Thing #23
Well here I am at last the end of Firefly's Flight. Or is it really the beginning!!!! There were so many different discoveries that I made that I had no idea that they even existed. I really liked Rollyo and Photostory. I plan to use both in my class. Yea hurray!!!
I take away the knowledge of all the different discovery activities and the most surprising thing about it was that on only three ocassions did I need to call on someone for help. The help wasn't to complete that particular entire discovery, but was help to clarify how to do something--help me over a hump that was in the way. So it was surprising to me with not being too tech savvy that I was able to complete all 23 Things with minimal help. Yipee!!!
This activity has reinforced my life-long learning goals. It has shown me that the Web is not to be feared, but explored without fear.
The journey was long. I was surprised that it took me much more than 18 hours to complete. I'm sure each Thing took me 2 to 3 hours. I would suggest reducing the number of Things to get the 18 hours of credit. You might even break it up into two experiences. You might consider developing one that is even more basic.
I would participate in another discovery activity and know that this summer 11.5(I think) was offered. I plan to continue my journey.
Learning by Doing is how I would discribe this experience. Thanks!!!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Findings
Thing #22
My flight of discovery continues--finding new surprises on the Web. I knew about Facebook and MySpace and, in fact, joined Facebook within the last couple of months. I really haven't used it a lot though. I guess it all boils down to time and how much time do I want to spend online and how much do I want to spend doing other things.
I like the idea of Ning and can see how it is useful. You can narrow your focus of interest and audience with a social networking tool like Ning versus Facebook. It sort of correlates with Rollyo and the Web--you can narrow your search/focus. I looked at TeacherLingo which is an educational community of teacher blogs, lesson plans and other resources. I think it can be a good resource for lesson plans and current educational topics. It can also serve as a platform to vent and commiserate with other teachers. I could see myself using it with my colleagues.
My flight of discovery continues--finding new surprises on the Web. I knew about Facebook and MySpace and, in fact, joined Facebook within the last couple of months. I really haven't used it a lot though. I guess it all boils down to time and how much time do I want to spend online and how much do I want to spend doing other things.
I like the idea of Ning and can see how it is useful. You can narrow your focus of interest and audience with a social networking tool like Ning versus Facebook. It sort of correlates with Rollyo and the Web--you can narrow your search/focus. I looked at TeacherLingo which is an educational community of teacher blogs, lesson plans and other resources. I think it can be a good resource for lesson plans and current educational topics. It can also serve as a platform to vent and commiserate with other teachers. I could see myself using it with my colleagues.
Doings
Thing #21
I really liked Photostory. It was very easy to use. I had to do some prep work and get all the photos I wanted in some kind of order and in a named folder. After that, the rest was relatively easy. My only problem was in narrating the story. I'm not sure how many photos I have in my story, about 15 or so, and all the narrations came out fine except the last three. I tried editing the narrations numerous times without success. Not sure why. So my story has no ending. I will continue to work on this as it is something I was planning to use with my class.
PS I have not been able to post my photostory on my blog. I'm still working on it.
PPS Success at last, but still not able to correct narration problem on last three photos.
I really liked Photostory. It was very easy to use. I had to do some prep work and get all the photos I wanted in some kind of order and in a named folder. After that, the rest was relatively easy. My only problem was in narrating the story. I'm not sure how many photos I have in my story, about 15 or so, and all the narrations came out fine except the last three. I tried editing the narrations numerous times without success. Not sure why. So my story has no ending. I will continue to work on this as it is something I was planning to use with my class.
PS I have not been able to post my photostory on my blog. I'm still working on it.
PPS Success at last, but still not able to correct narration problem on last three photos.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Discoverings
Thing #20
Exploring YouTube was fun--too many tangents to go off on. Under Librarians I came across Librarians Do Ga Ga and Ninja Librarian. Both were instructional and fun. I think they would be particularly useful in middle and high school. Once I registered for TeacherTube I was able to access things on Japan. Both will be useful in a school setting; however, the teacher will have to careful view before presenting abt video to the class both for content and age appropriateness.
I think I will be exploring these sites much more and find definite uses for them in the classroom--especially in social studies and science. Here is my attempt to embed a video from TeacherTube on Japan.
