My last thoughts...

Upon signing up for this class, I was a bit intimidated by the course content. I have been a little reluctant to venture out into the world wide web of 21st century skills. But, I can say I made it and am now more confident in using web 2.0 tools.

Some of my favorite parts of this course were learning about voicethreads, creating the slideshows, and setting up Google Reader. I am excited to use the voicethreads with my students. I can see how this will be so beneficial to them when we are reviewing a new concept or instructions for a detailed project. This allows them access to the assignment from anywhere. I can post the voicethreads on my blog and even their parents can access them. I think this idea opens up more lines of communication between me and my students' families.

I really feel as though I didn't know that much about Web 2.0 tools before this class began. I feel like I know more. BUT, there is still sooooooo much more to discover. This Learning 23 Things class has allowed me to get my foot in the door. With the fast pace of the world of technology, I have to keep learning. I can't say, "I learned about that in the summer of 2010" and expect to know everything technology related. In a year, some of this information may no longer be relevant because something new will take over. I have to use what I have learned her as a platform to further discoveries and lifelong learning.

I think being a part of Classroom 2.0 will help me stay up to date on applications and information pertaining to technology. But, if Learning 23 Things, Part 2 is offered (or any other similar course), I will definitely have to enroll. Things within the world of technology are always going to change. So, there will always be a reason to take a class or teach a class.

I have so many ideas filtering through my mind from these recent activities. I would like to get with other teachers from my campus and see what fantastic collaborations we can create to improve our school community and bring others up to speed with technology!

Thing #23

I checked out Classroom 2.0. I like that it is a group for educators and the topics are relevant to teaching. There were so many tips and links to things we have covered in this class! The layout is a little overwhelming, but I'm sure that is because it is new to me. I can see myself using this to search for support on different ideas or to find another way to teach something. There are so many links to so many valuable resources!

I think it would be a cool idea to set up a Ning site for the educators on our campus. It would be a different way to offer support to each other and help one another. I know it is just another thing for teachers to add to their to do lists, but it would be so valuable!

Another thing we could do with this is set up a Ning community for our campus as a way to interact with our parents and the community! I know we have our campus websites, but this could create a parent-educator-student forum.

Thing #22

It is important to know about different social networking sites for a few reasons. You have to know what your students are talking about. It gives you "with-it-ness". Also, it doesn't hurt to be aware so you can protect yourself.

I do not like MySpace at all. I have looked at pages on myspace for certain bands and restaurants. It seems there is too much going on within each page. I see no educational use for myspace at all. I'm sure there is somewhere, but I don't want to explore that further. Not a fan...

However, I am on Facebook. It has been a great tool for connecting with colleagues, old friends and new friends. I don't really see myself using this in the classroom or connecting with students. But, I think there are definite possibilities for connecting with my peers who share similar interests and goals. I do like that I can befriend colleagues, especially new teachers. It is just another support system for us.

Thing #7b

So I checked my reader. It is definitely filling up. I will have to go through and get rid of some things. But, I found one that seems to be surprisingly interesting to me. It is from a podcast I added to my reader. Each of the podcasts are 60-second blurbs about some scientific fact. This one explains how sight is really altered in people who are depressed. It is very interesting. I also like that I am able to easily keep up with my friend who joined the Peace Corp and is stationed in Lesotho. He started a blog for his friends and family to follow.

Thing #21

I have dabbled in some of the tools Google has to offer. I set up my iGoogle page. I like being able to customize my google page with some of my favorite apps and widgets. I like how I can have a direct link to my gmail on my iGoogle page. It is very convenient.

I downloaded Google Earth. I have used that at school before. I like that I can look at different colleges and universities through Google Earth. I spend time with my students discussing their future in college. It would be great for them to have the opportunity to look around the campus this way rather than just viewing the campus website. This program offers a different viewpoint which is more engaging. The spinning of the earth to get to the next location is a little nauseating, though.

I found lesson plans for Google Earth. I plan to go back to those later to find things to do with my classes.

Google Labs is also very interesting. I had no idea that this even existed. I just looked over the first few pages of items in the lab. I will absolutely be going back for more research!

Thing #20

There are so many possibilities for Google Docs. Here are some of my ideas of how I might use this:

• Peer editing: My students could write their paper in Docs and share it with another student. The other student could make suggestions, revisions or corrections using a different font color.
• Teacher committees and planning: We could use Docs to have others sign up for responsibilities on a committee or share ideas. If I had information to share with a group, I could post it on Docs, send it to my colleagues and have them respond.
• Supply list planning: I could set up a supply list/order, share it with another teacher involved in ordering for our department and have them add to the list or change quantities.
• My personal use: If I am typing a paper or proposal, I could type it as a Google Doc and save it. Then, if I was on a different computer, I could easily access it and continue working.

I like the ability to share items this way. It cuts down on the actual time teachers have to spend meeting.

