mjablog

11.5 Evaluation

2009-08-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I enjoyed these 11.5 tasks. Many were easy to maneuver and a few were more challenging. Wordle was fun, and I see the benefits for my students. Also, I am using Facebook more these days. I enjoy socializing with people that I haven't had contact with in years. In addition, I see the advantages of using Blinkx. Once in this site, I enjoyed listening to the "One Minute Critic" for book reviews that my students would enjoy reading. Finally, reading about digital citizenship helped me understand that this issue needs to be addressed to my students.

2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

After completing 11.5 Things, I am amazed by the vast volume of information and web sites are available on the web. There is so much more to learn both personally and professionally.

3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

It came as an unexpected surprise to me that most of the 11.5 Things were not that difficult to manage.

4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

I enjoyed 11.5 Things more than the 23 Things from last summer. Maybe I am a little more proficient in my computer skills. I did not feel as pressured as I did last summer. I was even able to take a vacation this summer to Costa Rica for 15
days! I was confident that I would finish the tasks. They seemed manageable.

11. Digital Citizenship

2009-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, many young people who grew up with the Internet may not realize that the Internet is a social network that involves protocol. Having face-to-face conversations and using IM/ emails are different forms of communication.Reading a message one receives via the computer will leave out gestures and body language that are needed for productive communication.

As school begins, my middle school students will address five concerns involving computers and the Internet.

1. When researching, the students need to investigate more than one source.
2. The students need to question any information they have gathered.
3. Checking over their work is necessary.
4. Students may think that everything on the Internet is accurate and true.They need to read with a watchful eye.
5. My students will be more aware of copyright issues. Sometimes students tend to copy and paste information into their own work. They need to realize that practice is not acceptable.

10. Virtual Worlds

2009-07-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

I must say that at first I could not get my mind around the concept of Virtual World.It was foreign to me. However, I think the students would enjoy the experience because it is in 3D and students would be able to interact, learn and communicate in an on-line environment.While exploring, I became interested in Literature Alive, English Village, and Historical Recreation. I need to go more in depth in order to get the full exposure. Finally, my avitar, MaryJo Delicioso, bounced around from place to place and met unknown people that just appeared on the screen with her. I don't know how that happened. As I said, I need to explore more with MaryJo Delicioso! From the picture above, my avitar is just relaxing by the sea. She wanted to scuba dive, but she hasn't learned yet!

9. Slideshare

2009-07-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

I found authorStream very easy to use. I made a PowerPoint on reading and its many "faces." My Power Point can be shared with iPods and uploaded on YouTube. It is another tool to share information to a greater number of people!

Reading

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by mjasummer | Upload your own presentation

8.Screencast

2009-07-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

I found GoView very user friendly to use. I will definitely use this again in my classroom. Some of the students have trouble saving their work to their SANS folder. This will be a useful tool for me.

7. Video Resourses

2009-07-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

My students enjoyed reading Twilight. Listening to the author helps the students see the author as a real person.

6. iTouch

2009-07-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Re: A Little Trick with the IPod Touch or IPhone - More free videos are here

I found this video very helpful. I didn't know how to do a snapshot from the iTouch.I hope this video may help some people when using their iTouch. I was intrigued at all the other features that the iTouch had to offer though.

Using the iTouch in the library can be used by multiple students. If the students want to read books,the Stanza application is a wonderful electronic library. Students download a specific book to read and discuss.

5.Microblogging

2009-07-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Facebook has added a dimension to my social network. I joined, and my circle of friends grew suddenly. I keep in contact with childhood friends, high school friends, and former students, among others. I have found people that I have not heard from in years! It has been a positive experience for me. Whether it is seeing vacation pictures from friends, reading a former student's daily diary of her new life in Mexico, or getting up-to-date news on a relative, Facebook helps to keep people connected. Nothing can compare to face-to-face conversations and phone conversations, but Facebook is a quick way to know what friends are doing. I joined Twitter, but I found myself not using it very often. Maybe I found it difficult to respond briefly when asked, "What are you doing now?" I wanted to see what all the rave was about twittering, and I found it not very useful for me.