Exploring YouTube was fun--too many tangents to go off on. Under Librarians I came across Librarians Do Ga Ga and Ninja Librarian. Both were instructional and fun. I think they would be particularly useful in middle and high school. Once I registered for TeacherTube I was able to access things on Japan. Both will be useful in a school setting; however, the teacher will have to careful view before presenting abt video to the class both for content and age appropriateness.
I think I will be exploring these sites much more and find definite uses for them in the classroom--especially in social studies and science. Here is my attempt to embed a video from TeacherTube on Japan.
Explorings
Thing #19
The flight continues. This thing brings to light, for me, just how much is "out there" of which I wasn't aware. I had no idea!!! Exploring this thing could have been never-ending. I briefly looked at Standout Jobs which was a job recruitment tool. I don't think I would use it in the classroom. I also looked briefly at DocStock which I thought was interesting. You can use it to find and share, create, upload and sell professional documents--anything from documents used in small businesses or by professionals. I thought it was interesting that they even sold textbooks of various sorts.
The one I explored the most was Lulu. I think as an elementary teacher, I have that hidden dream of becoming a children's book author. Well Lulu could make that happen. It offers resources to create, publish, market and sell books created by me. They offer resources for creating your own book or if you need help they have service packages that offer more extensive help in editing and marketing. Other that personally using this site, I think school teachers or librarians could use it to demonstrate to their students the process from idea to product of developing and sellling a book. What fun!
The flight continues. This thing brings to light, for me, just how much is "out there" of which I wasn't aware. I had no idea!!! Exploring this thing could have been never-ending. I briefly looked at Standout Jobs which was a job recruitment tool. I don't think I would use it in the classroom. I also looked briefly at DocStock which I thought was interesting. You can use it to find and share, create, upload and sell professional documents--anything from documents used in small businesses or by professionals. I thought it was interesting that they even sold textbooks of various sorts.
The one I explored the most was Lulu. I think as an elementary teacher, I have that hidden dream of becoming a children's book author. Well Lulu could make that happen. It offers resources to create, publish, market and sell books created by me. They offer resources for creating your own book or if you need help they have service packages that offer more extensive help in editing and marketing. Other that personally using this site, I think school teachers or librarians could use it to demonstrate to their students the process from idea to product of developing and sellling a book. What fun!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Venturing
Thing #18
Venturing through the darkness has its perils. I tried to explore Google Doc, but couldn't. I kept getting a message that the url was not available on the server. But not to be deterred, I decided to check out Open Office.
I guess since I am, and a lot of people are, familiar with Microsoft Office, it's some times hard to switch to some thing new. However, I can see advantages to using Open Office. First, it's free--you don't have to buy it or any subsequent updates--yea! Second, it seems very user friendly. Also, since you can use it in different language formats and different computer platforms, it has the applicability for global uses and the ability to facilitate exchange on a global level. I definitely will be checking this out further.
Venturing through the darkness has its perils. I tried to explore Google Doc, but couldn't. I kept getting a message that the url was not available on the server. But not to be deterred, I decided to check out Open Office.
I guess since I am, and a lot of people are, familiar with Microsoft Office, it's some times hard to switch to some thing new. However, I can see advantages to using Open Office. First, it's free--you don't have to buy it or any subsequent updates--yea! Second, it seems very user friendly. Also, since you can use it in different language formats and different computer platforms, it has the applicability for global uses and the ability to facilitate exchange on a global level. I definitely will be checking this out further.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wanderings
Thing #17
Rollyo is a great concept. I found it very easy to use to create the searchroll. I found several sites on Japan and was able to copy them on to my individual searchroll. When I try to drag the link I could not. It would not go anywhere. So that was very disappointing. I'll continue to try as it is a searchroll that would be very useful in one of our social studies units.
P.S. Firefly's flight continues. I went back and reviewed the Teacher Tube video and voila--here it is:
http://rollyo.com/mrodmoravek/moravek_1/
Rollyo is a great concept. I found it very easy to use to create the searchroll. I found several sites on Japan and was able to copy them on to my individual searchroll. When I try to drag the link I could not. It would not go anywhere. So that was very disappointing. I'll continue to try as it is a searchroll that would be very useful in one of our social studies units.
