WAHOO. I FINISHED. :)

Discovery Exercise

• What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
• I really enjoyed the LiveBinders exercise as I can see myself using it quite a bit.

• How has this program affected your lifelong learning goals?
• I now see how much is really out there and will not limit my goals.

• Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
• I was surprised at how much I didn't know!

• What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
• Maybe make it a bit more interactive with group DBs for students to converse.

• How will what you have learned influence your practice as a teacher?
• I know see the vast majority of resources available; I would be a fool not to use them.

• How do you plan to keep up with new developments in web 2.0? Recommend a way that you have found to be useful.
• I will keep up with the new developments in web 2.0 by subscribing to newsletters and remaining a member of the education groups I am currently in.

Thing #23

• Find an example or attribution that shows the Learning 2.0-23Things for Teachers blog was based on someone else's work and modified from its original.
• Now that you know about Creative Commons licensing, how will you use it in the future as a teacher?

I found this attribution that is somewhat like our 23 Things blog but is modified:  http://schoollibrarylearning2.csla.net/2007/02/23-things_27.html

Now that I understand Creative Commons licensing, I will use it to share with my students so that they understand the importance of giving credit to work, not copying, and (aside from not risking getting in trouble from authority figures in the future), they will have a new respect.

Thing #22

1. Set up your own LiveBinders account.
2. Create three education-related binders in your account. 
3. Find several resources to place in each of your binders.
4. Create a blog post that tells:

• What are the titles of your binders? 
• Embed one of your binders in your post. Click on the Options button under the binder you have selected to share, and then click on Embed. Copy the code and paste it into your blog post.
• Discuss how you might use LiveBinders in the classroom, including possible lesson ideas for students.
  
  I set up a livebinders account-- aschmidt.
  I created three education-related binders, one titled English Grammar, one titled Essay Writing, and one titled Standardized Testing Tips/Anxiety.

English Grammar

I could easily use this tool in the classroom as a way for my students to go through my lesson plans and choose their favorites (all the while learning!!), maybe have them play teacher and make their own lesson plan (again, sneaky learning here!!), or just to store my information and use at a later time. :)

Thing #21

My experience using Animoto was pleasant. The site was very simple to figure out. My only complaint is the length of the video. I understand that the point is to get you to purchase a video, but I feel like you should be able to make up to one minute for free rather than thirty seconds.

Here is my video! (images from Animoto's image pool)



Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Thing #20

For this assignment, I decided to simply make my own video. I found some statistics and used them for my video. I really, really enjoy youtube (for entertainment and education). I like how easy the site is to navigate and how there really is anything and everything to choose from.

I wish that the simplicity of the search engine could be applied to my library website when finding videos, etc.

This video could be an example for an assignment in which I ask my students to make a short video of a fact they found interesting/shocking.

Thing #19

• Are you a member of any online communities?
• Are any of these social networks appealing to you?
• What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later?0
  
  I am a member of a twitter group called 'Future Educators' along with a facebook discussion group of the same name. These groups are beneficial and appealing to me as I am able to connect with other future teachers, share information, and it's very, very simple to share. I will definitely continue to use twitter and facebook groups to share information, though as I graduate, I will join different groups!

Thing #18

1. Set up an account with Twitter or Facebook (if you don't already have one) and post the link to your profile in your blog. If you are uncomfortable using your real name, use an alias. While on Facebook, be sure to join the College of Education Facebook page so you can keep up with everything that is going on in and around the Claxton building!
        My facebook link is HERE and my twitter link is HERE.

2. Search for schools, teachers, authors or people you know and add them to your friends list. 
(I did this with facebook but elected not to do so with my twitter)

3. Write a blog post about your experience that addresses these questions. Why is it important that educators know how social networking works? What new insights did you gain about these popular sites? What did you like or dislike about each of the sites you explored? Which site had the most useful features? Can you see a classroom or school application for any of these sites?

My experience with twitter and facebook came long before this project. They are fun social networking/media sites to catch up with friends, gather information, share information, and much more. I gained new insight in that I'm now beginning to realize just how effectively I can use these tools to my advantage.

A classroom/school application that I have in mind would be making a Facebook Profile as a teacher that students could 'like'. It would have the syllabus, class schedule, other information available. Plus, if students needed help, they could write on the facebook wall and I would try my best to help. The same goes for twitter! (Though I found Facebook had the most features)

Thing #17

Create a blog post about your experience and thoughts about this tool. Can you see the potential of this tool in the classroom? Or just as an easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere? How can teachers take advantage of social bookmarking sites?

