One Last Thought...
This experience has helped me utilize tools on the Internet that I never knew existed. I learned so much about the different types of technology that are available that I never would have encountered otherwise. Although I may not be great at using all of the different types, I found that I really liked using some of the tools. For instance, I love the Google tools that are available, such as the calender and email alerts.
This program has affected my lifelong learning process by forcing me to face technology head on. Honestly, I think that I will be a better teacher for at least exploring these different tools.
Now that I am familiar with technology, I plan to integrate it into my classroom. I want to use Google Earth and blogs. The possibilities truly are endless! I hope that I continue to learn about the new and emerging technology. It is important for me to stay informed because my students will surely be informed!
Thank you for this experience!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Thing #23: Creative Commons
Thing #23: Creative Commons
When I began searching for the original creator of the 23 Things, I found that it was difficult because the idea has been morphed into so many different programs for teachers. One example can be found at http://k12learning20.wikispaces.com/23Things and it chronicles the same types of activities that we use at APSU. It was pretty awesome to see how many different uses this idea has spurned.
Now that I know about Creative Commons, I will use it as a teacher by having my students use images and information from this site instead of Google. I will tell my students about how the images are safe to be used from this site and that other search engines will pull up images that are not safe to use.
When I began searching for the original creator of the 23 Things, I found that it was difficult because the idea has been morphed into so many different programs for teachers. One example can be found at http://k12learning20.wikispaces.com/23Things and it chronicles the same types of activities that we use at APSU. It was pretty awesome to see how many different uses this idea has spurned.
Now that I know about Creative Commons, I will use it as a teacher by having my students use images and information from this site instead of Google. I will tell my students about how the images are safe to be used from this site and that other search engines will pull up images that are not safe to use.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thing #22
Thing #22: Livebinders
My Livebinders are entitled Education, English Lesson Plans, and The Giver Unit Plan. I have chosen to share my Education binder and there is a link to my binder at the bottom of the page.
I think this tool would be very useful for new teachers who are compiling lists of resources. The binders could be used to keep track of all types of information and materials. Each unit can have it's own binder, etc.
Education binder
OR
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=668177
My Livebinders are entitled Education, English Lesson Plans, and The Giver Unit Plan. I have chosen to share my Education binder and there is a link to my binder at the bottom of the page.
I think this tool would be very useful for new teachers who are compiling lists of resources. The binders could be used to keep track of all types of information and materials. Each unit can have it's own binder, etc.
Education binder
OR
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=668177
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thing #21: Animoto
Thing #21: Animoto
Animoto is such a fun tool! It was so easy to insert pictures, choose a template and a song, and upload the video. I liked my video so much that I shared it on my Facebook page. This website offers such easy tools to create a video and allows users to make as many 30-second videos as they would like for free. I love this sight and all it has to offer! Below is a link to my viedo as well as a URL link.
My Loves-Part 2
http://animoto.com/play/pMSFpXLaN08oACbbbK43Aw
Animoto is such a fun tool! It was so easy to insert pictures, choose a template and a song, and upload the video. I liked my video so much that I shared it on my Facebook page. This website offers such easy tools to create a video and allows users to make as many 30-second videos as they would like for free. I love this sight and all it has to offer! Below is a link to my viedo as well as a URL link.
My Loves-Part 2
http://animoto.com/play/pMSFpXLaN08oACbbbK43Aw
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thing #20: Youtube
Thing #20: Youtube
I have been using Youtube for a looooong time. Mostly because my five year old wants to watch videos of people doing motorcycle stunts, but also because there are so many tutorials for any type of subject you can imagine. Linked below is a video for using Twitter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygoqGfLBqFs
I love Youtube and all that it has to offer. You can find information, particularly tutorials on anything you could possibly want to know about. From nail manicures, to hair styles, to tutorials on Twitter, the information is there. It is really easy to use too. All you have to do it type in the subject that you want in the Search bar, and ta da!
I chose this link because it deals with technology. Since I am not an avid Twitter user, I chose to watch a video on how to use Twitter.
I have been using Youtube for a looooong time. Mostly because my five year old wants to watch videos of people doing motorcycle stunts, but also because there are so many tutorials for any type of subject you can imagine. Linked below is a video for using Twitter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygoqGfLBqFs
I love Youtube and all that it has to offer. You can find information, particularly tutorials on anything you could possibly want to know about. From nail manicures, to hair styles, to tutorials on Twitter, the information is there. It is really easy to use too. All you have to do it type in the subject that you want in the Search bar, and ta da!
I chose this link because it deals with technology. Since I am not an avid Twitter user, I chose to watch a video on how to use Twitter.
Thing #19: TeacherPop
Thing #19: TeacherPop
I am a member of Facebook, Twitter, and now TeacherPop. Of the three listed above, I like Facebook the most. However, even Facebook is getting less appealing to me, with all of the political arguments and immature things that are posted by other people. I think that TeacherPop would be great, but it seems as though people are only posting things for Thing #19.
Like I said, I really like the idea of TeacherPop, because people can share ideas and get innovative ideas from their peers. Hopefully, people will really start using TeacherPop.
I am a member of Facebook, Twitter, and now TeacherPop. Of the three listed above, I like Facebook the most. However, even Facebook is getting less appealing to me, with all of the political arguments and immature things that are posted by other people. I think that TeacherPop would be great, but it seems as though people are only posting things for Thing #19.
Like I said, I really like the idea of TeacherPop, because people can share ideas and get innovative ideas from their peers. Hopefully, people will really start using TeacherPop.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Thing #18: Social Networking
Thing #18: Social Networking
Facebook and Twitter users are exponentially increasing every day. As a teacher, most of your students are going to be active users of both websites. Thus, it is important as an educator be to knowledgeable about these social networking websites.