Thing #19

Voicethreads are VERY cool! I would use this to explain a concept. It would be easily accessible for students to review if they needed to look at the example again. I think this would be a great way to give assignments to kids who are missing work from being sick. Also, I want to use this for assignments for sub days! I could have the substitute teacher play this for my classes! I have a teacher friend who made DVDs of the assignments to leave for the subs to play. It worked well for her classes! Voicethreads could do used in the same way!

I like this 5 step writing process from this young man:

Thing # 18

I like using YouTube. I had fun looking up videos. In my classes, we spend time discussing peer pressure and making smart life choices. I found some videos that show things students have done for projects to share their ideas on these topics. I think having my students make videos like this would be great!

When looking up "How to..." videos, I found a group of videos that really wouldn't be appropriate to show to students but it is great for teachers. I watched the "How to be Emo" video. It actually gives insight to the way these kids who classify themselves as "emo" behave. The actors in the video put a funny spin on it, but it gives you an idea. I'm sure they made this video to be funny and poke fun at the different teen cliques.

For fun, I looked up a few music videos on YouTube.

On TeacherTube, I looked up similar class content material as I did on YouTube. I seemed to find more informative videos done in a professional (or somewhat professional) way. I did find some very great videos I would want to show my students in regards to social skills and teen life.

Thing #17

I found some of the podcasts to be very interesting. One that I can absolutely see being used in my classroom on a daily basis comes from The Word of the Day podcast. This podcast plays the correct pronunciation of the word. You can read the definition and sentences using the word. The only sound in the podcast is the pronunciation of the word. But, I think it is short, sweet and to the point. It would be great to use at the beginning of a class.

The other podcast I enjoyed is 60-Second Science. The podcast offers a short and sweet blurb about some current event or finding in science. Even though I don't teach a science class, I could still use this podcast as a way to inform my students of current events that will effect them.

Thing #16

I really like the Library Thing! This would be an incredible resource for my students to use when we are doing research projects! The students could gather books useful to their topic and catalog them on this site for others to access!

I also have an idea of group I want to form with some students and the Library Thing could play an important part. I want to form a support group for students (female teens from my school) to discuss growing up and social issues they experience. There are plenty of books the girls could read and share using this tool. It could be a great platform for discussions.

Thing #15

I like the concept of social bookmarking. But, in all practicality, I do not see myself using this more. I know that it makes keeping up with different sites convenient because I can access them anywhere. But, it is just another password/username to remember. I have my home computer and my school computer that keep my bookmarks. I did try finding sites of interest. Here is the link to my delicious page.

I have friends who really like using this! Maybe it will grow on me...

Thing #7a

Ok, so I checked my Google Reader. After only day of setting it up, there are already new blog posts to follow! One of my favorite blog sites in my reader is Free Technology for Teachers. Today a blog was posted sharing a site about screencasting. The site is called Screenjelly.

I could create screencasts of steps for my students to follow when we are using new technology applications. I think it would help those who don't get it immediately as they would be able to go back for a second look.

Thing #14

After checking out the list of Web 2.0 tools, I found one that will be the best thing for me and my students. The site is Ta-da List. This site allows you to make checklists AND check the items off as steps/items in the list are completed.

I need this for me. I can keep my tasks organized. My students can use this when they are working on a project. The checklist will help stay on task and meet deadlines. It can be used as an assessment tool so they know exactly was expected of them.

I also LOVE Wordle! I can use this as notebook/project covers for myself and my students. I also think it would be cool to put all of my students' names into this and display it as a decoration in the room. There are many possibilities.

Thing #13

The image generators have consumed a large quantity of my time today. I see many uses for these in my classroom. They spice up presentations and are fun to create. I used Spell with Flickr to create the word above.

I like Image Chef, also. Although I don't think all of the image creations are school appropriate, there are some I will use for my classroom. I like this one:

I thought about using this little creation on all of my documents during the school year as my trademark of sorts. I created it using the License Plate Maker under the Custom Sign Generator Widget.

Thing #12

I did my slideshow in RockYou.com. I set it up with thought provoking questions as the captions during the slide show. I really like this way of presenting photos to my students with writing prompts.

Photo Attributions:

Remaining Beach Damage by Fakelvis

Derelict Boat by Fakelvis

Friends and a Secluded Beach by Fakelvis

Derelict Cuban Airliner at Pearls Airport by Fakelvis

Thing #11

I think I could spend an entire day going through photos on Flick'r. I would like to use photos and images in writing exercises with my students.

When I started looking through the photos, I just wanted to see what was out there. I did and advanced search to find photos under Creative Commons of people, places and anything else that popped into my head. I came across a photostream by a photographer known as Fakelvis. His photos are very vivid and it seems he has been to interesting places.

I would use this photo in a writing exercise where I would have the students write and tell the story of the people in the photo.

This is another photo that I like.

Thing #10

I really have not noticed the “CC” label on different websites. But, after reading about the Creative Commons, I believe that it is important that my students understand the importance of using things from the web that are licensed to be shared.

