One Last Thing!

Outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee on 7-19-10

This was an excellent opportunity to learn new technology skills. These were all 'stretch' activities for me. I am on overload with skills and wondering how I can use them all at once so I don't forget them. However, the best way is to make a plan (using Google docs) including where & how to use each skill. Also, Include the class assignments. Then use the Google docs document as a reference.

Don't overwhelm myself. Approach it deliberately. The idea is to use what I have learned. This is the 1st part of the plan. So, it appears there is always another mountain to climb.

# 19 Audio, Images and video with Voicethread

This is a tool that can be used easily for activities in the classroom. You will need to take a picture and record information with a microphone, phone it in, or do written text about the picture. Ex. the picture above is what is seen from the window of a cousin at our family reunion in Tennessee, today. Each person can add information about their impression of what is seen or the reactions they had as they drove up the mountain to the lodge. Thumbnail size pictures appear around it and you click on it to get the message once recorded. This is a way of involving all people and causing one to think deeper about what is happening or learned. This has numerous possibilities.

Of course this involves joining to access this. It is free to k-12 classroom teachers.

#18 Intro. to Video Sharing

I enjoyed the school administrators' YouTube video pardoy of a Nextel TV ad used as a friendly reminder to principals' to complete their Classroom Walk Thrus by the deadline.

My 2nd criteria tags used education, student performance and testing.

Teacher Tube
I was unable to see the videos. The video would start and an ad for weight loss would begin. I figure, you must join Teacher Tube to avoid this. Or there was something else I needed to do.

These videos can be used to introduce a concept, or present a piece of information in a more interesting manner. Ex. Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address at Appomattox by an actor dressed as Lincoln.
Great tools, there will have to be a filter of ads and inappropriate sites. An article suggested, the teacher pull the video needed for class on a flash drive and present it. This avoids these issues. Does not allow for exploration.

#17 Intro. to Pocasting`

I began with the video explanation of a pod cast. Afterwards, I watched a 1st grade class's poetry podcast at Jamestown Elem.

Then, reviewed a pod cast news story in Learning Matters reporting a 1/3 of the Detroit Superintendent's salary is being paid by two companies that have interest in Charter Schools. Also, an audio only, 60 second in length, science podcast which were both placed in my feeder.

I understand that I-Tunes needs a software download to run a Podcast and has more podcast material available than anyone. Yet, their are others that do not require software downloads and are in mp3 format.

#23 Other Social Networks

I explored and joined Ning, saw a slide show in Classroom 2.0 named Eight Ways to Get to Know Your Class, looked at a list of 200+ other Social Networks. Discovered in the past,I've participated on CaringBirdge (didn't know what it was, but now I do) with 2 friends. One who received a Kidney transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Yes, it was in Florida.

My comment at this point is, I'm on password overload. However, there are numerous ways to use these social tools with students, professionally & socially because of the wide purposes or categories for each Social Network.

Yet, when used in schools these tools should be utilized with specific assignments.

#15 Why Use Social Bookmarking?

I have watched a couple of videos explaining how Social Media is a way of connecting with large numbers of people positively. Then as I clicked on tags I found this one that supports the idea. Ben & Jerry ice cream has stopped its E-mail advertisements and only using the social network. This shows how more effective and economical it is.

This is the link to my Delicious account.

#22 Face Book & More

I watched the above video posted by Lee LeFever On Social Networking in Plain English. His videos are helpful in explaining the lesson concept. Also, I read articles discussing a Supreme Court decision allowing employers to look in company owned employee issued equipment(cells, computers, etc.), and watched tutorials on setting a Facebook & My Space account. In addition, saw a a video showing how various age students are using video to explain creations, and other projects (Show & Tell).

I signed up for Face Book and requested friends. I choose networking only as my personal setting.
I question the amount of information available to people when visiting a site. I noticed numerous warnings on various sites that anyone can view your information once posted.
I am unsure if I thought was easier to navigate than the other.

7B

I read two Cool Cat Teacher's Blog. The themes were similar (yet 2 years apart) ethics of blogging. Should students or schools or blogger's you know be paid money to post advertisements in their blog's sidebar. Her answer is no.

Also, if you want to know more about a subject read a person or authority you trust's blog roll in the sidebar and follow it in to see who they read about. Basically, we are all connected on a continuous link of information(a social network). I was reading a classmates' blog roll and wondered what is the purpose of this. I have the answer.

