Thing #23

I have learned many things during this class. On a personal level, I found Google Reader feeds interesting. I set up a reader and subscribed to several crafting blogs, which I then pin to Pinterest. It is much easier than checking a multitude of websites. I also have found many educational blogs as well. This is a good way to keep up with all of the new Web 2.0 information out there. By following other educators on Twitter, I can also keep up with the latest developments as well. During the course, I have discovered many ways to enhance the learning of my students. I learned new ways to use YouTube in the classroom (it is so much more than just entertainment). I also enjoyed learning about slideshows, online generators, Delicious and LibraryThing and discovered ways they can be implemented into the classroom. There is always something new to learn!

Thing #22

Classroom 2.0 is another great resource for educators. Just by exploring the site, it seems that almost any topic is discussed. I explored how to use applications and technology in the classroom (such as VoiceThread, ipods, Promethean boards, tablets, Twitter, and Wikis). Discussing and getting feedback and ideas from fellow educators is a good learning tool. I also found other posts about book recommendations and the best sites for embedding videos useful as well. You can search for local educators (I typed in TX) or connect with others all over the world. The amount of information can be overwhelming, but just focusing on what interests me or relates to my job is a good place to start.

Thing #7B

Going through my reader, I found an interesting idea. I love how she created an end of the year math journal entry to review all that was learned during the school year. Definitely trying this!

Thing #21

I have used Twitter socially, but not for professional/educational purposes. I think it is a great way to gain even more knowledge and ideas from other educators. Many websites and blogs have the "follow me" twitter icon, which I usually dismiss. Now, I will pay more attention and will follow them. I admit that I do not tweet very much, but will make the effort to share more of what I learn. I do follow TEA on Twitter - I think it is a must for educators. Follow me! @CurtsMeg

Thing #20

Google Docs can be used in a variety of ways. 1. Teachers in a grade level can collaboratively use a document for planning upcoming lessons by the week or the 6 weeks. Teachers can add their ideas or links to videos or websites on the topic. At planning meetings, the document can be discussed and decide upon which applications would best enhance the lessons. 2. Presentations can be used in teaching lessons (in place of PowerPoint or something of the like). The benefit here is that if the presentation is shared with others (let's say other grade level members) then they will have the same access to it in their own classrooms. There wouldn't be a need to email files, since it would be located in each teacher's Google Docs. 3. Spreadsheets are easy enough to use and a common application. However, using a spreadsheet through Google Docs allows for it to be shared and edited (if so chosen). If faculty members are keeping track of goals or other items (such as contest results) then they would have easy access to that information as well. That could be shared with the entire school instead of just a few faculty members.

Thing #19

Voicethread is an application that allows for a large or whole group collaboration. Students can work with partners or small groups to create a part of the presentation or project, then it can be compiled into a whole group or class Voicethread presentation. Below is an example of this. Students took pages from the book The Mysteries of Harris Burdick and created stories to go along with the pictures. They then compiled their stories into one presentation.


Voicethread can be used with projects in the classroom or library. Students take more ownership of their work and can learn from others. Voicethread can be used personally, by sharing pictures and photos with friends and family and being able to hear them comment and discuss.

Thing #18

There is so much to choose from on both YouTube and Teacher Tube. I searched for videos related to the library that could be shown at the beginning of the year to get students excited about coming to the library and show them what the library has to offer. I just sampled a few of the videos that were out there, but I found a few that could stress this point.





There is probably a video on almost any topic out there. These could easily be incorporated into lessons to make the learning more meaningful. On Teacher Tube I noticed a lot of songs about specific topics. On YouTube there are many parodies (that teach skills or concepts) to popular music that kids could relate to.