Thing #21 Podcasts

I think that Audio Books are a great idea, especially during a long trip. Personally, at this point in my life, I would not use Audio Books because I enjoy reading too much. I do the majority of my reading by my bedside table light before I go to bed. This would not be a good time to “listen” to a book. Even though I don’t find that I would personally use Audio Books, I definitely think it’s a GREAT tool for the students. Many times, I have recommended to parents, that their child use a tape player to help them, or to check-out “books on tape” so that their child could track what’s being read aloud. This helps with fluency with young readers. I had a good time doing the photostory. It was very easy...the only thing I didn't want to spend time figuring out was downloading music. I think this is a great tool to use with students for any type of literature. Here is my photostory...

Unfortunately, I was not able to upload my photostory "Star Wars." Through reporting the problem I have discovered that Blogger posted on April 22, that have been experiencing problems with uploading videos and images.

Thing #23 Summary

1.What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I liked Wikis, Podcasts, Animotos, Trading Cards, Google Docs.
2.How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? This program has made me aware of things other than the usual software that I have used for years.
3.Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? Google Docs was the most impressive for me. I like the idea of saving documents that can be accessible from anywhere.
4.What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? The class could probably review the “Things” in the classroom to make sure that they are being completed. I know that we are all adults and the responsibility is ultimately on me but to help with success, then this can help.
5.If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? If I had the time I would be delighted to participate in the program.
6.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? The experience was enthralling!

Thing #19 Web 2.0 Award List

First off, I want to say that I am so surprised that there are 500 2.0 tools. I feel like I have been in a cave. I have always considered myself "up" on technology, but I am very humbled by web 2.0. From the award list I went into Care2 and it’s a great website. One right up my alley because I am very into recycling, eating health, helping with causes that help the unfortunate, and many other causes that are discussed in this site. There are many postings on different ways to help others and especially the environment. A great place to look for opinions that have your outlook. This would be a good site for students to conduct research projects. It's also a good site for librarians to tell Social Studies teachers about for their civic projects that they do every year.

Thing #22 Nings

The Texas School Librarians Ning intrigued me because not only does it allow me to connect with teachers but teachers in Texas. Because each state has its own guidelines connecting specifically with Texas teachers would be more of a benefit than just teachers in general because we have the curriculum in common. It could be used as a resource to better library and teaching techniques, giving me ideas on how to make the library/classroom better.

Thing #20 YouTube/Teacher Tube

I am not a big fan of YouTube because anyone with a camera can put anything they want on it, not necesarrily pertaining to what you need; but teacher tube is an excellent resource allowing pertinent videos only, rather than all videos on the face of the planet. The infinite amount of videos this gives us access to is phenomenal, it allows us to teach in new ways with new resources. The first video was tricky to find, to really use youtube you have to know what you are looking for already, or you have to sift through all those unwanted videos. TeacherTube is good for just searching and that search turning up valuable videos, rather than sifting.

YouTube




TeacherTube

Thing #18 Online Productivity Tools

I really like this because the opportunities are endless with these tools. Google Docs is a fantastic way to work from multiple computers without having to save a document each time to each computer, you always have an updated copy at your fingertips. Work no longer has to be saved to a jump drive or emailed to yourself, you can now just open up your google docs account and everything will be there. Another plus is not having to convert files between different computers (i.e. mac vs pc). This works like our district SAN folders.

Thing #14 Technorati

At this point in time I don't have much time to sit around and concern myself with 7000 blog posts. This would be a wonderful tool if I regularly read blogs, but right now, I don't. Other than this blog and all blogs related to it, I do not frequent very much. I dont see this as being practical for elementary school kids at all. This is more of a social or personal use item, good to know about but not very useful for me.