Backchanneling helps students to be more engaged in discussions and activities by sharing their thought and questions. The teacher has the ability to use this feedback as teachable moments.

4. Video Hosting

2009-07-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

TeacherTube and SchoolTube: These two sites seem more regulated and monitored by teachers. Watching Internet videos, especially tutorial videos, help students who are visual learners understand the material. The videos can be paused and discussed.

I found this video about inferences on TeacherTube. I like the idea of taking song lyrics that students would recognize and having the students come up with several inferences about the lyrics. Not only are the lyrics heard, but they are also written in the video which is beneficial to both the visual and auditory learners.

With SchoolTube, what better way for administrators to market their school and faculty! If parents are shopping for schools, parents can get a glimpse of the school first hand. Nothing against YouTube, but students are more likely to stumble across questionable material here. One click of the mouse, and the student ends up watching a questionable video.

FYI...In order for me to register for certain websites, I am leery when I am asked for my first and last name, zip code, and my birth date. So I have declined on some websites just for those personal reasons. I guess I could give them incorrect information on personal information in order for me to register. Is anyone else leery about giving out certain information?

3. Skype

2009-07-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Skype can be helpful for students to communicate with other students across town or around the country. Students can chat with others, and it can be used as feedback on projects. Students in one part of the country can witness other cultures and customs while learning happens in real-time. Every student has a voice.

2.Wordle

2009-06-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

I love Wordle! I just practiced Wordle for my personal use. I wrote random words depicting my experience with my lazik surgery last week. The same words popped in my head, and I listed them many times. When I finished writing all the words, I created a Wordle that expressed exactly how I felt. Seeing the finished product summed up the fractured pieces and made them whole. I now saw the whole picture.

Students can use Wordle in many ways. It can be used to review a chapter. The students write down the words that sum up the chapter. Then all students can compare their own Wordle and discuss. Also, the teacher or student creates a Wordle, and it can be used as a writing assignment. Use all the words to write a story.The larger words are used more often, so the students can analyze those words to come up with theme or to make an inference from them. In addition, Wordle can be used as a tool to introduce a novel in order to spike the interest.

Glogster:I find Glogster amazing!Students enjoy making posters. Glogster makes it possible for students to show their creativity and allows them to post an online poster. Students can imput videos into their Glogster poster. To me, it is similar to a scrap book. Students will find Glogster easy to manuever, and it is something different for them.

Voki: If an email was sent to me with Voki attached, I would definitely stop and take notice. It's not every day that people send an email with Voki.

Get a Voki now!

Bookr: This is an excellent tool for writing. Instead of using story paper foldables, students can see their finished product on Bookr.

1. Movie: Networked Student

2009-06-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

This movie was incredible! How exciting for the 21 century student! The entire world rests on his/her fingertips. Research done by students is no longer seen as one dimensional with just reading a textbook and listening to a lecture. Rather, it is muti-dimensional. Beyond gathering facts from the internet, the student can discuss information, express opinions, and reflect on the information gathered.Connections are made through social networking. The student is encouraged to make new connections. Also, the opportunity to listen to a professor across the country or around the world enhances the love of learning. The learning is self propelled by the student.
The teacher's job involves that of a coach and a resource. When the student has collected and connected, the teacher is seen as a guide.

Thing #23

2008-06-24T18:37:00.001-07:00

As Charles Dickens stated, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom..." That pretty much sums up my experience with completing 23 Things. At times I wanted to give up, but I saw this as a challenge. It took me endless hours to complete, but when I was successful at a task, I felt empowered. My eyes have been opened to a new world. Isn't that the goal of learning? Isn't that what we want for our students? I know I will go back to my blogs and add more comments to them.

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I enjoyed de.licio.us. because it allowed me find out out more about social bookmarking. It will allow me to use organize my bookmarks which is a huge time saver.
Also, I enjoyed making my own blog. It was fun doing the process, and it gave me a voice on the web which allows people worldwide to read and respond to what I have written. I even had a fellow blogger from the UK respond to one of my blogs!
Watching Teacher Tube will be a helpful resource throughout the school year. Teacher Tube is a great information resource to see other teachers' perspectives on various topics.

