Utilizing tagging, I was able to bookmark information that I could readily access. As a research website, I could gain valuable information by reviewing tags of other bloggers and discuss topics that they created/discussed. As a teacher, this would be a wonderful way to explore lessons to implement in the classroom. It also allows me to organize my personal information by cueing me in to the particular areas that I need to access.
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Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thing #12: Creating Community Through Commenting
There was a lot of good information in this "thing." I am not a "talker." I was forced to get a cell phone which I usually leave at home or forget to check when I do have it. At home, I rarely talk on the phone. Therefore, getting a blog site and utilizing it has been a big step for me. Two points that I think are important are: Write a meaningful comment and Remember the power of words. I am starting to become more concious about reading comments to blogs to see what people are saying. This allows me to get more insight into the chosen subject and I have the opportunitiy to agree or disagree with the point. During my blog search, I found two blogs of personal interest: Quazen and Absolute Presence. I chose these because one deals with college costs and the other deals with the attitudes of students.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thing #11: LibraryThing
This was an interesting link. I added some books to my library and checked other groups to see what they had in their library. I did see some users with similar interests. This is a great place to list and discuss books. I could network with colleagues to see how they implemented book studies in their classroom. Also, I like how this site connects to bookstores, libraries, and allow me to listen in/participate in discussions.
Thing #10: Online Image Generator
I lost a lot of time with this lesson. It was so much fun that I made items for my children. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to show Shemar Moore feeding me chocolate covered strawberries!
In the meantime, I utilized Dumpr to create the attached image. In Little Rock, there is an exhibit that depicts the Little Rock Nine. Their plight was an important part of history, and their courage paved the way for my children to attend the school of their choice. My children posed next to them to show their gratitude.
In the meantime, I utilized Dumpr to create the attached image. In Little Rock, there is an exhibit that depicts the Little Rock Nine. Their plight was an important part of history, and their courage paved the way for my children to attend the school of their choice. My children posed next to them to show their gratitude.
In a unit meeting, I was awestruck with a handout of several related terms creatively placed on a sheet of paper. Now, I know how the teacher created it! She utilized Wordie. I will create my own handout of terms. This will facilitate the discussion of memoirs. In addition, the students could create posters from Big Huge Labs when we discuss the grammar unit. There are other sites that I liked, but I need time to process some ideas. This lesson gave me a jump start!
Thing #9: Useful Library-Related Blogs and News Feeds
These lessons are becoming fast and furious. As I learn additional "things", I am seeing more work mount up. I am receiving so many alerts in my email. I didn't have time to read email before this training, so now I really feel bogged down. Oh well...
This was an interesting activity. After playing with the various websites, I found blogsearch.google.com to be the easiest. Technorati and Edublog were interesting. Syndico was a bit confusing. During my travels, I came across some interesting blogs. Per your suggestion, I accessed The Cool Cat Teacher blog. The reading was quite enlightening as to creating a "circle of the wise." I especially liked one of the replies which used an example of a military leader to create a trusted circle. After accessing another site, I discovered that an author from my hometown had recently passed away. I read some of the blogs that discussed the author's impact on his loyal readers.
This was an interesting activity. After playing with the various websites, I found blogsearch.google.com to be the easiest. Technorati and Edublog were interesting. Syndico was a bit confusing. During my travels, I came across some interesting blogs. Per your suggestion, I accessed The Cool Cat Teacher blog. The reading was quite enlightening as to creating a "circle of the wise." I especially liked one of the replies which used an example of a military leader to create a trusted circle. After accessing another site, I discovered that an author from my hometown had recently passed away. I read some of the blogs that discussed the author's impact on his loyal readers.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thing #8: RSS Feeds and Reeders
The Library2Play activity is really trying to catch me up with today's technology. I guess I have been hiding in a cave all these years. Each activity introduces a new and exciting concept to me. I loaded two of the suggested blogs, my librarian's blog, a political blog, and my daughter's blog. In addition, I added two websites that I like to peruse.
I like how everything comes to me vs. me going to them. It does save a lot of time, as well as, energy accessing the numerous sites that I periodically read. I plan to add/delete some as time goes on. With information transmitted to me on an immediate basis, I will be able to keep updated on current events and technology that are occurring in the world. This will help facilitate class discussions and class activities. One of the blogs belongs to our school's librarian. It had current "good reads", clever activities for students, and ways to incorporate technology into the curriculum. This will be a great way to keep me updated when I don't have time to personally touch bases with her.
I like how everything comes to me vs. me going to them. It does save a lot of time, as well as, energy accessing the numerous sites that I periodically read. I plan to add/delete some as time goes on. With information transmitted to me on an immediate basis, I will be able to keep updated on current events and technology that are occurring in the world. This will help facilitate class discussions and class activities. One of the blogs belongs to our school's librarian. It had current "good reads", clever activities for students, and ways to incorporate technology into the curriculum. This will be a great way to keep me updated when I don't have time to personally touch bases with her.
Thing #7: Cool Google Tools
I reviewed the various Google tools. I didn't know that Goggle had so many free resources. Although all of them were interesting, I set up Google Alerts (TAKS, teacher raises), and I customized my home page utilizing iGoogle. I started out with the following gadgets: calorie counter, daily devotional, and top stories. I am sure that I will add to this as my comfort level increases. I plan to utilize the Goggle Calendar once school resumes. I think that it would valuable to list curriculum topics, due dates for assignments, test dates, birthdays, school closed dates, and other information that would be relevant to the students. To increase my "techno level," I will add Atomic Learning to my toolbox.
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