Ah, nings. In this case, I'll settle for Facebook and/or MySpace. In the name of creativity, we are recreating the wheel because we can.
I checked out, even joined, Texas School Librarians Ning. I found myself responding to a Forum discussion before I realized all the discussions were a year old! The Blogs were a bit more up to date, but nothing outstanding, and only 31 posts showing. Under Videos, only a handful. Photos, the same.
With all the other resources and tools we've looked at, I'm glad this was at the end. It may have caught my attention more in the beginning, but now it seems almost indulgent.
I'm reminded of question/answer sessions with guest authors when the kids ask the same questions over and over, because listening wasn't the point. Getting recognized and being able to ask was the true goal.
Let's make the most of the best!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Thing 21
While I was content with Podcasting (I love oral interp), this does combine that oral element with a visual interest that is probably necessary for the classroom. I know PhotoStory has been around for a while. Getting the students involved would be easy, even for the youngsters. I can envision homerooms loading in student pictures and adding narration, "I am thankful for -" to be run on morning announcement broadcast. Research projects can be easily broken down into slide by slide assignments for groups or individuals.
The free download is approved by our district, so teachers could create and share easily,too. Great free stuff!
Thing 23
I realize this is out of order, but I woke up with my concluding image in my mind this morning, and it's not supposed to matter whether we write in order.
1. My favorite discoveries/activities were Teacher Tube (I'd only watched a few things on YouTube before) and podcasting. I'm excited about the treasure trove of clips available to teachers (yes, we will have access) for instruction. The teachers responded positively to Discovery.com, so I know they'll like the depth of Teacher Tube (67 pages of clips on math facts).
As for podcasting, I have done a radio reading show in the past, and I look forward to using this for school and personally. We send an original Christmas poem and greeting every year to many friends, and I think, this year, it might be web-based and in our own voices.
2. This morning I woke up with an image in my mind. I was the learner (cell phone customer). The internet and all the components we've sampled was Verizon. But every time I turned around, the host of possibilities jumped behind me. There, but not there. After completing 23 things, I'm beginning to see them. I don't fully grasp them all, but they are there behind me willing to be used, if I will use them.
3. An unexpected discovery was the impact of spelling. In a user-driven environment, this can be a tricky thing. The idea that material posted with misspelled tags might be forever missed is sad.
4. The scope of what SBISD has done here with 23 Things is daunting. No advice from me! I know all of us in our district appreciate the opportunity to participate.
5. I would absolutely join in other projects developed by SBISD. Next time, I will plan so that my vacation scedule doesn't leave me scurrying through the material.
6. One word: mind-blogging
1. My favorite discoveries/activities were Teacher Tube (I'd only watched a few things on YouTube before) and podcasting. I'm excited about the treasure trove of clips available to teachers (yes, we will have access) for instruction. The teachers responded positively to Discovery.com, so I know they'll like the depth of Teacher Tube (67 pages of clips on math facts).
As for podcasting, I have done a radio reading show in the past, and I look forward to using this for school and personally. We send an original Christmas poem and greeting every year to many friends, and I think, this year, it might be web-based and in our own voices.
2. This morning I woke up with an image in my mind. I was the learner (cell phone customer). The internet and all the components we've sampled was Verizon. But every time I turned around, the host of possibilities jumped behind me. There, but not there. After completing 23 things, I'm beginning to see them. I don't fully grasp them all, but they are there behind me willing to be used, if I will use them.
3. An unexpected discovery was the impact of spelling. In a user-driven environment, this can be a tricky thing. The idea that material posted with misspelled tags might be forever missed is sad.
4. The scope of what SBISD has done here with 23 Things is daunting. No advice from me! I know all of us in our district appreciate the opportunity to participate.
5. I would absolutely join in other projects developed by SBISD. Next time, I will plan so that my vacation scedule doesn't leave me scurrying through the material.
6. One word: mind-blogging
Thing 20
Whew! You Tube, of course, is fun and amazing. There's so much there, from the History of Educational Technology video I watched to my nephew crashing his bike doing crazy stunts. You can literally find anything here.
I don't know how I managed to stumble on Medieval Help Desk in Teacher Tube, but it is great. Not only will the teachers get a kick out of (perhaps) laughing at themselves, but our district help desk personnel will enjoy it too.