2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

Doing 23 Things helped me become up-to-date on what is available on the web. I feel I have only touched the surface. I am ready, confident,but a little nervous to venture deeper.

3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

Throughout this summer adventure, I soon realized that I had no clue how much I didn't know about the web. I didn't know how much I didn't know! My first experience with computers happened when I was already teaching in the 1980's. There was this "box" (probably the size of a small car) that made life easier, and it was delivered into every classroom.To say that "it has come a long way, baby" is an understatement!

4.What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

Since I was "green" in my computer skills when I took on this project, I found some directions somewhat vague. I had to "Google it" in order for me to understand certain procedures. I wish I could give specifics, but they escape me now.

5. If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
Yes, I am up to the challenge!

6.How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?

I mentioned it in the beginning of this blog, but it needs repeating......

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom."

Thing #22

2008-06-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, what Facebook and My Space have done for some,Ning has done for others.I like the idea that Ning is a supportive community for whatever is someone's fancy.Also, it uses technology to discover connections between people and content. I found two Nings that are related to education... http://www.classroom20.com and http://teacherlingo.com
However the latter is a bit limited. I was looking for more.
On a positve note...How impressed my students will be when I use a specific Ning for a lesson in class!

Thing # 21

2008-06-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

I hope this can be shown because I am very proud of myself! It is my very first photo story, and if I can say so myself,it is good!

Thing # 20

2008-06-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

On a more serious note........

Thing #19

2008-06-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

I chose the following sites based primarily on user-friendly organization.Usability, social aspects, and content quality also were my considerations. Here is my list:

http://magic.pen.fizzlebot.com/
http://del.icio.us/
http://www.snapfish.com/
http://earth.google.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.lulu.com/
http://www.docstoc.com/
http://www.myheritage.com/
http://pbwiki.com/
http://istats.com.au/
http://farecast.live.com/
http://www.kayak.com/

According to http://www.seomoz.org/ the web sites on the award list are all nominated according to several categories ( content, leveraging of popular trends, inclusion of emerging web technologies) To win the awards, they must be voted on by the best bloggers and business people.
Also, http://knowledge.computing.co.uk/2008/05/new-web-20-awar.html is an interesting site to read to find out what is happening in the UK about the Web 2.0 awards.
As I was reading blogs about the Web2.0 awards, I stumbled across http://www.seoco.co.uk/blog/2008/06/12/web-20-awards/ Evidently, these awards were dropped from Google Results. Many bloggers had their own opinions why this has happened.

Thing #18

2008-06-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

I found a useful video by You Tube explaining how to use GoogeDocs. I haven't quite figured out how to upload a video to my blog, but give me time. http://googledocs.com/. So in the meantime, please note the address http://doc.google.com/support.
I learned that using Google Docs will save time and energy with mailing attachments to several people for example. Google Docs can also be worked on from a mobile phone too. I plan to use Google Docs in the fall when school starts. One advantage to using Google Docs is that I am not tied to my computer if I am working on a word document. I can save it to my Google Docs and edit my document from any computer. I was hoping I would find a tool that allows this.

FYI....In order to upload a video into my blog, I must register with You Tube.

Thing #17

2008-06-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I see the benefits of Rollyo, but again I had to sign up to use it. It was abit confusing at first.With so many user names and passwords I have had to come up, it can be overwhelming. I do try and stick to the same user name and password as much as I can. I have lost count on many websites I have had to join so far. In Rollyo I typed in "travel." It did give me a list of several websites I was not even aware of were out there. At first I had trouble finding my searchrolls. I went through the steps, but I could not find it in order for me to transfer it into this blog. I have concluded that it is easier for me just to type in my favorite websites as I use them. Rollyo is a time saver maybe for other people.

