I’ve embraced the unfamiliar and it has made a positive impact on my teaching. Thank you!
1.What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? Discovering the tools available has been a real eye opener. Zoho Writer, Image Generators and YouTube top the list for me.
2.How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? This program has empowered me to help my students and colleagues to be challenged and successful in new ways. I want to keep up with what I have started and continue to grow and learn. “I’ve only just begun!”
3.Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? I was surprised by the vast amount of free tools available. I also didn’t think that early elementary students could benefit from many of the applications, I was wrong.
4.What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? I would have liked to have access to a blog or forum to see the successes and questions and struggles others experienced. The team was always just an email away; however, a forum to “chat” with the class would have been helpful.
5.If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? Most definitely. It is important for the LMS to stay current with technology.
6.How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote CSLA learning activities?
One word: Empowered!
One Sentence: I have added new tools to my “toolkit” that will enable me to
continue to challenge and empower my students and colleagues.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Week 9: Thing 22
Downloading books to either read or to listen to is a wonderful option for learners of all ages. Two sites that I particularly liked were:
Best places to get free books
Word Public Library
http://worldlibrary.net/
and
Guttenberg Project Top 100
http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/scores/top
LibriVox was the most interesting. The opportunity for students to listen to books adds a new dimension to literacy. However, there is noting like "snuggling" up with a good book.
Best places to get free books
Word Public Library
http://worldlibrary.net/
and
Guttenberg Project Top 100
http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/scores/top
LibriVox was the most interesting. The opportunity for students to listen to books adds a new dimension to literacy. However, there is noting like "snuggling" up with a good book.
Week 9: Thing #21
I explored the different Podcast site. At Podcast Alley I discovered Book Bites for Kids. This was easily found by searching for "children's book reviews." Subscribing on Bloglines was a breeze. I found a http:// www.ischool.net.au "Rat Rap". I would use this as an example with my students and then see what it leads too. Being more visual, I'm not a fan of the podcast, however, I can see their use in the classroom.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Week 8: Thing 19
Library Thing:
I have spent hours and feel like I just skimmed the surface of this online tool. I enjoyed reading reviews from other users of books. Looking at lists of other users who have similar tastes can lead to titles that may be of interest. I did the Library Thing tour, and the FAQs. Exploring tags was fun and that’s where I got “lost in time”. I was impressed with the variety of ways to search for and then import titles into your own library. Another feature that will be beneficial to use with my students and staff is the suggested readings based on what has been read. I added five titles to my library and posted them on my blog.
I have spent hours and feel like I just skimmed the surface of this online tool. I enjoyed reading reviews from other users of books. Looking at lists of other users who have similar tastes can lead to titles that may be of interest. I did the Library Thing tour, and the FAQs. Exploring tags was fun and that’s where I got “lost in time”. I was impressed with the variety of ways to search for and then import titles into your own library. Another feature that will be beneficial to use with my students and staff is the suggested readings based on what has been read. I added five titles to my library and posted them on my blog.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Week 8: Thing 18
Week 8: Thing 18
Online Applications:
I have used Google Docs with a group when rewriting by-laws for a Field Hockey Booster club. I liked the application better than Microsoft word. However, after exploring Zoho Writer, the applications available out-weigh Google Docs in my opinion. I am going to suggest that we use this when writing our information literacy/library curriculum over the summer. No more emailing files from home or school. The Zoho Show, online presentation tool is the next best thing to “sliced bread”. Having a ppt accessible without the flash drive is the BEST! I can’t wait to use this.
Online Applications:
I have used Google Docs with a group when rewriting by-laws for a Field Hockey Booster club. I liked the application better than Microsoft word. However, after exploring Zoho Writer, the applications available out-weigh Google Docs in my opinion. I am going to suggest that we use this when writing our information literacy/library curriculum over the summer. No more emailing files from home or school. The Zoho Show, online presentation tool is the next best thing to “sliced bread”. Having a ppt accessible without the flash drive is the BEST! I can’t wait to use this.