P.S. Firefly's flight continues. I went back and reviewed the Teacher Tube video and voila--here it is:
http://rollyo.com/mrodmoravek/moravek_1/
Wikiings
Thing #16
Wikis seem so easy!! As easy as the on and off of the firefly's glow. I can see so many uses for Wikis in the classroom--working and collaborating with other teachers to prepare for field trips and other grade level events. Also with the students, literary circles, social studies projects, science projects, etc.
Playing in the sandbox was so easy. Great fun!!! I really liked this thing.
Wikis seem so easy!! As easy as the on and off of the firefly's glow. I can see so many uses for Wikis in the classroom--working and collaborating with other teachers to prepare for field trips and other grade level events. Also with the students, literary circles, social studies projects, science projects, etc.
Playing in the sandbox was so easy. Great fun!!! I really liked this thing.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thoughts
Thing #15
I found the video A Vision of Students Today very poignant. I experienced those university classrooms at a time when there weren't options of the technologies, Web 2.0, Library 2.0, etc. that are available today. I didn't find it oppressive, but I did have some of the same complaints that these students have. However, knowing what is available to students today, it is apparent that higher education will have to undergo fundamental changes in the way it services its learners just as we in the elementary, middle and, to a lesser extent, high schools have undergone.
In reading Away from Icebergs, I don't think you can totally do away with a "just in case collection." Perhaps you could to some degree in school libraries, but at public libraries the age and techno-savy range is a much broader spectrum. How do you serve an older population that hasn't manage to "keep up" with technological advances and paradigm shifts? How do you service a disadvantage population that does not have access to personal computers? The computers that are available at most libraries are limited and can only serve so many people.
Into a New World of Librarianship makes a lot of good points, but it is always easier to write up a perfect plan that it is to implement it. As a guideline of objectives as to what the "New World of Librarianship" should be, it is good. I think as librarianship moves ahead, it will have to keep in mind all segments of the populations it intends to serve. As an older learner, I know how difficult it can be trying to keep up with technology.
I found the video A Vision of Students Today very poignant. I experienced those university classrooms at a time when there weren't options of the technologies, Web 2.0, Library 2.0, etc. that are available today. I didn't find it oppressive, but I did have some of the same complaints that these students have. However, knowing what is available to students today, it is apparent that higher education will have to undergo fundamental changes in the way it services its learners just as we in the elementary, middle and, to a lesser extent, high schools have undergone.
In reading Away from Icebergs, I don't think you can totally do away with a "just in case collection." Perhaps you could to some degree in school libraries, but at public libraries the age and techno-savy range is a much broader spectrum. How do you serve an older population that hasn't manage to "keep up" with technological advances and paradigm shifts? How do you service a disadvantage population that does not have access to personal computers? The computers that are available at most libraries are limited and can only serve so many people.
Into a New World of Librarianship makes a lot of good points, but it is always easier to write up a perfect plan that it is to implement it. As a guideline of objectives as to what the "New World of Librarianship" should be, it is good. I think as librarianship moves ahead, it will have to keep in mind all segments of the populations it intends to serve. As an older learner, I know how difficult it can be trying to keep up with technology.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wanderings
Thing #14
Back into the darkness I go--wandering hither and yon, trying to glow brightly. I say trying because I feel like I struck out. When I did a keyword search for "School Library Learning 2.0" I got zero results on blog posts, under tags there was one listed for "learning" but was unrelated and under the blog directory also zero. So, I guess, the results were all the same--zero. I know Technorati could assist me in locating blogs that would have information that I might be looking for in the future. I enjoyed the blog from the Huffington Post. I liked the variety that it offers--political, world events, etc. Gizmodo was ok.
From what I can gather, tagging can be used in two ways--by the creator and by the reader. In Technorati, I would use it to find something written by someone else, in de.li.cious and flickr, I would be creating the tag to classify what I was posting. On second thought, I guess I would also be using tags to find things. Tagging is basically organizing by general topics.