Thing # 16

2008-06-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

I am amazed with wikis and how much they can do. I found a web site that made it very easy to understand. http://pbwiki.com/pdfs/education/pbwiki-education-1.pdf I read how wikis can be used in the classroom as an online collaboration tool. Educational wikis are free which is always a great price! At this website, it allows users to insert plug-ins such as widgets. How amazing to insert videos, slideshows, calendars, and voice chats. There are educational specific materials available at the above website too. Blogs are useful, but they are a one-to-many communication tool. Wikis are used as an online collaboration tool which is great for editing student papers. All the students become involved with the writing process. Anyone can add content, but it needs to be tightly monitored for vandalism.Nevertheless, what a valuable learning tool for them if done properly ! As educators we are trying to engage all of our students. I would like to see a wiki developed at my school for each grade level and within each department. I feel it would help with communication between teachers and administors. Let's face it, word of mouth as the information filters down does have a tendency to get distorted. Hence, rumors begin and take on a mind of their own. Wikis would help with collaboration, so everyone feels he/she has a say and feels as a team.

Thing #15

2008-06-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed the video. As the video panned around a typical college classroom, I had the impression that this setting for learning is becoming so "old school." It seems as if most of the learning occurs in college when a student plugs in his/her computer. Or should I say, when the student takes his/her wireless computer to Starbucks. My eyes were further opened when one of the college students made reference that she will read only eight books this year, but she will read over 2300 webpages! That is how far the web has come in a relatively short time.Reading web pages has replaced searching through books. Also on the video,I found it comical when the professor was writing on the chalkboard, and up popped this statement: "Writing on the chalkboard forces the teacher to move."Did anyone else find the humor in that?
I read most of the perspectives on Library 2.0. One interesting remark came from the article on "iceburgs." In it, there was mention of the current environment ( libraries) had to find ways to bring services to patrons rather than insisting that they come to us (librarianship). I don't know about you, but I used to love and still love visiting the library. There is something about about searching for a particular book, locating it on the shelf, and putting my hands around it. I could see how worn it had become from so many other people's hands turning the pages. Call me "old school."

Thing #14

2008-06-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

I found Technorati to be very overwhelming to me. Its home page has so many "things"crammed onto one page. I became distrasted by the various advertisments. It will take me hours to get a handle on it. I went to Technorati and typed in the keyword "school library learning 2.0." Then I found a blog site called Boing Boing. There is an endless supply of blogs available if I had the time to look at them all.
The tags lead me into other directions.After reading a blog, one tag was entitled "interesting." I clicked on that link, and I saw other topics that didn't pertain to my original search.
Later, I ended up on TechCrunch because it has over 2700 fans. I wanted to read what all those people thought were interesting.
I still have the same opinion about Technorati. It is still overwhelming to me. It is like a spider web which branches out in all directions with some overlapping each other. I can't help but think about my college days. I remember going to the university library to write a research paper which included perusing the wooden card catalogue, searching the shelves for the needed books and hoping they were not checked out already.I would also use the microfilm machine for more information.Hours and hours later with all my needed information on note cards, I was ready to type my paper on the typewriter!
Fast forward to 2008...what an endless supply of knowledge is just at my fingertips! How exciting!

Thing #13

2008-06-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

OMG! I searched through del.icio.us and it was fascinating!. I found so much information which I did not know existed. I typed in the keyword Italy. From there, I found so many social bookmarks. Searching for all of my interests would have taken so much time before finding out about del.icio.us, but it was now all at my fingertips. I came upon a social bookmark for an Italian magazine. In the magazine was a category named "property for sale." (I can dream, can't I?) I perused the apartments and villas throughout the Piedmont region. Many daydreaming minutes later, I came back to reality. However, I still have my favorite Italian apartment in my mind!
As a teacher, social bookmarking would become an important part of research for the students to utilize. If the students are assigned to research a specific author for example, del.icio.us could become their first attempt at finding information. The students could use it as a springboard to start their research.

Thing #12

2008-06-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

After reading, I am going to remember that it would be better if I use a my real name when blogging. Maybe not my full first name, but just my initials. That would be appropriate for friendly blogs between friends, or blogging for my rodeo committee, or blooging for educational purposes. My initials would be generic enough for privacy.Secondly, when blogging I need to remember to ask questions in my blog if I want others to respond. Having a dialogue going is important because I would get strangers' opinions about what I posted.
I read a blog about the teenage girl who delivered a baby in her school. The school nurse and her parents did not know she was pregnant. This blogger was writing that it was the nurses's responsibility to know she was pregnant by asking her when was her last cycle. I responded that it is not the job of the nurse alone to ask such questions. It was the girl's parents who should have noticed that their daughter's appearance was changing over the months. hence, I did not get a reply.

