Is it the end or only the beginning?

I really enjoyed learning about Animoto and how social networking is great for the classroom. Animoto is so much fun. I can definitely see myself using it in my classroom.

This program has broadened my horizons so to speak. I had never thought technology was as broad as it is, especially in the classroom. It really taught me a lot and I hope to carry my knowledge of these tools over to my students.

I didn't think I would enjoy blogging as much as I do. I have thought about starting my own blog or maybe a journal of some sort. I have found that I really like documenting my thoughts and feelings. It has become a type of therapy for me.

Much of what is included in 23 Things is a great learning experience with one exception. I really don't like having to create so many accounts. It gets annoying having to type in the same information for an account I may or may not use in a later time.

I will always have this blog to look back to when I am a teacher. It has opened so many doors and I have so many ideas that come to mind when I learn a new thing about technology for my classroom. I hope to have a class website to communicate more efficiently with my parents and students outside of the classroom. My students will also be apart of the website, giving them the chance to explore new technology as well.

Simply creating a search for Web 2.0 will give you latest news for how it is developing. Because it develops so often I hope to keep in touch with it and stay up to date with technology for my classroom.

Thing #23

Creative Commons is a way that you can take someone else's work and make it your own. One way you know this 23 Things blog has been adapted for students at Austin Peay State University is the note at the end of the list of 23 things.

*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).

By giving this note and referencing the original document, we are able to use 23 Things as our own work.

I will definitely be more careful about using copyrighted material in the classroom. (Especially now that I've heard Dr. Wall's story about the picture on the website!) Creative Commons will be a great way to make sure I have legitimate material for my lessons.

Thing #22

One of my Binders is HERE

Live binders is interesting. My three binders are titles Punctuation, Technology and 2nd Grade. The standard I have been using for this class is 2nd grade punctuation so I thought it suited the assignment to continue that idea and see what I found. I liked how Live Binders group my search term with several websites that have to do with what I'm looking for. I also chose to look at some websites that talked about technology in the classroom. Seeing as this is a technology class, I did some extra research to see what other people thought about technology in the classroom. This would be an easy way to find educational websites for the classroom. It would also make it easier to find a website you wanted to use during a lesson.

Thing #21

Christmas is here!

I loved playing with Animoto! I do not have a Mac, so I was never able to create my own videos very well. Now that I know about Animoto, I will definitely use it. It was very easy to use, especially after I watch the short tutorial.This would be great for students to use in the classroom. It is an easy project idea. Everything is already there for you to use (pictures, music, etc.) all you have to do is put it together the way you want it. I created a short clip about what Christmas is like at my house! Click the link above.

Thing #20

Youtube is still a rising sensation. This huge video database is full of any video you may need for the classroom. From instructional to videos to cute nonsense things, it has it all! I think Youtube is an excellent site  for the classroom when you have good intentions in mind. Granted not everything placed on Youtube should be shown in the classroom, you have to make sure the video is acceptable. A good thing about Youtube is that you can create your own account. This allows you to select videos you like and keep them in your account, making them easier to find later. This comes in handy in the classroom and reduces distractions from other videos that shouldn't be in the classroom.

The video I chose to post is about technology in education. It is a cute video that just gets the point across about how technology has evolved over time. Take a look!

Thing #19

I have been a member on Facebook for several years. At first it was just the cool thing to do, but now I don't know what I do without it. It is how I communicate with my classmates and peers. All this to say I would not be opposed to joining another social networking site. Especially those that are dedicated to teachers. I think these would be very beneficial to me. Have this type of social networking allows me the chance to talk to other teachers, either in my school, school system, or around the United States. I am also a big music fan, so to join a music social networking site may be fun. I could share my music interest and get insight on other peoples likes and dislikes. I looked at a few social networks that were about hobbies and those were appealing to me. I thought this could be used in the classroom. If a student needed to do a creative project for an assignment this could help the teacher to help them to brainstorm ideas.

Thing #18

Social networking sites are very popular in today's world. It seems that everyone has one, and if you don't you're out of the loop. It is important for we as educators to understand how they work because they can allow different insights and strategies for teaching. They can be looked at like blogs. Just like blogs, social networking, such as Facebook and twitter, allows you to be apart of someone else's thoughts. Through status updates and wall comments, you can read different ideas for the classroom. I prefer Facebook over many other social networking sites. Through Facebook, a school can set up events, have their own page, or create a group for the school. It is a easy and efficient way to communicate because many people have Facebook.