As an active user of Facebook, I would like to say that I am very familiar with the site and how it works. I even have the Facebook app for my Iphone. It is fairly self-explanatory. However, I did attempt to use Twitter about a year ago and I did not like it at all. Needless to say, I did not enjoy reading what everyone is having for lunch, or all of the errands everyone is running that day. It was a little confusing to use as well.
I personally like Facebook better because you can hide people's posts if they always post obnoxious things, you can block users from seeing your profile, and you can message others so no one can see it. As a teacher, I could make a page for my classes that I am teaching and upload links to homework assignments. I could also update my status to include homework assignments etc. Twitter could also be used for this too.
Facebook and Twitter users are exponentially increasing every day. As a teacher, most of your students are going to be active users of both websites. Thus, it is important as an educator be to knowledgeable about these social networking websites.
As an active user of Facebook, I would like to say that I am very familiar with the site and how it works. I even have the Facebook app for my Iphone. It is fairly self-explanatory. However, I did attempt to use Twitter about a year ago and I did not like it at all. Needless to say, I did not enjoy reading what everyone is having for lunch, or all of the errands everyone is running that day. It was a little confusing to use as well.
I personally like Facebook better because you can hide people's posts if they always post obnoxious things, you can block users from seeing your profile, and you can message others so no one can see it. As a teacher, I could make a page for my classes that I am teaching and upload links to homework assignments. I could also update my status to include homework assignments etc. Twitter could also be used for this too.
Thing #17: Delicious
Thing #17: Delicious
Wow! I cannot believe what a good idea Delicious.com is! It makes surfing through resources so each and convenient and cuts browsing time in half. I will definitely be using this application and I really hope that my future coworkers use it as well. I can just imagine how helpful it would be to use a veteran teacher's bookmarks to locate useful materials.
Because I will be an English teacher, I will have to teach a lesson on allegories. Honestly, I am not as familiar with allegories as I should be, so I could go to my bookmarking site and find a lesson on allegories. Or, I could go to my coworkers' page and look through their tags on English subjects. I would be able to easily find any resource that I need. My only concern is that I have never heard of social bookmarking before. Thus, I wonder if any of my future coworkers will be using this application.
Wow! I cannot believe what a good idea Delicious.com is! It makes surfing through resources so each and convenient and cuts browsing time in half. I will definitely be using this application and I really hope that my future coworkers use it as well. I can just imagine how helpful it would be to use a veteran teacher's bookmarks to locate useful materials.
Because I will be an English teacher, I will have to teach a lesson on allegories. Honestly, I am not as familiar with allegories as I should be, so I could go to my bookmarking site and find a lesson on allegories. Or, I could go to my coworkers' page and look through their tags on English subjects. I would be able to easily find any resource that I need. My only concern is that I have never heard of social bookmarking before. Thus, I wonder if any of my future coworkers will be using this application.
Thing #16: Igoogle
Thing #16: Igoogle
For this exercise, I chose to create a start page using Igoogle. I chose this application because Google has proven to be the easiest and fastest method to do most technological things on the Internet. I chose well, because it took me 30 seconds to create a start page that contained soooo many of my personal interests. Of course, it will take a little longer to tweak it to be just the way I want it, but it was incredibly fast. I will definitely be using it as my homepage.
Online calenders are so useful because you can insert dates of important things, such as meetings, classes, etc. I am not sure that I would use it because I have a written planner that I consult every day. I would most likely forget to insert my important dates or to check the online calender. However, for business people, I could imagine how beneficial it would be.
I really like the to-do list because you can write a comprehensive list of things that you need to accomplish. Because I am a Type A personality, I like to be organized and have everything I need to accomplish written down. However, I prefer a hand written copy of my to do list in my planner that I consult every day. Sometimes technology cannot replace the old-fashioned hard copy.
I would definitely recommend using a start page. Sometimes you get on the computer and have a million things that you need to access in one sitting. Using your homepage, or start page, you can customize it to include all of your most frequently used applications and web pages. Therefore, all of your information is accessible in one page.
For this exercise, I chose to create a start page using Igoogle. I chose this application because Google has proven to be the easiest and fastest method to do most technological things on the Internet. I chose well, because it took me 30 seconds to create a start page that contained soooo many of my personal interests. Of course, it will take a little longer to tweak it to be just the way I want it, but it was incredibly fast. I will definitely be using it as my homepage.
Online calenders are so useful because you can insert dates of important things, such as meetings, classes, etc. I am not sure that I would use it because I have a written planner that I consult every day. I would most likely forget to insert my important dates or to check the online calender. However, for business people, I could imagine how beneficial it would be.
I really like the to-do list because you can write a comprehensive list of things that you need to accomplish. Because I am a Type A personality, I like to be organized and have everything I need to accomplish written down. However, I prefer a hand written copy of my to do list in my planner that I consult every day. Sometimes technology cannot replace the old-fashioned hard copy.
I would definitely recommend using a start page. Sometimes you get on the computer and have a million things that you need to access in one sitting. Using your homepage, or start page, you can customize it to include all of your most frequently used applications and web pages. Therefore, all of your information is accessible in one page.
Thing #15: Wikis
Thing #15: Wikis
Wikis are a really inventive way for individuals to create a community of learning. By being able to alter, add, correct, or edit information on a given topic, people can collaboratively create a world of knowledge. However, there is a major drawback. Because anyone can edit an entry on a Wiki, it seems very likely that individuals other than professionals can add faulty information, thus decreasing the reliability and validity of the source.
When I was trying to edit and add to the Sandbox, I was very confused. I am not going to lie. It was confusing because I had to create a login and then edit someone else's post. In all honesty, I am not even sure if I did it correctly.