I don't know how I managed to stumble on Medieval Help Desk in Teacher Tube, but it is great. Not only will the teachers get a kick out of (perhaps) laughing at themselves, but our district help desk personnel will enjoy it too.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thing 19
I explored MyHeritage.com, a free geneology search site While the kids would not be old enough to register for this site, another use came to mind. When I was in the classroom, I was always amazed at how little knowledge the students had of their family background, with a few exceptions. At our school, we're always looking for something to bring in the parents and engage them, especially with their child. What a cool opprotunity to have families come to learn about themselves, so to speak. To raise the level of self-awareness, or just spark their curiousity - what fun! Unfortunately, I'm one those who never got to know my dad's side of the family that well. This site is for people armed with at least the basics of family names and dates to get started... Perhaps, if a project was initiated in class, the basic info gathered, then invite the parents in to research.
Perhaps Galaxiki would be more fun. I can see a definite writing tie-in with the science study of the planets. The teachers would need to control the experience, but I know the kids would enjoy traveling through a virtual universe to stars and planets, being able to read what members have written to describe it all. Whether they (or the teacher) added comments might not even be the point, if it will get them excited about using their imagination. Maybe that would be the payoff - create your own description of the star/planet and we'll find one to match and publish it.
Perhaps Galaxiki would be more fun. I can see a definite writing tie-in with the science study of the planets. The teachers would need to control the experience, but I know the kids would enjoy traveling through a virtual universe to stars and planets, being able to read what members have written to describe it all. Whether they (or the teacher) added comments might not even be the point, if it will get them excited about using their imagination. Maybe that would be the payoff - create your own description of the star/planet and we'll find one to match and publish it.
Thing 18
As long as there is a seamless interface with the Microsoft product we use in district, I love Google Docs. The features for sharing/viewing/editing with a group are quite wikian. Naturally, the advantage of being able to access docs anywhere is great. And being able to publish a document directly to your blog, or as a webpage is nice. The disadvantage? Even though I had my laptop on vacation, it was amazing how many places still don't offer or charge for internet access. In those cases, having either a downloaded program like Open Office or the purchased product "on" your computer is a must. I guess, making it a practice to save to Google Docs could combine the best of both worlds. Can we have an auto save feature for that?
Thing 17
OK, I admit that my Rollyo list is pretty lame. I'm not at school, and I didn't want to take the time to create something curricular without any of my stuff. But, for what it's worth I did it, and posted the link. The application for research assistance is fantastic, especially with young learners that are less able to navigate on their own.
On first look, I get the impression that there is an overlap in some of the things we're experiencing. This seems to have similarities with Delicious. It's all pretty overwhelming at the "I've got to finish this pace." But all will become clearer and better used by me in the future!
On first look, I get the impression that there is an overlap in some of the things we're experiencing. This seems to have similarities with Delicious. It's all pretty overwhelming at the "I've got to finish this pace." But all will become clearer and better used by me in the future!
Thing 16
I liked several of the sites I visited. The Library Bloggers wiki, Pedabloggy, was a great place to get an organized view of blogs on the topics specified. The Sample school blog showed a nice classroom application.
I've already explained in the sandbox about a committee application of the wiki. By using a wiki, we didn't have to try and schedule a meeting of members. We met in the wiki, commented on the business at hand, at our leisure, and accomplished the task.
I've already explained in the sandbox about a committee application of the wiki. By using a wiki, we didn't have to try and schedule a meeting of members. We met in the wiki, commented on the business at hand, at our leisure, and accomplished the task.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Thing 15
Wow, Schultz's trip to Library 4.0 is pretty daunting. Even though I may struggle with technology, I understand its significance and inevitability. But this analogy comes to mind. How many teachers have gone to an inservice about some great innovation, learned the basics of it, gotten excited about it, then returned to campus to find that there was never really any intention of purchasing that innovation...?
This is the way I feel with regard to my kids. Their poverty restricts their access to the net. Most do not have computers and their access at school is extremely limited, and not designed for innovative web learning. My little ones come to school truly in need of Storytime as they begin the journey to learn to read. How do you balance such need for the basics with the rocketing demands of today and tomorrow?
I do agree with Rick Anderson's comments about the collection. I have allowed our reference section to become progressively dated, thanks to our state-funded databases. As our budgets shrink, this allows us to use what funding we get in the broadest, most effective manner.
This is the way I feel with regard to my kids. Their poverty restricts their access to the net. Most do not have computers and their access at school is extremely limited, and not designed for innovative web learning. My little ones come to school truly in need of Storytime as they begin the journey to learn to read. How do you balance such need for the basics with the rocketing demands of today and tomorrow?
I do agree with Rick Anderson's comments about the collection. I have allowed our reference section to become progressively dated, thanks to our state-funded databases. As our budgets shrink, this allows us to use what funding we get in the broadest, most effective manner.