Literary Clouds, Tags & Sorts

#16

I took the tour and then created a "Library Thing" account with 10 of my favorite titles. I have included Tags for each book and realized that most are historical fiction. While exploring in the Book Suggester Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier referenced a book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks By Rebecca Lacks, I am about to read. How odd?

This system of entering titles, tags, and sharing with groups is an interesting one. The author's and my personal cloud gives quick, organized information at a click. This can be used with classroom libraries & personal journals &/or books.

Other kinds of tools

#14

Experiencing the full capabilities of the tools requires registering.

I have looked at Wordle & Toondoo and Blabberize.

I created a Wordle page to post on our Family website next week as an outline of the week in words. My family will be in Tennessee next week (not me, I'm working).This too could be used in writing, place in sidebar of electronic journal or a blog, vocabulary word box to help remember important words about the subject.

Blabberize, can be the 'mouthpiece' for the person giving the presentation. Prepare different slides or pages. Download the picture/image that will talk. Then, record the information. Last do the presentation.

Google .....

#21
In reviewing other Google tools, I looked at Google Labs for the adventuresome (That is me), I saw this short film presented in the New York Library. As we know the library has different artist & events to its patrons. What a surprise?.
Credit to: MattAdamsApple.com , TylerWalkerMusic & nypl.org
For: editing, music and space donation
I have created a web album on Picaso Web Album with a few photos from Flickr & my personal collection.
The educational justifications are endless. In science, students can find pictures of landforms to illustrate their on-line journal entry. Or, contribute to the class journal with comics, pictures, graphs, text, video, social media, etc.

Google Docs

#20
I wondered how long I would do these "Things" in order.


I have had some experience working with documents (students data base & on-line registration) that were created in Google Docs. It has always sounded like some foreign thing in a foreign land when someone said, "It was made in Google Docs". I am glad it has been brought home to where I live (meaning I understand what it is, now). IT is the ability to create documents, spreadsheets, power points, etc. Then view, edit, review history of previous edits, and/or add to the item in one on-line location, Google Docs.

I have collaborated with my friend, she created the document, on possibilities for redecorating my office. My friend, always, remembers this and pushes me through the process. Isn't she great. I wanted to insert a table but settled for using Headers, bullets & pictures with text for my editing part of the collaboration.

I created a To-Do-List using a Google Docs template after viewing Mary W.'s invitation.

Checking the Reader

#7a
I looked at the Disney Fun Food site for children & adults which includes vacation tips. However, it is time to think about returning to school.I looked at quick, fun breakfast to get the student (& adult) out the house and to school on time.

Top 10 Ways Sites to use or manipulate digital images in Art according to a technology specialist for a Wis. school district. My favorite is the Crayola digi-color (kid friendly).

Image Generator

#13
I have 'whipped up' a few "Things" in Image Chef. They appear appetizing.

After looking at another classmates' blog, I decided to take a look at this one but do it later. 2 Hours later here I am. There are numerous ways the Image Generator can be used (classroom, scrap booking, print shop, video) by creating or piggy backing on templates. Utilizing templates makes all of the activities we have done a thousand times easier to use.

So depending on your imagination or ability to transfer information to other settings, the possibilities are endless. Yes, this could/can be addictive.

I have dreamed about this 2 nights in a row.

Wow is all I can say!!!

#12

Slide Show
Well I have one. I would like to edit it and add the pictures I found in Flicker.

I have great Flickr pictures to add with my own pictures of which I asked permission (people in pictures) to use. I, also, had a music video to use (I'll Take You There By BeBe & CeCe Winam), background picked out with captions under picture (See Comment under Slide Show. Should I try, again?

My video would not save until I enrolled on Slide.com. I had lost it by that time.

I am following the motto: "Work through the challenges" and "That that does not kill me makes me stronger". Is that really true?

NOTE: I discovered the captions are there. Move the cursor over the individual picture and it will appear.

Making you think!!

#11
Still 2nd guessing. Did I pick the correct pictures? Does this follow the rules?
I have looked at regular images on Flickr. Then modifying the searches looking at CC work only. I've used one and multiple word tags to perform searches & label personal pictures for my slide show on #12.
Furthermore, I looked at examples of lessons in using Flickr & Blogs in the classroom to teach writing, Math & Vocabulary.

Now, I am ready to place the pictures in a slide show!

Sandbox...

#9
I spent a lot of time in the sand. I thought I was only going to get sand on my feet (in and out). However, I now have sand in my ears. I was in the sand much too long!!