Because Wikis are awfully confusing to someone who has not had any training in using them, I probably would not utilize them in my classroom. It would take too long to train my students in how to use it. However, they are great ideas for professionals who wish to share information on given subjects around the world.
Wikis are a really inventive way for individuals to create a community of learning. By being able to alter, add, correct, or edit information on a given topic, people can collaboratively create a world of knowledge. However, there is a major drawback. Because anyone can edit an entry on a Wiki, it seems very likely that individuals other than professionals can add faulty information, thus decreasing the reliability and validity of the source.
When I was trying to edit and add to the Sandbox, I was very confused. I am not going to lie. It was confusing because I had to create a login and then edit someone else's post. In all honesty, I am not even sure if I did it correctly.
Because Wikis are awfully confusing to someone who has not had any training in using them, I probably would not utilize them in my classroom. It would take too long to train my students in how to use it. However, they are great ideas for professionals who wish to share information on given subjects around the world.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thing #14: Flowcharts and Mindmaps
Thing #14: Flowcharts and Mindmaps
If anyone has been reading my blogs, they know that I am going to be an English teacher. With that being said, I chose to create a mindmap of the 6-Trait Writing Process for my students. The first site that I chose to use was Bubbl.us, which was a site that allows you to create mindmaps. I love this site! You can create so many different things for your students. You can give them completed mindmaps for a unit or a lesson, which will aid in differentiated learning. You could also make out blank mindmaps that the students must fill out during the lesson. I have attached my mindmap below.
I also used the Gliffy site to create a flowchart. I used the same content for the flowchart as I did for the mindmap. I really liked both tools. The only real difference that I noticed between mindmaps and flowcharts is that a mindmap is a map of ideas and signifies that they are related. A flowchart, on the other hand, indicates the direction of the relationship. Students could use the flowchart to show how the relationship between ideas travel, and would be a great tool for science teachers.
If anyone has been reading my blogs, they know that I am going to be an English teacher. With that being said, I chose to create a mindmap of the 6-Trait Writing Process for my students. The first site that I chose to use was Bubbl.us, which was a site that allows you to create mindmaps. I love this site! You can create so many different things for your students. You can give them completed mindmaps for a unit or a lesson, which will aid in differentiated learning. You could also make out blank mindmaps that the students must fill out during the lesson. I have attached my mindmap below.
Thing #13: Zoho and Google Docs
Thing #13: Zoho and Google Docs
Hello all! So, I just finished exploring Zoho and Zoho Writer. I have to say, I think that Zoho is pretty neat, although it seems very similar to Microsoft Word. After exploring the site, I realized that the major advantage of Zoho is that is easily accessible from any computer because it is web-based. As long as you can sign in to your account, you can access your documents. Similarly, it is compatible with all different versions of a software, whereas Word is sometimes not compatible with older versions of the same software.
After I finished exploring Zoho, I went to Google Docs and created a drawing. I have never used the drawing tool, and I think it is such a great tool! It was easy to navigate, and would be a great tool to make comics for the students. Located below is the drawing I created.
Hello all! So, I just finished exploring Zoho and Zoho Writer. I have to say, I think that Zoho is pretty neat, although it seems very similar to Microsoft Word. After exploring the site, I realized that the major advantage of Zoho is that is easily accessible from any computer because it is web-based. As long as you can sign in to your account, you can access your documents. Similarly, it is compatible with all different versions of a software, whereas Word is sometimes not compatible with older versions of the same software.
After I finished exploring Zoho, I went to Google Docs and created a drawing. I have never used the drawing tool, and I think it is such a great tool! It was easy to navigate, and would be a great tool to make comics for the students. Located below is the drawing I created.
Google Docs is a great way for students to work collaboratively. If they are assigned a group essay or a group presentation, they could use Google Docs to share information. Since it is web-based, the document can be shared and accessed by any group member. This will allow greater opportunities for collaborative work in the classroom, as well as open doors in the English classroom.
I could have my students compose essays on Google Docs and place them in Editing and Revising teams. Each student could upload their essay and their team members could offer suggestions for revision and editing.
Of the two sites, I prefer Google Docs because it offers such a wide variety of tools. If I want to blog, I can go to Google; if I want to make a drawing or a presentation, I can go to Google; if I want to get email alerts, I can go to Google. It is such a well-rounded site that I prefer it to Zoho.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thing #12: Google's Devices
Thing #12: Google's Devices
Let me just start by stating that I had no idea that Google offered so many different tools! I was overwhelmed by all of the neat applications that were available for free through Google. I cannot believe that it has taken me this long to learn about all of these tools.
I began by exploring Google Alerts. I thought it sounded extremely useful and found that it was extraordinarily easy to set up. All I did was go to Google Alerts and type in a subject that I am interested in. I could narrow the results by choosing to get alerts from blogs only or websites only. I could also choose if I wanted to get alerts daily, weekly, or monthly. I chose to get weekly alerts about any article that has to do with education. So, I will receive an email with links to different websites, blogs, and other media sources that contain references to education. Right after I set up my alerts, I received my first email. I have to say, it sure will cut down on the time it would have taken to search for and locate pertinent articles.
The educational uses are incredible. Since I am going to be an English teacher, I could receive alerts about when a blogger uploads new English lesson plans. Similarly, I could get alerts about news articles referring to Common Core Standards or No Child Left Behind. If I were a History teacher, I could get updated news on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The possibilities are endless.
I also chose to use the Google Translate tool. Since there was no link that I could provide for readers to access what I translated, I will post a few different translations below.
English:
Hello. My name is Miranda and I am learning about technology. It is really hard!
Spanish:
Hola. Mi nombre es Miranda y estoy aprendiendo sobre la tecnología. Es muy duro!
French:
Bonjour. Mon nom est Miranda et j'apprends sur la technologie. Il est vraiment difficile!
