Write a blog post reflecting on your exploration of Ning. What were your overall impressions? Did you find any discussions or resources of value? Do you have any ideas for using social networking in your own professional or personal learning, or in classroom learning? Please include “Thing 22″ in your post title.
I am really impressed with the Ning in Education site that I explored. Finally social networking in a positive light! I can see where it could be a overwhelming source of different postings, but I like it.
Do you work with 8th grade students? According to the TIE Network, Georgia Stories has the same web address (www.gpb.org/georgiastories) but a brand new look in appearance and content. Read all about it here.
By the way, if you don’t know about the TIE Network, check them out!
Write a blog post reflecting on your Pageflakes experience. Include any ideas you have for using such a tool to support classroom learning or professional practice. What are some topics or themes you might explore in a Pageflakes environment? Please include “Thing 21″ in your post title.
In the past I created blogs to be used in some of the instructional classes that I offer. That is where I post my resource links and open up the comment box for feedback. I really like the idea of using PageFlakes instead. I could have more flexiblity when organzing my material and the message board would meet the needs of user input.
Back to the drawingboard…..gee, thanks, Jerrie. Ha!
Write a blog post reflecting on your initial experience with Google Docs. Include at least three ideas for using Google Docs (and spreadsheets and presentations) in classroom learning and/or professional learning/productivity. At least one idea should reflect a collaborative use. Please include “Thing 20″ in your post title.
I have been using Google documents for two years now. I was especially excited when they added the presentation piece. Below are just three ways that I have used this Web 2.0 tool include:
A collegue wanted input for the design of computer labs in a new building and needed the input of the ETC staff. We all contributed on his Google document….wiki style.
I add documents that I need that might be blocked offsite otherwise.
We have shared and added to our inventory using the spreadsheet option.
I have actually used You Tube and Teacher Tube to find great examples of claymation projects for my multimedia class. I encourage my participants to watch as many videos as they can of claymation so it will inspire them in what to do and what NOT to do. Ha! We then use the Teacher Tube site to upload their creation.
Zamzar has been a real life saver when it comes to converting my You Tube files that I need when I have to go offsite.
Podcasting in the classroom is an excellent opportunity for students to connect to the outside world. Whether they are listening to experts in the field or creating their own podcast on what they have learned or experienced, I believe a lot of real life learning is taking place.
I think that once the mystery of how to create a podcast is cleared up, more teachers are open to it as a possiblity in their classroom. Maybe the fear of the unknown?? And let’s face it, podcasting involves using some hardware and that alone can scare some folks off.
I experiemented in a podcast here at the KSU ETC. Along with a coworker, I was fortunate enough to attend FETC last year and learn about some really neat stuff in the world of educational technology. When we came back, Hoke interviewed us. We were able to share with others what we had experienced.
I think Library Thing would be very useful for helping “unmotivated” students find books to read. By using the Tagmash search feature, even the most reluctant readers could find something that would interest them. I wonder if Media Specialists are aware of this resource and if so…is it blocked?
I like to use Delicious hand in hand with Google Reader. While I am reading over posts in my feeder, I go ahead and tag the new urls I learn about with my Delciious toolbar. It is simple and easy to do and I know that with my hectic schedule, I’ll probably never make time for bookmarking “later”. Then I share all of those resources with participants who come to any of my classes. I make sure there is a link to my account that they can access easily. I also take advantage of subscribing to the Delicious feeds of others in the field of educational technology.
I hate to brag too much about my coworker, Stephen Rahn’s, blog because…well…he just gets a big head about it. But he came through again. Visit his latest entry on “Sites for Web Savvy Families”. Visit Mashables to see more!
I visited the Quizlet site. Yes, I decided to just roll with the assessment theme that I pontificated upon in Thing 13. Can you tell where I feel like I need some improvement? Ha! I think teachers and students alike would apprectiate this resource. Cheap(read FREE) and Easy…what’s not to love??? *Note the instant messaging box to support collaboration.
