Thursday, April 23, 2009

Last Thing: Is It the End or Only the Beginning?

My two favorite things I learned how to use are Animoto and the Flickr mashups. I think this program has made me much more aware of some of the resources out there on the web that I can use to make my life better and make my classroom more fun and educational. I was surprised by how many things are out there that I was completely unaware of, and I realize these are only 23 things! I think the format of the 23 Things is well-written and well-organized. Everything is very self explanatory and easy to follow in terms of steps and directions. My focus as a teacher will be more tuned to the fact that there are many online resources that can enhance my students' learning experiencing, and I need to take advantage of that at every possible opportunity. I think just occationally Googling Web 2.0 and Learning 2.0 will pull up recent developments in the 2.0 world.

Thing #23: Creative Commons

The evidence I found that the 23 Things for Teachers Activity was based off someone else's work is the following statement on the main blog page:

*Note: This project is loosely based upon the website 43Things (which allows you to set and track personal goals) and the Stephen Abram article titled 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006).

Now that I understand all the differences between the different licenses, I will know how I can make better use of the material under creative commons licenses. I also know to look for CC material now, instead of having to leave out material. I will use it in all of my presentations as a teacher.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Thing #22: Podcasts: No iPod Needed!

This podcast talks about some recent developments in space exploration technology hoped to be used in future trips to the moon: link.

I used the Educational Podcast Directory. I was unable to locate any podcasts under the science category on Podcastdirectory.com, and I ran across alot of podcasts with content not necessarily appropriate for this format on Podcastalley.com. So I chose the Educational Podcast Directory. I think it would be fun to develop some simple podcasts to use in the classroom; however, if I was ever unable to get around to making them, there are plenty of podcasts that are floating around out there waiting for someone to listen to them! Even though it is very nerdy, I liked listening to the NASA podcasts. The man who speaks on the podcast has a very calming voice, and he just talks and talks about neat space stuff. It is a very relaxing thing to listen to for me. :)

Thing #21: Animoto

Animoto is awesome...my favorite pictures in the world are from Washington State. Though the pictures to do not do it true justice, Washington is the most beautiful place I have ever been. (Not that I have traveled a tremendous amount!) Animoto allows me to put those pictures together into a nice video that is very calming and entertaining for me to watch. I hope others enjoy it too!

Thing #20: You, Too, Can YouTube

YouTube Video:

I selected this video because it is a wonderful little video that explains the purpose and vital importance of Earth Science. I enjoy YouTube. I believe YouTube is a great resource to find little brief clips about concepts that can really help drive home the point of lesson or concept. Sometimes, nothing says it better than a short video to bring in that visual component.

Thing #19: Beyond MySpace: Other Social Networks

Awaiting administrator approval for membership in TeacherPop.

I know this will sound ridiculous, but at one time I was a member of a hermit crab forum. As funny as it may sound, I am very passionate about taking good care of all the creatures on our planet, including weird little critters like hermit crabs. I learned more than I ever wanted to know about hermit crabs by participating on that forum! But, I felt it was important to do everything in my power to ensure those little crabs did not suffer an early demise because I was un-education on their care requirements. As far as the sites listed on the Thing #19 page, I am pretty sure I would not join and actually participate in any of the sites listed under number 2. I typically enjoy subjects that are off the beaten path a little bit.

Thing #18: Explore Social Networking

Facebook Profile

Social networking can mean the difference between having a job and not having a job. I know from personal experience, that if you know the right people, work life can be much simpler. Though I feel it is unfortunate at times, so much in life is all about who you know.

I have always had a hard time keeping up with people. I have had my MySpace page for years, and I only sign on every 6 months or so! Now, with Facebook, I am a little more engaged because it is easier to keep track of people. The way the website is formatted differently that MySpace. Even though I do not post very much, I do like to see what people I went to high school with are getting into!

I am not sure I would feel too comfortable about integrating Facebook into the classroom. It seems like there may not be enough control there for me. I would be afraid of the kids getting into trouble for things they cannot control...like off the wall comments made by classmates, etc.