Adventure #23 is looking at copyright laws and creative commons. Creative commons allows you to take an idea or an image or anything else under license or copyright and remix it or "change it up." Copyright laws are so extensive that I feel, even though I am at the end of this course, I will devote other blog postings to laws that pertain to librarians and teachers.
I enjoyed every adventure. Did I learn new things? Yes; however, I felt like I was being rushed and couldn't devote enough time to adventures that I really enjoyed, like glogs! One of the other librarians taking this class thought it would be a good idea to include podcasts in the course. Why not incorporate the technology that we are learning in the course. Good idea Ms. M. Gonzalez!
This isn't the end of my blog. I am learning new technology applications that will lead to more adventures. Adventures never end; so, keep tuning in techies....................The fun is just beginning.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Adventure #22 eBooks
eBooks are becoming a fast-growing phenomenon with all the competition in eBook readers; however, as with everything else, you can invest a lot of money into purchasing the reader and the book; there are several places that I researched that provide free eBooks. These are books that are part of the public domain, books not covered under copyright laws in the United States. I found some of my favorites: Emma by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, to name a few.
There are two sites that I really like for free eBooks; one is the Gutenberg Project and the other is Many Books, found at http://www.manybooks.net. You can browse in Many Books by author, title, genre or language. Their are many different formats for download including PDF files.
Another site was mentioned, http://www.friedbeef.com. This site provides "best places to get free eBooks." However, this site was not working properly.
For elementary schools, there is a website called Tumblebook Library but you must pay for a subscription unless you can access it through a public library.
If you are interested in purchasing eBooks, you can visit The World e-Book Fair for websites.
That is all for now techies.....................
There are two sites that I really like for free eBooks; one is the Gutenberg Project and the other is Many Books, found at http://www.manybooks.net. You can browse in Many Books by author, title, genre or language. Their are many different formats for download including PDF files.
Another site was mentioned, http://www.friedbeef.com. This site provides "best places to get free eBooks." However, this site was not working properly.
For elementary schools, there is a website called Tumblebook Library but you must pay for a subscription unless you can access it through a public library.
If you are interested in purchasing eBooks, you can visit The World e-Book Fair for websites.
That is all for now techies.....................
Podcasts-A New Note
Although the definition says that podcasts are non-musical, I am finding musical podcasts. They are in MP3 format and some are downloadable, either to your podcast receiver or your computer. Interesting!!!! Thought I would share.....on to e-books!
Adventure #21 Podcasts
Podcasts are non-musical audios that are fed into embeddable players or through your RSS feeds. I signed up for an account at http://www.podbean.com/. I liked that fact that they have an embeddable player for podcasts. The embeddable player can be embedded into your blog or other website. However, what I am finding out, although I am still investigating this, is that the podcasts that embed into the player are the ones that we create, not ones that you find that are already created by someone else. I am still trying to find a way to embed podcasts that have been created by someone else but am running out of time right now.
There are many podcasts that are found in directories on topics such as current news topics, education (found one on beginning Spanish) and any other topic you could think of.
One of our librarians last year created podcasts with her students. They read books; then, they created book review podcasts. What was interesting and exciting was that Derek Landy, author of Skulduggery Pleasant, found out about her podcast and scheduled a phone interview with her students, all the way from Ireland. Kudos to Amy Marquez, librarian extraordinaire!
So, my podcasting adventure is just beginning. I will post more on this adventure at a later date. So until next time techies........
There are many podcasts that are found in directories on topics such as current news topics, education (found one on beginning Spanish) and any other topic you could think of.
One of our librarians last year created podcasts with her students. They read books; then, they created book review podcasts. What was interesting and exciting was that Derek Landy, author of Skulduggery Pleasant, found out about her podcast and scheduled a phone interview with her students, all the way from Ireland. Kudos to Amy Marquez, librarian extraordinaire!
So, my podcasting adventure is just beginning. I will post more on this adventure at a later date. So until next time techies........
