Summary
This class had a little bit of everything for me. It was tough, took some time (not a lot), and you had to work at some things more than others. I liked how it was set up and broken down by weeks. It kept me on task even though this is the most busiest time of the year for me (football M, T, Th, tennis M & W, and then you put what goes on at school on top of that). I was able to keep up and get my things done.
I enjoyed Image generator the best. I also want to start incorporating Google Docs into my daily routine. But probably the most important thing I want to do is share what I have learned with our staff. There are a lot of great tools out there that anyone can use.
I think one thing that could be helpful would be some more instructions on the tasks that people may finder a little harder to do. I know I ran into some hurdles, but they could have been avoided and I would have enjoyed the activity more if I had a little more instruction.
I would take another class like this. I like the freedom and the knowledge learned from this class.
I am going to try and keep up at least 2 or 3 things. If I tried all of them, I am afraid I would not get anything out of them. But if I concentrate on a few, it would be more beneficial.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thing # 23
Social Networks
Wow, Ning was busy, as in full of information. You could get lost looking through every thing. I like the 23 Thingsters page better. It was easier to follow and break down.
I think the discussion part is great. What a way to share lessons and brainstorm on ideas across departments. You could do this on your campus, schools throughout the district or even other districts across the state.
I looked at Teaching N Technology, what a cool thing. You can collaborate and discuss a multitude of things. I like it because you can see what other schools or teachers are doing to make an impact whether it be a specific subject or using technology. You can also jumped in and started commenting on a question or problem.
I could spend a lot of time here. As teachers we are always looking to "steal" a good idea or lesson to use. I like this format to because you can form a pretty good friendship that you can build on.
Wow, Ning was busy, as in full of information. You could get lost looking through every thing. I like the 23 Thingsters page better. It was easier to follow and break down.
I think the discussion part is great. What a way to share lessons and brainstorm on ideas across departments. You could do this on your campus, schools throughout the district or even other districts across the state.
I looked at Teaching N Technology, what a cool thing. You can collaborate and discuss a multitude of things. I like it because you can see what other schools or teachers are doing to make an impact whether it be a specific subject or using technology. You can also jumped in and started commenting on a question or problem.
I could spend a lot of time here. As teachers we are always looking to "steal" a good idea or lesson to use. I like this format to because you can form a pretty good friendship that you can build on.
Monday, November 9, 2009
7b
Google Reader
Afraid to Fly
Yes, I know this is silly, but I am one of those people. I am always looking for ways to get back on a plane( I haven't been on one for 10 years now). My experiences on them have either been bad or terrific.
This article talks about a new app (believe it or not) that helps those who are afraid to fly. This is an app develop for the iPhone of course and it is divided up into sections that you can work through.
It offers breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help you through the tough times. The app really tries to get you prepared befor boarding a plane.
Passengers can rate their fears in many different categories. Based on that, a daily reminder is sent out to do the exercises before a flight.
Afraid to Fly
Afraid to Fly
Yes, I know this is silly, but I am one of those people. I am always looking for ways to get back on a plane( I haven't been on one for 10 years now). My experiences on them have either been bad or terrific.
This article talks about a new app (believe it or not) that helps those who are afraid to fly. This is an app develop for the iPhone of course and it is divided up into sections that you can work through.
It offers breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help you through the tough times. The app really tries to get you prepared befor boarding a plane.
Passengers can rate their fears in many different categories. Based on that, a daily reminder is sent out to do the exercises before a flight.
Afraid to Fly
Thing #21
Google Tools
Google Earth
This is one of my most favorite Google tool there is. I went to a class at TCEA where they used this in a high school class. The lesson was on wind energy. The presenters were able to show us these huge wind farms they have in California. It was amazing seeing that. What an impact that can make in your classroom. Students get to see real life right before their eyes. Really cool. I wish we had access at the middle school level.
Google Sketch
This is also another cool tool from Google. Our Technology 2000 (now called Tech Ed) wanted another idea for his class. They had been using a CAD program, but he wanted to change it up. So, I told him about Google Sketch Up. He loved the idea. I know in other classes, students had to come up with a drawing or sketch of their home. They created it using this tool. It was really cool. This is another tool that can take your evening away real quickly.
Google Earth
This is one of my most favorite Google tool there is. I went to a class at TCEA where they used this in a high school class. The lesson was on wind energy. The presenters were able to show us these huge wind farms they have in California. It was amazing seeing that. What an impact that can make in your classroom. Students get to see real life right before their eyes. Really cool. I wish we had access at the middle school level.
