Well, email has certainly changed my way of life, both personally and professionally. It is a great tool to accomplish easy one way communications. It takes the "small talk" necessity out of many conversations. However, it is not great for problem solving, brainstorming, or very sensitive issues. I personally don't use IM much because to me it is not time-saving. I am not usually online at the same time as my friends. However, texting is great for quick messages. Not sure what it is doing to the English language, but time will tell on that one!
I actively use Facebook, but it can really be a time drainer. I can't really handle all the "cutesy" things on there like poking someone, and finding "which Friends character you are". To me, that is fun but it certainly doesn't save time. I think that it is important to know about these tools, be familiar with because these are the tools that are common place for our students!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thing #6 - Image Generator
How could I use these tools in my classroom?
This was really fun. I can see using things like the trading cards, license plates, etc. to have the kids describe themselves as a great welcome back to the year.
The options are a little overwhelming, but very fun. Important to watch your time on these things - no matter if you are doing it in the luxury of my home, or like Lisa sitting in the parking lot of the "Super Mart."
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thing #5 - More Flickr
How can you use any of these tools in your library and media center?
I loved using Color Pickr and Spell with Flickr. These are the types of things that I can totally obsess over and waste a lot of time. It was fun though. I spent a great deal of time on this, and then like Deb I wasn't able to post it to my blog. It was a bummer and deflated the fun. I was interesting to poke around with though. I can see students getting into this for various projects.
What do you think of sharing photos online?
It still makes me nervous, especially when dealing with minors and that is my population as an elementary teacher. I don't feel savvy enough to feel safe yet - I will get there!
How can you use any of these tools in your library and media center?
I loved using Color Pickr and Spell with Flickr. These are the types of things that I can totally obsess over and waste a lot of time. It was fun though. I spent a great deal of time on this, and then like Deb I wasn't able to post it to my blog. It was a bummer and deflated the fun. I was interesting to poke around with though. I can see students getting into this for various projects.
What do you think of sharing photos online?
It still makes me nervous, especially when dealing with minors and that is my population as an elementary teacher. I don't feel savvy enough to feel safe yet - I will get there!
Thing #4 - Flickr
How might you use Flickr?
I think that I will really enjoy this. I am a totally scrapbooker, so pics are important to me. Love the idea of having everything backed up. I plan on putting all my photos (both personal and school related) on here.
Do you use Flickr or another photo hosting service? Which one? How does it compare to Flickr?
I thought that Flickr was easy to use and maneuver around.
How do you feel about having your photos public (note that you can mark your Flickr photos private, too)--any concerns?
This part scares me a little, but I am happy that there is always the private option. I really don't share my photos much, so I am more likely to keep things "private." I am just happy about finding something that will keep my photos backed up so that I do not need to make an exit plan for my oodles of photo CDs in case of a fire :)
I think that I will really enjoy this. I am a totally scrapbooker, so pics are important to me. Love the idea of having everything backed up. I plan on putting all my photos (both personal and school related) on here.
Do you use Flickr or another photo hosting service? Which one? How does it compare to Flickr?
I thought that Flickr was easy to use and maneuver around.
How do you feel about having your photos public (note that you can mark your Flickr photos private, too)--any concerns?
This part scares me a little, but I am happy that there is always the private option. I really don't share my photos much, so I am more likely to keep things "private." I am just happy about finding something that will keep my photos backed up so that I do not need to make an exit plan for my oodles of photo CDs in case of a fire :)
Thing #3 - RSS
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders?
Well, it took me a bit to get the hang of it, but then it was actually pretty easy. I think that it will help streamline what I need/want to read about.
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life?
In all honesty, this is not where I spend most of my online time. I usually watch the news vs. reading about it online. I am just not online that much. However, it is nice to know that I can get the real news headlines and my Hollywood gossip all in one spot if needed!
How can teachers or media specialists libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
I think that it would be a great source for current events.
Which tool for finding feeds was easiest to use?
I used Google Reader just because it seems like it would be easier to keep things all "Google" in my life. Again, another way to streamline.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thing 2 - L2
What do I hope to learn?
Well, there is so much...I feel a bit overwhelmed but excited. I hear about so many things that I do not really know about, or understand. I need to be realistic, dabble in several things, and then really pick a few things that I can use effectively and purposefully.
When will I find the time?
This is the million dollar question! Time is everything, especially when you try to balance family, work and everything else that goes on. I never really thought of learning about 23 things as important as exercising for heath, but when I thought about learning and how that is as important as taking care of my physical health, I decided that it might not be as hard to find time as I thought. Time will tell.
What am I looking forward to?
Now, I am just looking forward to continued learning. When I put it in a simple format such as learning and improving myself, it all became a lot easier and more fun.
How does the internet affect my time at home/work?
It can really consume all spare time. It is so fun to mess around with this phenomenon that all of sudden I notice that hours have passed. What I cannot get over is the fact that I have not tapped into even a fraction of what is out there. I just need to figure out how to streamline things so that I am using my time wisely and effectively. Always a struggle!
What about my library?
I think that the libraries will definitely need to move forward here. With small children, we frequent the library for primarily book checkout but to keep my kids interested for the future the libraries will have to offer these advanced L2 tools. I believe that this is the way that their future learning and recreation is headed.
Well, there is so much...I feel a bit overwhelmed but excited. I hear about so many things that I do not really know about, or understand. I need to be realistic, dabble in several things, and then really pick a few things that I can use effectively and purposefully.
When will I find the time?
This is the million dollar question! Time is everything, especially when you try to balance family, work and everything else that goes on. I never really thought of learning about 23 things as important as exercising for heath, but when I thought about learning and how that is as important as taking care of my physical health, I decided that it might not be as hard to find time as I thought. Time will tell.
What am I looking forward to?
Now, I am just looking forward to continued learning. When I put it in a simple format such as learning and improving myself, it all became a lot easier and more fun.
How does the internet affect my time at home/work?
It can really consume all spare time. It is so fun to mess around with this phenomenon that all of sudden I notice that hours have passed. What I cannot get over is the fact that I have not tapped into even a fraction of what is out there. I just need to figure out how to streamline things so that I am using my time wisely and effectively. Always a struggle!
What about my library?
I think that the libraries will definitely need to move forward here. With small children, we frequent the library for primarily book checkout but to keep my kids interested for the future the libraries will have to offer these advanced L2 tools. I believe that this is the way that their future learning and recreation is headed.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thing 1 - I created my blog
Thank you Michael for getting us started.
I am very anxious to get going on these 23 items and learn about what possibilities are out there. This will be a great way to experience some tools that will help me take my students more deeply into the 21st century learning. Blogging is my first step and proud to say I have done it! :)
I am very anxious to get going on these 23 items and learn about what possibilities are out there. This will be a great way to experience some tools that will help me take my students more deeply into the 21st century learning. Blogging is my first step and proud to say I have done it! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
