Thing 24: The Official Last "Thing"

As our Instructional Technology class begins to wind down, time for reflection is near. My favorite exercises were Delicious and Animoto. I found both of them interesting for a variety of reasons and will probably use those as well as many other "things" we have explored during the course. I have been exposed to several technological resources that I can use as both a student and as a teacher and might not have ever used some of them if not for this class. This course helps to illustrate how education and technology will only become further intertwined in the future and we would be remiss not to embrace the coming changes. As for keeping up with 2.0 developments, I will continue to reference the sites and sources to which I have been introduced in order to stay up to date on the latest instructional technology. I might even set up a blog that I'll use for my own classes when I become a teacher. The torrid pace at which computers and technology have advanced, especially over the last twelve years or so, makes me wonder how those changes will further effect instruction and education.

Thing 23: Creative Commons

Learning 2.0 - 23 Things for Teachers is based on Learning 2.0 - 23 Things, a staff development program for the Mesquite Independent School District. That program was based on the Learning 2.0 program that was designed by Helene Blowers and adapted by the California School Library Association and others. Content and style for Learning 2.0 - 23 Things for Teachers has been borrowed and duplicated with permission, under a Creative Commons License. 

 

The above are examples / attributions that show that Learning 2.0 - 23Things for Teachers blog was based on someone else's work and modified from its original.

Learning about Creative Commons licensing has been an eye-opening experience and I will be very aware of how such things apply to my use of teaching resources in my classroom. When I create something that I would like to share  with others, I'll make sure I use the appropriate symbols to notify potential users  how my creation can be used. Remember, things can be easier when you "skip the intermediaries".

 

 

 

 

Thing 22: Live Binders

Once again, the ease of a new technology has me impressed. I was able to quickly set up my account with LiveBinders and was off and running. My initial binders are entitled Science Resources, Life Science, and Earth Science. I know those aren't sexy or overly creative sounding titles, but they work. This site can be of great value to teachers for a variety of reasons. Lesson plans, assignments, and resources for an entire school year can be stored, organized, and shared via LiveBinders.

Science Resources

Thing 21: ANIMOTO!!!!!

Make your own slide show at Animoto.

Working with Animoto was incredibly simple. I am continually impressed at how easy so many of the functions of these are to use. That was not the case a few years ago. All I had to do was create the account, select the background and music, upload some photos, and Animoto did the rest. I will have to let my children experiment with this site.

Thing 20: You, Too, Can YouTube

Diffusion YouTube Video

YouTube is a site I have used on many occasions for a variety of purposes. Almost anything that can be thought of is probably on YouTube. I have checked out bands, instrument reviews, excerpts from television shows, instructional lectures, and even learned how to repair a clothes dryer all from this awesome site. Much like other social networking sites, the content should be reviewed thoroughly before any videos are shown in a classroom setting. The capabilities and ease of use would be beneficial in a library setting in that lectures and tutorials could be uploaded for use by students as well as by teachers. I chose the uploaded video as it corresponded with TN Standard GLE 0707.1.5 Observe and explain how materials move through simple diffusion. Videos such as this have proven to be valuable components in the modern classroom.

Thing 19: Beyond Facebook: Other Social Networks

Upon joining Teacher Pop, I became a member of a second Ning. The first one I joined belongs to my fiancee who is an elementary school teacher. She uses her Ning to keep parents and students informed of assignments, upcoming exams, and material covered. Only a few of the parents joined, but those that did really appreciated having an extra way to stay involved in their children's education.
Since I do most of the cooking at my house, I checked out Tasty Kitchen and Open Source Food. I can see myself using those sites to my advantage in the kitchen.

Thing 18: Social Networking: Paradise for the Nosey!

I have used social networking for several years now and have seen it's positive and negative aspects. It's important that educators know how these sites work as they probably play a big role in their lives and those of their students. There is an exposure factor in social networking as everything you post, including photos, can rapidly be disseminated among various groups of people. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the content of what is selected for uploading. Sites such Facebook allow people to catch up with old friends, which is nice considering the transient society in which we now live. I am beginning to explore Twitter, but am not sure if I'm willing to invest much time in it as there are many other pressing matters, such as school. I wish Facebook had the same musical and layout design components that Myspace offered its users. Those features added a more personalized aspect to the social network experience.