Thing #12 Google Tools

In reviewing Google tools, I identified with Google Alerts most as it provided options that are both applicable in the classroom and in my personal life. The premise behind Google Alerts is that you can have newly posted information sent directly to your email or feed reader as it is posted online. The program focuses on news, web, blog, video, group and comprehensive (a collage of the items previously mentioned). Personally, I have set-up an account to post information regarding my community directly to my Google Reader account for easy access. I felt this was the better option as I can review the information much quicker than if I had to open up individual emails. From an educational perspective, it offers an avenue to stay abreast of current events that are occurring in the world around us and changes in our respective field of study. As with many programs, you set the parameters of what information you would like to receive, then the program performs a data mine to retrieve the information for you. This is a great time saver and further maximizes the efficiency of the teacher.

The other tool I reviewed was the Picassa Web Albums. Being a big fan of Google, I thought that this would be a good way to share photos with other family members which is something I had never done online. Setting up an account was very easy, but I ran into complications trying to figure out how to add photos. Apparently, you need to download the Picassa software package as well to utilize this program and I was a little aggravated that this was not denoted up front; I actually retrieved this information when I searched the help section. I did not like the fluidity of the program, perhaps it is due to my own inexperience with posting online photos, and I decided that I will not be utilizing this service. My initial plan was to utilize the program to house personal photos for our family to review, as well as student photos that their parents could access to see what is happening at school. Despite the challenges, I am still a Google fan, just not this program.

Thing #11 Finding Good Feeds

In previewing the various feeds, I have come to the realization that Google Blog Search is a very natural resource to utilize, especially when utilized from a more global perspective. You can easily search for RSS feeds by predetermined categories or simply conduct a user defined search for the items that you are most interested in. I have additionally found that Google Blogs returns a tremendous amount of resources, which is both good and bad. With this in mind, your searches need to be more detailed to reduce the amount of search returns, but I feel that this is the best resource for the classroom as it offers more diversity. Additionally, I really liked Topix from a personal perspective as it focuses on what is occurring in my surrounding areas. This allows me to quickly stay abreast of everything that is occurring by topic, especially those that I have not predetermined as topics I would like to focus on. I did not find much application for this program beyond the confines of my surrounding area.

I was very impressed with the Technorati layout; in fact I felt that their layout was more aesthetically pleasing. The site is easy to navigate and it includes both topic suggestions, along with top rated sites, and a recap of sites that have seen the largest recent decline in usage. Although its layout is similar to Google Blog Search, I felt that it did not offer the degree of versatility offered by Google Blog Search. On the flip side, I was least impressed with Syndic8 and Feedster. Both of these sites lacked the versatility of the programs listed above and they seemed to focus more on a business perspective than an educational one. Both sites offered a user defined search feature, with a few predetermined topics, but the layout was not user friendly and seemed to offer more text than features.

Throughout my search, I tended to seek sites that would provide feeds to my county of residence so that I may keep informed of current events. As I live in a smaller community, Google again offered the most options. Some sites did not even return any suggestions. I did decide to join a site of concerned parents that closely monitor the Cheatham County School System. Since I have a daughter in this school system, I felt that joining the site would be a good idea. The initially blogs seem objective, but it remains to be seen how true to form it will actually be.

Thing #10 RSS & newsreaders

I am continually amazed at how technology has evolved over the years. Just ten years ago, we were communicating by speed letters in the company I worked for and now… we are twittering from space. If you are not familiar with a speed letter, it is a carbon copy memo that simulates email correspondence. The forms we utilized had three copies: one for the sender, one for the recipient to respond and the original, which contained all correspondence. What once took all day can now be facilitated within the span of about a minute! With RSS and newsreaders we are now able to apply this same concept of efficiency by following our favorite blogs and websites without ever directly accessing the websites. I love the ability to stay abreast of the latest developments in the news with just a few simple clicks and that I can actually view multiple news releases simultaneously in a quick recap format. Taking time to visit each site individually was very time consuming, especially given my early onset of dementia (although I do not actually suffer from this ailment, I tend to be forgetful). I also like that the programs tracks what you read, and that in one simple click you can start following the website you are viewing.

I can assure you that I will be utilizing this feature to keep abreast of the breaking news both locally and nationally in order to stay in tune with my surroundings. Additionally, I am looking forward to following various blogs and professional learning communities in an effort to hone my craft. For these same reasons, I feel that teachers can benefit greatly from RSS and newsreader feeds as learning is a continuous process. We should each share in the best practices of others, seek advice of other professionals and strive to improve our own skills and knowledge pool. Additionally, as an educator we are now capable of following the latest advancements within our specific fields of study and we can infuse the findings into the classroom to further demonstrate the relevance of the topic in the real world. In consideration of the fact that this generation of students requires a variety of stimulation in small concise doses, RSS and newsreaders will provide fresh educational alternatives on a daily basis. Perhaps the best component is that educators can now maximize their efficiency and allow a little more time for relaxation/family time by utilizing these resources in preparation for current events in the classroom. Below are some of the resources I follow:

MSNBC
The Tennessean
The Cool Cat Teacher
Slideshows for 'Web 2.0 tools for effective teaching
Let's Play Math!