My experience with the bookmarking tool was generally pleasant. While I can see the potential of the tool in the classroom, it was a bit stressful for me. I can see myself using it in the future, but I'm so used to using the tools that I've been using that I honestly wouldn't convert at the moment.

Teachers can take advantage of the social bookmarking sites as ways to distribute information to students and sure-fire ways to load certain applications and sites in the classroom, for lessons, etc.

Thing #16

• Which start page did you choose? Why did that one appeal to you? Will you make it your permanent home page?
• For my Start Page, I chose iGoogle. I made it a lovely shade of blue and will probably make it my permanent start page. It's very useful and contains links to my daily apps.

• How can the online calendars be useful to you?
• Online calendars can be useful in that I check my email/get on the computer at least once a day and, since I don't always check my planner, I could easily use the calendar to remember important dates, appointments, assignments, etc.
  
• What about the to-do lists—helpful, too much work…?
• I liked it, but I feel it would be just as effective and much easier to make my own to-do list and tape it somewhere. That being said, I love making lists, so I may be a bit biased. It just seemed excessive.
  
• Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at the school or at home? Which tool(s) would you recommend to others?
• There was a weather tool that I found. I would recommend it to others. Here is a link to it: http://www.weather.com/services/

Thing #15

Create a post in your blog about the experience. How might you use a wiki? What did you find interesting about the wiki concept?

In editing my wiki, I was surprised at just how simple it was. Yes, I've heard in the past from teachers and authoritative figures that ANYBODY could create or edit a wiki, but it wasn't until I was editing one myself did I realize just how unreliable the information may be.

In the future, I might use a wiki in the classroom as a way for students to collaborate on an assignment and create a finished wiki. My experience was pleasant and I'd imagine that theirs would be too.

Thing #14

For my graphs, I chose to use Bubbl.us and MindMeiser. My overall experience was pleasant, but all around, I really enjoyed Bubbl.us. It was so simple to use and very easy to read. I would definitely use it again for future presentations, documents, lectures, etc. Likewise, MindMeiser costs money and not all can afford to use it.

Below (in order) are the two charts I made using Bubbl.us and MindMeiser:

Thing # 13

Discovery Exercise:
1. Create a free account for yourself in Zoho
2. Explore the site, visit Zoho Writer under productivity tools and create a test document or two.
3. Try out Zoho Writer’s features and create a blog post about your discoveries.
4. Explore Google Docs, Google's online word processing/spreadsheet/presentation applications.
5. Create a document, spreadsheet, or drawing and share it in your blog
6. Discuss in your blog how your students might work collaboratively using Google Docs.
7. Compare the two web-based productivity sites (Google Docs and  Zoho). Which do you prefer? Why?

I created an account in Zoho and immediately liked that I could create/access my information anywhere; there is no 'dropbox'. What I didn't really care for is the fact that there is a limit- you can only access your previous 25 items which seems like a lot, but in the long run it may not be as promising.
Below is the document I created in Zoho Writer:

Next, I use Google Docs. I liked that I could access my account everywhere and that I could save file upon file. It wasn't as user friendly in my opinion (Zoho offered more options for creativity), but the pros and cons really balanced eachother out. If I had to choose... I would go with Zoho.

Thing #12

After looking at each of Google tools, choose two of them to explore further. Try setting up an alert, calendar, translate, picasa album or iGoogle page and using it. If sharing is an option for the tools you choose, make them public. Blog about your experience with both tools and include a link to your creation. Be sure and include possible educational uses.


I set up my very own google caldar. This calendar could be used by my students to input homework assignments (students wouldn't have to worry about losing their planner since it would be online.)

Likewise, I used google translate! Say I had a class with students who did not speak English. If I was not familiar with their language, I could use google translate for basic help! EX: http://translate.google.com/#auto|fr|Hello%20class!

Thing #11

1. Explore some of the search tools noted above that can help you locate some RSS feeds.
   
2. Add any feeds you like to your RSS reader.
   
3. Create a blog post about your experience that answers these questions:
   *Which method of finding feeds did you find easiest to use?
   *Which Search tool was the easiest for you?
   *Which was more confusing?
   *What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels?
   *Or what kind of unusual ones did you find?
   *What other tools or ways did you find to locate newsfeeds?

