Is it the end, or only the beginning?

Wow, I can not believe all of these Things are finally completed! The process was definitely time consuming, to say the least, but the reward is great! I can honestly say I have learned quite a bit about Web 2.0 tools -in the beginning I didn't even know what those were. Looking back, some of my favorites include: Thing # 6 (Image Chef), Thing # 20 (YouTube), and Thing #21 (Animoto)...just among the few. I already have a ton of ideas of ways I can use these tools in my future classroom. All of the Web 2.0 tools are useful one way or another...it all depends on what you need. Some were difficult..but with a little time and patience, all of them can be mastered. I look forward to teaching my students about some of these tools -and passing along what I learned throughout this entire experience. I'm proud of myself for successfully creating

my first blog!

Thing #23

Creative Commons is a very important tool to be aware of. As teachers,we have to set examples for our students to follow. We have to give to credit wherever it is due. Anything that anybody posts on the web (information, pictures, etc.) must be used an credited properly. Creative Commons allows teacher to give rights (however they choose) on their material so others can access it. With Creative Commons, we decide what to share, what to restrict...everything about our work! It s important to relay this message and concept to our students -always give credit when it's due! 

Thing #22

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=705081

Another helpful way for storing websites...Livebinders! Teachers can use these online binders to share websites that may be helpful for their students. This can aide in providing the students with research information on certain projects they may be assigned, or when learning new material altogether. The titles of my binders are Learning Strategies (which is the link above this paragraph), Anticipatory Sets, and Time Saving Tips. These are more geared for me (as the teacher) but when creating them for students, I would relate them to whatever lesson they are learning or as research to get them started on a particular project. A great tool for teachers and students -however you decide to use it.

Thing #21

A Summer in Greece

I loved the entire Animoto experience. Above is a link to my creation...last summer I visted Greece (I'm from Greece).The video includes some pictures I took while I was there. This would be great for students to do and share with the class -maybe even as an introduction of themselves at the beginning of the year? (Just a thought) But yes, I loved it and it will be a very fun tool to bring into the classroom -endless creativity can be applied.

Thing #20

I love YouTube! It is free and simple to use! I can easily spend many hours (unknowingly) on this site. YouTube can be great to bring into the classroom. Teachers just have to carefully monitor what they use (to ensure that the material is not inappropriate). I can think of many ways that teachers can use this as an effective tool in their classrooms -they find something interesting (that should also enhance what they are teaching) and simply sare it with the students. It can definitely make a lesson fun and exciting for the students.

I found a song on YouTube, the "Money Song" which I incorporated in my Unit Plan on Money for a first grade classroom. Just simple videos like this one, makes learning fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq3tVrTFcKk

Thing #19

I feel like I am already a member of enough social sites...Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest...yes, that's enough! But I have to say, I joined Teacherpop and I think it is simply great! I love the concept behind Teacherpop. This social website is exclusively for APSU pre-service teachers (and for those who have graduated too). It makes you feel like you are a part of something important -and you are! You are able to share information in regards to teaching with others that are probably  the same position as you. Teachers can even chime in to provide some insight on educational obstacles and expectations. It is a great way to share ideas and experiences. You are able to communicate through comments -which makes it all super easy.The good thing about joining this community is that it is geared towards our futures as educators -we have our sites for "play and general socialization," but this will help us grow and learn -becoming great teachers. This commuity will be sticking around for quite awhile.

Thing #18

An understanding of social networking sites is important, believe it or not, to educators. Our society is becoming so advanced in technology. Students are on these sites on a day to day basis. So having even a basic knowledge of what they are all about, will keep teachers "in the know" about things. This can apply to cyber-bullying -which unfortunately is becoming too common and tragic in our society. Teachers may be able to recognize things that are occurring on these sites, and potentially stop them from escalating.

I am a user of both Facebook and Twitter for many years. I enjoy both sites very much. They help me keep in contact with friends and families and that is very important to me. They both have similar social features, but I would have to say I enjoy Facebook more. As for using them in the classroom, I don't think I will. I plan on teaching younger kids (a first grade classroom hopefully) and these social sites are too chaotic to introduce at such a young age. But for me...I love them!

Thing #17

Social bookmarking is a great tool. Sometimes we find ouselves browsing the web, and unexpectedly, we find some great resources and websites of interest...what do we do? We bookmark them! This allows us to store our findings for future references.

But we can go even further than that.