German:
Hallo. Mein Name ist Miranda und ich bin über die Technik zu lernen. Es ist wirklich schwer!
Chinese:
您好！我的名字是米兰达和我正在学习有关技术。这是真的很难！
Once again, the educational uses are endless. If you are teaching a class that contains multiple ELL students, you could translate your syllabus or any notes to parents into their native tongue. It would potentially open up the avenue of communication between you and the parents.
Let me just start by stating that I had no idea that Google offered so many different tools! I was overwhelmed by all of the neat applications that were available for free through Google. I cannot believe that it has taken me this long to learn about all of these tools.
I began by exploring Google Alerts. I thought it sounded extremely useful and found that it was extraordinarily easy to set up. All I did was go to Google Alerts and type in a subject that I am interested in. I could narrow the results by choosing to get alerts from blogs only or websites only. I could also choose if I wanted to get alerts daily, weekly, or monthly. I chose to get weekly alerts about any article that has to do with education. So, I will receive an email with links to different websites, blogs, and other media sources that contain references to education. Right after I set up my alerts, I received my first email. I have to say, it sure will cut down on the time it would have taken to search for and locate pertinent articles.
The educational uses are incredible. Since I am going to be an English teacher, I could receive alerts about when a blogger uploads new English lesson plans. Similarly, I could get alerts about news articles referring to Common Core Standards or No Child Left Behind. If I were a History teacher, I could get updated news on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The possibilities are endless.
I also chose to use the Google Translate tool. Since there was no link that I could provide for readers to access what I translated, I will post a few different translations below.
English:
Hello. My name is Miranda and I am learning about technology. It is really hard!
Spanish:
Hola. Mi nombre es Miranda y estoy aprendiendo sobre la tecnología. Es muy duro!
French:
Bonjour. Mon nom est Miranda et j'apprends sur la technologie. Il est vraiment difficile!
German:
Hallo. Mein Name ist Miranda und ich bin über die Technik zu lernen. Es ist wirklich schwer!
Chinese:
您好！我的名字是米兰达和我正在学习有关技术。这是真的很难！
Once again, the educational uses are endless. If you are teaching a class that contains multiple ELL students, you could translate your syllabus or any notes to parents into their native tongue. It would potentially open up the avenue of communication between you and the parents.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Thing #11: Searching for Blogs
Thing #11: Searching for Blogs
When searching for blogs, I found the Google Blog Search the easiest. I just went to Google Reader and clicked on "subscribe." Once the search bar came up, I just typed in the topic for the blog I was looking for and it brought up blogs that matched the criteria. It was incredibly easy and I was able to find my friends' blogs and some blogs with English lesson plans.
I also tried to use Topix.net and I got very confused. It almost seemed like a search engine and gave me results that linked me to different websites. I may have used it incorrectly, but I was very lost.
I found all kinds of neat blogs. One of my friends has a blog about cooking, so I was able to find that one. I also found my friend's blog about her bulldog, which is really funny to read. Aside from locating blogs of people that I know, I found a few sites that were tailored for English teachers. There was one that had all kinds of lesson plans available and another one had tips and tricks for the English classroom.
Like I stated earlier, I found the blogs through Google Reader. I clicked on "subscribe" and it allowed me to search for certain topics. I'm not sure if I searched for blogs correctly through the other venues, but Google Reader was effective.
When searching for blogs, I found the Google Blog Search the easiest. I just went to Google Reader and clicked on "subscribe." Once the search bar came up, I just typed in the topic for the blog I was looking for and it brought up blogs that matched the criteria. It was incredibly easy and I was able to find my friends' blogs and some blogs with English lesson plans.
I also tried to use Topix.net and I got very confused. It almost seemed like a search engine and gave me results that linked me to different websites. I may have used it incorrectly, but I was very lost.
I found all kinds of neat blogs. One of my friends has a blog about cooking, so I was able to find that one. I also found my friend's blog about her bulldog, which is really funny to read. Aside from locating blogs of people that I know, I found a few sites that were tailored for English teachers. There was one that had all kinds of lesson plans available and another one had tips and tricks for the English classroom.
Like I stated earlier, I found the blogs through Google Reader. I clicked on "subscribe" and it allowed me to search for certain topics. I'm not sure if I searched for blogs correctly through the other venues, but Google Reader was effective.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thing #10: RSS Feeds
Thing # 10: RSS Feeds
Setting up my RSS feed was so easy! I thought that the process would be difficult, but it was so simple. I love that I can subscribe to certain blogs and be able to easily access them anytime, rather than having to search for a particular blog every time I want to access it. Honestly, without the RSS feed, I probably would not follow blogs because it would be too difficult to locate the ones I would want to read every time. With the RSS feed, it was so easy to subscribe to a few blogs that I would want to read all the time.
This type of technology has so many possibilities for use in my personal and teaching career. With regard to my personal life, I can easily follow my friends' blogs, subscribe to a cooking blog, or follow a beauty website. However, I could use the RSS feed to subscribe to blogs that are relevant to English, to follow blogs with ideas on teaching strategies, or follow a blog with lesson plan ideas. It would be incredibly simple to log on and follow only the blogs that are interesting to me.
Teachers can utilize the RSS tool by subscribing to blogs and sites that will help them in their teaching career. With RSS, Google reader will update the teacher when the website has been updated. This way, the teacher can eliminate hours of searching a website for an update.
Setting up my RSS feed was so easy! I thought that the process would be difficult, but it was so simple. I love that I can subscribe to certain blogs and be able to easily access them anytime, rather than having to search for a particular blog every time I want to access it. Honestly, without the RSS feed, I probably would not follow blogs because it would be too difficult to locate the ones I would want to read every time. With the RSS feed, it was so easy to subscribe to a few blogs that I would want to read all the time.