As a 1st timer, it felt good to complete the page. I have thought about what I want to add, a clip of music when I was rehearsing for a concert in March. It was rewarding and fun but was time consuming all at once, much like this.

I believe I go in circles because I second guess myself. I appear frightened I will make a mistake. Let, it go and go for it from this point on.

#10
Yes, I had noticed CC at the end of web pages and had wondered about it. I have reviewed videos on the Fair Use of copyrighted laws in 1976. I knew it had evolved in the late 80s to automatically protect author's work. We have been taught that you never take another persons work and pass it off as your own. You can use it in papers but you must give credit for the usage.

When using Creative Commons(CC) one is able to use the original work, remix or expand it for new purposes, free of charge, because the artist has given permission from the start. Because of Creative Commons material can be used in the classroom by teachers in their process of extending lessons and exposing students to additional sources of material on the web for academic use.

There is a slide show that can be referenced by teachers to help inform students how to use Copyrighted (C) & Creative Commons (CC) digital & or published material. This slide show with embedded video are 'catchy' & memorable while clearly explaining what Fair Use is. This can be used in beginning of year Standard Operation Procedures (SOP)when discussing Copyright with teachers. Also, computer orientation/ethics for students.

Not So Quick

#8 Wiki
I have enjoyed watching the "How to" videos and going to the wikis. I have looked at students projects and find them quite impressive. My favorite wiki is a link inside Wiki Wiki Teaching on the Scarlet Letter required video. It was well organized and easy to read.

I am impressed with how well the wiki assignment was put together using the teachers guidelines for the assignment. Also, I like how the teacher did a followup assignment that included the new learned skill. Furthermore, the students took the assignments to the next level taking ownership of the new learned skill. Then, the students bring in new students to the wiki experience and create a buzz that is heard by other teachers. This teacher affected an entire school community. WOW!!!

Code Blue was my next favorite. The students are creative in writing their personal biographies supporting their studies as doctors and starting their 'practice'.

Primary Math wiki started out to work on one math skill (patterns??)but added other math skills, as time passed. One of the videos did not work. I was disappointed. I have experienced this with my links and understand the importance of checking and rechecking your information.

I am still a kid at heart. So, the Salute to Seuss was a favorite,too. I learned many things about Seuss I did not know. I like history. There are numerous activities (podcasting, kwl, read alongs, recipes, etc. included for young students that are high interest.

My initial idea for the wiki is a organizing a training sessions or conference. The list of things needed can be composed, edited, organized, saved and re-edited as needed. All the information would be in one place and evolve as each person adds to it.

5 hours later

#7
I have read all 5 of the references to making comments. I have concluded after visiting my 5 links I made 2 comments directly & 1 by signing up to have a reply sent because the site is not working anymore. The other one required the same thing. I don't want to do that. I am like one of the persons in the assigned lessons. I want to keep going if I have to sign up and give you my information every time.

However, in looking at one of my fellow classmates' blog, I signed up for a free story of the week from Library of America & put that site in my Reader. I am excited about that. Also, went to a link and read an ex cert from a book she (classmate) will read to her students in the fall. Even though I wonder about the part on death. I think I made a comment on her blog, but it has been so long ago till I forgot.

I followed another classmates' link to Book Whisper and looked at her book list. I read a synopsis of Almost Astronauts 13 Women Who Dared to Dream book for middle aged children. This is about the Mercury 13 women of the late 50's who paved the way for later women pilots and astronauts. I want to read this and encourage our librarian to place it in our library.

I learned about "blogger etiquette". Ten things to consider when making comments on others' and our blog. Ex. Invite readers to make comments even though it seems to be an obvious thing to do.

I did read be careful not to ignore your children while doing exploring all this new technology.

Conversing with a partner is great!!!

I hope my friend feels the same way.
I watched my friend create her Avitar to post on her blog to make it look more interesting. It does exactly that. I think I can do it. I, however, need to stick to the basics for now.

Lesson #6 I have loaded the required subscriptions into my Reader. In scanning the titles, I saw one on Technology & toothbrushes. It triggered a conversation on high tech toothbrushes. So that will be the one I read, first. I have spent a lot of money at the dentist. My friend stated using this product has changed her life. We discussed improving gum health and using this as a repeating/continuous gift for your child/children to improve their dental health.

Google Reader

#5
I have established my Reader after viewing the video. Somehow I placed 200 subscriptions in it. I successfully removed/unsubscribe them and will start placing educational items in my Reader. Yeah me!!

