Thing 23

Yippee ! I made it!!!

My favorite Thing is not an individual item, but knowing that I have a little better idea of how the www is being used. I feel much more up to date and with it. There was only one “Thing” that was not for me: cataloging my personal library. Everything else seemed very relevant. It's great to know that online learning is something I enjoy. It has great possibilities for my future.

Ever since I took my first computer course at Region IV and they gave us a screwdriver and had us dismantle an Apple II, I have enjoyed using computers. However, I had reached a plateau. I’m so glad I took this class. It has helped me to keep climbing the mountain range.

One word: Inspiring

One sentence: This was a great way to learn about all the wonderful software loaded on the new laptops!

Thing 22

Nings are interesting! I like the way the site is organized into folders so it is easy to navigate. Just like every other social site whether online or in person, there were people relating thoughtfully and those that were just unloading frustrations. Over all, I think it would be fun to join a group and learn from a wider group of people.

Thing 21

It's amazing! The video finally posted to my blog. According to the help page, the site has intermittent problems uploading videos. I couldn't get the video to load using Firefox so I switched to Microsoft Explorer. It took two tries, but it finally worked. I don't think I'll be having students post their videos until the process gets sorted out. However, I really enjoyed making the Photostory video and think my students will, too. It's a great hook for reluctant writers.

Thing 20

50 States and Capitals

I like the variety of topics available on TeacherTube and YouTube. It's simple to search for a video that will enhance a lesson or give me a quick tutorial. There are a lot of clever people who have make their work available.

Thing 19

I really enjoy the Dashboard on my Mac so I played with the widgets. I added Yahoo Maps to my google homepage. It works well and I had fun planning all the trips I'm going to take when I've finished Thing 23. I also explored Twitter and think it would be a fun way to stay in touch with people.

Thing 18

Layers and layers and layers! There is so much to choose from in Open Office and Goodgle Apps. I've imported the district calendar into a family calendar and certainly enjoy how easy it is. There are so many templates to choose from the ideas are endless. It's great to have so many options readily available. I'm glad that Open Office was loaded on the district computers. I a proponent of free use software. All of the programs look very familiar and should be easy to use.

Thing 17

Keeping students on task with research should be a lot easier using Rollyo. I like the idea of preselected sites with the option of adding more to the list. I tried to use Rollyo to make a group of our blogs that were on Thing 16 or higher, but I had no luck searching them. If you know why, I'd like some help. I did begin a list of gardening sites I enjoy and plan to add more. The only problem I see with using Rollyo is that you have to have correct spelling to search the sites. This can be limiting for young children.

Select Search Engine...Gardening HelpSearch The Web

Powered by Rollyo

Thing 16

Yea! What an interesting assignment. I can see lots of possibilities for wikis in and outside the classroom. I have certainly added this to my list of must use "Things" I've learned from this class. I need to research a little more and talk to others who have used blogs and wikis with their classes to understand the pros and cons of each so I can decide which one to use when. Thanks to everyone who organized this. It is a great professional development!!!!

Thing 15

This is fascinating! In 2001, our daughter’s Latin 2 tutor (a high school student a year ahead of her) would meet her at Barnes and Noble. It was enlightening to see the standing (floor sitting) room only “study hall” taking place every evening and Sat. and Sunday afternoons. Spots like this are where the consumers of Library 2.0 meet to have the face to face social connections we all crave.

I particularly liked paragraph 2 of Dr. Wendy Schultz’s article, "To a temporary place in time." http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/6.htm It addresses the social connectedness that a library has always provided a community. Since I have fond memories of sitting on a chaise lounge beside a roaring fireplace reading Nancy Drew in the children's room of a small town city library in Kansas, the idea of the library as a hub of the community is ingrained in my psyche.

The wikipedia article on Library 2.0 has a header about the article needing better citations. “its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations” There’s some irony here.

I’d like to discuss citations for young children, because I truly believe if you are using other’s intellectual property that you must give credit. A large % of the third graders I teach, say they have “researched” for their class but insist that they are not held accountable for where they got their information. I’m not into formal citations for this age, but I do require that they give enough information so that I can find their source if necessary. Should I be doing more? less?

Thing 14

Well, I was certainly enlightened when I looked at Technorati's Top Searches. After stumbling into an area that was X rated, I learned to look at the tags before clicking. This is not a website I would be comfortable using with my students, but I might use it as a research tool.

Thing 13

Del.icio.us is simply delicious! If you use Firefox 3.0 as I do, you might have a little trouble installing it. I went to the Del.icio.us help blog, and after following the instructions to close Firefox and restart, everything worked like clockwork. From the posts, it sounded like both sites were inundated with cries for help.

