End or Beginning?

This is the end of a long task, and for that I am happy!  However, it is the beginning of a lot of new information that I have learned for when I begin to teach!  I am excited to use all of the websites and tools that I have learned about doing this assignment in my classroom when I begin to teach.

Thing #23

Creativecommons.org/about/ is something that taught me how to do things correctly.  When I begin teaching, I can now show my students how to browse the internet and use material that they are legally allowed to use.

Thing #22

The title of my binder is called "first grade reading assignments."  Livebinders is something that I believe will be very helpful when I am teaching.  Just browsing through the internet in the short time it took me to complete this task, I have three websites saved in my three ring binder that I can look back on forever.  I really like this website. My Binder

Thing #21

Working with Animoto kind of frustrated me.  I was able to download three pictures and every time I went to do more it would freeze on me.  However, I must say that I still enjoyed my three picture video very much.  After I played with it for a little while longer though, I was able to upload more photos.  It still wouldn't let me upload the full ten pictures because there wasn't enough time allowed in the video.  This tool can be great to use when I am teaching.  Students would love to do projects using this.  I know I would have loved to know about this site when I was in school.
My Animoto video

Thing #20

YouTube is a website that I use f I need to find out just about anything.  For example; lyrics to a song, tallest roller coasters, laughs, movies, and things for school.  The video that I chose is "The Cup Song."  I work in a daycare, and a lot of my school age girls have been practicing this song that they do with a cup.  I just sat here and watched this video until I learned how to play the cup.  I am excited to go to work tomorrow and show them what I have learned.  I really like YouTube.  I feel like it can help students in any way that would be needed.  There are all types of video's to be browsed.

The Cup Song

Thing #19

My Page


I found out that I was already a member of this website and I didn't even know it.  I did not have a picture uploaded or anything though.  So today I uploaded a picture of me and added the badge to my blog.  I like this website, I think it will be very useful for teachers.
Facebook is still one of my favorites, if not my most favorite, social website.  It's easy to navigate and to stay in touch with people.

Thing #17

I am very happy that I joined Delicious.  With all of the new technology, who needs junk drives anymore?  I am getting married in August, and I have been saving everything  Using tools like this one is very useful because it saves all files on the internet.  No junk drives are needed or space on your computer taken up.  You don't have to worry about keeping track of your things, it is all saved on the internet.  When I begin teaching, this tool will be very useful.  All of my resources that I will use for teaching will be kept in one area.

Thing #18

Before starting this one, I already had both accounts. One for twitter and one for Facebook. I've never really been into the twitter much though. I just don't understand the whole "let me follow someone that I don't know" deal. Now on the other hand, Facebook is something that I use on a regular basis. I really like using Facebook. I may have graduated high school already, but I still know what goes on in my friends lives. There has even been times where I have used Facebook to help me with homework problems that I get stuck on. With every one on my friends list, actually being people that I know, they like to help me. It is important for educators to know how social networking works for various reasons. In my opinion one huge reason is because of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is a big problem now with all of the social networking, and if educators know how to navigate the pages, it could help reduce the problem.
My facebook page

Thing #16

I really like the iGoogle page.  I liked how I can changed the appearance to fit me.  Also how I can pick topics that I am most interested in to show up on my page.  I will probably use this page for my home page even after this class.  I really enjoyed the online calendars.  Carrying around a planner is easy, but it is also easy to lose.  As long as you have access to a computer with internet, you can find your calendars.  I can use this in my classroom with my students on the classroom set of computers.  This way none of the students can say that they didn't know when assignments are due.  It will easily be accessible on the computers right in the classroom.

Thing #15

Before this class I never really heard of Wiki spaces.  When Dr. Wall told us about Dr. Richardson's webpage, I decided to check it out.  The richardon3040.wikispaces.com website is what kind of attracted me to wiki.  When I begin to teach, I think that I will use a website like richardson3040.wikispaces.com.  Mainly because I can post things like my rubric or even homework assignments on there.  Materials being on a webpage will help students keep track of their work.