My understanding of the purpose of the Reader is to place new things I am interested in, as they become available, in my Reader without having to search for it & waste time. It is my "private newspaper".

I read another participants #5 and see she already knows all about Readers and has her favorite subscriptions. I had to remember this is my 23 Things learning experience and like all learners, we are not all at the same place.

I will keep telling myself this.
:)

I think I know how to do links it sounds/looks easy.
#4
I have read 5 articles and made some comments on various subjects. One I read earlier. Patrick, a 5th grade student, has been called dumb by his brother. Patrick is hurt by the comments but has decided to write about his feelings. He decides that he is going to proof his brother wrong. There are many different encouraging comments posted on his blog from teachers and people form different walks of life. Patrick thanks each one while acknowledges their comments and how it personally helped him.

The next one is a video on how children are creative until they go to school. Children start out creative but as they continue to live & learn teachers/adults tell them they are doing things wrong or try to fix what is perceive as what is wrong with them. When we haven't recognized what their talent is and how to tap into it. The video is funny while causing you to think. The story about "The Three Wise Men" and "Frank sent me" is a great example of creativity. It is long but keeps your interest.

The next one is on how technology is used for spying and how it is our job to teach ethics & technology use, simultaneously. Also, while teaching or interacting with students and others remember our behavior toward students can cause others to record &/or edit the videos before publishing it on youtube.

The next is explaining the uses of blogs in the classroom. It is a way to give students voice in their writing. Also, they get to read their classmates writing. The students learn responsible writing and its importance. Lastly, students and teachers learn how to effectively access information and how to utilize the changing technology.

The last is on whether to give homework. It is a subject that all teachers contemplate. The students that don't need it do and the ones who do, do not. Then, you consider you should control/monitor the independent practice in your classroom. In order to do do this, be efficient with your teaching time by being prepared and structured to allow students time to work in class. The comments were varied as expected. Each expressing their frustration.

Blogging is an interesting way of expressing your ideas on subjects and adjusting your views as you learn and grow on the subject. It is a record of your progress.
It appears to be an informal means of communication that has the ability to inform & give the writer a voice.

I have not successfully linked my articles.

On July 6, after conversing & working with my partner, I was able to do the link. I had done it last night, but did not click on preview to see it.
Yeah!!!!!

What is Web 2.0?

Thing #2 Web. 2.I
It is different from the past of linear test that we just read and many times accepted as being true or correct information.

Web 2.0 is ever changing and involves so many components. it is text, links, linking information, descriptions, exported information, sharing, automated, digital etc. It is alive. People make it alive. All of us make it alive when we add or utilize information that is on the web.

In a previous article I read. It says, we no longer go out in cyber world and look at information. We are a part of the information in the way we utilize & view.

I reflected on this and shared with my study partner that I had been a part of this and did not realize what I was doing. Our family has a family website (4 years, now)that is ever changing with new people signing in & out, looking at information/history about family members, census reports dating back to the 1800's about our various family members. This information updates adding births,deaths, marrieages, military, etc.) as each person adds their name to the family tree.

Furthermore, pictures from the past or present are added (by family members)and are cycled through the Home Page. These pictures can have a lot of information, a little or none. Pictures can be withdrawn, or copied into your own photo album.
Last year while attending the Family Reunion pictures were posted nightly from the days events so those family members who did not attend could see what we had done. Also, kick themselves for not being there for the fun.

I said all this to say. I get it. It is not 'sit & git' anymore when you go on the internet. We all are the web.

I watched the video titled:
The Machine is Using Us by Michael____________ (I will have to find the name and post again.)
Read an article:
Web 2 dot What? by Stephen Bryant (2007)

I haven't found out how to attach a link, yet. But, I will!! :)

oops!! I didn't finish.

Thing # 1 (Continued)

2) The easiest of the 7 1/2 Habits of Effective Learners will be to continue to play & continue to be curious. I like that. I like socializing with other people. I feel refreshed and relaxed as well as excited when I get to do things that do not have to do with work.

3) the most important this will be:
Learning & remembering how to use the technology information I learn. Also, not to be afraid.

Ok. I have finally started back at the beginning.

This #1 71/2 Habits of Effective Lifelong learners.

1) The hardest will be to always remember to view problems as challenges I can learn from. I tend to do that, but not all the time.
Equally as hard, is creating my own learning toolbox. Organizing it were it is easily accessible & ready to use like a person would go to a carpenter's toolbox & pull out a screw driver to tighten a screw.
I hope I don't have to hide my toolbox so others won't bother it and then can't find it. :)