Week 7: Thing 16, 17
Week 7: Thing 16
I read over the suggested links for this exercise. I have to admit I was not a supporter of wikis, I thought that the information on the wikis was unreliable because anybody can put anything on it. After reading about wikis and exploring the sites in this exercise, I found out that a post can be edited by others who usually will correct erroneous information. There are some wikis that can only be available for editing and posting to registered members. This would be the best bet for school use. As a result of this exercise, I have changed my views. Wikis can be a very effective tool. I was most impressed with how wikis can be used to foster learning groups through collaboration. With the proper leadership and mentoring from the teacher, these groups provide guidance in content connections as well as helping to develop techniques of learning that can be simulated in other settings.
Week 7: Thing 17
The PA Curriculum Connection is one of the BEST resources I have discovered during this course. I did successfully add a comment. Thanks for setting this up Crystal. I will be visiting often!
I read over the suggested links for this exercise. I have to admit I was not a supporter of wikis, I thought that the information on the wikis was unreliable because anybody can put anything on it. After reading about wikis and exploring the sites in this exercise, I found out that a post can be edited by others who usually will correct erroneous information. There are some wikis that can only be available for editing and posting to registered members. This would be the best bet for school use. As a result of this exercise, I have changed my views. Wikis can be a very effective tool. I was most impressed with how wikis can be used to foster learning groups through collaboration. With the proper leadership and mentoring from the teacher, these groups provide guidance in content connections as well as helping to develop techniques of learning that can be simulated in other settings.
Week 7: Thing 17
The PA Curriculum Connection is one of the BEST resources I have discovered during this course. I did successfully add a comment. Thanks for setting this up Crystal. I will be visiting often!
Week 6: Thing 13, 14, 15
Week 6: Thing 13
I did quite a bit of reading and exploring in this area. I set up a del.icio.us account and now understand the concept and how to set it up. I have a few bookmarked sites in three different categories and set up some of my own tags.The SJLibraryLearning2's bookmark site in del.icio.us was a good spot to explore the features of del.icio.us and also to encounter some great resources.
Week 6: Thing 14
I explored Technorati using the suggestions on the CSLA Web 2.0 site, searching "School Library Learning 2.0" in posts, in the blog directory, and in the tags. There were more hits searching within posts than within the blog directory. Using tags is more by chance -- you never know where the clicking on tags will lead. At times it was worthless other times I found it useful. I had to play around with the authority settings to understand the logic of the search results.
Week 6: Thing 15
I read the online article “Away from the Icebergs”. Rick Anderson uses the metaphor of a ship moving through icy waters to illustrate the risks libraries will encounter as they move their “ships” into the future. This was a very interesting read.
I also read “School Library 2.0: Say Goodbye to Your Mother's School Library". This article, from May 2006, also highlights practical uses of Web 2.0 technologies for the school library media teacher. Examples included book discussion blogs and ideas on how to use Web 2.0 features to get beyond the fixed/flexible scheduling problem. I am beginning to see the possibilities in using Web 2.0 resources to make it easier for students, parents, teachers, all library users to access information resources outside the walls of the library
I did quite a bit of reading and exploring in this area. I set up a del.icio.us account and now understand the concept and how to set it up. I have a few bookmarked sites in three different categories and set up some of my own tags.The SJLibraryLearning2's bookmark site in del.icio.us was a good spot to explore the features of del.icio.us and also to encounter some great resources.
Week 6: Thing 14
I explored Technorati using the suggestions on the CSLA Web 2.0 site, searching "School Library Learning 2.0" in posts, in the blog directory, and in the tags. There were more hits searching within posts than within the blog directory. Using tags is more by chance -- you never know where the clicking on tags will lead. At times it was worthless other times I found it useful. I had to play around with the authority settings to understand the logic of the search results.
Week 6: Thing 15
I read the online article “Away from the Icebergs”. Rick Anderson uses the metaphor of a ship moving through icy waters to illustrate the risks libraries will encounter as they move their “ships” into the future. This was a very interesting read.
I also read “School Library 2.0: Say Goodbye to Your Mother's School Library". This article, from May 2006, also highlights practical uses of Web 2.0 technologies for the school library media teacher. Examples included book discussion blogs and ideas on how to use Web 2.0 features to get beyond the fixed/flexible scheduling problem. I am beginning to see the possibilities in using Web 2.0 resources to make it easier for students, parents, teachers, all library users to access information resources outside the walls of the library
Monday, February 11, 2008
Week 5 thing # 11 and 12
Rollyo is my "new best friend". I created my own search tool for many of my favorite websites. One of the best features is that I can now access these sites from any computer. I got lost in the search rolls available. I don't know how I survived without this tool.