Thing #14

A mind map is a diagram showing the relationship among different concepts.  In a flow chart, it shows the representation of a sequence of something.
I chose to use the bubble.us mind map.  It was pretty easy to use.  When I begin teaching it will be nice to know about these different websites.  My students will be able to have access to the websites also, to make their learning a little easier.  While working with the mind maps and the flow charts, I thought of the Venn Diagram.  That is the popular chart that I remember using while in school.

Thing #13

In my opinion, I really like the Google docs.  Mainly because I am familiar with Google.  However, I really did enjoy exploring both sites.  I like to play around with different tools.  I will more than likely stick with Google docs though.  Most people already have Google accounts, so this makes it easier.  In my classroom I will probably encourage my students to save all of their documents to these apps.  It will be easier to keep track of all of their work.

Thing #12

http://www.google.com/alerts/manage

I liked using the Google alerts.  I have played softball since I was five years old.  I played fast pitch in high school and travel ball.  I even played up to six months pregnant, and I still play.  I like to follow fast pitch, because I miss it so much.  I now play slow pitch softball.  I made a Google Alert that follows fast pitch softball, and I really enjoyed reading the alert that was sent to me today.  I also plan on going back to it, and having recipe alerts sent to my email address.  I do not like to cook, but I would like to learn how to so I can make my fiance a happy man.

The other one that I explored was the Google Translate.  All I really have to say is, WHY DIDN'T I KNOW ABOUT THIS IN HIGH SCHOOL? Haha.  Really, this could have been very useful in my high school Spanish class.  I probably played around with Google Translate for about 20 minutes, just typing in different phrases and seeing how it is said in many different languages.  I will probably play with it even more that I know about it.  I can use it in helping to teach my son different words in different languages.  In the classroom it can be useful for students to know about Google Translate incase there is a foreign student.  Classmates can use it to help the communicate with the foreign student, as well as me translating with the student.

Thing #11

I really like the Google search engine.  I typically use Google for just about anything that I do, so it's no wonder that I found this one to be the easy one for me.  When using it, I typed in Elementary Education.  There were many results for this option.  My favorite blog was Elementary Education News.  I am not very good at any of these web tools.  I have a very difficult time trying to locate, save, add, make a profile, or anything that we have been doing.  However, I think that I am managing as much as I can.  The one that I had the most trouble with was technorati.

Thing #10

I like RSS, “Really Simple Syndication,”because it is nice to have all of the websites that you follow or check daily in one place.  The things I followed are; Facebook for iPhone, Spell Checker, Cool Cat Teacher Blogs, Learning 2.0 APSU 23 Things, Free Technology for Teachers, and The Pioneer Woman.  I can use this in school to keep up with websites that I frequently use for my homework assignments, or just to give me information on things I need for school.  For my students when I begin to teach, can use it for the same reason.  Teachers can use RSS to follow other teachers blogs about teaching techniques.  I am not really about making profile pages public.  So I think that I will skip that one this time around.  Probably when I becomes a teacher, I will make one for the students to follow me, and use my web tools to their advantage.

Thing #9

Word Mosaic
I Love ___
Happy Face

I played with different image generators.  These three are some that I really liked.  Using image generators in the classroom would really make activities fun for the children to do.  The children would want to complete an activity if they can play around with it, and make it the way they want it to look.
In a powerpoint, the student can use a generator to create a picture that they really like and place that picture at the bottom of the pages.  The picture can deal with what they are presenting in the powerpoint.  I really like the image generators.  It can be used in a classroom for more than just the powerpoint.

Thing #8

It took me a little bit to get going with thing #8.  I really do not get how to use Mashups.  I came across the jigsaw of your own photo, and I really liked that.  So that is what I did, I created a jigsaw of one of my photos.  This is my son and my fiancw (his daddy) on the beach in Mississippi.  I really love this!  I would really like some inputs on what I am missing about Mashups.  I am quite confused,  I am not a computer person!

