Retro to Thing #6

I went to a Technology Petting Zoo today at the Media Center. It was great being able to look at the technology, navigate, and actually use the tools myself. I say myself...but we actually worked in groups to look at the different items, including MacBooks, flip camera phones, and the itouch. Working in groups made the tasks so much more stimulating. We were able to bounce off of each other in our discoveries. When using the Itouch, Shirley, the librarian, and I kept saying, "ooooh, look what I found!" With our co-exploring we found so much more than doing this alone. This made me think of my students. Sure they could sit down and enjoy the educational benefits of this technology and grow all on their own. But working with others causes us to grow in our zone of proximal development. By listening to her, I widened my base of knowledge to include so many other downloads, than what I could have done by myself. Problem solving also goes to a new level with a peer. As we used the itouch, there were several blunders made by she and I. We would help each other out of them, and keep going with the technology. As far as downloads, my favorites were the information and quizzes on the presidents, and the Barnes and Noble reader. I can't wait to watch my students experiment with all of these cool and exciting tools for technology.

Tree Octopus Video for Your Enjoyment

Digital Literacy-Thing #11

Digital Citizenship is so important. Just as citizens of one of the best democratic societies in the world requires responsibilities, so does the life of a citizen on the World Wide Web. Dr. Bell showed us in library classes, how there are so many bogus sites out there on the internet. I used these last year with my fifth graders. I told them since they were getting ready for their science TAKS test, I was going to help them with their studies. I displayed the "Tree Octopus" and began to read the facts on the website. http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/sightings.html
No one said a word, and they were entranced with the image on the screen of an octopus climbing the side trees. They were shocked when I told them this was bogus and there really were no tree octopi I used this as a hook to teach responsible web surfing. After teaching the areas of credibility and reliability points of research tools, I sent them out in groups to look at websites and tell the credence of sites I gave them. It was very interesting to watch these web detectives search and discover seemingly reliable sites had so many disparities. I think if I now could extend this lesson further, by teaching them to use sources discreetly when researching. I would point out that some very good sources still need to back up their claims for factual information. Students need to be taught the identifiable difference in a virtual game and the internet as a whole. Playing for real is a whole different scenario in life than keeping Mario from falling between the bricks.

Second Life

My avatar is Grace Swordthaine, in case any of you are looking for someone in Second Life to discuss library things!

Thing #10

Second Life...very interesting! My experience is varied. I am going back to all that my education has taught me. Study to show thyself approved! My first mistake was to get an account, pick my avatar and just start moving. I bumped into so many walls, it should have put me in a coma. I was very frustrated and logged out. The next time I tried it, I went back and looked at all of the videos for movement, changing appearance, chatting, and joining groups. So, this time, I successfully searched for some interesting worlds, chose a home, changed my appearance, joined all of the groups Barry mentioned, and explored. I met two avatars. One was running away. The other was changing clothes (a little embarrassing, even for an avatar). I was a little frustrated at not finding someone to chat with. But I am learning this new environment slowly, but surely. I have to agree with others, it is fun and stimulating. To use with students, I think it would be a good way for students to explore, chat about subject material. I would love to see some book clubs for kids in this virtual world. I am always looking for book clubs. They called me the book club queen at my last school. I wonder if there is a crown for this in Second Life? Oh the possibilities of royalty? Probably not... I most likely will start with servanthood...something I am going to learn a lot of this school year.

Thing #9

This was a very exciting find today. I have gotten so tired over the years with the same old, same old powerpoint slides. I have also wondered what about all of those presentations made all over the world that no one has access to. Voila! Slideshare to the rescue! I found some great idea presentations that are free to anyone to use. Now I will spend some time searching for orientation, book talks, and author presentations. I could definitely use these. As far as students, this is an awesome tool for students to be creative with their presentations, share them, and receive feedback from others on their creations. Those students who do not have ppt at home can use the 280 to build them. It should all be about access and giving the world the tools for success.

Thing #8 Screencasting

Wow, this was so much fun! I can see so many
uses for this tool in the library. Just as I watched
one librarian give a screencast on logging into
Meriwhether, I can give virtual lessons on any
needed area of instruction. The student can access
anytime and anywhere, as needed. I cannot wait
to create some of these for next year.