I found that browsing worked best for me. I clicked on different blogs that were listed through the main APSU 23 things page and added blogs that I liked to my RSS feed. It was confusing when I had to input them directly because I wasn't sure what I was searching for. Some useful feeds I found were specified towards teaching; unusual included just about everything under the sun!! Other tools or ways to locate newsfeeds could be something as simple as a search engine or word of mouth.

Thing #10

• What do you like about RSS and newsreaders?
• How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life?
• How can teachers use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
• Optional: If you're up to the challenge, create a public page with Google Reader. Why have a public page? To share your blogs with others!

I really like RSS and newsreaders as I now have a set place to read my blogs, newsletters, etc. It's very organized. I can use this technology in school to show students updates from sites I really like, and I could use it in my personal life for personal blogs and sites I enjoy. Teachers can take advantage of this in the ways I mentioned--- sharing pages with students, giving students an online checklist of sorts!

Thing #9

My process for creating these images was really simple-- just browsing around for fun ideas and adding my own text. I've link all the images so that you can click on them to visit the site where they were created. These images could be used to add visual interest to any projects!!

Have fun!

Thing #8

In your post, talk about some ways Flickr and/or Flickr mashups could be used in your future classroom or personal life. What are your feelings about sharing photos online?

Flickr and mashups could be used very effectively in the classroom! Students could design aesthetically appealing photos, phrases, etc for assignments, and I could use these tools to keep my presentations visually interesting. I'm comfortable with sharing photos online so long as you aren't exposing anything too private to a student or yourself.

Thing #7

a. Take a good look around Flickr and discover an interesting image that you want to blog about. You can explore Flickr photos, search the tags, view various groups, and more without a Flickr account.


b. Use any keyword(s) you wish to find photos with those tags. When you find an interesting image or group, write a blog post describing your experience finding images, using Flickr, and anything else related to the exercise. Upload an image to your blog, being sure to credit the photographer. Don't forget to include a link to the image in your post.

Upon my exploration of flickr (a website I absolutely adore), I found pages upon pages of creative photos tagged with various subjects (many of which would be directly applicable to lectures, powerpoint presentations, and providing visual interest to any presentations I may show to my class).

Finding the images was incredibly easy, and I'm definitely a flickr fan. Since I plan on teaching English and poetry, I did a search for book images on flickr.

I linked the image to go to the flickr page when clicked.

Thing #6

1. Select any site/tool from the list of Web 2.0 Awards nominees.
2. Explore the site you selected.
3. Create a post about your discovery. Be sure to create a link back to the site where you found your tool. What did you like or dislike about the tool? What were the site’s useful features? Could you see any applications for its use in a school or library setting?

Of the Web 2.0 Award nominees, I decided to explore Skype. I created an account and found out that many of my friends have a skype themselves! I really liked the personal aspect of the tool-- I was able to make phone calls and speak 'face-to-face' via a computer screen with friends that have moved very far away. Useful features include sharing files, photos, text, etc., and allowing people to speak to eachother rather than simply type (though that, too, is an option).

While I cannot see it being used to its full ability in a library (with the exception of sharing text, documents, etc.,), using video chat in classroom can allow teachers to have specialists or those who can add stories, perspective, points, etc., to lessons speak to the class via video and allow students to speak back and ask questions!

Thing #5

Create a blog post on your reactions and thoughts regarding the articles you chose. In your post, make sure you include the answers to these questions:

• What does "School 2.0" mean to you?
• What does it mean for schools of the future?

As I read the articles provided on 'Web 2.0', I was honestly very impressed. I feel that school should be so much more interactive and agree with the opinion that learning takes place so much further outside the spectrum of a typical 8 hour day. We learn when we do, when our education is integrated into our daily lives.

School 2.0, to me, is the next step, the next level. To me, 'School 2.0' is discussing your studies with your parents, your peers, making assignments fun and relevant. For schools of the future, it means a further understanding of content and a feeling of relevance towards assignments.

Thing #4

• explain why commenting helps create a sense of community and interaction
• discuss two other points from the readings about commenting that you found important
• give the names of the seven blogs (5 from our group + 2 others of your choice) you selected to read and comment on and tell why you selected them

discuss the comments that you chose to make and why you made them

Commenting helps create a sense of community interaction because the person receiving the comments is getting direct feedback from his or her peers on his or her work. Likewise, the person receiving the comments may feel a sense of relevance about his or her work. Receiving feedback brings out the best in people and makes them strive to do their best work. Knowing that someone has read what you've posted motivates.

