Reflections - #23

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I don't know that I can say there was any one thing. I guess the tool I am using the most is Picasa. I also like the fact that I was inspired to finally create my "podcast" and have plans for more. I am also very excited about the online communities.

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
It was an easy way to continue my learning.

Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I didn't really know what to expect. I had more fun and learned a broader variety of tools than I had probably figured... I still need to figure out how to add RSS feed to my website...

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
The format for me is fantastic. However, I think you might encourage a few others (less confident) by offering a "blended" version.
Teachers might enjoy focusing on education in general and less on the library. There were a few topics that seemed to repeat, but it wasn't anything that I couldn't live with.
I wish I didn't have to sign up for so many different tools. However, that is not in your control.

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
Yes.

How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?
Terrific time well spent!

Nings - #22

Wow! When you had first introduced me to Nings a few assignments ago, I was so excited. I thought I could see classroom nings, campus nings, a district ning etc. However, I am so disappointed at what I found at the teacher lingo ning. There were virtually no lessons for middle school, the blogs were silly, sad and worthless. I won't waste my time there again. I will go back to the ning link and attempt to create one for my campus that will focus on instruction. Again, I see lots of opportunity.

Podcast - #21

It looks good on my computer. Can't wait to see if this works! PhotoStory 3 is so easy! however, I did learn that you want to get your slides in order before you record your voice overs. If you move a slide after you have completed the voice over, you lose the recording and have to re-record. I also think you should do all of the recording in one sitting. Even though I completed the recordings on one morning, the volume of my voice was different at different times. I also purchased the background music from iTunes rather than search for free music even though I believe I could have found some.

Now, I am trying to save it in a format that iTunes will accept and see how I can get it to appear in iTunes!

Videos - #20

First of all, I don't want to forget this site, so I am copying it here.
http://www.blinkx.com/

Also, I didn't know about teachertube. I found a couple of good ones. I am also determined more than ever to get some teachers on my campus to create some videos or podcasts as instructional tools. So, first thing tomorrow I am going to share this site with our teachers.

This is a simple song about the water cycle. I like it.
http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=53bdf2518c53ddf3bce6

I tried to embed it, but there is a problem with the code and I don't know enough to figure out the problem.

Anyway, I found several things I can and will use at work "playing" with this post!

Web 2.0 Awards - #19

OK. I have to leave right now, but I had to add this to my blog! This is a fun game!


Free Online Games brought to you by Arcaplay

I'm back! How about this one?
http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/
This one would even be good for the classroom! Categorization skills!

I like wetpaint! I could see a personal use for this! I wouldn't want to use a wide open wiki in the classrooom.

The mapping ones have merit; however, we would need to be careful with our students! I'm not going to comment on the ones we've used or are going to "play" with like Ning! I can hardly wait.

Swivel looks interesting. I am going to give the information about the professional networking sites to my son who is graudating from college and needs a job!

Online Productivity Tools - #18

There is definitely a difference between the two products we are supposed to try. Open Office is much more like Office than is Google documents. First of all, it is software you download. Second, it is a suite of products.

With Open Office, the files you create are stored where you decide, unlike Google Docs where your files are stored on their server. I worry about security and the ability to access the documents indefinitely. In Open Office, there are more features. In fact, I created an entire document with it today. The only limitation I came across was the inability to actually create a draw item in the document. I am VERY used to that tool. However, I am sure it is coming shortly! These Web 2.0 products are developing so quickly! I wonder what Microsoft thinks about it all!

Again, Google docs has a long way to go before it is something I will use.

The presentation tool in Open Office is "crude" compared to PowerPoint, but again I anticipate it will develop quickly. The Draw tool is basic as well. I don't personally have a reason to use the Math tool. Anyway, I'm not sure that we are ready to "dump" Microsoft, but I can see where not too far in the future... :-)

Wiki Sandbox - #17

Again, the collaboration is fun. I can see that the page is really set up for librarians, which I am not. Looking forward to seeing ideas from others!

I even forget one: How about a wiki for grade level/department teachers where they can discuss, share, develop ideas for lessons!

Wikis - #16

Wikis hold lots of potential for schools (and libraries). I really enjoyed the English classroom example and see the benefits of using wikis for collaboration in classrooms. For the students, it allows asynchonous collaboration - no more having to find a time to meet and discuss your project. For the teacher, no more lost papers!

I am already participating in a wiki on a district committee. We have too much to discuss and our calendars don't allow for us to meet face-to-face. We are all contributing to the wiki so that at our next meeting we can further refine our ideas and accomplish our goal.

I did notive that one of the library wikis is forcing contributors to log in due to vandalism. That is unfortunate and yet very believable. I would imagine that most of us will need to do something similar since we don't have the knowledge/manpower to track down the abusers.

As a campus administrator, I can see lots of uses! Looking forward to using wikis in the future!