Thing #7

I had no idea there was so much video available on the web. I am very impressed at the archiving of videos that many have taken the time to do. We have such a special gift, at this time of the history of humanity, in having the ability to archive our lives on film for others to see. With this tool, we can see so much of what we have and have not done with our small increment of the grand spectrum of time. My favorite is the National Archives. This is where our history in the U.S. is preserved, and this is where we can send our students to see the actual evidence and footprints of our heritage. I love this video on Democracy. The film is an actual commercial for the National Archives. But it shows the importance of the institute as the archiving relates directly to our freedom as a people. I will use this to show students how important it is that they are able to research the documents of their nation in searching for primary sources. Another video I might use in the library, to point them to the non-fiction how-to books, is the how to video for making puppets. This could also be an extension of their own how-to writing in the http://www.blinkx.com/video/how2crafts-make-puppets-with-margaret-and-melissa/RnzzOkVHG_AtZUfI_qDYbA

Thing #7 Video

Thing #5

I have been using Facebook for a while now. It has been a valuable platform for discussion. I love to stay connected with friends and family. I keep up with my little sister on there. We don't see each other much and we can still communicate through this forum. My daughter, who is living in Michigan, has fun with the different game tools on there with me. I have found many professional friends on there. Many since changing schools, and now districts, are such awesome connections to keep.
Twitter is a little different story. I joined Twitter a few months back but just didn't keep up with it. Some of the conversations seemed just trivial in some aspects. But after reading this tutorial, I can see many uses this might be helpful with. I am thinking of the teachers and their busy schedules. This might be a forum where a school conversation can go on. Also, I can see the uses in informing parents and the school community of library happenings. So I have done an about face with my perceptions of this tool and would like to use it in the future.
As far as backchanneling, my mind went immediately to college. I can think of my physics and algebra classes. It would have been so nice to have someone helping to clarify the professors attempts to get some of these more complex subjects to me as I was listening, confused and trying to clarify while taking notes. So I can see how this might help some in the higher education echalons. I also can see ESL students benefitting from this. Many of our classes with needed content could be taught in English, with a person helping to clarify immediately in their own language.

Thing #4 YouTube Video

Thing #4 You Tube Post

Using this venue opens the door for teachers to share their wonderful creations. Many teachers have some incredible creative teaching ideas. They can share these with others to use in their classrooms.
Students would find this venue highly motivating. They could use this to showcase their work for the world to see.

Thing #3

Amazing! Skype seems to be the ultimate professional connection tool. With blogs, wikis, and other online tools the discussion can take place and allow for much growth. But with this tool, you get the voice which would include inflection, feelings, dialect and more. I had pen pals with two classes in France a couple of years ago. I wish we had Skype. One of the classes in France was an ESL class. They were learning English. Having skype would have been an excellent way for the students to help them with our language. As librarians, and also teachers, visiting with others around the world creates a universe of wisdom in whatever field we are in. The only detriment is the naysayers who are afraid or unwilling to use technology. I know of some that will just say, I can't or don't have time. We have to come out of the dark ages as educators and realize our students are ions ahead of us with their use and friendliness with it.

Animoto

Thing #2

I used Wordle in 23 Things. So I tried Wordsift this time. What really impressed me about this tool was the visual thesaurus. I put an article about being a new librarian in the box and the visual thesaurus brought up some amazing connections and extensions on some very important and profound concepts of librarianship. So a student who is looking at speeches for instance, could see some interesting connections and added depth in the implied and unimplied expressions shared. This is an awesome way to get the students to add more depth and complexity into their thinking about a subject.
I love VoiceThread. This has been one of my absolute favorite 2.0 tools. I wanted to use this last year, after discovering it last summer, but was blocked by my district. Students can do some really high level thinking with this site. You displaay a concept, image, or text. Then you allow the participants to chime in with their own thoughts, which is their actual voice. You can see a running conversation on a subject. The students can read others opinions and bounce off of their ideas. I just went to thread on Readicide and the thoughts of educators across American on how schools are killing reading for students in so many ways. The ideas of each person's contribution really made me think about this sad dilemma and what to do about it.
Yeah! I made my first Animoto! It was fun and surprising. I can't believe how easy it was to create such a fun visual experience. It was a bit tricky in having too many pictures, and being cut off at the end. But with practice I feel this is a great tool to use with students. They could use this for Social Studies (primary sources, time travel photos), Science (photos showing scientific concepts), Language Arts (poetry, Book Review) and the list goes on.
Bookr looks like a fun site. The students could use this to create a picture book online, for publishing their writing. This also would be a great alternative to powerpont to showcase their projects.

Thing #1 for Things 11 More Things

I love the simplicity and direct visuals the students offer. I also love the irony of this student in using technology to show cut paper visuals. I think there may be a hidden more subtle message to all of that our archaic methods of teaching can easily and most simply be used with technology. As a new librarian learning this world of web 2.0 as a teaching venue, I am getting that message loud and clear. I am becoming more and more brave to step out of my comfort zone and connect where kids really are, the web. What a grand adventure!