Delicious...allows you to save, store, and share the bookmarks you have discovered. With a Delicious account, you can access the bookmarks from anywhere -you don't even have to be on your computer! How great and convenient is that?! As future teachers, and even now, we will be doing an extensive amount of research -and this is a great way of organizing and storing it all.

Thing #16

The start page that I chose to explore was iGoogle. Since I already have a Gmail account, the additional Google tool was right there on the same page, ready for me to access and use. I don't see myself setting this as my homepage, but I will be using it on a regular basis. Overall, it's a great tool for organization.
 
The Calendar was great! I tend to be very forgetful and this allows me to put everything in clear sight -no surprises! I love having this calendar online for me to look at, but yes, I also have an additional one on my wall. The more the reminders, the better, right?!

The to-do-lists seemed to be a little more complicated. It's a great tool still, if technology works for you! But for me, I have to have my to-do-lists written down with paper and pen. There's something so exhilarating about crossing off a task!

If you're serious about organization, these tools are for you! I can see these tools being used by teachers and students, for work and school. They are simple for the most part, and extremely convenient! 

Thing #15

Making a Wiki post is very easy -anyone can do it! Anyone can add, delete, or alter the informaion on Wiki. It's a great tool for sharing information on just about any and every thing you could possibly imagine. There are flaws to it though -the information, sice anyone can post, may not always be 100% accurate. But this still, would be a great learning experience for the sudents. Teachers could research some really bad Wiki posts or even create some themselves, and then as an activity, have the class find the mistakes and make corrections to the Wiki posts. This will be a great activity to monitor and adjust for the younger students as well as the older students.

Thing # 14

I have to say, flow charts and mind maps are unfamiliar concepts to me. I have seen flow charts, but have never created either. So this "thing" was actually a great learning experience. I chose to look a Gliffy for flow charts & Bubble.us for mind maps. Gliffy was so easy! All I had to do was...choose some shapes, decide where I want to place them, and then, simply add the inormation. Very simple and easy to use...even for a first-timer! As for my diagram with Bubble.us, the process was simple too! They give you options to direct you in the right direction -it makes it very clear to choose, bubble options, for example, based on what works best for what you are trying to do. I thought both processes would be long, overly extensive, and just drawn-out! I was wrong! These tools were simple and very effective -great to introduce to students too!

Thing #13

Zoho is a great tool! You can use it anywhere...as long as you have internet connection. This reminded me very much of a word document, but there were extra features that were certainly worth exploring. I like how on the page there are three headings: Collaboration Applications, Business Applications, and Produivity Applications. This makes it easy to locate what you need to begin your work. The applications are extensive and extremely helpful. Also, it's great to use for group work, group projects, calendar & events, notebook, etc.

Google Docs is very closely related to Zoho and its' features. It would work great for students and collaborative work that they might have to complete. The students can use the tools to work on their part of the project, and then later on the group, as a whole can add it together. This would have to be done during class though, because we can not expect all of our students to have a source of internet connection at home. Other than that, it would be a great resource for students to explore and work on.

Both Zoho and Google Docs are great tools. They are very simiar to each other as well. They are great for group work -for students ad teachers (Zoho more for an older crowd or age grop and Google Docs for the younger children) Between the two, I prefer Google Docs. It's easier for me personally, to navigate through the page and its' features. It seems to be more age friendly for my students too (K-6).

Thing #12

Google Calendar

 

Google Calendar is a great tool offered through Google. It's very helpful for teachers, and anyone in general. It allows you to add events and reminders in the calendar. This would be great for classroom activities and even special school ceremonies. You could post weekly or monthly schedules and make them easily available to students and parents. I figured out that there's an option that allows printing, so this would be great to just print off and send home with your student's newsletter. Schedules are very helpful. I would be a jumbled, forgetful mess without a schedule and its' reminders.

 

https://www.google.com/calendar/render?tab=mc  (Google Calendar)

 

Google Translate

 

How cool is Google Translate? You type in words...whatever you want...and it translates them into any language you choose.This would help teachers out with students in their classroom whose first language is not English. It will definitely smooth things out and make the transition for the student easier and more comfortable...which is important. Also, I have a great idea of another way to incorporate Google Translate in the classroom: I will use it once a day in class to teach my students a new word from a random country. Starting off, we'll focus on the word "hello." It's important for students to be introduced to various cultures and ethnicities. This will help them with acceptance of those different from them...which I plan to always place importance on!