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
YouTube-Adventure #20
YouTube has every kind of video imaginable. Unfortunately or fortunately, YouTube is filtered in our district. I added two videos for practice. The first one is a song by OwlCity called Fireflies. My daughter loves that song. This is a remix. What can I say, I love it too. The next video is of Roshan Taneja, an Indian Acting Professor who went to the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York with my father. He has been in the acting profession for over 45 years and is revered in India, as well as the United States.
TeacherTube is not filtered in our school district; so, I plan to view videos in TeacherTube and post one or two that I feel I could use successfully in the library. So, until next time techies......
TeacherTube is not filtered in our school district; so, I plan to view videos in TeacherTube and post one or two that I feel I could use successfully in the library. So, until next time techies......
Adventure #19-Library Thing
Library Thing, found at http://www.librarything.com, allows users to add books from their personal library to the website; thus, they can connect with other users who have similar interests. This reminds me of a world-wide book club! I added books that are my favorites (although I have many many more), and it allowed me to see who had similar libraries like mine. Maybe other librarians? Other Angel believers? There are also book reviews by users, which could prove useful for librarians.
I was able to add a Library Thing widget to my blog. You just have to go into the HTML and paste the code. Hopefully, it will update when I add more books. I will test this out tomorrow. So, until next time techies......I'm off to the pool.
I was able to add a Library Thing widget to my blog. You just have to go into the HTML and paste the code. Hopefully, it will update when I add more books. I will test this out tomorrow. So, until next time techies......I'm off to the pool.
Zoho Writer-Adventure #18
Zoho Writer, found at http://www.zohowriter.com, is a web-based tool that allows you to create online documents. This is similar to google docs. This tool allows the user to set up their page and add images, a table of contents, a table or anything else that they would normally use if they were using Microsoft Word. I think this would be especially helpful for high school students who may not have access to Word or Works at home but have access to the Internet.
I also found out, as you can see from my previous posts, that you can save a document and post it into your blog or publish it for other Zoho Writer users to see. I am off to another adventure. (This was a fast one....felt like I was just passing through but I actually went in depth with it.) Until next time techies................
I also found out, as you can see from my previous posts, that you can save a document and post it into your blog or publish it for other Zoho Writer users to see. I am off to another adventure. (This was a fast one....felt like I was just passing through but I actually went in depth with it.) Until next time techies................
Zoho Writer Part 2 -Adventure #18
It worked! You can save your documents in Zoho Writer; then, publish directly to your blog. Love it.
Zoho Writer
I am experimenting with Zoho Writer. It is similar to Google Docs. Registered users are able to create word processing pages, spreadsheets and many other items without having to have Microsoft products installed on their computers. Now, I am going to save this; then, I am going to try to post this to my blog. It has this feature, but let me see if I can get it to work. More on Zoho Writer later.......
Adventure #17 Wikis Revisited
For this adventure, I was asked to look at other wiki websites. Then, I was asked to play in the ESC1 wiki's sandbox. I really didn't enjoy playing in the sandbox. The sandbox is an area where you can add things for fun, I guess so that you will become comfortable with working inside a wiki. To each his own.
What I did enjoy, however, was looking at other wiki websites. The one I really liked is a California Curriculum Connections wiki found at http://calcurriculum.pbworks.com. This provided me with a lot of ideas for wiki use.
Wikis could be used as a place for librarians to help each other (within a school district), especially new ones. In fact, I think I am going to start one, let the librarians know about it, and see where it goes. Librarians could also collaborate on creating standard documents to be used in all elementary or secondary libraries. Library uses: Scavenger hunts, genre study, technology wiki for teachers and students, book discussions....and the list could go on and on.
Another wiki I enjoyed was the TeacherLibrarian wiki found at http://teacherlibrarian.pbworks.com. Okay, enough of wikis. I am ready to move on to web-based tools. So, until next time techies.
What I did enjoy, however, was looking at other wiki websites. The one I really liked is a California Curriculum Connections wiki found at http://calcurriculum.pbworks.com. This provided me with a lot of ideas for wiki use.