This type of technology has so many possibilities for use in my personal and teaching career. With regard to my personal life, I can easily follow my friends' blogs, subscribe to a cooking blog, or follow a beauty website. However, I could use the RSS feed to subscribe to blogs that are relevant to English, to follow blogs with ideas on teaching strategies, or follow a blog with lesson plan ideas. It would be incredibly simple to log on and follow only the blogs that are interesting to me.
Teachers can utilize the RSS tool by subscribing to blogs and sites that will help them in their teaching career. With RSS, Google reader will update the teacher when the website has been updated. This way, the teacher can eliminate hours of searching a website for an update.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Thing #9: Image Chef
Thing #9: Image Chef
I began this experiment by going to www.imagechef.com and I made my first image. It was pretty neat designing different types of images and I made one with one of my favorite quotes: Live. Laugh. Love.
Next, I went to http://www.comicstripgenerator.com/ and created a comic strip of how I feel when I am dealing with technology.
I began this experiment by going to www.imagechef.com and I made my first image. It was pretty neat designing different types of images and I made one with one of my favorite quotes: Live. Laugh. Love.
Next, I went to http://www.comicstripgenerator.com/ and created a comic strip of how I feel when I am dealing with technology.
I really liked making these images and I think it would be neat to make comic strips to post in my classroom. Since I am going to be an English teacher, it would be pretty funny to create some comic strips that deal with the misuse of grammar. You could also make other types of posters for your classroom, containing the steps of the writing process or favorite quotes.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Thing #8: Family Art Studio
Thing #8: Family Art Studio
I tried the Family Art Studio mashup. It is a site that allows you to create neat words, such as your name, your children's name, or any other word/sentence you can imagine. It allows you to change the letters, the font, the color, the background, and the border of your word.
I'm not really sure how this particular mashup can be used in the classroom aside from making a neat sign with your last name. Elementary teachers could make name tags for each of their students' desks, or you could create posters with quotes on them.
I think that Flickr could be used more effectively than the mashup that I explored. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? A teacher in any discipline can find an image to supplement their lesson on Flickr. If you are teaching about different types of trees, you could create a book with examples of different species. An English teacher could find examples of propaganda techniques. There are many possibilities for the use of Flickr in the classroom; however I think that some subjects could utilize it more fully than others.
I tried the Family Art Studio mashup. It is a site that allows you to create neat words, such as your name, your children's name, or any other word/sentence you can imagine. It allows you to change the letters, the font, the color, the background, and the border of your word.
I'm not really sure how this particular mashup can be used in the classroom aside from making a neat sign with your last name. Elementary teachers could make name tags for each of their students' desks, or you could create posters with quotes on them.
I think that Flickr could be used more effectively than the mashup that I explored. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? A teacher in any discipline can find an image to supplement their lesson on Flickr. If you are teaching about different types of trees, you could create a book with examples of different species. An English teacher could find examples of propaganda techniques. There are many possibilities for the use of Flickr in the classroom; however I think that some subjects could utilize it more fully than others.
Thing #7: September 11-The World Kept Turning
Thing #7: September 11-The World Kept Turning
September 11th is a day that is forever burned into my memory. I can still remember exactly where I was sitting in my Algebra II class, who was occupying the seat beside me, and even the topic of the day (quadratic equations). I vaguely remember the feeling of drowsiness, struggling to stay awake during one of my teacher's most boring lessons. Then, as cliche as it seems, the world seemed to stop for a moment as we had another teacher rush into the room and tell us that the Twin Towers had been struck by two airplanes.
All was confusion-chaos. No one seemed to understand how such a tragedy could have happened and everyone sat awestruck as the information was slowly absorbed. Now, here we are 11 years later and most people can tell you exactly where they were when the world stopped turning.
So, for this Flickr project, I explored images of September 11. I used the key words "when the world stopped turning" and did not find an image that resounded with me. I tried looking through different groups that were available and still could not find an image that matched the nostalgia in my heart. So I used the keyword "September 11" and found a beautiful image of one of the most mellow and extraordinary sunsets. The caption below the photo states, "September 11, 2011. 10 years later..." (BrandonBphotography).
Today, Flickr allowed me to find an image of what September 11 means to me. It is a day of remembering those we have lost, which the blood red sunset symbolizes; it is a day to love our country; it is a day to reflect on the beauty around us despite the sadness in our hearts.
The world may have Paused for a dreadful instant when too many loved one left this earth, but we pressed Play and resumed spinning. We will never forget, but we can choose to see the beauty that surrounds us.
If anyone would like to see the image that moved me today, it can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bmbimages/6138871943/
Now, I know that this URL is linked to a web page and not to an actual image, but it was the most touching picture that I could find. Unfortunately, the photographer only allows the URL to the website to be shared, and not the actual image. So, I included it here so everyone can see it.
I did find another image that was similar and can be found at http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2536/4185187020_e646f2cee3_z.jpg. This image was taken by Ariful H Bhuiyan.
September 11th is a day that is forever burned into my memory. I can still remember exactly where I was sitting in my Algebra II class, who was occupying the seat beside me, and even the topic of the day (quadratic equations). I vaguely remember the feeling of drowsiness, struggling to stay awake during one of my teacher's most boring lessons. Then, as cliche as it seems, the world seemed to stop for a moment as we had another teacher rush into the room and tell us that the Twin Towers had been struck by two airplanes.
All was confusion-chaos. No one seemed to understand how such a tragedy could have happened and everyone sat awestruck as the information was slowly absorbed. Now, here we are 11 years later and most people can tell you exactly where they were when the world stopped turning.