Many students think images and information found online is a free-for-all just because it is easily accessible. I’m convinced that many of them do not understand copyright controls.

I do use images and audio clips in different class presentations and on campus staff development presentations. I have to pay more attention to what I am choosing to use. I have to lead by example and show my students how to use information from the web correctly.

Thing #9

This wiki business isn't so bad. After working with my Moodle during the school year, navigating around this wiki page is much easier. I like learning the tricks or HTML codes to make things such as a table of contents. I can see using a wiki page for one of our huge research projects we do in class.

In setting up my wiki page, I followed the instructions given. The "Cheat Sheet" was a life saver.

I like information I am presenting to students to appear organized and easy to read. I don't want their eyes jumping all over the page. I want there to be a nice, smooth flow to the content I am presenting. I organized the page so that my introduction, my favorites, my burning question and web 2.0 stuff are in an organized list. I think using a page like this would be a very good way to introduce myself to my students and parents. I gave it the title, A Few Grains of Sand..., because it is just a little bit of information about me.

Thing #8

I like the idea of using Wiki spaces in the classroom. My FAVORITE of the list we were given to explore is Code Blue. I like the idea of the information being written so that it keeps the attention of students. It is colorful and very interactive. I actually played on that site for quite some time. I especially found The Yucky and Cool Body Systems interesting. I learned a little too much about vomit from that site. It made me want to teach science, but only for a minute...

Every single wiki I visited was completely different than the last. There seem to be sooooo many uses for this and ways to do this!

The Thousands Project is also another amazing and unique idea. Once again, it is completely student centered and I really like the idea. It shows kids how powerful technology can be. It allows students to connect to others outside of their classroom. I think the goal of achieving at least 1,000 responses to the questions posted on the wiki is a very cool way to keep the students excited and interested in the project.

So, once again, I am amazed by this and excited to learn more. I would like to incorporate a wiki into my classroom experience. I can see my students posting their writings in a wiki and doing peer editing. I think it would be a productive tool with my students.

Thing #7

I like how comments on blogs lead to further conversation or provoke greater ideas. Everyone seems to have an opinion on everything these days. The comments give those the opportunity to voice their thoughts. I like reading other comments. The comments spark creativity or ideas. If I have a question or misunderstanding, I can post it as a comment. Someone is probably going to offer additional insight. Also, some blogs are there to just express thoughts or feelings. Maybe something I say in a comment can help someone.

Thing #6

I have been following a blog from a former co-worker named Wes. He and his wife, Brandi, moved to Africa with the Peace Corps. I added their blog (Brandi and Wes in Africa) to my Google Reader so I can keep up with their journey. I love that I have the reader to keep all of my blog interests in one place.

I like how Google Reader shows the updated blogs in a bold format. It is very convenient for me to look, see what's new and catch up on what I've been missing.

Another blog I am following is Free Technology for Teachers. The blog offers links to free tools teachers can use with students. There is a link to strategy games that I am looking through to use with my students, especially during the first week of school.

Another reason I like the reader is that it keeps me grounded. When I ma looking at blog sites, it is so easy for me to get lost or go 3-4 sites deep. One link leads to another link, and so on and so on. By keeping these blogs of interest in the reader, I always have the starting point to go back to. I know where I began.

Thing #5

I like having all of my blogs of interest in one location... Google Reader. It makes it very convenient to go in, check for updated blogs, read what I want and then be done with it. I can totally see how this would be useful in the classroom. I could set up a reader for my classes and let my students go through those particular blogs to find articles of interest or blogs related to our class topic.

One particular blog that I like is the one written by different high school students regarding future education, Students 2oh. I like the blog by Linda, a high school student applying to different colleges and the anxiety that goes along with that. I like seeing blogs like this created by other students. It becomes a support system for others. My students need to see such experiences through their peers. This blog provides an incredible insight to my students that I am not going to be able to provide (only because I am not a teen with the same experiences right now).

When I find more RSS feeds on topics of interest to me, I think this will be a very convenient way to stay informed and current.

Thing #4

In reading the different blogs, I found things I like and things I don’t like. The language of the blogs is very conversational. It seems very casual to me and not filled with “educational lingo.” I like it! It makes me feel like I am having a conversation with colleagues rather than sitting in a lecture. To me, this is like reading articles from magazines (editorials). Mark's Edtechblog posts an article where the students do silent reading of blogs every-once-in-awhile instead of reading straight from a book. I like how

I like that blog writing gives anyone the opportunity to express ideas. Granted, some do not need such a platform. But, those who use blogging as a way to share and offer different insights are helping others. With that in mind, no two blogs are going to be the same. Each of us expresses our ideas and thoughts differently. I expect that to come through in writing or journaling.

I find the blog, How to Prevent Another Leonardo da Vinci very influential. The blogger is sharing ideas that provoke thought in the readers. The ideas do make a lasting impression. The blog article also opens the door to further conversation on the topic. The comments added at the end offer just as much insight on the topic as the actual blog itself.