Thing 14
The searches in Technorati were interesting. At first, I left out "school" in school library learning 2.0. The result was 543. When I added school, the number lowered to 180. There were 77 blogs and 28 tags. Hmmm.
I guess there's logical corelation between the popular and authority lists. I noticed many of the same names in the top 10 (and more) of each. Searches were no surprise - quite a few for movie babes, but generally a widespread of topics.
Because I deal with pretty young kids, my use of this would be more personal /professional, not really to show the kids how to. But as a means of keeping yourself advised as to what is being popularly pursued on the web, I think these tools are amazing. Trends are measured as they happen, not in retrospect or hindsight. No wonder the commercial world is all over this!
I guess there's logical corelation between the popular and authority lists. I noticed many of the same names in the top 10 (and more) of each. Searches were no surprise - quite a few for movie babes, but generally a widespread of topics.
Because I deal with pretty young kids, my use of this would be more personal /professional, not really to show the kids how to. But as a means of keeping yourself advised as to what is being popularly pursued on the web, I think these tools are amazing. Trends are measured as they happen, not in retrospect or hindsight. No wonder the commercial world is all over this!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Thing 13
This is going to be so useful, in the most practical sense. The idea of being able to access my favorites from any computer is fantastic. Even more than accessing, it will be so cool to simply add bookmarks to my personal list wherever and whenever a gem turns up.
As explained in the course of the video tutorials/explanations the potential use for research is tremendous. On my pre-k to 4th grade level, the application may not be so significant, but it is certainly a great resource/tool for teachers, administrators and me, the librarian. Because of the nature of Delicious, we can share at our personal point of need.
As explained in the course of the video tutorials/explanations the potential use for research is tremendous. On my pre-k to 4th grade level, the application may not be so significant, but it is certainly a great resource/tool for teachers, administrators and me, the librarian. Because of the nature of Delicious, we can share at our personal point of need.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thing 12
Two points that hit home with me about commenting were the need to solicit comments and the need to comment with kindness. Asking a question straight out naturally brings responses, but even after a strong post, a blogger who ends with a humble, So what do you think? or Yes?, encourages comments. When responding to a comment, nothing can shut down someone faster than condescension or sarcasm. Expressing appreciation and finding something positive to say before gently disagreeing or offering an alternative view.
Having recently seen the new Harry Potter movie, I was interested in blogging about it. I ended up at Bermudaonion's Weblog. This must be an example of friends blogging with friends. The original post was a brief summary followed by a kid of disclaimer that the blogger read the book when it first came out and couldn't really remember the details to know if the movie was true to the storyline. The amazing thing was that almost every comment basically said the same thing - so long since I read it - guess it was accurate - emphasis on teen romance. Without offending the other commenters, I registered my dissatisfaction with the movie and left my comment "awaiting moderation."
My second visit was to Library Advocate (advocate4libraries. blogspot). The comment had to do with the importance to spread the Standards for the 21st Century Learner. Admittedly, my comment was a bit off-task, in that I pointed about the seeming disparity in building such a rigorous course for our responsibilities while, in Texas, although you now must earn a Masters to become a librarian, we are not considered essential personnel in a school.
Having recently seen the new Harry Potter movie, I was interested in blogging about it. I ended up at Bermudaonion's Weblog. This must be an example of friends blogging with friends. The original post was a brief summary followed by a kid of disclaimer that the blogger read the book when it first came out and couldn't really remember the details to know if the movie was true to the storyline. The amazing thing was that almost every comment basically said the same thing - so long since I read it - guess it was accurate - emphasis on teen romance. Without offending the other commenters, I registered my dissatisfaction with the movie and left my comment "awaiting moderation."
My second visit was to Library Advocate (advocate4libraries. blogspot). The comment had to do with the importance to spread the Standards for the 21st Century Learner. Admittedly, my comment was a bit off-task, in that I pointed about the seeming disparity in building such a rigorous course for our responsibilities while, in Texas, although you now must earn a Masters to become a librarian, we are not considered essential personnel in a school.
Thing 11
LibraryThing is an interesting tool. I'm not sure I'm inclined to be a reviewer, just as I'm not really a blogger. However, I do think this is a useful tool in taking a look at "like" users book reviews. Elementary librarians want the most bang for the buck, and the opinions of fellow librarians can often be more valuable than SLJ or other more esteemed reviews.
Thing 10
Well, I've got the images posted, but not the links. I missed that step somewhere in the process...
The two I used are the Comic Strip (swine flu) and Kid-Friendly (party announcement). My friend Rasco Rocket discovered the Trading Card site and that sounds like it has great possibilities in the library with regard to authors and biographies. Perhaps the whole staff could do cards of themselves instead of business cards!