 

http://translate.google.com/?hl=en&tab=cT#en/el/hello  (Hello in Greek)

Thing #11

More RSS

 

After exploring some more links in regards to RSS, I discovered even more about them! I found the Google Blog search the easiest! I just type in key phrases and so much goodness pops up! It was easy to understand and follow. I LOVE that it keeps up with blogs in a single location...how convenient! I also enjoyed Edublog Awards. It listed a bunch of blogs that were nominated and that won awards. I enjoyed the Lifetime Achievement award won by Linda Yollis. Her blog has a ton of information geared for teachers...great resources too! The most confusing search tool was probably Topix.net. It didn't directly search for blogs...and I was lost, to say the least. All though, were good references for teachers to use. I'm sure you'll find something to your liking if you just...search!

Thing #10

RSS & Newsreaders

 

RSS and newsreaders are great tools, and very helpful, I must add! In the beginning, I, was indeed, questioning "how am I going to keep up with all these subscriptions?" This makes it easy. When using these tools, it keeps track of what you're subscribed to and informs you about a new post or information when it becomes available. So, you don't have to search around like a maniac! It's all there and organized, ready for you to access it. As teachers, we will more than likely end up subscribing to multiple blogs and websites in search for tools, ideas, and advice. With this technology that is available, teachers can multi-task much better.The tools at hand will keep us organized and we can prioritize what "news" we want to read. This can also work very well outside of the classroom. I just love the fact that it keeps track of everything for us...it definitely makes life much easier and more manageable!

Thing #9

ImageChef

 

 

Above are two images I created using ImageChef. The first involves a spooky shadow template. This would be great to use as a border for images of students and class activities to display (around the classroom or hallway, or even to send home to parents) during the month of October. I think it's cute and fun!

The second image from ImageChef was created through a sticky note template. You can alter the background and text colors of the note. This would be helpful to add in PowerPoints and other lessons on the board. It can help apply emphasis to specific, important points that are being made. What a great reminder to have!

 

Both image templates are great for classroom use and ultimately, any personal desires. Get creative!

 

Thing #8

Color Field ~ Macro ~ Purple Phalaenopsis Orchid

Photo by Mikaku

 

Flickr Color Pickr

Flickr Color Pickr can be a great tool to use in the classroom. It gives you options of photos to choose from based on specific colors. From the image above, I chose the color purple, browsed through purple photos that popped up, and selected thee picture og the orchid. In my head, I'm already thinking about ways to use this with my young students. This would be great to use when teaching colors. Whatever color is the focus for the day, I can have multiple images of that color available for my students to view -fairly helpful!

Thing #7

By Cast A Line, Heather

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58754750@N08/5685991596/

 

My Flickr experience was the first time using a public photo hosting service. I was familiar with some of them (by name), but had never really used them. Flickr would be a cool tool to use in the classroom. Pictures make great learning tools. There are thousands of photos to look through and the copyright restrictions are readily available and visible on the site. So, we know our limits and we can take caution. This is a great safe-proof function. I also like the option that photos added can be set as a private -a great personalization tool.

 

I chose to post a picture of yellow flowers. Yellow flowers are my favorite!There's something very peaceful about the picture above and nature, in general. 

Thing #6

 www.pandora.com

Pandora



Pandora is such a great site for music! Music definitely gets me through the day and this Web 2.0 tool is awesome! Did I mention that it's free, too? Think of Pandora as being your own personal radio station. You start by selecting an artist or genre and then it formulates songs that relate to what you have chosen. You also have the option of skipping songs you don't like, giving a thumb's up (which will replay the song in the near future), or giving a song a thumb's down (which knocks it out of your play list). You can create multiple stations, which I don't believe are limited. Also, this would definitely liven up a classroom. You can select "school appropriate" songs to play in the morning when students first arrive and also, use a particular song you find to go along with a lesson. I believe music is a stress reliever, so even playing some "light" music in the background throughout the day could help with tension -and it would make it a fun environment for learning in general! We need to intrigue are students and music can have that affect.

Thing #5

From Web 2.0 " A Guide for Educators"

"The Web has replaced libraries, classrooms, bookstores, yellow pages, telephones, even paper."

From the 2008 "Horizon Report"

"The Horizon Report reflects the focus of the Horizon Project, which centers on the applications of emerging technologies to teaching, learning, and creative expression."