Thing #10

2008-06-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this activity. I had a little trouble uploading this image to my blog. But with patience, I achieved it! I found it fun navigating around comic generator. This would be great fun for the students to do. One possible post- reading assignment would be for the students to write a quotation said by one of the characters in the book, and decide on a comic strip character. The students will then explain why they chose that comic strip character for the book's character. What attributes do they have in common for example.

Thing #11

2008-06-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

I found this to be very fun and easy. I made the bookshelf too large,but I haven't figured out how to decrease yet. When my students read novels throughout the school yeaar, they can have their very own shelf!

Thing #9

2008-06-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

I found Topix easy to navigate. It was layed out very clearly under specific categories. It was very clear-cut,and I was follow to understand the layout quickly.
On the other hand, Atomic Learning seemed more involved and challenging to me. I am sure it is a very useful tool to use. I just need more time to unwrap its potential. At least I know it is out there. I can see myself using the Atomic Learning as I collaborate with the science teacher at my school. If she is teaching a specific unit in her science class, I can utilize Atomic Learning in my Language Arts class also for a different perspective.

Thing # 8

2008-06-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

I think if I use the RSS more often, it would be very helpful.I have never noticed the orange symbol on the computer before either. I know that seems simple to most computer savy users, but I signed up to do 23 Things this summer to expose myself to what was out there on the web. Some people, who grew up in the computer age, may see me as very novice. I am fine with that. I am not insulted.I am learning such an amount of information at an alarming warp speed that my head is swimming. Ok, back to what I found out reading about RSS. I wrote in my key words of interest, such as, finance, Italy, new gadgets, and food. Each one is in a separate folder for easy use. It's amazing how much information is out there under my new gadgets category!
I set up a Google Reader account. It is nice to be able to keep up with the news of interest and education. Also I found the RSS Feeds Share All About Books at http://www.google.com/reader/shared/04440787436975147776

Thing #7

2008-06-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed Google Alert and Google Earth. Both can be used in the classroom. When reading a nonfiction book, the students can investigate the setting of the book. They can really lock onto a real destination.
Google Alert can be used when the class has come up with a list of favorite teams, concerts,etc. It helps with current events.
Also, I am glad to see another web album tool such as Picasa. It seems easy and user friendly. Coming from a generation where pictures were actually glued into photo albums, Picasa is very refreshing. No more yellowed picture edges in the album.

Thing #6

2008-06-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

I loved the trading cards. I can think of so many reasons to use it. It would be a creative way to introduce yourself on parent night. Also, when the students have finished reading a novel, they could make make a trading card of one of the book's characters. I made my own personal trading card to keep on my computer. The card is my favorite picture of my mom and me. I wrote a description below the picture.
Great invention!
I found www.programmableweb.com/mashups and loved it. I went to photo mashups and found Tuscany. I spent a lot of time remembering my summer trip to Italy!

Thing #5

2008-06-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

I selected this picture for a couple of reasons. For starters, I liked the picture. It is very calming to me. Also, my 7th grade students could use it for a good writing activity. What feeling do you get from looking at the picture? What does it remind you of? What do the clouds remind you of?

Thing#3

2008-06-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I made an avator and pasted it into my blog. I am feeling a little more confident, but I am not ready to dance the victory dance yet! More challenges ahead.

Thing#2

2008-06-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

From the 7 1/2 habits viewed, my hardest habit to do includes viewing problems as challenges. Problems are seen as negative, but challenges are positive. So whenever I have a problem with technology for example, I will try to see it as a learning experience. It is all about my mind-set and my perception of things.
My easiest habit I think is accepting responsibility for learning. My parents installed in me as a child to keep learning. College was always a certainity in my house. They always said to finish high school and finish college first. No one can ever take away your education. Good advice!