Thing #7

I love to take pictures, so I really like experimenting with Flickr.  I use the app Instagram for the Iphone on a regular basis.  Instagram is kind of like Twitter, but without the words.  People follow you because of your pictures,and they can comment on or "like" your pictures. Using Flickr in a classroom is a really nice idea.  When doing a project, I can have the students take pictures of their progress and post it to their Flickr account.  Instead of counting that towards the final grade of the project, I can use it as a little extra credit.  It can also be used to lead other students who are having a difficult time with the project into the right direction that they need to be headed in.  I think that it is not wise for students, or anyone at that matter, to have pictures of themselves or their children for the public to see.  The picture that I have right here are public on Flickr, however you can not see my face or my sons face.  Therefor I find it okay to post these.  If you plan to post something that shows who you are, it is better to post them private and only allow users that you know to see your photos.  I really like Flickr, and really just any photo tool.  I think it s a nice way to share things about yourself without actually using words.  I plan to continue using Flickr even after this course.

Picture 1.  This is my Uncle Timmy's Harley.  He was one of the five that passed away with the BWC accident in their RV.  My cousin Tyler, Timmy's oldest son, now has his bike.  Note: for those of you who heard about it, Timmy was the one with the pregnant daughter, Logan 21.  Tyler 20, and Colby 11.  Logan, my cousin, had her baby boy three days before my birthday. :)  Healthy baby Knox was born January 10, 2012.  Uncle Timmy would be so proud!

Picture 2.  These are roses that my fiance (my sons father) had sitting in the middle of the floor with a card for me to see on day when I got home from work.  There was no reason behind it, except just to show he loves me.  I love him, and my roses!

Picture 3.  This Biloxi Beach in Mississippi.  I was born there, but moved here to Clarksville when I was two.  I took this picture on my Iphone when we went down there for Thanksgiving this past year, 2011.

Picture 4.  My son and I looking out to the Gulf.  He loved the beach!  Also taken when we went down there for Thanksgiving.

Thing #6

"Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. You can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

I really like pinterest.  I am getting married in August, and I use pinterest to pin any ideas that I come across.  I have public boards as well as private boards.  One of my public boards is my wedding board. I browse through the wedding category and look at pictures that other people have posted that deals with weddings.  If I like it, then I will either "pin it" or "like it."  If I "pin it" then it will show up under my wedding board, if I "like it" then it will show up under all of the pictures that I liked.  On pinterest, you can have people following your board.  Which means that there is probably something on your board that they like and want to see if you post more things like it.  I love everything about pinterest.  I am always using my Iphone app and browse through the categories, mainly wedding.  I think that this site will be useful for students.  I can assign a project for my students to complete, and pinterest can give them plenty of ideas of how to start and finish the project.  Also they can make their own boards and upload their projects so other students can follow it.  I love pinterest and I do think it can be useful in a classroom.
Pinterest

Thing #5

I think that web 2.0 and school 2.0 are not just our future, I believe it's already began to take place.  When reading about 2.0, the only thing that stays in my head is the question, "How would our community even be able to survive if we lived in the Little House on the Prairie days?" The world has definitely changed over time, and we are dependent on technology.  For instance, just yesterday my cousin was at my house and was depressed mainly the whole time because he forgot his Nintendo DS at home.  If it was Laura Ingles at my house, she would have made up a game to play.  In my opinion school 2.0 does not completely mean what web 2.0 does.  I believe it just means technology.  That's it, just one word...technology.  Schools of the future will be solely dependent on technology.  I believe that classrooms will be virtual online instead of actually in a classroom.  Homework assignments will be submitted through email or even text message.  Technology will also be too easily accessed for students to cheat, and not fully understand the material.  For example, the Spell Check.  Technology may or may not be a wise thing for the future.  I think it can be a step backwards.  What do you think?