Thing #9 - Images for the classroom

An unleashed mind is certainly a powerful thing, as proven in this little exercise. I never realized the magnitude of resources/generators that are available to create text images. Until now, I have solely utilized Microsoft Office to develop classroom and presentation images, largely due to the hefty price tags associated with some popular graphic design programs. Now, the sky is the limit as to what one can create and achieve.

After playing around on numerous sights today, I focused my attention on three sites that I particularly enjoyed: Monopoly Card Maker, Danger Label Maker and Tags Maker. The component that I most admired with Monopoly Card Maker was the ability to create motivational cards as a reward for studious behavior that embodies a sense of citizenship amidst students; It can also be incorporated into disciplinary actions such as warning cards, if desired. Most importantly, due to the popularity of the Monopoly board game, students easily relate to the concept and can become excited at the prospect of playing a game. Additionally, students associate the cards (rewards and warnings) as a positive message due to the positive light reflected by the board game in our family lives.

With label maker, you can actually create signage that helps to both set the mood for a room and relieve stress via comic relief. The Tags Maker generator follows this suit, but it also allows you the opportunity to expand your message with additional lines of text. Most importantly, the images you create are going to stimulate discussions and create excitement in the classroom. Students need stimulation to stay on task and they need motivation in their lives, which many often lack in their social life.

The most amazing component of all of the sites I visited, was the shear ease of creating images. The host program sites are simplistic and systematically laid out in stages (typically 4-5 steps) to ensure steps are not omitted. It also aids with the instruction process of children as the sites are easy to navigate. Additionally, there is little guess work to be performed due to their structure, which maximizes productivity time for students by minimizing question and answer sessions. Take some time to visit these and other image/text generating sites and contemplate ways that they may enhance the learning environment of your own classroom.

Thing #8 More Fun with Flickr and Mash-ups

Flickr features a fresh approach to managing photos and creating fun posters, cards, etc. Within education, this site would serve as a great resource for retrieving photos that represent history, geography, science, language arts and even math. Additionally, pictures represent a universal language of learning as a photo is not defined by an single language. Therefore, projects that incorporate photos aids in leveling the playing field of the students by breaking down language and, in some cases, aptitude barriers.

I do feel that as a future math teacher, the opportunity to utilize Flickr for math lessons is fairly restrictive, with the exception of geometry as there a multitude of shape options to retrieve with a creative mindset. Flickr also lends itself well to evaluating tessellations, in fact there is an origami tessellation group on Flickr that creates and shares ideas on incorporating origami projects in the classroom. I did enjoy playing with some of the mash-ups and I felt that the puzzle maker was a neat tool that could easily be incorporating into teaching lessons. In utilizing jigsaw in the math class, it will aid in offering students a visual aid to discuss proportions, percentages and fractions by evaluating the values of the completed portions and uncompleted portions of the puzzle.

From an artistic component, there are numerous options to incorporate math related art into the classroom such as Spell with Flickr, which is utilized at the top of this blog. There are also various options for creating posters, cards and calendars. One of my personal favorites, is Motivator; it allows teachers the opportunity to create motivational posters with students from your class. Now that's cool!

The one component that makes me a little uneasy in utilizing personal photos on Flickr is ensuring that the photos we create remain private. I feel that it is my personal obligation to protect both the identities and images of my students. I do realize that Flickr allows you to keep photos private and limit access to photos to select group of individuals. As technology continues to advance, I feel that the opportunity to surpass security features is a legitimate concern. Perhaps I am being a little overly cautious, but I do feel that this is a legitimate concern.

Thing #7 Discovering through photos

In exploring Flickr, I was intrigued by the vast array of photos, and videos, available for use. Perhaps the component that I admired the most was that Flickr actually combines a customizable digital photo database, with photo enhancement and design software under one umbrella. Diversity, especially within a free site is very appealing. The site is also very easy to navigate, but I must admit that I was a little disappointed with the advanced search feature, as I felt it was too restrictive. It would have been nice to perhaps follow in the footsteps of some libraries in offering multiple keyword searches. All in all, I would definitely recommend this site as a good resource for photos and videos.

