Thing #23!!

I loved the whole process- new ideas, working at your own pace, having colleagues support you, using colleagues as references, being able to go back to certain "things" and review them, reviewing things that I've already done and gotten new ideas as well as being introduced to new things.

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I loved the mashups, avatars, and how easy it was/is to set up a blog. I've used WordPress and I thought it wasvery complicated compared to this one
How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I have definietly decided I will use a blog or blogs in my classroom this year. I just have to narrow my ideas down. This process just wants to make me keep seeing and finding what's new and how it can help me be a better teacher.
Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? Again, how easy it was/is to create a blog using Blogger compared to Word Press. So much easier and quicker.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? I say just be a little more clear or up front with certain statements/warnings (ex. video won't load unless you do it at home first and then in the classroom, avatars may not appear b/c ___, ). I would definitely embark on another discovery program like this, especially in the summer since it's self paced even though there is a deadline.
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? Self paced learning is wonderful and being able to understand and learn how to use the technological tools our students are using will help me be a better teacher who can reach more of my students both at school and at home.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS EXPERIENCE!!!

Thing #22

I think different Nings are definitely another way to collaborate with others. I don't really like the layout, it's overwhelming (too much on the page- it's a me thing). Educationally, students could create Nings based on certain school related topics- book clubs, science experiments, homework helpers...

Thing #21

This is a Photstory video I made awhile ago. I am so glad that I only have to show my students once and then provide support b/c what they produce is so much better than mine.

Thing #20

I have used TeacherTube in the classroom and the kids love it b/c they equate it with YouTube. This video on the water cycle is hilarious, but I love finding things like this to use. he kids love it and what's wrong with laughing while you're learning? That makes the ideas stick with the kids more b/c they can't stop talking about it or wanting to share it with others.

Thing # 19

After exploring the Web 2.0 Awards site I will have to say... I like how it's organized and you have the different places which you may or may not agree with. The listings can be used as mini tutorials. You can also incorporate the lists into writing classificatory pieces. Students can visit all awarded sites for a specific topic. While they're exploring, they can complete a pros/cons t- chart which they will then use to present what's good/or not about using these sites or to compare why one site was awarded 1st place and not 2nd. Either way, they still explored and learned how to use the assigned topic.

Thing # 18

I've wanted to explore Google.docs for some time. Advantages are that this allows for collaboration between colleagues and/or students. Students can also use this at home if they don't have Microsoft programs loaded on their computers. Disadvantages, none to think of now.

Thing # 17

Rollyo- I think this will be better than what I've done in the past. Usually when I'd want kids to work on a research project, I'd prepare a Word document with all the hotlinks for specific sites I'd want the students to visit. This will make researching more accessible b/c the kids can access Rollyo from home. This is a search roll for Penguin Awareness Day (yes, there is such a day): http://rollyo.com/hce4thgrade/penguin_awareness/

Thing # 16

I am excited about wikis. They seem easy to use. I want to use blogs and wikis in class, but how much is too much. That's going to be the tricky thing to sort out. Wikis can be used in many ways to continue and/or start classroom discussions. This could even involve parents so that we bring the community in to what's being done in the classroom. Book discussions, historical topics, science concepts, current events,... sometimes I think I have too many ideas.

Thing # 15

I felt the perspective: a temporary place in time, gave a great picture of what our libraries will be like in the future (near future I hope). I feel that it will make accessing information or reading material more fun and easy to acquire. I interpreted it that we would not necessarily have to be in an actual library building. We could be at home. We could even choose the form we want our reading material to take and then take it anywhere with us. If students don't have transportation to go to the library, the library can be brought to them. Library 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 will make it easier for all people to be readers and learners.

Thing # 13 and 14

Tags, hmmm. I'll keep it short and sweet (or bitter). They'll help to find info. quicker, assuming the tag is good/descriptive. Unless it's a tag you made, it may not be what you're looking for. I'm having a hard time using Technorati based on the speed today and navigating the site itself. I don't find it Mimi friendly today. I can't claim my blog either. The site has has said no claiming today. I took a look at the widgets and MAYBE I'll add a tag cloud, but maybe I won't.