Back into the darkness I go--wandering hither and yon, trying to glow brightly. I say trying because I feel like I struck out. When I did a keyword search for "School Library Learning 2.0" I got zero results on blog posts, under tags there was one listed for "learning" but was unrelated and under the blog directory also zero. So, I guess, the results were all the same--zero. I know Technorati could assist me in locating blogs that would have information that I might be looking for in the future. I enjoyed the blog from the Huffington Post. I liked the variety that it offers--political, world events, etc. Gizmodo was ok.
From what I can gather, tagging can be used in two ways--by the creator and by the reader. In Technorati, I would use it to find something written by someone else, in de.li.cious and flickr, I would be creating the tag to classify what I was posting. On second thought, I guess I would also be using tags to find things. Tagging is basically organizing by general topics.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Expanding
Thing #13
A firefly is a small thing--sort of isolated, but as it flies through the night glowing off and on, it is communicating with other fireflies. That is what comes to mind with social bookmarking. I feel as though I am expanding outward into the ethos of the internet and connecting with others. It feels a bit overwhelming, but not defeating.
I found Diggs visually confusing; Furl was better; and Ma.gnolia put me off by being "Invitation Only." I found Delicious usable.
I can see how this tool would be beneficial in bookmarking/tagging sites that tie-in to specific curriculum units. These then can be shared among the grade level team. Delicious makes bookmarking, tagging, and sharing extremely easy. I can see how this can be used by the librarian and teachers. Instead of or in addition to selecting books on a particular topic, the librarian can share bookmarks with a grade level on a specific topic. If I had more spare personal time or if I was pursuing additional educational credentials or doing research, I know I would be using Delicious to organize topics, subtopics and specific points to be made.
A firefly is a small thing--sort of isolated, but as it flies through the night glowing off and on, it is communicating with other fireflies. That is what comes to mind with social bookmarking. I feel as though I am expanding outward into the ethos of the internet and connecting with others. It feels a bit overwhelming, but not defeating.
I found Diggs visually confusing; Furl was better; and Ma.gnolia put me off by being "Invitation Only." I found Delicious usable.
I can see how this tool would be beneficial in bookmarking/tagging sites that tie-in to specific curriculum units. These then can be shared among the grade level team. Delicious makes bookmarking, tagging, and sharing extremely easy. I can see how this can be used by the librarian and teachers. Instead of or in addition to selecting books on a particular topic, the librarian can share bookmarks with a grade level on a specific topic. If I had more spare personal time or if I was pursuing additional educational credentials or doing research, I know I would be using Delicious to organize topics, subtopics and specific points to be made.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Flying
Thing #12
As my journey continues, I truly am Firefly. I travel in darkness with small points of illumination. I found my flight going here and there, here and there; making it difficult to get the whole picture of Community.
The two points about successful comments that I think are important are not just agreeing or disagreeing with a blogger, but explaining why. Also, having some relevant, meaningful and real world comments add to the discussion and give the discussion credibility.
Making comments is not as easy as it sounds. I didn't know you have to register on each blog. I left comments on Problogger, 10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog, Blogging Basics 101, Organic Gardening News & Advice and Monarch Watch Forum.
The two blogs I found most interesting to me were Monarch Watch Forum and Organic Gardening News & Advice. Both of these are of personal and professional interest to me. One of my additional non-paid, responsibilities I have voluntarily taken on is developing and maintaining both a butterfly garden and an organic vegetable garden at my shcool. Both of these blogs will provide useful information.
Onward through the darkness!
As my journey continues, I truly am Firefly. I travel in darkness with small points of illumination. I found my flight going here and there, here and there; making it difficult to get the whole picture of Community.
The two points about successful comments that I think are important are not just agreeing or disagreeing with a blogger, but explaining why. Also, having some relevant, meaningful and real world comments add to the discussion and give the discussion credibility.
Making comments is not as easy as it sounds. I didn't know you have to register on each blog. I left comments on Problogger, 10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog, Blogging Basics 101, Organic Gardening News & Advice and Monarch Watch Forum.
The two blogs I found most interesting to me were Monarch Watch Forum and Organic Gardening News & Advice. Both of these are of personal and professional interest to me. One of my additional non-paid, responsibilities I have voluntarily taken on is developing and maintaining both a butterfly garden and an organic vegetable garden at my shcool. Both of these blogs will provide useful information.