In perusing the site, I actually came across a photo from KristinaVF very quickly and despite reviewing hundreds of photos, this one really resonated with me. In her picture, she managed to capture the essence of the impact that one source could have on its surroundings. Appropriately entitled “Faith, Hope & Charity,” the photo allowed for much reflection and interpretation into each of these areas, and it led me on a journey of discovery. In considering Faith, the light to me represents God and his eternal grace. Despite our imperfections, he is there to brighten our paths and to make us whole and beautiful again. As for Hope, I feel that each person has an innate desire to hold out hope for their futures. Generally speaking, most people are optimistic, whether they choose to believe it or not, and they are nurturing. These components are what has allowed us to evolve as a nation that is respected; a nation that is sought after as the land of opportunity. With hope, it only takes a single seed to sow a garden of faith.

Despite your personal views of religion and hope, charity to me represents a universal language of love; A simple gesture can impact not only one person’s life, but quite possible an entire culture. In reality, people tend to focus on the differences in others. Not with respect to simply alienating people based on differences, but as a component of evaluating a person and determining how they fit in your own world. You see, the actual meanings of charity, as defined by Encarta Dictionary, is to provide assistance to those in need, to judge in a favorable way and to impart love of others. In order for us to truly evolve in our thinking, we must seek to understand the differences of others and embrace the opportunity to learn how they enrich our own lives. Sometimes, we tend to get lost in our daily routine and as long as things are going good, we see no need to alter our path. How often do you stop and watch the comportment of others? Do you wonder how they or their actions could benefit you in your own life? Do you instead, take a negative stance and contemplate ways you could fix or improve the other person?

Life is an evolution of experience and faith, and each person’s journey is unique. Although, we may each have our views of right and wrong, who are we to try and direct the actions of others or alienate them for their differences; after all… who is actually right?

Thing #6 - Web 2.0 Award Site

In considering various Web 2.0 Awards sites, I chose to focus within the aspect of organization as I feel this is an area that we all can improve upon. In reviewing the options, I decided to tour BackPack and I was amazed by the plethora of options the program offered. The premise behind this program is to allow users to create pages that contain notes, to do lists, files and even a calendar. The program will allow you to create pages to store collaborative materials for events such as a meeting or trip. For instance, if you were to take a trip, you would simply create a new page and enter any notes, attach files and photos/maps that you need. You can also input your “to do” list and notes regarding people you are meeting with. Your colleagues back at the office can also view your page, if you grant permission, and they can make alterations/additions to better equip you in servicing your clients. In addition, you can collaboratively communicate via blogs and monitor the latest activities to your account and others via the newsroom page. You can even instruct the program to send reminder emails and text messages to yourself or others.

Within the scope of education, this would be a great tool to utilize as it provides a platform for teachers to interact and share best practices or opportunities they may be experiencing in the classroom. Teachers could also share lesson plans for themselves, as well as substitutes, and you can allow other teachers access to make modifications or suggestions. You can even categorize the materials to ensure that the lesson plan is easily understood and adhered to. This tool is also a good source for school administrators as they are able to easily monitor teacher schedules and plan events around those schedules. It also allows a quick means of disseminating time sensitive information while providing a paper trail at the same time. My only regret with this website is that I wish I had known of this tool when I was still working within Corporate America, as it would have certainly made my life much easier. I will certainly be integrating this resource in the future and I look forward to the countless possibilities it offers.

In considering various Web 2.0 Awards sites, I chose to focus within the aspect of organization as I feel this is an area that we all can improve upon. In reviewing the options, I decided to tour BackPack and I was amazed by the plethora of options the program offered. The premise behind this program is to allow users to create pages that contain notes, to do lists, files and even a calendar. The program will allow you to create pages to store collaborative materials for events such as a meeting or trip. For instance, if you were to take a trip, you would simply create a new page and enter any notes, attach files and photos/maps that you need. You can also input your “to do” list and notes regarding people you are meeting with. Your colleagues back at the office can also view your page, if you grant permission, and they can make alterations/additions to better equip you in servicing your clients. In addition, you can collaboratively communicate via blogs and monitor the latest activities to your account and others via the newsroom page. You can even instruct the program to send reminder emails and text messages to yourself or others.

Within the scope of education, this would be a great tool to utilize as it provides a platform for teachers to interact and share best practices or opportunities they may be experiencing in the classroom. Teachers could also share lesson plans for themselves, as well as substitutes, and you can allow other teachers access to make modifications or suggestions. You can even categorize the materials to ensure that the lesson plan is easily understood and adhered to. This tool is also a good source for school administrators as they are able to easily monitor teacher schedules and plan events around those schedules. It also allows a quick means of disseminating time sensitive information while providing a paper trail at the same time. My only regret with this website is that I wish I had known of this tool when I was still working within Corporate America, as it would have certainly made my life much easier. I will certainly be integrating this resource in the future and I look forward to the countless possibilities it offers.