Wikis could be used as a place for librarians to help each other (within a school district), especially new ones. In fact, I think I am going to start one, let the librarians know about it, and see where it goes. Librarians could also collaborate on creating standard documents to be used in all elementary or secondary libraries. Library uses: Scavenger hunts, genre study, technology wiki for teachers and students, book discussions....and the list could go on and on.
Another wiki I enjoyed was the TeacherLibrarian wiki found at http://teacherlibrarian.pbworks.com. Okay, enough of wikis. I am ready to move on to web-based tools. So, until next time techies.
Adventure #16 Wikis
I am trying to complete my 23 adventures by Sunday, my deadline.......scary thought; however, I have been inundated (don't you just love big words?) with a lot of other technology woes. I just found out yesterday that I would be getting a new circulation system for the library. It isn't hard to do, but when you haven't had any formal training, you need time to "play around" with it. I also created a website for my husband and his friend. (They have a cover-band) I have been learning about domain names and google analytics. So, even though I haven't been solely concentrating on the 23 adventures, I have been venturing out into uncharted territory. Okay, enough dramatics!
Some of these adventures tend to overlap; so, I hope I don't repeat myself. Wikis are collaborative websites that allow users to add, delete and edit content created by any of the registered users.The wiki website that I researched is PBworks, found at http://www.pbworks.com/. The PB wiki is an easy to use wiki for elementary school implementation. In addition, the teacher can sign up as many as 100 students under him/her without the students needing email addresses.
4th graders, in Texas, are tested in writing; so, this would be a good tool for editing and peer feedback. This would also be a good resource for story writing across grades, as well as collaborative research projects. I can envision a state or country project!
PBworks is not filtered in our district which is a plus. I am just hoping that I can get the teachers to jump on the PBworks wagon with me. If not, then I will set up one for the library for an on-going research project....maybe a road trip! Who doesn't like road trips?
Better venture on. The next adventure is the same as this one: Wikis. So, wait a few minutes and come back. There will be another entry.
If you want to see my website creation, go to http://www.lostintimergv.com/. Sounds like I'm promoting right? Until next time, techies....
Some of these adventures tend to overlap; so, I hope I don't repeat myself. Wikis are collaborative websites that allow users to add, delete and edit content created by any of the registered users.The wiki website that I researched is PBworks, found at http://www.pbworks.com/. The PB wiki is an easy to use wiki for elementary school implementation. In addition, the teacher can sign up as many as 100 students under him/her without the students needing email addresses.
4th graders, in Texas, are tested in writing; so, this would be a good tool for editing and peer feedback. This would also be a good resource for story writing across grades, as well as collaborative research projects. I can envision a state or country project!
PBworks is not filtered in our district which is a plus. I am just hoping that I can get the teachers to jump on the PBworks wagon with me. If not, then I will set up one for the library for an on-going research project....maybe a road trip! Who doesn't like road trips?
Better venture on. The next adventure is the same as this one: Wikis. So, wait a few minutes and come back. There will be another entry.
If you want to see my website creation, go to http://www.lostintimergv.com/. Sounds like I'm promoting right? Until next time, techies....
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Library 2.0-Adventure #15
Do you remember when you started Kindergarten? You may have only known some of your colors or some of your numbers, but it was okay. Kindergarten was a learning year. Now, however, kindergarten is the new 1st grade. Students are required, in kindergarten, to perform on their first day.
What does this have to do with Library 2.0? Let's first look at 21st century learning. 21st century skills are being introduced at an early age. Students are being asked to work in groups to solve problems, while building on each other's thinking; they are being asked to use critical thinking skills to share their work in a variety of ways, usually involving technology. 21st century learning is necessary in order to compete in an ever evolving technological society. It is also necessary, in my opinion, to start the 21st century learning process in elementary school.
Library 2.0, which is based on Web 2.0 tools, incorporates 21st century learning. Therefore, Library 2.0 tools need to be in place in order to facilitate the learning process. Can public school libraries provide a complete Library 2.0 setting? No. School libraries, with their money woes, lack the necessary funding and must use free technology. In addition, a school librarian's time is limited, especially when the librarian is on a fixed schedule and only has a maximum of 15 minutes of instruction time.