Onward through the darkness!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Glowings
Thing #11
The spark continues as Firefly continues the flight. I ventured into Library Thing and found it very easy to use--adding titles was fairly easy. My only complaint is that even when searching by title, I would get back a slew of books to pick from. Some were different editions of the same book, but other times it was all different kinds of books that had one or two words of the title the same. That made the selection process slower. I did check out a couple of groups like Green Dragon and Historical Fiction. I'm not sure I have the time right now to devote to a group. Even the effort of cataloging all my books at this time seems daunting and I'm not sure the return would justify the investment of time for me--I'm just not sure how beneficial it would be in my situation. I am glad I checked it out and will keep in mind for possible future use.
The spark continues as Firefly continues the flight. I ventured into Library Thing and found it very easy to use--adding titles was fairly easy. My only complaint is that even when searching by title, I would get back a slew of books to pick from. Some were different editions of the same book, but other times it was all different kinds of books that had one or two words of the title the same. That made the selection process slower. I did check out a couple of groups like Green Dragon and Historical Fiction. I'm not sure I have the time right now to devote to a group. Even the effort of cataloging all my books at this time seems daunting and I'm not sure the return would justify the investment of time for me--I'm just not sure how beneficial it would be in my situation. I am glad I checked it out and will keep in mind for possible future use.
THING #10With some help, I was finally able to get one of my trading cards posted here on my blog. It was a lot of fun creating these.
Well, after three trys, I finally got it to my blog. I'm not sure why it cut off the second line of print. I'm still investigating. Maybe I'll have more success with another image generator.
Well, I'm back. I tried Wordle and was able to create and post it to the public gallery. I know I can use this to reinforce vocabulary and poetry with my first graders. I really had fun with this. I had posted my Wordle on this blog, but accidently deleted it. I'll have to see if I can recover it.
I also tried comic strip generator. Here's my character: Wonder Woman. I'm feeling very empowered going through my 23 Things and acquiring all this new knowledge.
Well I was successful it getting my wordle back. Yeah, Hurray!!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Staying Afloat
Thing #9
As I continue my flight, I am continuing to add RSS feeds to by blog reader. I found one on elementary bilingual education and a blog by Science Teacher. Both were very interesting and useful. I explored Edublogs, Topix and Technorati. All were fairly easy to use, but I found Topix the easiest and most interesting. You just plug in a zip code and you find your self in the middle of what is going on in the community. I liked that. I also tried Atomic Learning; however, I didn't have my SBISD user/password cheat sheet so I didn't get far. I'll try another day. So onward through the ethos!!!!
As I continue my flight, I am continuing to add RSS feeds to by blog reader. I found one on elementary bilingual education and a blog by Science Teacher. Both were very interesting and useful. I explored Edublogs, Topix and Technorati. All were fairly easy to use, but I found Topix the easiest and most interesting. You just plug in a zip code and you find your self in the middle of what is going on in the community. I liked that. I also tried Atomic Learning; however, I didn't have my SBISD user/password cheat sheet so I didn't get far. I'll try another day. So onward through the ethos!!!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thing #8
Who knew about RSS and Readers? Not me, but I know some about it now. One of my dislikes about the internet in general was that for me it is so time consuming. It seems like when I get on the internet to check my e-mail or look for something, I fall into this black hole and when I make it out the other side 2-3 hours have passed!!!! What I like about RSS/Readers is that I can narrow the field and consolidate my interests in one area. This will help maximize my time. This will be useful both in my school life and personal life by allowing me to keep updated on my favorite topics and interests some of which I can use in teaching. I think that RSS/Readers allow school personnel to keep abreast of new developments as they relate to teaching.
Who knew about RSS and Readers? Not me, but I know some about it now. One of my dislikes about the internet in general was that for me it is so time consuming. It seems like when I get on the internet to check my e-mail or look for something, I fall into this black hole and when I make it out the other side 2-3 hours have passed!!!! What I like about RSS/Readers is that I can narrow the field and consolidate my interests in one area. This will help maximize my time. This will be useful both in my school life and personal life by allowing me to keep updated on my favorite topics and interests some of which I can use in teaching. I think that RSS/Readers allow school personnel to keep abreast of new developments as they relate to teaching.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Thing#7
A friendly welcome from Firefly Farm. As I continue my flight, I have been exploring the Google tools. This has been cool and a lot of fun. I set up a Google Alert. I'm anxious to see what I get regarding monarch butterflies. Also, I set up a Google Calendar and my own !Google page. What I really liked was my download of Google Earth. It's just fascinating!!!! I love just looking at maps in general so 3-d Google Earth was just enthralling. It's so much fun just find your own little spot on this planet. I plan to use all of these tools in my class this year. Wish me luck!!!! (PS I couldn't locate an image of a firefly--pretend.)