Thing #23

This has been a great experience this summer. Since I am a new librarian, there are so many frightening aspects of the job I worry about. However, going through this program has given me courage to explore and utilize web 2.0 tools this next year. Below are the answers to the questions we are expected to answer in finishing the program. Thank you!

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? Some of my favorite were the igoogle and flickr. I really enjoyed the amazing resources these sites offered. Library Thing was also one of my faves. Having connections with other readers and their shelves is a great experience for any reader, especially librarians.
   
2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I am always seeking to grow on this journey as an educator. Finding tools to connect professionally is such an important step in my career. I feel with these tools I can connect regionally with others in my field as well as internally, which widens my global community of knowledge.
   
3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? I was surprised at how many of these seemingly obscure (at least to me) tools were so user friendly. An example is the embedding of videos in a blog or a wiki. I didn't realize how simple it was . Just finding the steps and utilizing the knowledge was such an eye opener for me. I used it with my book club and many were very impressed. I thought, how easy was that. Anyone could do it. It just takes a little time and attention to learn it.
   
4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? I don't know of any improvements. Anytime I had a problem, I had an immediate response from the Ozs' that were administering the program. I liked the blog format. I wonder if having a wiki also might offer a discussion format where many comments are made and shown.
   
5. If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? Most definitely. In fact, I am signing up for 11 More Things tomorrow.
   
6. 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? 23 Things, an extraordinary program, has opened the door to my chosen professional community for me.
   
7. 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?

Thing #22

I like the idea of having the professional connects the Ning offers. I also like the way it networks with comments with other groups. I joined a couple of the ones you listed. I read some of the new librarians post and advice others had offered for them. I found a comment that said to always pay attention to the warm body in front of you. If someone asks if you are busy, always say not too busy for you! She advised to put email and phone on hold when it came to the needs of teachers. I heard this same advice from a friend librarian. She said to always remember to put the customer first, regardless. So I will be looking at NIng a little more. I did notice some of the posts were a little old on the Texas librarian's site. This is a worthy venue for networking with others in my chosen field of librarianship.

Thing #21

I love Photostory! I used it last year, when I taught 5th. It was the first time I had used this technology in my classroom. The kids loved it. They could easily navigate the program. It was a great venue for them to express their thoughts about subjects and allow them to use some higher level thinking skills with analyzing whatever subject or book we were covering. I will definitely use this to create some book trailers. That is, if I can fix my audio problem with my laptop. I tried to create a photostory about a Bluebonnet book, so that I could post a new podcast. However, my internal microphone would not work. When I ran the test it made this high pitched screeching noise. I was very frustrated. But like I told my students last year, never ever give up on technology. You may get mad and want to throw the computer our the window...but it is our future... and therefore, well worth our patience. I will call the geek squad tomorrow to iron out the kinks on the audio. But in order to go on with Things, I will post a photostory my student, Nia, made last year for 39 Clues.

Thing #20

Blinkx for searching for videos. Visuals are so important to the lesson. You can say so much more with pictures or visuals.

Thing #19

I have spent the last few hours looking at the web awards. There are a lot of treasures I wasn't expecting. Then there were several useful tools for some, but I could not find a reason for using it.

http://www.onesentence.org/This tool allows you to be precise with writing and yet use brevity to express a succinct thought, or using one sentence to tell the story. This would be great site to share with teachers to experiment with themselves before using the strategy in their own writing workshop. I also would like to practice my writing skills.
http://www.dabbledb.com/ This tool allows you to create reports and many other online databases straight from the website. I could set up my budget and its accounting on this accessible database.
http://wufoo.com/This website helps you create contact forms, online surveys, and invitations so you can collect the data, registrations and online payments you need without writing a single line of code. I could use this for events in the library, surveys for teachers and students, and special forms I want to send out. The forms look very professional.

There were several other award winners I enjoyed navigating and using from the list.

Thing #18

As far as google.docs, I have used it in the past. I wanted to secure a lot of my school documents I had made last year. I was in the habit of just emailing myself at school whatever document I wanted to use. Anytime I wanted to use it, I had to search my email. I decided to upload my documents to google and have them stored safely 2 yers ago. I now have a safe secure place that is not subject to any damage or loss from my home. The only downside I have found from it is the inability the platform has for supporting my presentations from ppt. It does not accept them. I looked at open source and it seems to be a worthy online processing tool. I can remember through the years of students not being able to do their typing at home because they did not have Microsoft Word. Personally, I prefer Microsoft Word, because there are so many more useful tools to their package, such as font, templates, and many others. The presentation tool lacked backgrounds that I am very used to using. But I can see it as a backup if I am without Word.