dissed" Google Alerts the other day, I decided I'd been a bit to hasty and tried it. The emails are driving me crazy! Nothing worse than a cluttered inbox. But now, I can get rid of all those pesky alerts because I have Google Reader set up. How cool to have all my favorite news feeds and blogs on one convenient page. I'll definitely use this technology in my personal life, and I think I'll set up a folder of just school-pertinent feeds so I can use it at school too. Wouldn't it be wonderful if teachers/administrators within a school set up sharable reader lists? Imagine all the school related sharing that could happen and without email! Wow!

Not a Thing

Why does my cute little Avatar NEVER show up when I open my blog???? Grr!

Thing #7: Cool Google Tools

After being away on vacation, then taking a long time working on motivation and wishing for inspiration, I'm back to my blog. Just call me the Queen of Procrastination. It's not that I don't like the thingies on the 23 Things, it's just that I like lounging by the pool and watching movies better. I'm so behind on movies! Netflix I love you....

I really enjoyed exploring all the cool Google Tools. I've used Picasa and Google Earth before. I love the combination of Google Earth and Google Maps. It's fun to look at friends' and relatives' homes across the country. When I looked up my own address today, I still had Christmas decorations up! What a "red-neck woman!"

For something new, I thought about trying Google Alerts, but I'm afraid I'd always be stopping in the middle of lessons to check out the new feed (Procrastination Queen, remember), so I tried iGoogle. It was fun customizing my own Google homepage, and if I didn't already have such a cool website at school for students and parents to use, I'd consider trying out i Google.

Back to the pool....