Thing #5 - School 2.0

School 2.0 features a fresh approach to continuous learning. Unlike our more traditional forms of learning, Web 2.0 operates in real time and in real world settings. It allows students and other professionals the opportunity to utilize a bountiful resource of information from reputable educational resources to revelations from experts in the field of study. The concept is based on a collaborative learning style in which students and professionals alike, can actively contribute content and review best practices via blogging, wikis, content sharing and many other sites as identified by John Sealy Brown and Richard P. Adler in their article entitled “Minds on Fire: Open Education, the Long Tail, and Learning 2.0.”

With the introduction of School 2.0, we are able to enhance the learning environment of our schools by providing free tools and resources that creatively engage students in a collaborative form of learning. An example would be the ability for schools to utilize the Faulkes Telescope as a learning tool for Astronomy. This resource allows students to view our stars and solar systems with the world’s most sophisticated telescope, as well as providing an opportunity to interact with scientists currently working in the field of Astronomy. Within this scope of learning, schools are no longer limited to their financial resources for hard copy materials, nor are students placed at a disadvantage for limited educational resources. The web is capable of turning a deficiency into efficiency by simply linking students and teachers to resources pertinent to their scope of instruction/learning.

In reviewing “Minds on Fire: Open Education, the Long Tail, and Learning 2.0” by John Sealy Brown and Richard P. Adler, I firmly believe in the intrinsic value of working within a group. In pursuit of my bachelor’s degree, I actually had the opportunity to work within a study group and I certainly feel that I retained a broader scope of information within this collaborative setting. It is important to consider other peoples thoughts and opinions, as two heads are certainly better than one. This setting allows people the opportunity to teach, refine and create materials that both support and enhance the educational effectiveness of information. Open Source Communities allow for this same format amidst strangers that share common interests or beliefs. Let’s face it; our textbooks are only as valid as the date that they are written or published, for the most part. Life continues to evolve with each passing minute and it is impossible to expect you to be prepared for all that life throws at you without having a real time resource such as Web 2.0.

The 2008 Horizon Report provides and interesting time line of how technology continues to advance. Currently, we are experiencing a significant influx of social sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, along with grass roots video blogs such as YouTube. In true Web 2.0 form, groups of individuals are being brought together by blogs, wikis, etc. and we are able to share information more easily via the collaborative web. As smart phones continue to enter into the market place, there is an ever increasing desire for users to access these same resources via the web. Although the study shows integration by 2011, I personally feel that this is too late and I know the technology is present as Mike Massimino recently made history when he sent a 139 character Twitter post from space. It will be interesting to observe how readily this new technology, and the concept of focusing learning on both people and collective intelligence within the academic community. In the academic community, concept has served as the main focal point of learning and some institutions are simply slow to change. I feel that three to five years is a good estimate, but I sense that for some institutions, this may take a little longer.

Thing #4 - Commenting

Commenting within blogs serves as a means of openly communicating ideas/ideals about a multitude of topics in a manner that allows and often encourages full expression. When you are engaging in “face to face” conversation, we are constantly monitoring the non-verbal cues of the person in front of us and we adjust our conversation based on these observations. In doing so, many times we fail to reach the true belief or direction as we chose to take a more politically correct stance. Within the blogging community, you are free to openly express yourself without the distraction of reading the other person’s comportment. We are able to genuinely be ourselves, and we are often encouraged, by other members of the post, to express our opinions no matter how controversial they may be. Blogging also allows an avenue for you to seek individuals who share your interests and ideals, and create a format for you to communicate, brainstorm and grow through a combination of your experience and theirs. Encarta defines virtual community as “a group of people communicating with each other over the internet.” The correlation of interactive conversations of both similar and disparate views creates a sense of community and fulfills the very definition of a virtual community.

In reviewing some of the suggested websites presented by Dr. Wall, I was especially intrigued by the Cool Cat Teacher’s blog as I felt it was by far the most informative and encouraging. I valued the Cool Cat Teacher’s perspective of becoming a part of a blogger’s life by simply taking time to post meaningful comments. The comments validate the insecurities of a blogger and it shows that you have taken an interest in their writing, whether you agree of not. It also, encourages the blogger to continue to write and engage others in active conversations. Many times, the blogger will begin to visit your own site and reciprocate the kindness you have shown in their blogs.

I also enjoyed Darren Rowse’s “10 Techniques to Get More Comments” as it touched on some key areas of interest. As with any form of communication, we often utilize open-ended questions to encourage conversation, so it is not unusual to introduce this technique in blogging. What I found to be interesting was the fact that only 1% of bloggers are actually actively engaged in conversation. I suppose that this does make since as I will read various blogs, but I usually choose to not contribute. I felt that actually inviting comments was an effective approach as it signifies to the readers that you are interested in their thought. Additionally, when a blogger posts responses to guest comments it further substantiates the bloggers interest in openly communicating.