Google Sketch
This is also another cool tool from Google. Our Technology 2000 (now called Tech Ed) wanted another idea for his class. They had been using a CAD program, but he wanted to change it up. So, I told him about Google Sketch Up. He loved the idea. I know in other classes, students had to come up with a drawing or sketch of their home. They created it using this tool. It was really cool. This is another tool that can take your evening away real quickly.
Thing #20
Google Docs
This is one tool I will begin to use often and quickly. I have played around with it a little, but would love to use it more. After playing around and seeing it in other places, I have several examples on how I would use it.
Word
This is great for taking notes and sharing with other teachers on campus. You could do this by teams, by subjects, by grade levels, and by depart. chairs. Everyone has the opportunity to share and add to the list.
Spreadsheet
Let me just say I wish I had this a couple weeks earlier. Inventory!!! I could have created a sheet so that everyone goes in and puts their information in instead of me having to wait on emails or go around and get it. What a time saver.
You can also create short tests or quizzes. Type it up and edit with other teachers. You can share once again with others.
Presentation
I haven't seen it use yet, I anxious to see how someone uses the presentation part of it.
This is one tool I will begin to use often and quickly. I have played around with it a little, but would love to use it more. After playing around and seeing it in other places, I have several examples on how I would use it.
Word
This is great for taking notes and sharing with other teachers on campus. You could do this by teams, by subjects, by grade levels, and by depart. chairs. Everyone has the opportunity to share and add to the list.
Spreadsheet
Let me just say I wish I had this a couple weeks earlier. Inventory!!! I could have created a sheet so that everyone goes in and puts their information in instead of me having to wait on emails or go around and get it. What a time saver.
You can also create short tests or quizzes. Type it up and edit with other teachers. You can share once again with others.
Presentation
I haven't seen it use yet, I anxious to see how someone uses the presentation part of it.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Thing #22
Facebook/Myspace
These are 2 tools that I am aware of. First, I set up a Myspace account after a little peer pressure. I thought it was pretty cool. I was aware of Facebook at the same time, but it was only available to college students.
From my experience, myspace is for anyone out there and I mean anyone. The things people post are crazy and not thought through very well at all. So, I would even go as far to say it it the "noneducational" of the two. I didn't really like what I read, but even more what I saw.
Facebook seems a little more mature and more educational in that most people are aware of what they put online. Don't get me wrong, you will still find some questionable sites, but not near as many as myspace.
I don't know if I see this in education or not. I do see cyberbully and that type of activity with both of these social networks.
My profile on Facebook
These are 2 tools that I am aware of. First, I set up a Myspace account after a little peer pressure. I thought it was pretty cool. I was aware of Facebook at the same time, but it was only available to college students.
From my experience, myspace is for anyone out there and I mean anyone. The things people post are crazy and not thought through very well at all. So, I would even go as far to say it it the "noneducational" of the two. I didn't really like what I read, but even more what I saw.
Facebook seems a little more mature and more educational in that most people are aware of what they put online. Don't get me wrong, you will still find some questionable sites, but not near as many as myspace.
I don't know if I see this in education or not. I do see cyberbully and that type of activity with both of these social networks.
My profile on Facebook
Thing # 19
VoiceThread
I think this is a great collaboration tool. I like that you can use the pen, comment, or type a response. Being able to leave a audio comment is great. You can hear it in their voice and get a better reaction. This would be great to incorporate into your classroom by either beginning a cycle and students must either draw it in or leave a comment on how it continues.
You could also use this in a group situation. Once student is responsible for listening, one can be the draw person, and one could be the audio person. Easy to grade and the students are involved and active. I really want to use this one.
I think this is a great collaboration tool. I like that you can use the pen, comment, or type a response. Being able to leave a audio comment is great. You can hear it in their voice and get a better reaction. This would be great to incorporate into your classroom by either beginning a cycle and students must either draw it in or leave a comment on how it continues.
You could also use this in a group situation. Once student is responsible for listening, one can be the draw person, and one could be the audio person. Easy to grade and the students are involved and active. I really want to use this one.
Thing #18
Youtube
Microsoft NEW Technology Microsoft Surface
This was pretty cool. Of couse it is technology that has been develop but not out just yet. You will find it in casinos, companies, and other high profile places that can afford it. Can you imagine this in a classroom? It would be awesome.
Apple "MacBook Touch" MultiTouch Tablet Concept
Now this is Apple's version that may or may not come out. It too, could play a huge role in education. I like the built in GPS. I can see now why advertising agency uses Mac because of their sketch and handwriting recognition capabilities. Can you see handed those out in class?
Golf Tips - This Game is Easy!
I am always looking to improve my golf game so I will look an find some drills I like. I also use this to help me find drills for my tennis team. Parents ask if there
is a site I would recommend for them, I always tell them go to youtube.
