ONE LAST THING.........

WHEW!!! Finally....the last THING....
I am truly glad to have arrived at the end, but so glad I took the trip!

What were my favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
Julie Andrews had her favorite things and these are a few of my favorite APSU 23 things....Google calendar, Animoto, Flickr, Online Image Generators and just learning to Blog. I am not sure I every would have created my own blog if not for this class.

How has this program affected my lifelong learning goals?
Way back in Thing #1, I mentioned that playing was one of the Habits that was difficult for me to do. I sometimes focus so intently on the task at hand that I forget to have fun during the process. This program definitely showed me another example of how you can have fun while learning. There were several activities that were very fun and seemed much more like play than homework. There were times when my husband took over home responsibilities so that I could work on the 23 Things and I felt really guilty for getting to "work" on them when I felt like I was just playing on the computer.

Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised me?
The biggest surprise was how much is out there that is free and so useful. I knew the Internet was amazing, but did not know how much web 2.0 has changed things. It seemed like every week I was telling my friends and family about something new I learned. I have said many times during this semester, that this is a class that could be taken every few years and be totally different just because technology changes so fast.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
I really liked the program. The only thing I might change it to try to combine some of the items to streamline a little bit. There were a couple that were similiar enough to be able to do this without sacrificing content and learning.

How will what I have learned influence my practice as a teacher?
I will definitely use what I have learned in the classroom. There are so many educational resources to use in the classroom. The pictures and videos are wonderful resources that can be incorporated into any lesson plan. More importantly, I will not be intimidated to try to use these, and other, new tools in the classroom with students.

How do I plan to keep up with new developments in web 2.0? Recommend a way that I have found to be useful.
I have already subscribed to the RSS feed for the Learning 2.1 blog. That will be a great way to keep up with new developments.

Thanks for such a great experience!!!

Thing #23: Creative Commons

There are many references that make it clear that APSU 23 Things is based on another work. Some examples of those references are:

1. The note after Thing 23: *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).

2. The note in the "About Learning 2.0" section: Learning 2.0 - 23 Things for Teachers is based on Learning 2.0 - 23 Things. That program is based on the Learning 2.0 program that was designed by Helene Blowers, Technology Director at the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Public Library system, with the support and assistance of several staff. Helene's program was loosely based upon Stephen Abram's article, 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006) and the website 43Things.

Until reviewing the resources about Creative Commons, I had no idea it was so complex. I am so glad I had the opportunity to review them and I feel so much better equipped to teach students how important this is. Teaching by example is definitely the first step. Secondly, these are such great resources to help teach students about this too by incorporating them into my curriculum as well.

Thing #22: Podcasts: No iPod Needed!

I used Podcastalley.com to find a podcast of interest. It was very user friendly and did not require download or password to listen to the podcasts. I found a podcast I liked called Bytesize Science. I actually found it in the Kids and Family section of Podcastalley. It is an educational podcast designed for young listeners from the American Chemical Society (ACS). It translates scientific discoveries from scientific journals into interesting stories for kids. I found podcasts to be very interesting and can see where they would be a useful resource in the classroom. Though this activity did not inspire me to create my own podcast, it did interest me enough to subscribe for future listening.

The following podcast is one I found interesting and I think students would enjoy:

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BytesizeScience/~5/z46oS9i9ksI/Ep38_ChickenFeathers_4-8-09.mp3

Thing #21: Animoto

I love this tool!! It was so easy and fun. I can think of so many uses for this one personally and professionally. In the classroom, it would be fun to document different class activities and make a video for the class, other teachers, new students, etc. I made this of our baseball team's district win last year. VERY FUN!!!

Thing #20: You, Too, Can YouTube

I chose to include a current event video from YouTube. This is a video about the recent tornado that touched down in Murfreesboro, TN. I chose this one because I can see how YouTube could be used in the classroom to tie a lesson (weather) to relevant events. After watching this, I don't think it would be hard to explain the tremendous power of storms. I both like and dislike YouTube. I agree that there are many good videos, but also many that are not worth watching. It is a good resource if used with care.

Thing #19: Beyond MySpace: Other Social Networks

I joined Teacher POP and was a little surprised at the approval time, but am glad I was approved in time to post and think I will enjoy being a member. The two activities I chose to complete for Thing 19 were:

1) Add the Teacher POP badge to this blog. This is posted on the top left of the blog.
2) Left a message, AKA commented on a video entitled, " Math Education: An Inconvenient Truth" posted by Dr. Wall.

Other than Facebook, this is the only online community I have joined. Teacher POP is appealing because it was created specifically for educators and is an APSU original. I think I will enjoy the networking with people who share common experiences in the APSU education program. I will be able to learn much from fellow students and others through this online community.

