Thing #23!!!!!!

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

I enjoyed most of what I learned. I really liked the experience of blogging. I liked setting up the blog, designing what it would look like, and playing with different elements. I get so excited when someone leaves me a comment. Specifically, I liked mashups, podcasting, Flickr, RSS, Rollyo, TeacherTube, and Ning.

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

This program helped me realize that if I try enough, I really can do what I set out to do. This program has instilled self confidence to try more technology, because there is so much to learn. I have always felt that I was a life long learner, but I need to include more technology in my learning.

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

There were too many unexpected outcomes. I think the most salient one is how much I enjoyed blogging.

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

Nothing.

5. If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?

Yes! We all have busy lives, this is a great way to learn new things in comfort, in my spare time, and at my own pace.

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?

enlightening and inspiring

Thanks to Library2Play, for a great experience!

Thing #22

I checked out Ning and visited Ning for Teachers. I saw a lot of support for teachers. There are lesson plans available and tons of ideas. I think that this is great. I wonder how many years of teaching experience is represented on this website? With best teaching practice from all over the world, how can you go wrong? I also saw a couple of places that discussed the challenges of teaching. For the most part, it was supportive. There were discussions that were somewhat controversial, discussions that made be analyze my thought and beliefs about topics I had not thought of in a long time. In short, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I even sign up for a support group Ning, cool!

Thing #21

Well. well. After several fits and starts I was able to upload my video. I tried forever and got so frustrated! But, then I took a deep breath and thought to look at some blogs of people who had finished their assignments. I was gratified to see that several other people had issues with uploading their presentations. I was so relieved to read a blog by Keep on keeping on. This blogmeister was having the same problems as I was, in the "Thing 21" post there was a comment that was very helpful. If someone else reads this, and you are having problems with Photo Story, this blog post from The Lily Pad Playground may help you.

As previously mentioned, I used Photo Story and found it very easy to use! It was very user friendly, and the step by step instructions were easy to follow. My presentation is kind of long, sorry. I really got into narrating my vacation. The one issue that I did have was adding sound to my presentation. I got so frustrated with adjusting the sound of the background music. And, when I did get the volume right, it just sounded "cluttered". It was like listening to the TV and the radio at the same time. Finally, I just cut it out all together.

I feel a little better about the process now that I figured it out. I would be so cool to have a kids do book reports this way! I also thought about a video or slide show journal for the kids to do. What kind of issues are there with posting video of students on the Internet?

Thing #20 and a half

I have been working on my podcast. I downloaded Photostory. I am in the process of trying to record my voice. I am having some issues with the volume. I have configured the microphone and my voice still sounds faint. Anyone out there have suggestions?

Thing #20

I found this humorous video from an old Abbott and Costello routine on TeacherTube. I used to love the old movies that they were in together. My personal favorite is the baseball bit that they did, "Who's on First?" For those unfamiliar with the comic genius of Abbott and Costello, see below for the bit (just for fun)!



Yell if you love Abbott and Costello! It's goofy, I know but, so am I!

Well, lookie, lookie! I just embedded video in my very own blog. With the variety of video available, and programs like Zamzar, it will be much easier to bring videos from blocked educational sources. I understand the necessity of the firewall, but it is frustrating to find that a website that I have been using for students, is suddenly blocked! But now, there are ways around this, I could potentially use videos everyday.

Thing #19

I can feel it, I am getting very close! It has been a fun journey.

I was looking at the Web 2.0 awards list, and I was happy to see some familiar "faces", like Del.icio.us, Google Docs, Google Blog Search, Flickr, and YouTube. I was also impressed, by some sites that were unfamiliar to me like SpanishPod, with its free Spanish language lessons, and Pandora that offers personalized Internet radio station based on the user's taste. I probably would have chosen YouTube for the my favorite application, it has a lot of potential. But, since it is blocked by the district, I guess that I won't say that it is my choice (even though it is).

A close second in regards to teaching has got to be Rollyo. With limited time, the absolute necessity to integrate technology, and the learning potential with proper management; Rollyo is a great time saver. The more efficiently teachers deliver instruction, the better it is for everyone. Research time can be maximized, by having the students search websites I want them to go to. My earlier experience winding up on a Neo Nazi website, will hopefully be avoided. :)

Thing #18

I looked at both of the products offered (Open Office and Google Docs). I am impressed by the breadth of products that Google offers. So many products and services are available. It is really convenient to have access to all of your Google services with one account, too. I have to admit though, I liked the offering of Open Office as well. Both seem very user friendly. The advantage to these programs is that anyone will be able to save in several formats. Before the laptop roll out at work, there were so many times that I could not access information provided by the district because of the outdated computer that was assigned to me. Was it frustrating to other people out there? Another advantage that I can see me using is the ability to access the documents anywhere there is computer access. One question, will this help break the stranglehold that Microsoft has on the market? Why are they offering the services free?