So, for this Flickr project, I explored images of September 11. I used the key words "when the world stopped turning" and did not find an image that resounded with me. I tried looking through different groups that were available and still could not find an image that matched the nostalgia in my heart. So I used the keyword "September 11" and found a beautiful image of one of the most mellow and extraordinary sunsets. The caption below the photo states, "September 11, 2011. 10 years later..." (BrandonBphotography).
Today, Flickr allowed me to find an image of what September 11 means to me. It is a day of remembering those we have lost, which the blood red sunset symbolizes; it is a day to love our country; it is a day to reflect on the beauty around us despite the sadness in our hearts.
The world may have Paused for a dreadful instant when too many loved one left this earth, but we pressed Play and resumed spinning. We will never forget, but we can choose to see the beauty that surrounds us.
If anyone would like to see the image that moved me today, it can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bmbimages/6138871943/
Now, I know that this URL is linked to a web page and not to an actual image, but it was the most touching picture that I could find. Unfortunately, the photographer only allows the URL to the website to be shared, and not the actual image. So, I included it here so everyone can see it.
I did find another image that was similar and can be found at http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2536/4185187020_e646f2cee3_z.jpg. This image was taken by Ariful H Bhuiyan.
Thing #6: Youtube
Thing #6: Youtube
When I was looking at the list of the top 100 Web 2.0 tools, I found that I was at least familiar with some of them. For example, I have a Facebook account, as I am sure all of you have as well, and I usually check it daily. Similarly, I have used Amazon to buy textbooks, Paypal to pay for those books, Google, and Youtube (just to name a few).
One of the tools that I use all of the time is Youtube. I will admit that I generally use it to sit and watch motorcycle stunts with my two boys, but I also use it for all kinds of tutorials. I chose to explore Youtube because it is such an easy navigable tool for even novices. While playing around with Youtube, I found a video by Micheal Welden on how a teacher can use Web 2.0 tools in their classroom. Obviously, this video could be extremely useful to any teacher who wants to begin incorporating technology into the classroom.
The only aspect of Youtube that I dislike is that anyone can upload a video on Youtube. Therefore, the reliability and validity of the video comes into play. I wish there was a professionals tab, where videos posted by professionals could be accessed. Other than that, Youtube is a fantastic tool that teachers can use in order to learn new skills and to use as instructional aids in the classroom.
The video that I watched can be accessed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly5QGZVaQqk
When I was looking at the list of the top 100 Web 2.0 tools, I found that I was at least familiar with some of them. For example, I have a Facebook account, as I am sure all of you have as well, and I usually check it daily. Similarly, I have used Amazon to buy textbooks, Paypal to pay for those books, Google, and Youtube (just to name a few).
One of the tools that I use all of the time is Youtube. I will admit that I generally use it to sit and watch motorcycle stunts with my two boys, but I also use it for all kinds of tutorials. I chose to explore Youtube because it is such an easy navigable tool for even novices. While playing around with Youtube, I found a video by Micheal Welden on how a teacher can use Web 2.0 tools in their classroom. Obviously, this video could be extremely useful to any teacher who wants to begin incorporating technology into the classroom.
The only aspect of Youtube that I dislike is that anyone can upload a video on Youtube. Therefore, the reliability and validity of the video comes into play. I wish there was a professionals tab, where videos posted by professionals could be accessed. Other than that, Youtube is a fantastic tool that teachers can use in order to learn new skills and to use as instructional aids in the classroom.
The video that I watched can be accessed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly5QGZVaQqk
Thing #5 Web 2.0
Thing #5: Web 2.0
Web 2.0 is essentially a makeover for the Internet. Before Web 2.0, the Internet generally consisted of web pages that web designers created for the general public. These web pages contained information but were not interactive. However, Web 2.0 came along and revamped the Internet. Instead of web pages, interactive social media pages were created. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and chatboards allowed users to interface and interact with each other virtually. Eventually these interactive avenues infiltrated the school systems and School 2.0 was born.
School 2.0, to me, is the virtual aspect of education. For example, distance learning has exploded in popularity and was made possible with tools such as APSU's Desire2Learn system. High schools have also embraced the School 2.0 mindset by allowing students to participate in "Credit Recovery" programs. These programs are online and allow students the opportunity to earn credit for classes they had previously failed by completing lessons and tests online. Of course, this is just one example of how Web 2.0 ideologies have been implemented at both the college level and the high school level.
Judging by the popularity of distance learning, I can imagine that Web 2.0 will continue to change education in the future. Eventually, children in poor parts of the world may have access to the same caliber of education as students in more prosperous parts of the world through distance learning programs. Students may even have the opportunity to attend lectures by logging into the virtual "classroom" through web cams. In fact, it might even be possible now! The possibilities are endless and I cannot even begin to imagine how drastically technology will change the education system in 30 years.
Web 2.0 is essentially a makeover for the Internet. Before Web 2.0, the Internet generally consisted of web pages that web designers created for the general public. These web pages contained information but were not interactive. However, Web 2.0 came along and revamped the Internet. Instead of web pages, interactive social media pages were created. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and chatboards allowed users to interface and interact with each other virtually. Eventually these interactive avenues infiltrated the school systems and School 2.0 was born.
School 2.0, to me, is the virtual aspect of education. For example, distance learning has exploded in popularity and was made possible with tools such as APSU's Desire2Learn system. High schools have also embraced the School 2.0 mindset by allowing students to participate in "Credit Recovery" programs. These programs are online and allow students the opportunity to earn credit for classes they had previously failed by completing lessons and tests online. Of course, this is just one example of how Web 2.0 ideologies have been implemented at both the college level and the high school level.
Judging by the popularity of distance learning, I can imagine that Web 2.0 will continue to change education in the future. Eventually, children in poor parts of the world may have access to the same caliber of education as students in more prosperous parts of the world through distance learning programs. Students may even have the opportunity to attend lectures by logging into the virtual "classroom" through web cams. In fact, it might even be possible now! The possibilities are endless and I cannot even begin to imagine how drastically technology will change the education system in 30 years.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Thing #4: Commenting is the Spice of Life!