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thing #6
I have just been exploring mashups and 3rd party sites. I was very interested in Bookr and Trading Cards. I found both to be very user friendly. I created both a book "Dogs" and several trading cards. I thought both could be very useful in supporting curriculum especially in science and social studies. The little books would definitely help support reading--both books I create and books the students create. I tried putting a trading card in this post, but wasn't successful. That will give me something additional to work on. For the most part, another successful day!!!
I have just been exploring mashups and 3rd party sites. I was very interested in Bookr and Trading Cards. I found both to be very user friendly. I created both a book "Dogs" and several trading cards. I thought both could be very useful in supporting curriculum especially in science and social studies. The little books would definitely help support reading--both books I create and books the students create. I tried putting a trading card in this post, but wasn't successful. That will give me something additional to work on. For the most part, another successful day!!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Thing #5
I have just been exploring Flickr and found it very interesting. I can definitely see the utility of it. The vast array of photos available is a bit overwhelming. However, I found that I could use it. I will continue to explore this site this summer.
Here is one of the photos I downloaded. It is a dragonfly and is an example of an insect photo that will tie in with our science curriculum. I was looking for a photo of a firefly, but didn't have any luck finding it in the group of I was exploring. I'll have to check out other groups some other time.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Musings
Thing #2
I am Firefly see me glow and fly. This is my first foray into the blogosphere and my attempt to be more tech savvy.
After watching the the 7 1/2 Habits tutorial, I believe the hardest habit for me to develop is to begin with a goal in mind. What do I want to accomplish? I get so focused on what is facing me immediately that I forget to focus on the final outcome or goal. I have operated this way all my life so it will be very difficult to change it--not impossible--but difficult.
The easiest of the habits for me is to accept responsibility for my own learning. I have always liked learning, reading, and doing well in school. I went through elementary, "junior" high and senior high with no daily prodding or checking by my parents. I knew they wanted me to do well, but they were not there checking on my daily/weekly grades and assignments. They just expected me to do well and it was up to me to meet their expectations.
Thing #3
Creating my avatar was interesting. I had never created one before or even thought about one.
It was interesting to think about the image I have of myself and then try and translate it using the selections available. Then I was also thinking about how I wanted it to reflect me at this stage in my life. Of course, I then also had the technical challenge of actually creating the avatar and getting it on my blog. With a little help from Ladybug, I was able to successfully complete this task.
Thing #4
E-mail sent with Blog name (title), my blog signing name, and my blog address.
I am Firefly see me glow and fly. This is my first foray into the blogosphere and my attempt to be more tech savvy.
After watching the the 7 1/2 Habits tutorial, I believe the hardest habit for me to develop is to begin with a goal in mind. What do I want to accomplish? I get so focused on what is facing me immediately that I forget to focus on the final outcome or goal. I have operated this way all my life so it will be very difficult to change it--not impossible--but difficult.
The easiest of the habits for me is to accept responsibility for my own learning. I have always liked learning, reading, and doing well in school. I went through elementary, "junior" high and senior high with no daily prodding or checking by my parents. I knew they wanted me to do well, but they were not there checking on my daily/weekly grades and assignments. They just expected me to do well and it was up to me to meet their expectations.
Thing #3
Creating my avatar was interesting. I had never created one before or even thought about one.
It was interesting to think about the image I have of myself and then try and translate it using the selections available. Then I was also thinking about how I wanted it to reflect me at this stage in my life. Of course, I then also had the technical challenge of actually creating the avatar and getting it on my blog. With a little help from Ladybug, I was able to successfully complete this task.
Thing #4
E-mail sent with Blog name (title), my blog signing name, and my blog address.
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