Thing #18: Explore Social Networking

I added a badge to this blog with my Facebook profile (see bottom left). I have been on Facebook for a couple of months, but only get on a couple of times a month. I guess that's not being too social on a social networking site! It just takes a time commitment that I can't really make right now. I do enjoy doing it from time to time to catch up on all my "social friends" though. I can see why it is important that educators know how social networking works because that is what students are doing now. This is the "hang out" area of our day. It is also another way to network with other teachers. I didn't really gain any new insights, but confirmed what I already knew about the sites. I like them both fine, but prefer Facebook primarily because that is where my friends are to be found. I can see where these could be used in the classroom to foster relationships and communications among teachers and students. I do think it should be used with caution and proper discernment, however. There are school system rules to be followed when it comes to after school socializing with students. There have been several articles in the local newspaper recently about Facebook contact between a SRO and students.

Thing #17: Tagging and Social Bookmarking with Del.icio.us

I watched both of the Del.icio.us tutorials. I continue to really like the style of the Common Craft guys. They make it simple and to the point, but do it in a way that is not dull. I checked out a few of the bookmarks with APSU23things and subscribed to the RSS feed to keep up to date after this class ends. Afterward, I created an account with Del.icio.us and began to play with it some to research various topics. I really liked what I found. I have still been using my Favorites list to bookmark Internet sites of interest, but Del.icio.us takes that to a new level. I love that it is not computer specific, which makes doing work from school, home, and work seamless. I also like the social networking aspect. This really helps to weed through sites to get to the more useful ones. I can see where this could be used in the classroom to guide students through appropriate research. I plan to use this when writing my Assistive Technology paper this week.

Thing #16: Get Organized with Web 2.0 Tools

I created an iGoogle home page. I chose that because I already have a Google account and the setup was very easy. I found it easy to customize and set up just the way I needed it to be. I definitely plan to make that my permanent home page. I really wish I would have done this sooner. It will be very useful to have all the the information that is important to me in one place when I need it and updated daily. I have never done this, because I simply have not taken the time to see what is out there to make my life easier. As I have mentioned before, I REALLY like the Google calendar and I added that to my home page first thing! This has already been so useful and I already have big plans to do more. I also added the "to-do list" gadget to my home page just as a visual reminder. I also investigated some of the other tools for list management that were a little more complex. I want to look into those some more, but think they will go hand in hand with Google calendar to improve my productivity and organization. The mobile phone notification and management for tasks and lists are what I am very interested in learning more about. Did I mention that I love Google calendar?! Thanks Dr. Wall!!! I will definitely recommend it to others.

Thing #15: What in the World is a Wiki?

I enjoyed learning more about Wikis. I think it is an interesting concept, but I can see where integrity of information is at risk. I will have to admit, I am the sort of person who is happier where things are more black or white, true or false. OK, I will admit that I am also a bit of a control freak too. The idea that anyone can modify published information without accuracy verification is odd to me. I just seems to fit the society idea that there really are no real absolute truth and that if enough people believe and speak it, then it must be true. I don't really buy into this philosophy. I do see where wikis could be used to communicate, collaborate, plan, brainstorm, etc. If used for that, I think they have many possibilities for the classroom. I liked the classroom examples given here and they gave me some ideas for how I might use them in my own classroom.

Thing #14: Go With the Flow

I created accounts with Gliffy for the flow chart and Mind Meister for the mind map. They were both useful for their intended purpose. In the past I have used a desktop application very similar to Gliffy to create flow charts. I used them to create organizational flow charts for my department and for production and process flow charts. Mind Meister seems to be a way to document ideas when brainstorming. I have used something similar in the past when problem solving or troubleshooting. I found both of these to be another way to create something that has been around for a while. I did, however, really like the idea of collaboration. I used to be the Quality Manager for an automotive manufacturing company. There were many times when we would work with customers or suppliers to solve product or process problems. We used a process called a 5-Why, which was really a way to use a fish bone diagram to study a problem and examine possible causes and solutions. Mind Meister would come in very handy when doing this since often it is done by conference call. It would be very useful for all parties to have access to this simultaneously. I can see where this could be used in the classroom to teach problem solving methods.

Thing #13: Web-Based Applications

My imported Zoho Writer Example follows:

ZOHO WRITER EXAMPLE

This is my example of a Zoho Writer document. So far, I like it. I knew there were online applications such as this, but really perceived them to be far inferior to Microsoft Office. Zoho Writer is making me reconsider my position on this. It is easy to use and I like the idea of being able to easily import and export with Microsoft Office. I also like the ability to create documents as a pdf files without having to purchase the full Adobe software package. I have already decided to give this a try on some work files that I share with others. I will definitely like not having to make sure the latest version is saved on my jump drive that I carry to and from work. I am looking forward to seeing how I like it over time.