My Swine Flu cartoon would be good in an in-house publication for staff. The Party announcement is what it is. It's always nice to have more graphic alternatives.
I also think the comic strip site would provide a great opportunity for kids to develop their ability to convey humor.
The two I used are the Comic Strip (swine flu) and Kid-Friendly (party announcement). My friend Rasco Rocket discovered the Trading Card site and that sounds like it has great possibilities in the library with regard to authors and biographies. Perhaps the whole staff could do cards of themselves instead of business cards!
My Swine Flu cartoon would be good in an in-house publication for staff. The Party announcement is what it is. It's always nice to have more graphic alternatives.
I also think the comic strip site would provide a great opportunity for kids to develop their ability to convey humor.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thing 9
1. My experience with blogs has been mostly what I hear... Also, I find myself at a loss in filtering through the mass of blogs to create my "circle." However, I feel that a good starting place might actually be the Edublogs award winners. Past winners would be worth spending the time reading and sifting through to find those relevant to my interests/needs. Even the nominees are worth a look. In light of this, I think this one would be the easiest to use to get started.
2. Syndic8 wasn't so much confusing as overwhelming. The site design made me feel like I wouldn't like it before I even took a good look.
3. I think, perhaps Topix.net would be immediately valuable in classes. Whether you set up feeds concerning a "unit" of study, or simply had a topic of the week, what a great, simple, and most importantly, focused way to hook your class up to real-time info on what's happening
2. Syndic8 wasn't so much confusing as overwhelming. The site design made me feel like I wouldn't like it before I even took a good look.
3. I think, perhaps Topix.net would be immediately valuable in classes. Whether you set up feeds concerning a "unit" of study, or simply had a topic of the week, what a great, simple, and most importantly, focused way to hook your class up to real-time info on what's happening
Thing 8
In some ways this has been exhausting...
1. The obvious advantage of the RSS system is the simplicity of getting what you want, free of the clutter that can often surround it. And, of course, having information delivered to you without having to go looking for it is even better.
2. I can think of several applications of this technology for school. I like the idea of being able to track author blogs, sharing their comments with the kids. Keeping up to date with what's happening with them. Finding authors that bother to blog is, perhaps, getting easier... Personally, I feel the delivery of news items, civic, educational or even entertainment, in such an efficient manner will make "keeping up" that much easier.
3. It might be interesting for a school (administrator or committee) to determine a list of sites for a faculty-shared RSS/reader site. This could be linked to a school blog where teachers could post comments about the articles. OK, this sounds like one more thing to saddle teachers with doing, but I'm anticipating a buy-in, prior. Wishful thinking?
1. The obvious advantage of the RSS system is the simplicity of getting what you want, free of the clutter that can often surround it. And, of course, having information delivered to you without having to go looking for it is even better.
2. I can think of several applications of this technology for school. I like the idea of being able to track author blogs, sharing their comments with the kids. Keeping up to date with what's happening with them. Finding authors that bother to blog is, perhaps, getting easier... Personally, I feel the delivery of news items, civic, educational or even entertainment, in such an efficient manner will make "keeping up" that much easier.
3. It might be interesting for a school (administrator or committee) to determine a list of sites for a faculty-shared RSS/reader site. This could be linked to a school blog where teachers could post comments about the articles. OK, this sounds like one more thing to saddle teachers with doing, but I'm anticipating a buy-in, prior. Wishful thinking?
Thing 7
There are way too many things to play with here, but I narrowed to 2 to comment on.
First, Google Advanced Search. I know this seems pretty basic, but I looked at this with the idea of saving teachers from reinventing wheels. I used the PowerPoint (ppt) search option and came up with 15k on the subject of photosynthesis. Narrowed that by adding .edu and dropped the hits to 5k. While I realize this number is still overwhelming, it will serve to illustrate that tech resources are rich and available.
I was also intrigued by one of the testimonials under Docs. LaRow's Google Historical Voyages and Events sounded like an excellent collaborative project. Our community was developed pretty much by the DOW Corporation, and I believe engaging in this project could garner a great deal of community interest that could be echoed around the globe, due to the company's international presence.
First, Google Advanced Search. I know this seems pretty basic, but I looked at this with the idea of saving teachers from reinventing wheels. I used the PowerPoint (ppt) search option and came up with 15k on the subject of photosynthesis. Narrowed that by adding .edu and dropped the hits to 5k. While I realize this number is still overwhelming, it will serve to illustrate that tech resources are rich and available.
