Thing 13: Let's Get Ready to Rumble: Zoho Writer vs. Google Docs.

Upon delving into Zoho Writer, it seemed remarkably similar to a Word document. It had all of the ease of the Microsoft program without having to purchase and download it to my computer. Hmmm, could this be the word processing wave of the future? After checking out a few of the features Zoho had to offer, I was off to Google Docs. I was really impressed with Google Docs' capability to share documents with many other people and the collaborative possibilities that exist. You could easily and quickly gain input from several collaborators on a project or idea and this is made possible without an expensive add-on program. Teachers can use something like this to work on grade level lesson plans in such cases where uniformity is required or in helping to mentor new teachers. I didn't really have prefer one over the other (Zoho vs. Google) and would probably need to spend a few hours with each to make that determination. Below is a drawing I created using Google Docs:  

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1MtoeUCf8X8B1y3VSP-PIWpJjTLo9TdLQq4RyMLxGo_U/edit

Thing 12: Google. It's What's For Dinner! (Not really)

The term and name "Google" has become an important part of the lexicon and it's presence keeps growing and growing. It can be used as various parts of speech from verb to noun. I had a good time playing around with Google Translator. For instance, I learned that in German, the phrase, "Who used the last of the toilet paper?" translates as, "Wer benutzt die letzte der WC-Papier?" I also made a rudimentary slide show using Picasa Web Albums, https://picasaweb.google.com/117241043249108122888/PeepsAndAPainting#slideshow/5768564520245174146. It was sort of overwhelming when considering all the possibilities that are available through Google. Students could put together an entire portfolio, calendar, etc... using Google alone. I am glad to have chosen to work in the field of education, where I will be utilizing the latest technology rather than it passing me by.

Thing 11: Finding Good Feeds

So, I checked out some the feed-finding search tools and I've got to say I like Google Blog Search the best. I also found the search function on my Google Reader page worked well. I didn't really like Topix or Technorati, although I'm sure they have their advantages. My preference is not be spoon fed and shown a plethora of blog suggestions as I'd rather search on my own. I was able to find blogs about cooking, bass equipment, dog breeding, and pretty much any other topic I thought of.  You don't even need a specific site to look for blog feeds as pretty much any available search engine can fulfill that function. From what I have read, the number of active blogs are growing exponentially on a daily basis. For example, several new blogs popped up in one day from our class alone. Think back to the year 1999. Did you imagine, back then, the rapid advancement in technology and how the Internet would come to consume our lives?  Just think, there are people out there that have never known life without cell phones and social networking.

Thing 10: Really Simple Syndication

Really Simple Syndication? No kidding! When I initially set up my reader I was sure I'd encounter some sort of pitfall in completing the task. Much to my surprise, it was REALLY easy. This sort of technology is a major time saver and can offer teachers a method of streamlining certain lessons which utilize different websites. I enjoy RSS as it allows me to get updates from several different sources at one time, without having to go to those sites individually.

Thing 9: Image Generators

This is an image I created using Image Chef. Yes, I know it's simplistic, but it works.

Here's an image from fansigngenerator.com. All I had to do was change the message on the sign and upload to my blog. This site is very user-friendly.

Thing 8: Flickr Mashups

Flickr Mashups were a real challenge as I ran in to all sorts of image and type placement issues. After much labor and a slight headache, I was able to put together something which would serve as a passable assignment. Above is an insect mashup courtesy of Craig.Taylor, who is the owner of these great pictures. They were taken from Flickr and put together using the Mosaic Maker website. Below is an image created using the website Spell with Flickr. This was very simple and user friendly. I am undecided on my stance regarding sharing photos online as it can lead to privacy, copyright, and ownership issues. These types of sites can be of great use in the classroom in order to better employ technology and creatvity in an interactive or instructional setting.

Thing 7: Explore Flickr

 
I chose this photo from Flickr as this is the same make a model of my favorite bass, an Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray. I happened to be the first thing that came to mind when searching the site for images. It's an amazing and surprisingly versatile instrument. Flickr, along with other photo sharing sites, can be a valuable tool whenever images/photos are needed for a presentation or any of a variety of other applications. In order to avoid plagiarism or the appearance of impropriety, always be sure to give credit where credit is due and make sure your sources are properly noted.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/65242681@N05/5941402276/. This is an image taken from tommywhitehead's photostream.
Image Citation:
Tommy Whitehead. 2003 Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray. 22 June 2011. 22 July 2012.
<http:/flickr.com/photos/65242681@N05/5941402276/>