Thing #4
A blog without comments is essentially a personal journal. A writer composes a public blog in the hopes that others will read it, appreciate it, and give feedback. Thus, commenting allows a writer to gauge what is important to readers and inspires the writer to continue writing. By commenting, readers build a camaraderie and virtual relationship with the blogger.
For this assignment, I commented on a few of my classmates' blogs. I found a couple of the blogs witty and appreciated the colorful writings of Paige Samples and Satricia Moore. I also commented on Barrett Crane's, Stacey Horton's , and Sean Talamas's blog posts. All of these blogs contained different insights into the personalities of the writers, and I generally commented on the ideas contained within each post.
Because I love to cook and am interested in beauty, I found two different blogs that addressed these interests. The blog about cooking gave instructions about how to create a specific type of omelet. I then cooked the omelet according to the directions and commented on how good the recipe was. I also commented on a beauty blog that described how to apply Sally Hansen nail strips.
The two blogs can be accessed below:
http://sammichesandhighheels.blogspot.com/2012/08/care-to-have-some-morphine-with-your.html?showComment=1347165213715#c7007863600434281408
http://www.mesovain.blogspot.com/2012/08/sally-hansen-nail-polish-strips-essie.html
Ultimately, commenting is the fuel of blogging. Without it, the blogosphere would cease to exist.
A blog without comments is essentially a personal journal. A writer composes a public blog in the hopes that others will read it, appreciate it, and give feedback. Thus, commenting allows a writer to gauge what is important to readers and inspires the writer to continue writing. By commenting, readers build a camaraderie and virtual relationship with the blogger.
For this assignment, I commented on a few of my classmates' blogs. I found a couple of the blogs witty and appreciated the colorful writings of Paige Samples and Satricia Moore. I also commented on Barrett Crane's, Stacey Horton's , and Sean Talamas's blog posts. All of these blogs contained different insights into the personalities of the writers, and I generally commented on the ideas contained within each post.
Because I love to cook and am interested in beauty, I found two different blogs that addressed these interests. The blog about cooking gave instructions about how to create a specific type of omelet. I then cooked the omelet according to the directions and commented on how good the recipe was. I also commented on a beauty blog that described how to apply Sally Hansen nail strips.
The two blogs can be accessed below:
http://sammichesandhighheels.blogspot.com/2012/08/care-to-have-some-morphine-with-your.html?showComment=1347165213715#c7007863600434281408
http://www.mesovain.blogspot.com/2012/08/sally-hansen-nail-polish-strips-essie.html
Ultimately, commenting is the fuel of blogging. Without it, the blogosphere would cease to exist.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thing # 3: Oh, the Possibilities!
Thing # 3: Oh, the Possibilities!
As I learn more about how a blog works, I am beginning to see so many possibilities for their use in both my future classroom and my educational program. For example, I could create a blog cataloging all of the useful classroom strategies, nifty ideas, and reward systems that I have observed during my observation hours. In one particular classroom, the teacher used a raffle system that entered students into a weekly drawing based on classroom participation. The idea struck me as a wonderfully creative way to boost participation in a fun way. With a blog, I could record all of these ideas in one easily accessible place, and when I am creating my classroom, I can refer to my blog at any time.
Likewise, I could create a blog when I am a teacher. I could chronicle my experiences as a first-year teacher and get feedback from other veteran teachers. I could also keep a working database of any initiatives that I implement in my classroom, as well as whether they were positive experiences. Other teachers could post new ideas on how to tweak my methods to achieve higher results. These are just a few of the many possibilities for writing a blog, and I cannot believe that I have not started writing one before!
As I learn more about how a blog works, I am beginning to see so many possibilities for their use in both my future classroom and my educational program. For example, I could create a blog cataloging all of the useful classroom strategies, nifty ideas, and reward systems that I have observed during my observation hours. In one particular classroom, the teacher used a raffle system that entered students into a weekly drawing based on classroom participation. The idea struck me as a wonderfully creative way to boost participation in a fun way. With a blog, I could record all of these ideas in one easily accessible place, and when I am creating my classroom, I can refer to my blog at any time.
Likewise, I could create a blog when I am a teacher. I could chronicle my experiences as a first-year teacher and get feedback from other veteran teachers. I could also keep a working database of any initiatives that I implement in my classroom, as well as whether they were positive experiences. Other teachers could post new ideas on how to tweak my methods to achieve higher results. These are just a few of the many possibilities for writing a blog, and I cannot believe that I have not started writing one before!
Thing # 2: The Wonderful World of Technology
Thing # 2: The Wonderful World of Technology
Welcome back everyone! I am going to begin today's blog with a little background on myself, which will allow you to begin to understand my quirky nature. My name is Miranda and I have an uninhibited fascination with words. The sound, the meaning, the connotation, and the syntax of words intrigues and delights me. My particular fascination, though, is with the innate beauty that words possess, their unfailing ability to paint a beautiful and vivid picture in a readers mind. Naturally, my fascination with the English language has developed into a desire to become an English teacher. Now that you have a general sense of who I am and what my interests are, it may not surprise you why I chose Wordwhiz23things as my posting name.
Although it was fairly easy to choose my blog name and my posting name, the process of setting up my blog was not so simple. In fact, it was mildly confusing. I started following the directions, but became slightly confused after I set up my blogger account and was then prompted to choose a posting name and a blog name. I guess it just seemed like too many "names." My avatar, on the other hand, was pretty fun to create. I made it very similar to myself. My avatar's hair and glasses reflect my own appearance, as well as it's attire. Considering that I hate wearing skirts, I chose jeans and plain top. Too bad there weren't more options, though!