Thing # 12

I read the 10 things to get more comments from your blog. I feel the top 3 would be the most reasonable and important with a classroom blog. Obviously, you don't need 22+ comments for each post, so when you require a comment, you must state so. That way the kids can know when they have the Right to Pass or not (Tribes). Then, be open ended, otherwise, there really won't be any comments to lead to a discussion. Another important idea is that specific boundaries do need to be set, otherwise, feelings could get hurt.

Thing # 11

Library Thing would be great for class book clubs. You could use this as a discussion site for your different reading groups.

Thing # 10

Yeah, we're back to some fun!!I thought this soup generator was cute and silly. Had to use it! The wanted poster is just as great. Kids can use this one easily after learning about a famous person. Their text at the bottom of the poster can be to describe what that famous person is most known for. This one was from http://www.imagechef.com/. I've also used http://www.wordle.net/ in class for the same purpose. My students researched a famous Texan and then created a wordle for them. Remember that the more you use a certain word, the larger that word will appear in the wordle. So, the characteristics the kids think are most important will need to be repeated more so that trait appears larger. This could easily be used at the beginning of the year to to help introduce students to the rest of the class. It's quick and easy.

Thing # 9

Tis post will be very bland. Just answering the required questions right now. Not too excited about this thing.
Which Search tool was the easiest for you? I enjoyed edublog. Perhaps because it is the most relevant to me right now.
Which was more confusing? I found these 2 sites very confusing: school library blogs and topix.net.
What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels? Or what kind of unusual ones did you find? I found sites with an actual search box were better for me than ones that just listed blogs. You can't always tell what a site will be about unless you actually go there- not using my time well.

Thing # 8

I love how simply RSS feeds were explained. To address some things...

What do you like about RSS and readers?- That this is much more time efficient than going back and forth between sites. Everything is in 1 place making info. easier to manage and share.
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life? This will make sharing educational related blogs with students/parents easier based on the RSS feeds being linked to my own class blog.
How can libraries/teachers/administrators use readers or take advantage of this new technology? We can use readers to be more time efficient with sifting through info. Again, this will also make sharing sites with students easier by including the feed on our home blog/site.

Thing #7

I have been interested in using Google tools for a while, but just haven't gotten around to learning more. I explored and created a calendar to help keep my 4th grade team on top of things for this school year and am thinking about having one for my class so that they can keep current on what's going on. Not 100% on that since we have Planners for the students. I also like iGoogle. I'm "thinking" each of my students can create a page (yes, I know, parent permission) and update it with specific curricular info. at times. During science fair for example, they could use this to track their progress and share what they've learned or done so far. The possibilities are endless. If anyone has ideas for iGoogle, please share.

Thing # 6

Although I didn't know what mashups were, I have been using them with my students this year. We used Mosaic Maker at the beginning of the school year to help teach our classmates about ourselves. Then we displayed them at Open House and parents had to try and guess which mosaic belonged to who. The kids and parents loved it. This mosaic is the one I used to introduce mosaics to the class. We also used trading cards and magazine covers for various assignments as well.

Thing # 5

I have used Flickr many times in my classroom this year. My students would even access the site at home to work on many self created projects. FYI...I chose this picture b/c even though red is my absolute favorite color, there's just something about pink roses (they're my favorite).

Thing # 4

I just registered my blog. Hope I followed directions correctly.

Thing # 3

I just created my avatar. Pretty easy, there are just so many choices. Process isn't difficult, I just need to practice creating and exporting more so it'll become 2nd nature. CAN ANYONE ADVISE ON WHY MY AVATAR SOMETIMES SHOWS UP AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T?

Thing # 2

The easiest habit is of course playing. When you play, there is no pressure and sometimes you learn more and find things out b/c you accidentally stumble onto them.
The hardest habit for me would be habit 2. I accept responsibility for my learning, but timelines for things like this add pressure and unfortunately I get stressed very easily. I can set 1 final date, but don't like having 15 dates along the way.

Just Started

I'm excited about starting the 23 Things process. Can't wait to make it through to the end.