I did explore the Web 2.0 winners, but once I found Rollyo I couldn't stop. I created an account and do plan to share this tool with colleagues.
http://rollyo.com/index.html
I did explore the Web 2.0 winners, but once I found Rollyo I couldn't stop. I created an account and do plan to share this tool with colleagues.
http://rollyo.com/index.html
Week 5 thing #10
I spent way to much "play time" on these. The word that comes to mind is addictive. I worked with a small group during a prep last week with the button maker. We had a PSSA "get pumped" assembly last week and the students came up with some great ideas.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Week 4 thing # 8 and #9
Overwhelmed at first, loving it now. The way information, news and email comes at us these days reminds me of a virtual tsunami. My problem is how do I keep up with it all and do everything else too. It's hard work and often frustrating trying to make sense of it all. But I'm thinking my aggregator can make things a little easier for me.
Education and technology are two of my main interests. I "played around" until I was able to configure my aggregator to send me new articles on education and technology from the New York Times and several other sources. The aggregator should save me a lot of time because I don't have to scan every web site to find what I am interested in. However, I used many hours exploring and trying to accomplish this, became frustrated at times, walked away from it at times, but with patience and persistance, I was successful. I am amazed at what I have learned up to this point.
Education and technology are two of my main interests. I "played around" until I was able to configure my aggregator to send me new articles on education and technology from the New York Times and several other sources. The aggregator should save me a lot of time because I don't have to scan every web site to find what I am interested in. However, I used many hours exploring and trying to accomplish this, became frustrated at times, walked away from it at times, but with patience and persistance, I was successful. I am amazed at what I have learned up to this point.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Week 3 thing # 7
I put in a TV studio in the library. We do a live broadcast every monrning. I just found free tele-promter software, http://cueprompter.com/. I'm wondering how easy it will be to use with my broadcast/tech crew. Presently, I meet with the students during a prep to prepare scripts for the next day. I know I need a laptop and a monitor to make this happen. Is anybody using this software? Any suggestions?
Another idea some of us have been toying with... using an LCD projector with a laptop and a translucent shower curtin to create scenery for our drama and musical productions. Anyone have any success using this media? Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance...
Another idea some of us have been toying with... using an LCD projector with a laptop and a translucent shower curtin to create scenery for our drama and musical productions. Anyone have any success using this media? Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance...
Monday, February 4, 2008
Week 3 Thing # 6
After exploring and having too much "flickr fun" I decided to post a magazine cover. I plan to introduce this tool for the classes that are doing "poetry anthologies" and also with the classes that are doing "structure" projects. Providing students with the tools and allowing them to decide where and how to use those tools is empowering.
http://bighugelabs.com/photos/277c487e73e7ce3ea2f35db9e1363059/magazine6383087
http://bighugelabs.com/photos/277c487e73e7ce3ea2f35db9e1363059/magazine6383087
Week 3 thing #5
I've spent hours exploring Flickr. The possibilities for use with students is endless. I am checking with my IT person to see if we can have a Flickr account. Keeping my fingers crossed.
The 6th graders are doing a unit on structures, hence the photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hippouf/2242079336/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hippouf/2242079426/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flaviocb/2241189299/
The 6th graders are doing a unit on structures, hence the photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hippouf/2242079336/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hippouf/2242079426/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flaviocb/2241189299/
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Week 2: Thing 3
Wonders will never cease... I have a blog! I am ready for the new learning that is beginning. "Attitude is EVERYTHING"!
After spending time on the tutorial and listening to/reading the
7 1/2 Habits, I attempt to keep those as life habits. However, finding time for play is difficult during the school year, consequently I try make up for it in the summer. I was excited to learn that I had been chosen for the 2.0 pilot group. I've been wanting to move into the age of technology at a faster pace. I am viewing this as an opportunity of a lifetime. Anxious to see where this path leads.
After spending time on the tutorial and listening to/reading the
7 1/2 Habits, I attempt to keep those as life habits. However, finding time for play is difficult during the school year, consequently I try make up for it in the summer. I was excited to learn that I had been chosen for the 2.0 pilot group. I've been wanting to move into the age of technology at a faster pace. I am viewing this as an opportunity of a lifetime. Anxious to see where this path leads.
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