Mo Cheeks National Anthem
This is a great video if you haven't seen it. Maurice is a good friend of mind and this is just the kind of person he is.
Youtube is great. Teachertube is a great resource too. However, be careful. We had some students take pictures of teachers last year and posted them on youtube. So you must always be on your toes, technology can hurt at times.
Microsoft NEW Technology Microsoft Surface
This was pretty cool. Of couse it is technology that has been develop but not out just yet. You will find it in casinos, companies, and other high profile places that can afford it. Can you imagine this in a classroom? It would be awesome.
Apple "MacBook Touch" MultiTouch Tablet Concept
Now this is Apple's version that may or may not come out. It too, could play a huge role in education. I like the built in GPS. I can see now why advertising agency uses Mac because of their sketch and handwriting recognition capabilities. Can you see handed those out in class?
Golf Tips - This Game is Easy!
I am always looking to improve my golf game so I will look an find some drills I like. I also use this to help me find drills for my tennis team. Parents ask if there
is a site I would recommend for them, I always tell them go to youtube.
Mo Cheeks National Anthem
This is a great video if you haven't seen it. Maurice is a good friend of mind and this is just the kind of person he is.
Youtube is great. Teachertube is a great resource too. However, be careful. We had some students take pictures of teachers last year and posted them on youtube. So you must always be on your toes, technology can hurt at times.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Thing # 17
Podcasting
I listen to The Tech Teachers, Tech Pod Zone, 60 Second Science, and NOVA Science Now.
It was hard for me to listen to them without a picture. I did subscribed to The Tech Teachers and listen to a couple of their podcasts. They were interesting, but it was hard to sit there without a visual in front of me. Now, did like 60 Second Science. I think keeping a podcast short and sweet is the way to go. I am thinking if it is hard for me to stay focus, can you imagine a teenager trying to do it. I know some would love it, but I think most would hate it.
The other problem I ran into was sound quality. The Tech Pod Zone was bad. It would be hard for me to sit there and listen to it with the feedback coming through and poor sound quality.
Even though I think teenagers would have a hard time with this, it still could be used in a classroom. Summing up an assignment, giving specific instructions on a project or assignment, and introducing a new theme or lesson could be used for a podcast.
As we all know in education, you try and find something that will work for one or a few students to keep their interest. I think you could do that with podcasting.
I listen to The Tech Teachers, Tech Pod Zone, 60 Second Science, and NOVA Science Now.
It was hard for me to listen to them without a picture. I did subscribed to The Tech Teachers and listen to a couple of their podcasts. They were interesting, but it was hard to sit there without a visual in front of me. Now, did like 60 Second Science. I think keeping a podcast short and sweet is the way to go. I am thinking if it is hard for me to stay focus, can you imagine a teenager trying to do it. I know some would love it, but I think most would hate it.
The other problem I ran into was sound quality. The Tech Pod Zone was bad. It would be hard for me to sit there and listen to it with the feedback coming through and poor sound quality.
Even though I think teenagers would have a hard time with this, it still could be used in a classroom. Summing up an assignment, giving specific instructions on a project or assignment, and introducing a new theme or lesson could be used for a podcast.
As we all know in education, you try and find something that will work for one or a few students to keep their interest. I think you could do that with podcasting.
Thing #15
Social bookmarking
This was an activity in that is was great because I didn't know about it, but it was hard in that I hope I did everything I was suppose to. I had to go back and find how to "share" my tags. I can see how useful this site can be and I am going to try and use it.
I have a ton of sites at school on my computer that I would love to categorize so that I can use them a lot better. It is very simple to add and identify with a tag. I need to add some of the sites I have learned in this class so I can remember to use them as well.
This is also a good way not to lose some sites that you find. Like I said previously, I have a ton of bookmarks at school. I know I have forgotten about some that I could really use. By giving it a tag, and searching with that tag name, it will be right there at the tips of my fingers to use. I like that. I just need to remember that I have a delicious account.
Http://delicious/chrissolis
This was an activity in that is was great because I didn't know about it, but it was hard in that I hope I did everything I was suppose to. I had to go back and find how to "share" my tags. I can see how useful this site can be and I am going to try and use it.
I have a ton of sites at school on my computer that I would love to categorize so that I can use them a lot better. It is very simple to add and identify with a tag. I need to add some of the sites I have learned in this class so I can remember to use them as well.
This is also a good way not to lose some sites that you find. Like I said previously, I have a ton of bookmarks at school. I know I have forgotten about some that I could really use. By giving it a tag, and searching with that tag name, it will be right there at the tips of my fingers to use. I like that. I just need to remember that I have a delicious account.
Http://delicious/chrissolis
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