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