Thing #4

Commenting on other authors blogs is very important.  Blogging engages interaction between blogger authors, and draws many points and ideas aboard.  "Commenting is being a responsible blogger."  There were many important points that I came across when reading about commenting.  When commenting on a blog, you shouldn't be afraid to do it!  Even if you are new at blogging, your input can be useful.  When you do comment, add a little about yourself.  Other authors like to know what people think of what they posted, and what type of people are commenting.  By posting on other blog pages, it draws attention to your own blog.  Do not be a "death commenter." This meaning, even if you are down with happenings in your own life, that doesn't mean you need to be negative towards others.  If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all would be the best way to go about things.  However, if you must criticize, do it kindly.  Make sure to criticize in a manner that will not upset anyone, and it is just informing them your thoughts of the matter.  Another important fact about commenting that will draw attention to you is to be opened ended with questions or comments.  Also, interact with other people who have posted comments on other blogs.  It is just important to comment on other blogs all around.

The five blogs that I posted on are:
Jeffrey Doyles Blog-Thing number 8.  He used the word believe.  And I really liked that.  He said that is the one word that he wants his students leaving his classroom remembering and I think that is an amazing word for students to remember.  Students should always believe.
Amanda's 23 Things-Thing number 9.  Amanda used the smiley's holding a sign like I did.  I commented on hers because I agreed with her about the smiley's being cute.
Hope Erwin's Blog- Thing 7.  I commented on Hope's blog  because of the picture she posted.  I really liked her vintage picture of a camera.  I also really enjoyed how she introduced her blogs.  She made it seem more like her personal blog instead of an assignment.  Great job hope, I really enjoyed reading it!!
Alison Curtis- Thing number 1.  I commented on this blog because I agree with her that people should take responsibility for their own actions.
Lowen education- Thing number 8.  I commented on this blog because I liked the picture of the book mashups.  It was cute and unique.

Thing #3

Using a blog can be very useful in a classroom.  Not only for teachers but for students as well.  Blogs can be helpful for student and teacher interaction.  I plan to use blogs in my classroom to interact students with different things I might have in mind.  If there is a useful website that I would like for the students to look at, I can post it in my blog.  Homework can also be done in blogs.  Work where students read what other students have in mind and respond to their ideas.
Blogs can also be very helpful for parents of the students in the classroom.  I plan to use blogs to be available for my students parents or guardians.  This way they can see what assignments their child is working on along with the due dates.  Also if they have any questions for me or for other parents, the blog will be a quick and easy way to do that.

Thing #2

Creating my blog was not very difficult at all.  Creating my avatar and getting it to my blog is what I had the most trouble with so far. I created my avatar to look like me.  I used long brown hair like mine and dressed her in clothes that I could see myself wearing.  I created one with my same features because that is simpler for me to do than to come up with one completely different. I have used things like MySpace and Facebook plenty of times since I was younger in high school.  I consider those to be blogs.  On there I post comments about what is happening in my life, just like one would do in a blog on blogger.  

Thing #1

In the seven and a half habits, I find number 4 to be the hardest for me.  "Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner."  When I first began college courses, it wasn't too difficult to balance school and work.  Now that I am towards the end of my college career, it is becoming quite hard to focus on my school work along with work.  The assignments that are in each class are more time consuming now, and it's hard with working forty hours a week.  I become very stressed and lack confidence in myself.
Number six is the one that I find easiest. "Use technology to your advantage."  My Iphone is my number one source of technology.  I use it for everything!  I use it to check my bank account, check the weather, complete school work, occupy myself at work, and keep in touch with everyone that I need to.
In this class, I want to learn how to use technology to my fullest advantage.  I use technology as much as I can, but it still frustrates me at times though.  Like trying to create my avatar and getting it onto my blog.  I have had a difficult time getting that done correctly.  I hope to learn how to navigate through technology easier than I can now.