Thing 19

Podcasts - this is an interesting concept. I wasn't sure I would enjoy trying this "thing" out. I am more of a visual, hands-on person. I listened to a few of the podcasts, some were way too long and lost my interest in it quickly.

I found one called science in 60 seconds--perfect for me, they offer quite interesting facts or issues in less than a minute. I added this to my iTunes. http://sciam.com/podcast/sciam_podcast_i_d.xml

I love to listen to Nancy Grace from CNN. I added her to my iTunes http://cnn.com/servicespodcastin/nancygrace/rss.xml

In the classroom for those that are audio learners, this would be a great idea to help supplement their learning. I could also plan to use some of the podcast as part of an on-line activity to search for certain speaker and their momentous speeches, a type of treasure hunt, listen to others on the issues we are talking about in class. Also, the "vidcasts" could be used for further visual aids. Kids today are all about electronic devices and I'm sure they would gladly be willing to be educated while using their ipods, mp3 players, etc.

Update - I have learned through this course many new "things" and the longer I am in this course, I am learning how valuable they really are!!! Podcasts would be great to produce a cast that reiterates a lesson and students could use it as an extra study help at home while "studying".

Thing 18 - FeedJit

Thing 17

How is a wiki different from a blog? The difference of a wiki compared to a blog is that you can edit (flat out change) something that was previously typed. In a blog, you can only leave comments, not change content.

I can see this would be a great tool for assignments that students are required to work collaboratively for a group porject. If needed they can work from their respective computers and add or rearrange their content at needed.


Some problems might arise if someone has deliberately changed information that may not be correct or add something disparaging, or maybe someone may end up doing all the work (usually happens with most group work).

Idol

I was sad to see Anoop leave American Idol last night! Who's next...could it be Chris? Until next week!

Thing 13

Wow...I really liked using FlickR and Dumpr. As usual I am unaware of what is actually available for free to dress up or to add some funky designs to photos. I will definitely use these new features in the future. I also shared this with my husband and will show my DOD (dear ol'dad)how to use this also. Oh the things you can do! I can see my students using this feature for poster projects to dress up or "finish" pictures to add to a presentation, etc.

Thing 12

As with all of these cool tools I am introduced to, this has been the most interesting and easiest feat! I really like flickr and will implement it in my personal sharing of photos. In the classroom I could use this feature to illustrate pictures of each of the topics we cover in the classroom, extra help for students to viusalize content during study time or to use at home to better understand the content being studied. The best part is the ability to show off only what you want others to see! This would be a great tool to use for students to take pictures of in-class, labs, and activities and post them so that each student (their parents, other teacher can view what we have done too) to view to check out what they did in class -- great idea to share their work.

Thing 10

Again here is another modern technological advancement (Google Docs) I have never heard of let alone have used! I am very interested in learning how to create lessons, papers, business, personal projects on line...It seems it would be easier to use rather than work at home and remember to email my self the documents, I could just as easily create what I need on Google docs and have easy access at work. The only disadvantage I could forsee is the net being down at work or at home, or there may be a size compatibility, or someone may not have the office suite on their computers. I think I am going to enjoy using this feature~ I seem to still have a virus on my lap-top because Google will not let me use google docs, when I try to go to docs, a warning comes up and says I need to run spyware or a virus scan. hmmm...I will do this at work tomooorroow

Update...I did have a nasty little virus on my lap-top...from facebook...SO, i could not use the computer at all! All better now, our techie Dr's fixed it!!

Thing 8`

Thing 8 - Social Bookmarking. I have never even heard of Delicious until this class. AND, I have often wondered exactly what bookmarking actually was!!

I really like the idea that I can access any of my favorites from home, school or a library so that it cuts down on my searching after I have already spent the time to find what I need or am interested in. I have in the past either emailed myself a cool site or wrote it down and carried to or from work to home.

I guess I can also find other teachers or friends with similar interests and share any or all websites that we may find! cool concept.

American Idol 4.1.09

AI is getting exciting! The heat is on...I'm afraid for Megan tonight, she did not do so well with the Bob Marley song last night. Go go Gokey was good and ADAM (love him) was great! We are only minutes away...however, I am DVR'ing it, so I will watch it a bit late. I still am not crazy about Kara - can we boot her off :)