Toodles!

Thing #12: Google Is Not Just For Searching Anymore

I tried a Google Calendar and Google Docs for this activity. I was planning to try out Google Notebook, but found out that Google has decided not to further their activity on development of that tool, so they were not accepting new accounts. From what I could tell, Google Docs accomplishes most of what Notebook offered plus has some added features.

The one I liked best was Google Calendar. As I mentioned in an earlier post regarding a Web 2.0 tool called Backpack, I really like the idea of an on line, sharable calendar. I think I would like it the most if I had a PDA that would electronically link the two. I struggle with the logistics of having all appointments on one calendar that can be shared with others. I currently use a combination of paper planner and electronic reminders, but that there is much room for error with this double, triple or even quadruple entry system. I am definitely planning to research this technology further to simplify this area of my world!

The Google Docs tool was okay. Honestly, I don't think I would use it much now. I might try it for compiling online research. The part of it that offers word processing, presentations and spreadsheets, I would most likely never use because I am such a Microsoft Office fan. I don't see the benefit of using Google docs over Microsoft other than possibly collaboration. That, really is what I see as the largest benefit of Google Docs in total. I may find that I need that tool when I reach the classroom. I will definitely keep it in mind should the need arise.

My links to both follow:

Google Calendar: http://www.google.com/calendar/render?tab=oc

Google Docs: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd76772m_2gpgw6tcf

Thing #11: Finding Good Feeds

I tried the suggested RSS Feed search tools. Of all of them, I really just liked Google the best. I tried them all using similar search phrases for my topics of interest. It could be because of my familiarity, but I found that Google was the one who came up with feeds that were most like what I was looking to find. I was searching primarily for middle school science types of feeds. I found a couple that had some good videos of science projects that I can see using in the classroom. These would be great for showing students some of the various types of projects completed by students around the world. Though some of the blogs were, interesting, I found my self coming back to published information such as news and published articles more than individual blog posts. I guess they all have their place and time, but for me, right now, that is of most interest.

Thing #10: Learning About RSS Feeds

Well, it's my usual blogging time of 11:30 PM with my coffee in hand....

I REALLY enjoyed learning about RSS feeds. Not to complain, but like many people's lives, 48 hours in a day would still be full and busy in my world! I just don't have time to sit at the computer and "surf" to get the information that I know is out there regularly. I really like the idea of subscribing to my favorite sites and having the information come to me.

I created my account with Google Reader. I already had a Google account, so it was really easy. Also, I liked the fact that it worked so well with Blogger. Google Reader automatically pulled in the class blogs that I am following for Thing #4 as my first subscriptions. It also made sharing my favorites very simple. With one mouse click, I was able to add my shared favorites to my blog. Check it out in the top left corner. So, yes, I was up to the sharing challenge! In addition to the class subscriptions, I personally subscribed to The Leaf Chronicle, The Tennessean, Cool Cat Teacher, The National Science Teacher's Association and Dangerously Irrelevant. I definitely wanted some education blogs to view, but am also extremely news deprived due to my hectic schedule. Hopefully, this will get me up to date!

There are so many uses for this technology. Not only is this technology very useful personally, but I can see where it could be used in the classroom as well. Linking classroom projects and topics to real world uses and applications is definitely the name of the game. With so much information out there, I believe students are looking to grasp what they will use in their future. By bringing these real world applications right to their desktop, they will immediately be exposed to education at work. What a great tool for teachers!

Thing #9: Online Image Generators

I had a lot of fun with the online image generators! I can see where students would really enjoy learning how to use them. They could be used to dress up a presentation, blog, etc. I used Image Chef the most because it had so many fun options. It was also so easy to use and add to my blog. I also worked with the Happy Face Generator too. With the many options to choose from, I think this would be a great way to get to know your students. I would think you could gain a little understanding of their mindset, likes, dislikes, etc. just by noticing which template choices they make and certainly by the messages they write. See if you can figure out mine...

DREAMING....




REALITY....



HOPEFULLY I WILL....




Links to online generators I used:

Happy Face Generator: http://www.happyfacegenerator.com/

Image Chef - Beach: http://www.imagechef.com/ic/make.jsp?tid=Beach

Image Chef - Jersey: http://www.imagechef.com/ic/basketball/

Image Chef - Flowers: http://www.imagechef.com/ic/make.jsp?tid=Growing+Flowers

Thing #8: Flickr Mashups

The Flickr Mashups were very cool! I had never heard of these before. I am amazed at the free things available on the internet!

