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.
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