Thing 6: Web Tools 2.0

I chose YouTube as my site/tool for this "thing". YouTube is easily one of the most popular sites on the Internet. With it, you can upload all sorts of things; anything from product reviews, skits, lectures, instructional videos, etc... There is also a controversial factor with YouTube regarding inappropriate content, language, and copyright/licensing issues. That's to be expected as no one ever promised that freedom would be pretty and trouble-free. I have found an incredible variety of videos on this site that cover an array of topics. I have learned how to replace the belt and pulley on my dryer and also learned the bass lines to some great songs all thanks to videos posted on YouTube. This site/tool can have applications in an educational setting as well. In my psychology class, we utilized a video explaining the Briggs-Myers personality test for an assigned group project. It was a great addition to our project and along with PowerPoint, integrated technology into the presentation. If used properly and with discretion, YouTube certainly has its uses in the 21st Century Classroom.
http://www.youtube.com/

Thing 5: WEB 2.0

To me, Web 2.0 means schools are moving toward and adapting the learning process to a format that is familiar to the world in which people/students now live. The traditional book/paper/pencil format is still relevant, but it would be negligent of the public/private schools to ignore the untapped possibilities of technology in the classroom. Not only would these tools match better match up with some students learning processes/methods, it would better prepare students to meet the demands of and possess the skills needed to succeed in the modern and future workplace.
Schools of the future will be able to help students and teachers keep pace with the ever-changing world of technology and ensure that instructional methods do not become outdated and will continue to serve the needs of both students and teachers.

Thing 4: Commentary On Blogging

Blogging and commenting on blogs can, like many other forms of social media, create a sense of community and interaction. To be able to express your own thoughts and opinions and have them either supported or challenged is a great way to learn about the healthy and robust debate of life. It can serve as a portal into the world in which you discover you are not alone in your opinions or evaluations of certain things and it also allows alternate or conflicting views on various topics and ideas to be shared. During the duration of the term, I have followed and commented on five of my classmates' blogs. The "Chosen Five" (Ha-ha) were John Collins, Kaytlyn Wright, Shanna Guentert, Kristen Cotton, and Sydney Saunders. I chose to also follow the Cool Cat Teacher blog because I found the content interesting and I follow The Art of Teaching Science blog. I disagree with some of the Darwin worship and some of the political views which are subtly revealed on the blog, but most of the Science material and ideas are rock solid and I enjoy the in-depth thought which is put into many of the posts.

Thing 3

My blog has now been officially registered for the purpose of EDUC 3040. A blog can serve many purposes and can be used to do more than allow people to exaggerate and inflate their own sense of self-importance. As a teacher, I would use some form of blogging to keep parents informed as to the goings-on in my classroom. Material being covered, homework information, and test dates would all be available to parents and students via my class blog. It represents another tool to be utilized in the battle against parent apathy in our school systems.

Thing 2

As this was my first attempt at establishing a blog, the experience has not been without a few challenges. Those challenges have more to do with combating the static nature and routine of daily life than any real deficiency on my part.  I'm the type of person that prefers to fully absorb information and in doing so, gain a thorough and complete understanding of what I am learning. As I am a somewhat private person, I don't think I'll ever use my blog as a diary where I post my every move, thought, or activity throughout the day. Enough of that mess goes on with Facebook and Twitter. I do however welcome the experience of blogging and any knowledge I may pick up along the way.

Thing #1

 In viewing the 7 and a Half Habits slide show, I recognized my main weakness immediately, it was Habit 4: Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner. I, along with many other people suffer from a fear of failure. It wasn't until I accepted possible failure as an integral part of the learning process that the proverbial spark was truly ignited. Failure is a part of life as well as achieving personal and group goals. I also believe in the importance of being a lifelong learner. The wisest people in the world are those that realize they don't know everything and continually hunger for new information and educational experiences. When one allows for a static intellectual existence, the brain's ability can atrophy, just like the muscles of the human body. I am reminded of some useful advice my father used to give me, which sadly, I used to casually dismiss: "If you believe you can't, then you never will." Such a simple phrase and yet it contains such wisdom.
    The part of 7 and a Half Habits slid show I identified most as a personal strength was Habit 2: Accept responsibility for your own learning. This is not only relevant in the educational realm, but in life as well. Blaming others for personal failure and the shirking of personal responsibility are far too common and are epidemics which plague our society. It is important to understand that grades and accolades should be earned, not given. Dedication, genuine achievement and a strong work ethic are not part of some antiquated idea system which has been swept away in the name of progressivism. They are critical components of molding successful students and helping them to create a positive self image. Instilling those basic values goes far beyond the incredible disservice of lowering expectations in order to make everyone feel good. In the real world, there is no trophy simply for showing up.