I really liked the "Spell with Flickr" mashup. I had a little bit of trouble linking it to the blog. I had to play with the html for quite a while before I was able to post it with no errors. I am not sure why.....I need to investigate a little more.

I liked the puzzle creator too. This would be great for making gifts or something fun for home. I can see where both of these could also be used in the classroom to make the material more interesting and real for students. A puzzle creation of DNA for example would be a neat way to introduce that topic. I am still not a fan of open accessibility to family photos, but sharing photos of relevant people, places and things for information sharing is great. This is a wonderful way to have some of the experiences of "being there" without ever leaving your seat.

BOY PUZZLE




NAME TILES
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Thing #7: Explore Flickr

These pictures were taken by my husband a few years ago at the beach. My son is "rescuing" the fish......cute huh?

I really enjoyed learning about Flickr. I have heard about it many times, but this was the first time I tried it out. I actally created an account and uploaded some photos. I have all of them except these two photos privacy protected for family and friends because all are primarily family photos, but I might venture out in the future with some others that are not as personal. I would probably use Flickr primarily for personal use. I might also use this in the classroom for specific projects. The only other photo hosting service I have used in the past was Snapfish. I only used it once for Christmas cards. They both seem similiar, but Flickr seems to have a stronger emphasis on sharing. Since most of my photos are family, I am not overly eager to put them on the internet. I know they can be marked as private, but since there is no huge advantage for them to be on the internet for me, I probably will do that on a limited basis.

Thing #6: Discovering Web 2.0 Tools

There are some great tools out there!

I chose an organization Web 2.0 tool called Backpack. It claims to bring back a new form of Intranet on the Internet and from what I can tell, it does exactly that. With Backpack you can create groups and then share information within the group. You can easily share things like documents, calendars, presentations and much more. This would be a great tool for anyone in charge of keeping a group of people simultaneously informed. There is no limit to what types of groups you can create.

I can see that this would have many uses for teachers in the classroom. This would be a great tool for keeping and sharing things like a class calendar, syllabus, lab notes, project directions, test reviews and just about anything for your students. There is even an option for sending text reminders to the individual member cell phones for upcoming tasks. Wouldn't it be great to text your students to remind them of an upcoming test or project due date?

I am also pretty excited about Backpack personally. As a mom of three boys that love sports and are very involved in them, I plan to try this out with our family. Both sets of grandparents live in town and are always very interested to know the details of practices or games. I am going to put our schedules on a calendar that we can all access. This will be something my husband and I can also use to help us be on the same calendar with family events. We sometimes have mishaps in scheduling because an event gets on one calendar, but not all. Not only will it be on a calendar that we can both easily access(instead of the one on the refrigerator), we can use the text reminders to keep us on track. I am hopeful!!

Check it out at http://www.backpackit.com/

Thing #5: Some Perspectives on Web 2.0/School 2.0 and the Future of Education

I have definitely enjoyed learning more about the Web 2.0 tools and I can easily see many great opportunities to use some of them in the classroom. To me, School 2.0 is the natural progression of taking this new technology and using it in the classroom to reach the next generation of students on their level. However, I do believe, these tools should be used to enhance and improve, not substitute, the teaching of basic learning skills.

I believe the future success of our schools with regard to School 2.0 depends on making sure we don't lose sight of the education purpose. As educators, the responsibility to the students is still the same. I believe communication, thinking, coping and problem solving skills are among the most important. How we teach it to students may change, but the basis of education remains the same. Just because we transitioned over the years from hand written papers (rock/chisel, chalk/slate, feather/animal skin, pen/paper), etc.)....type written papers...basic word processor produced papers...Microsoft word created papers...and on and on, the fact still remains that learning how to transfer thoughts to the written word in a presentable format is still a skill that students need. If the next generation of students learn to use the latest technology, but have no knowledge base for using the technology to solve societal issues, advance civilization or pass on key skills to the next generation, we have missed our mark.

Thing #4: Why Commenting is Important

Since blogs are designed to be a place where people of common interests share ideas, it is only fitting that blog communication be a two way street. A blog without the ability, or benefit, of comments would really only be a diary that others read, but the writer does not gain the benefits of reader encouragement, feedback or opinion. Comments really are the threads that hold a blog together and create the ability to form a sense of community. Since we live in a time where front porch talks with neighbors don't often happen, blog posts and comments from readers make way for a new type of neighbor communication. Blogs make the way to form a unique neighborhood or community with other people with similar interests and they don't even have to live in the same state. Wow!