I was also intrigued by one of the testimonials under Docs. LaRow's Google Historical Voyages and Events sounded like an excellent collaborative project. Our community was developed pretty much by the DOW Corporation, and I believe engaging in this project could garner a great deal of community interest that could be echoed around the globe, due to the company's international presence.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thing 6
I loved Mosaic! I thought of several uses that could be from teacher or student. With some planning, of course, students could create a mosaic (number of pictures could enhance their grade?) representing the book they've read. They could also use a mosaic to help them do a booktalk, using the pictures as visual cues.
Teachers could have fun doing the same thing (creating a mosaic to represent a book) and then having the class either try and guess the book, or perhaps write a story to go with the mosaic. Or how about a mosaic travel log for social studies (this could also come from Mappr).
Gee, are these ideas too much of using tech to springboard back to the traditional? Well, I guess we do still have TAKS...
Teachers could have fun doing the same thing (creating a mosaic to represent a book) and then having the class either try and guess the book, or perhaps write a story to go with the mosaic. Or how about a mosaic travel log for social studies (this could also come from Mappr).
Gee, are these ideas too much of using tech to springboard back to the traditional? Well, I guess we do still have TAKS...
Things 4 and 5
Well, I'm a player now...in a good way.
I worried about whether my email from Yahoo would make it into a school district account. Ours blocks my emails which is a real bummer.
Flickr is pretty cool. I can definitely see using some of the pictures to bring all sorts of references to life for my students. My school population is "economically challenged" and the kids don't travel. The photos can show them where stories take place, show them things (that's right, ground hogs are real, not just pictures drawn in books about Ground Hogs Day). Sure, I could already do that, but a photo site like this can result in much more interesting results than an on-line reference book. I may take part in some of the library sponsored activities. I'll have to put some thought into how to design one for our school.
The one thing that really bothered me is the spelling problem with tags. One of the articles mentioned the problem just a reversal of letter could create in a tag. But looking at a tag page in Flickr, I saw at least 4 misspellings in a cluster of about 6 or 7. Is this the result of texting sloppiness or just a general lack of spelling abilities?
I worried about whether my email from Yahoo would make it into a school district account. Ours blocks my emails which is a real bummer.
Flickr is pretty cool. I can definitely see using some of the pictures to bring all sorts of references to life for my students. My school population is "economically challenged" and the kids don't travel. The photos can show them where stories take place, show them things (that's right, ground hogs are real, not just pictures drawn in books about Ground Hogs Day). Sure, I could already do that, but a photo site like this can result in much more interesting results than an on-line reference book. I may take part in some of the library sponsored activities. I'll have to put some thought into how to design one for our school.
The one thing that really bothered me is the spelling problem with tags. One of the articles mentioned the problem just a reversal of letter could create in a tag. But looking at a tag page in Flickr, I saw at least 4 misspellings in a cluster of about 6 or 7. Is this the result of texting sloppiness or just a general lack of spelling abilities?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thing 3
Finally, I got the avatar added to the page (thanks to the advice of a kind associate here in my school district who has been down this road). For the most part, setting up the Blog was pretty easy. The avatar, as I said, slowed me down for a while.
I guess my main concern for the blog is having something to say. As long as I'm addressing "Things," all should be well.
I guess my main concern for the blog is having something to say. As long as I'm addressing "Things," all should be well.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thing 2.
While I don't have the site completed, I thought I would go ahead and post the easiest and hardest of the 7-1/2. I think the easiest habit is play. Of course, there is a distinct difference in playing to play and productive or purposeful playing. My learning "at play" is probably more incidental. Too often, when we complete training on some tech application and are given time to play, I am less than productive.
Perhaps then, it will be no great surprise to learn that the most difficult of the habits is taking responsibility for my own learning. I perform and "learn" better when in a class with structured guidelines and a timeline. The 23 Things will present a significant problem for completion...
After signing up, I was gone on family vacation for over 3 weeks, with little opportunity to work on this. Now, I scurry.
While I don't have the site completed, I thought I would go ahead and post the easiest and hardest of the 7-1/2. I think the easiest habit is play. Of course, there is a distinct difference in playing to play and productive or purposeful playing. My learning "at play" is probably more incidental. Too often, when we complete training on some tech application and are given time to play, I am less than productive.
Perhaps then, it will be no great surprise to learn that the most difficult of the habits is taking responsibility for my own learning. I perform and "learn" better when in a class with structured guidelines and a timeline. The 23 Things will present a significant problem for completion...
After signing up, I was gone on family vacation for over 3 weeks, with little opportunity to work on this. Now, I scurry.
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