My experience thus far has been pretty interesting. I have learned a lot about how blogs work and have had fun choosing a template for my blog that I feel reflects my personality.
Welcome back everyone! I am going to begin today's blog with a little background on myself, which will allow you to begin to understand my quirky nature. My name is Miranda and I have an uninhibited fascination with words. The sound, the meaning, the connotation, and the syntax of words intrigues and delights me. My particular fascination, though, is with the innate beauty that words possess, their unfailing ability to paint a beautiful and vivid picture in a readers mind. Naturally, my fascination with the English language has developed into a desire to become an English teacher. Now that you have a general sense of who I am and what my interests are, it may not surprise you why I chose Wordwhiz23things as my posting name.
Although it was fairly easy to choose my blog name and my posting name, the process of setting up my blog was not so simple. In fact, it was mildly confusing. I started following the directions, but became slightly confused after I set up my blogger account and was then prompted to choose a posting name and a blog name. I guess it just seemed like too many "names." My avatar, on the other hand, was pretty fun to create. I made it very similar to myself. My avatar's hair and glasses reflect my own appearance, as well as it's attire. Considering that I hate wearing skirts, I chose jeans and plain top. Too bad there weren't more options, though!
My experience thus far has been pretty interesting. I have learned a lot about how blogs work and have had fun choosing a template for my blog that I feel reflects my personality.
Thing # 1: Lifelong Learning: An Everlasting Journey
Thing # 1: Lifelong Learning: An Everlasting Journey
Someone once told me that "Intelligence is acknowledging the extent of your own ignorance." This seemingly paradoxical statement struck me as delightfully obvious and has since become the foundation upon which I have built my education. I wholeheartedly believe that learning and intelligence are not concrete and immobile, but are synonymous to a fluid river, continuously expanding and changing. Learning is a lifelong journey comprised of effort, persistence, and patience.
As most of you can guess, the one habit that I find the easiest to incorporate into my journey of learning is "Accept responsibility for your own learning." Without drive and insufferable motivation, a person is doomed to have a stagnant and idle mind. However, there is an easy remedy: accept responsibility for your own learning. Become active, become creative, become curious, and become inquisitive. There is no better learner than the four year old who perpetually asks, "But why?" and finds such joy in discovering the wonders of the world. I think that sometimes I, and I am sure the majority of other adults, get so caught up in the whirlwind of life that we can no longer find the curious, and slightly obnoxious, four year old within who is screaming to delve into something wholly unknown.
On the other hand, I find Habit 3 the most difficult habit to overcome and incorporate into my life. "View problems as challenges" is a sentiment I wish I embraced, but I often find myself downtrodden and frustrated when I am overcome with a plethora of problems. Plus, problems seem to come in groups of three or four, for me anyways. It seems to me that as I have grown, had children, and embarked on this new chapter of my life (graduate school), problems have sprung up around every corner. However, I have recently realized that I only impart damage upon myself by becoming frustrated, and should tweak my perspective slightly. By seeing problems as challenges, the problematic scenario seems to develop an adventurous aura rather than being bathed in a menacing light.
In regard to my feelings toward learning and exploring the Web 2.0 tools, I am excited to acquire new skills that will allow me to be a more effective teacher. That is not to say that my excitement is not tinged with a hint of apprehension, because it definitely is. Technology has always seemed a bit daunting to me, even though I do consider myself proficient. For example, I was able to set up this blog with relative ease; however, it did take me a minute to figure out that my blog account is separate, yet distinctly intertwined, with my new gmail account. Either way, I found myself successful, as I plan to find myself at the end of this new exploration of technology.
Someone once told me that "Intelligence is acknowledging the extent of your own ignorance." This seemingly paradoxical statement struck me as delightfully obvious and has since become the foundation upon which I have built my education. I wholeheartedly believe that learning and intelligence are not concrete and immobile, but are synonymous to a fluid river, continuously expanding and changing. Learning is a lifelong journey comprised of effort, persistence, and patience.
As most of you can guess, the one habit that I find the easiest to incorporate into my journey of learning is "Accept responsibility for your own learning." Without drive and insufferable motivation, a person is doomed to have a stagnant and idle mind. However, there is an easy remedy: accept responsibility for your own learning. Become active, become creative, become curious, and become inquisitive. There is no better learner than the four year old who perpetually asks, "But why?" and finds such joy in discovering the wonders of the world. I think that sometimes I, and I am sure the majority of other adults, get so caught up in the whirlwind of life that we can no longer find the curious, and slightly obnoxious, four year old within who is screaming to delve into something wholly unknown.
On the other hand, I find Habit 3 the most difficult habit to overcome and incorporate into my life. "View problems as challenges" is a sentiment I wish I embraced, but I often find myself downtrodden and frustrated when I am overcome with a plethora of problems. Plus, problems seem to come in groups of three or four, for me anyways. It seems to me that as I have grown, had children, and embarked on this new chapter of my life (graduate school), problems have sprung up around every corner. However, I have recently realized that I only impart damage upon myself by becoming frustrated, and should tweak my perspective slightly. By seeing problems as challenges, the problematic scenario seems to develop an adventurous aura rather than being bathed in a menacing light.
In regard to my feelings toward learning and exploring the Web 2.0 tools, I am excited to acquire new skills that will allow me to be a more effective teacher. That is not to say that my excitement is not tinged with a hint of apprehension, because it definitely is. Technology has always seemed a bit daunting to me, even though I do consider myself proficient. For example, I was able to set up this blog with relative ease; however, it did take me a minute to figure out that my blog account is separate, yet distinctly intertwined, with my new gmail account. Either way, I found myself successful, as I plan to find myself at the end of this new exploration of technology.
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