So, what does "school 2.0" mean to me? And what does it mean for schools of the future?
School 2.0 means to involve an environment that is relatively familiar with the web 2.0 tools and to use them to their full potential. When these tools are integrated, an overwhelmingly, large amount of new learning possibilities arise. The Internet and the web tools are becoming very prevalent, more and more, in our daily lifestyles. The need for innovation is growing stronger as technology expands. We have to get on board the technology train today before we fall too far behind! Web 2.0 is "the way" of the future.

Thing #4

It's true, every blogger loves to see that their posts were read and have comments. This shows that their topics are of interest and the audience (the readers) are engaged. Commenting is a great tool of interaction that helps communicate ideas. Communicating and sharing ideas, concepts, and common interests, creates an elaborate community overtime.
From Drape's Tasks I learned that it is not good "blogger etiquette" to ignore someone's comment on your blog..."a message of elitismm may be exuded." A simple thank you, if not any other response, will suffice.
From the Blue Skung Blog I took away an important statement -"make your comment relevant." It's best if you add to, or expand on an idea pertaining to the blog.

The 7 "special" blogs I commented on (also with brief points I agreed with) are:

1. Tammy's Tales #4: I agree that commenting is a must and that negative comments should be kept to yourself. Constructive criticism is a good thing, but there's no reason to be ugly about it!
2. Ashmiller's 23 Things #5: I, too, was clueless about 2.0 in the beginning. Technology has a come a long way and it's constantly evolving and expanding -we need to jump on the boat!
3. Douchane's 3040 Reflections #3: Blogging is a social interaction site, but more geared towards our future endeavors. It's a great tool for communication.
4. L. Oliphant's 23 Things #12: Google Translate is a great tool! It's awesome for translating and extremely helpful to have on hand in a classroom.
5. Foster's 23 Things #1: The easiest habit for me was also #7 "to teach/mentor others." I feel like this is a great habit to have mastered, since we are going to be future teachers!
6. Maultbay's Blog (outside class 3040-04) #7: The Flickr image of the ballet was awesome! I'm definitely appreciative of the fine arts, and yes, dance is beautiful!
7. Twenty Three Things (outside class 3040-07) #6: I love Pandora myself! It's a great, free tool, that can bring music into the classroom and liven everyone's day up a little.

Thing #3

I'm looking forward to incorporating my blog into my future classroom. I believe it can benefit the learning environment in many ways. It can be used by students, teachers, and parents -which is great!

• I can surf for tips from teachers and also share tips with them at the same time
• Advice and guidance will be available
• I can reflect on my experiences as a teacher
• Within my classroom, the students can use the blog for further discussion on topics covered in class
• I can reach out to the parents and elaborate on what we are doing in the classroom and what the students are learning
• I can formulate monthly calendars for my class and post them on my blog (post class info, let them know about upcoming events, schedules, and other relevant information)
• Also, I learned that we can link classes with another class from a different country? How cool is that! What a learning experience that await us!

Having a blog will open many doors for us as teachers!

Thing #2

I enjoyed creating and personalizing my blog and avatar. It was much easier than what I had anticipated. For my blog title I chose to keep it simple: 23 Things with Ms. Davis. I used my last name (which is what I anticipate my students calling me by) in the title (my first name, being Greek, is always difficult for people). I'm all about simplicity. My actual blog address is http://journeyoat.blogspot.com (Journey Of A Teacher). I found the title very fitting since this blog page will reflect my journey and transition into becoming a teacher. As for my avatar, I tried to make her closely relate to me. I am a Caucasian woman with black curly hair, I wear glasses when I don't put in my contacts, I'm very fun, and an overall inviting individual. Hopefully my blog will make that evident throughout the course and in my future endeavors.

Thing #1

After viewing the 7 1/2 Habits Online Tutorial, I would have to say the most difficult habit to tackle is going to be #1 "Begin with the end in mind." I take things step by step, day by day, so focusing on the end isn't always the case. This will definitely be a habit that needs to be established more firmly in my endeavors. On the otherhand, the habit that seems the easiest for me to grasp is #7 "Teach/mentor others." I am naturally this kind of person. I'm always willing to help and guide others through anything I possibly can. This habit is parallel to my characteristics as an individual.

Upon first learning in class that we would create a blog...I was terrified! I wasn't sure exactly how they worked and what it would take to actually create one. Luckily, it was fairly easy! I look at it as another social site...this one just more geared to my actual aspiring profession. I'm excited about exploring all of the 2.0 web tools and using them to my full advantage. I know this is going to be a great tool for me in the future!