With that said, there has to be a common etiquette for having these new "front porch" conversations. I found the comments of The Coolcat Teacher to be both informative and encouraging. I was glad to get some good "how to" tips on the ways to comment, track traffic and add the hyperlinks. I also found her suggestions on how to be a good "neighbor" by writing meaningful comments and warnings about the "Darth Commenter" to be encouraging.

I look forward to tracking and commenting on some other blogs! So far, I have found the following blog that I will track and am still looking......

Class Blogs
1. Lesley Spicer: Mind of a Tennessee Math Teacher - I chose this one because she seems to be in my boat, so to speak. She is a mother of three, works full time teaching high school math and is working on her Masters . I am still undecided between middle/high school and math/science. I hope to gain some insight into being a high school math teacher. (Commented on Things 5 & 16)

2. Blaise Miranda: Miranda's Blog - I chose this one because he is an engineer turned teacher, which I will also be. I am interested get his perspective on the transition. (Commented on Thing 3)

3. Candace Rogers: Roger's Science Spot - I chose this one because of her interest in science. (Commented on Thing 3)

4. Susan Runyon-Davis: Sky Blue Sue - I chose this one because of her interest in math. (Commented on Thing 13)

5. Theres Dezellem: TDezellem - I chose this one because of her different interest in literature. I thought it would be interesting to see the possible different perspective and approach to the 23 things. (Commented on Thing 20)

Outside Blogs
1. Learning 2.1 Blog: I chose this one because it had some other tools that were not explored as a part of APSU 23 things. (Commented on Thing 63)

2. Podcastally Blog: Bytesize Science: I commented on this because I like the format of the podcast when reporting scientific topics

Thing #3: Blog Uses in the Classroom

I can see many great ways to use blogs in the classroom. I can even see having multiple blogs in order to cater to different groups such as my peers, students, and parents. I can foresee immediately using them with parents and students.

For students......
I would create a class blog for posting class and school related information such as calendar of events, syllabus, homework assignments/assistance and test reviews. I would also include links to websites that could be used for added information, review or practice.

I would also ask each student, or possibly groups of students, such as lab groups, to create their own blog. This would be a place for them to create an online portfolio of class work or group projects/labs.

For parents......
I would create an informational blog, but would also emphasize its use for parent networking. This would be a place where parents could post questions or share things with other parents that have helped make their children succeed in various areas. Families today have such full and busy schedules, that learning to know other parents can be difficult. This would be a way to help build a community with the parents of my students.

I definitely look forward to using blogs in the future. There are so many possibilities!

Thing #2: Blog and Avatar Setup

Wow.....I did it! I have read blogs many times before, but have never set one up before. It was much easier than I thought.....and fun!! The Avatar was really easy and fun too. Santa brought our family a Wii for Christmas. Creating the Avatar felt a little like I was making another Wii Me. I chose to create it to look somewhat like me for fun. This week, two of my three children have been working on their science fair projects, so I chose the science fair background. It also works well for my desire to teach math or science one day. I really did feel like I was staying up late "playing" on the computer instead of doing homework. I hope I remember this when I am creating homework assignments for my future students!

I created the title of my blog with my last name as requested, but decided to use "javawithjeannie" as my blog name. I chose this, because most of my work happens when my children go to bed and I am up late working with my coffee close by me. I guess its my own version of "coffee talk". Join me anytime!!

Thing #1: Lifelong Learning

I have really never considered what makes a person a lifelong learner....I guess I have always been of the opinion that learning is constant and happens whether you like it or not. There is really no escaping the fact that learning happens every day. The question then becomes whether or not that learning has a future use or purpose. I still believe that fact and I guess that is why I have always tried to approach learning in a way that is consistent with Habits #1 (Begin with the End in Mind) and #2 (Accept Responsibility for Own Learning). Those two habits are probably the easiest for me and come most naturally. The habit that is the hardest for me is actually 7 1/2 which is to play. That probably sounds really crazy, but I find that it is true for me. I think because I tend to be results or task oriented, I sometimes lose sight of how enjoyable the process can be. I never really thought of myself this way until I had children and really began to see how much they learn through fun and play and just being silly! They show me everyday how important this is for people of all ages. I think this will be key for me to learn to be most effective in the classroom. This is something I will continue to work on for sure!!

One way I see that I can work on this habit during this course is by learning more about the Web 2.0 tools. I look forward to learning more about them because there seems to be so many possibilities, with even more to come! I can already see how learning to use these tools will give me many good ideas for how to help my future students learn while "playing"!!