Likewise, the person doing the commenting gains a sense of authority, importance, etc., since he or she is providing direct feedback.


Two other points from the reading that I found important were listening for the voice of readers and replying to comments (to the best of your ability) to avoid a sort of elitism.


FIVE FROM OUR GROUP
3040 Section 34


Laura-- I chose to comment on this blog because I could relate very much to what she was saying about accepting responsibility for her own learning.


Zack-- I chose to comment on this blog because we both shared the same difficulty in accepting and viewing obstacles as challenges rather than viewing them in a negative light (my most difficult feat yet!).

Bridgtte-- I chose to comment on this blog because I really related to what she was saying about beginning tasks with an end in site and 'saving the best part of the cake as your last bite'!!


Kelly-- I chose to comment on this blog because I found it interesting that her classroom used blogs before as mine never did!


Er'nyce--  I chose to comment on this blog because in my high school classes, we really didn't make the most use of the available technology so I was able to relate to what she was saying. Likewise, I feel that there is no substitute for human interaction.


TWO OTHER GROUPS:
3040 Section 4
ADuchscher-- I chose to comment on this blog because he, like me, has difficulty viewing obstacles as challenges and I could very much relate.


3040 Section 8
MHillenberg -- I chose to comment on this blog because she was discussing the possibility of starting another blog outside of her 23 Things blog. I have my own separate blog, so I wanted to encourage her!

Thing #3

For your Thing #3 post, write about ways that you might use a blog in your teacher education program or your future classroom.

Several ways in which I might use a blog in my teacher education program or future classroom include but are not limited to:

• daily essay questions for students (one post per essay response as I plan on teaching English)
• requiring students to comment on two, three, etc of their peers' posts/responses to provide constructive criticism or feedback.
• allow students to create a virtual time capsule of sorts.
• allow students to reflect on past work.   
• provide my teaching insights and teaching methods/exercises, making them accessible to other teachers.
• share ideas.
• allow parents to be interactive with classwork.
• link my classes with other classes in the school, state, or elsewhere! 

Thing #2

For Thing #2, post about your experience creating your blog and your avatar. In your post, consider answering these questions:

• How did you decide on your posting name and the name of your blog?
• What was your experience in creating the blog? Was it hard for you or easy? Why?
• How does your avatar reflect your personality? Did you create an avatar that looks like your real self or someone totally different? Why?

My experience in creating my blog was a bit confusing at first though generally pleasurable. I decided to use my own name for posting and keeping things simple when naming my blog-- Amber's 23 Things.

I feel that my avatar reflects my personality in that she is wearing a silly hat and that she is smiling (she is, I promise! The graphics just didn't have as much flexibility with the mouths as I would have hoped. I love dressing up (I even have my own fashion blog!), so since the outfit of the avatar wasn't entirely visible, I had to settle for a fun hat. Likewise, my avatar does look like my real self--- she has thick bangs, brown hair, and blue eyes! One might say I was not creative in the creation, but really, I just wanted an accurate representation of myself! 

Thing #1

7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning
* Begin with an end in mind.
* Accept responsibility for your own learning.
* View problems as challenges.
* Have confidence in yourself as a competent learner.
* Create your own learning toolbox.
* Use technology to your advantage.
* Teach/mentor others.
* Play!

Of the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning, it was easy to pinpoint my strongest and weakest areas.

Coming from a goal-oriented family has vastly prepared me to begin all challenges with an end in sight, a particular goal that I hope to achieve. Do I wish to speak French fluently or simply be able to navigate the streets of Paris? Outlining what needs to be done, what my ultimate goal is, and what I need to do to get there is my strongest point of the 7 1/2 habits.

On the contrary, I've had some difficulties viewing obstacles and problems as challenges. I have a tendency to dwell a bit, to allow myself to become overwhelmed before tackling a problem. It is my personal goal to overcome this and use those bumps in the road to to better my conquests as I improve my lifelong learning techniques.

Aside, I'm quite excited about setting up and further customizing my blog. I'd love to gain a further understanding of adding gadgets and decorating my blog as an internet representation of myself. I was a tad bit overwhelmed when I first started, but I'm feeling much more comfortable with the blog now. As I prepare to work on the other tasks (things), I am excited.