I like the ease of use for Del.icio.us. I quickly ran through my bookmarks and added them to my account. I can see having a class account and bookmarking relevant sites for research or for personalizing the curriculum for students who have a particular interest in a topic. I have certainly added this to my toolbox of must use sites.

Thing 12

The 10 Commandments of Blog Commenting is a great reminder that good manners go a long way in all we do. I think the article could be condensed into 3 main points.

No. 1 Read the post carefully and make sure you understand it. Ask for clarification if necessary.

No. 2 Think about your post. Carefully read it to make sure that it is polite and thoughtful. If you are going to make a correction, make sure it is an important one and necessary to the flow of the conversation. Just like email, the entire world can become aware of a response so make sure it is something you will be proud of in 5 to 10 years. This article in the Houston Chronicle reminds us again that what is posted on cyberspace stays with us. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/memorial/news/5863267.html

No. 3 “Come Back” Choose a few blogs and post often to develop a relationship.

Boggs I Read
While not a wonderful gardener myself, I love to read about plants and gardens. I’m particularly interested in what grows in and around Houston. This is why I was so excited when I found Herself’s Houston Garden. The pictures and information are very helpful for anyone gardening in Houston.

Another blog I have chosen to read is Houstonist. It has great information about what is happening in and around the city. It keeps me up to date. However, after seeing some of the headlines from it listed on my blog, I decided not to show the link on It’s a Puzzle for the very reasons I outlined in the paragraphs about blogging.

Thing 11

I've cataloged my 5 books on LibraryThing. I had a little trouble getting them to add to my list. I kept clicking on the cover not the text. At this time, I can't see me using this site. However, I have friends who are deep into cataloging their library, and I'll be sending the web address on to them. The groups were interesting, but I prefer getting my information from my book clubs and friends. Guess I'm old school with this activity.

Thing 10

Searching for online generators was fun! I enjoyed making photo word searches at http://next.yahoo.net/photosoup/. There were so many options that I had difficulty choosing one or two to use. I finally did a Google search for “online generators education” and found several that I think will be useful. One of these http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/ has wonderful interactive math and science activities. You can search by grade and concept. Another site I enjoyed was http://www.physlink.com/index.cfm.The cartoons on this site would really enhance a science lesson.

Thing 9

Wow! What a wide world! I found that I used Blogline’s Search Tool and Google Blog Search the most often so they must fit my learning style. I’ve been looking for good information about gardening in Houston and found it using the blog search. I’ve also found myself listening to the pundits on TV about the campaign and then checking out their blogs. The RSS feeders make it very easy to find LOTS of information.

Thing 8

RSS
I subscribed to the Houston Chronicle. I like the way I can get the news without waiting for all the ads. This is really easy to use. I already get email alerts from NASA and other places about current happenings. It's too soon for me to tell which way I like getting the information. I'm anxious to try it for gathering up to the minute information on units I'm teaching.

I added the Google Reader and my blog address to the Links bar. It makes it easier to use.

Thing 7

The Google tools are great. I signed up for an alert on origami. It'll be interesting to see what comes my way.

I like the notebook and think it might be very good for student research. Also, like the calendar and sharing ideas for family and friends. The only problem I see with all of this is time. There is so much available, but sorting out what is really going to be useful eats up the day. I'm glad I'm doing this during the summer!

Thing 6

I've made a great poster with Mosaic Maker! It would be a fun "hook" when beginning a unit/lesson. The pictures are so rich. I think the kids would be spell bound looking at them and wondering what is coming next.

I also like Badge Maker, but wonder how loading photos of students would work with the privacy issue?

Thing 5 Flickr

This is a great site! http://www.flickr.com/people/28481088@N00/
I've found a wonderful photographer in Japan, Tanakawho. She has great directions for taking close up pictures with loops. Here is one of her photos.

Thing 4

Yea! I'm registered!

Thing 3

Critical Reading, Critical Reading, I must try harder with my Critical Reading. Setting up a blog is not for those of us who like to skim through the reading process. However, I did it without too many re-reads. Now, it's off to the fun stuff! Oh yes, I loved the choices for my avatar. I really wanted to use the blue Mohawk hair. Next time, maybe.

Thing 2

Thing 2
My first thought is that life long learning happens to everyone no mater if they want it or not. The key is to manage the quality and quantity of learning. The difficult part of learning for me is goal setting or planning the road map. I like to learn lots of things…. the more random the better. So in the interest of focusing my learning, I turn to book groups, organizations, friends, and self-assigned homework (23 Things) to keep variety from making my life too spicy/dicey. The rest of the 7 ½ things are easy.

The Beginning

It's a Puzzle! Why starting is so hard and doing is so easy!