So, public libraries are jumping on the Library 2.0 bandwagon, with good reason. Public libraries are providing what school libraries can't: one-button commands, easy to use programs and services that require little or no training and available personnel that can work on a one-to-one basis if necessary. Does that mean that school libraries are off the hook? No. We are still responsible for 21st century learning, and once again, 21st century learning requries a 2.0 Library.
That is where Web 2.0 tools play in, for there are many free tools that school libraries can use to help students begin their 21st century journey. Wikis, blogs, glogs and other collaboration tools are readily available to school librarians if they are willing to invest a little time into learning what is actually out there.
Michael Stephens in his article "Into a New World of Librarianship" published in the OCLC newsletter summed up Library 2.0 nicely when he said that libraries must meet the needs of its patrons by allowing "users access wherever they are." How can students be expected to develop 21st century skills if they don't have access to the necessary tools?
So, a 2.0 library is what we all should be striving for; otherwise, our students will always be one step behind.
What does this have to do with Library 2.0? Let's first look at 21st century learning. 21st century skills are being introduced at an early age. Students are being asked to work in groups to solve problems, while building on each other's thinking; they are being asked to use critical thinking skills to share their work in a variety of ways, usually involving technology. 21st century learning is necessary in order to compete in an ever evolving technological society. It is also necessary, in my opinion, to start the 21st century learning process in elementary school.
Library 2.0, which is based on Web 2.0 tools, incorporates 21st century learning. Therefore, Library 2.0 tools need to be in place in order to facilitate the learning process. Can public school libraries provide a complete Library 2.0 setting? No. School libraries, with their money woes, lack the necessary funding and must use free technology. In addition, a school librarian's time is limited, especially when the librarian is on a fixed schedule and only has a maximum of 15 minutes of instruction time.
So, public libraries are jumping on the Library 2.0 bandwagon, with good reason. Public libraries are providing what school libraries can't: one-button commands, easy to use programs and services that require little or no training and available personnel that can work on a one-to-one basis if necessary. Does that mean that school libraries are off the hook? No. We are still responsible for 21st century learning, and once again, 21st century learning requries a 2.0 Library.
That is where Web 2.0 tools play in, for there are many free tools that school libraries can use to help students begin their 21st century journey. Wikis, blogs, glogs and other collaboration tools are readily available to school librarians if they are willing to invest a little time into learning what is actually out there.
Michael Stephens in his article "Into a New World of Librarianship" published in the OCLC newsletter summed up Library 2.0 nicely when he said that libraries must meet the needs of its patrons by allowing "users access wherever they are." How can students be expected to develop 21st century skills if they don't have access to the necessary tools?
So, a 2.0 library is what we all should be striving for; otherwise, our students will always be one step behind.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Technorati-Adventure #14
Technorati, found at http://technorati.com, is a website phenomenon that is transforming the blogging world and making it more accessible. Technorati uses tags like education, technology, web 2.0, to help bloggers or blog readers find entries that suit their reading interests.
Do I think that elementary school teachers would be interested in using Technorati? I doubt it. The reasoning behind my assumption: Time constraints. Elementary school teachers have a hard enough time keeping up with all the TAKS-related information that they have to assimilate. State testing in Texas seems to consume most of the teacher's time, whether at the elementary or high school level.
School librarians do not have the luxury of time either. Summer would seem to be the only time that librarians would be able to search Technorati for interesting blog postings.
Do I think Technorati is worth looking into? Definitely! I didn't even know Technorati existed until this Web 2.0 class; I believe it is worth introducing to the teachers/librarians; then, when they have free time (Insert big smile here!) they can explore the site on their own.
Technorati also lets you "claim your blog." When you submit your blog to Technorati, they will evaluate it to see if it is worth being included in Technorati's blog search. You have to remember, however, to include tags at the bottom of each post. (I just saw the area for labels at the bottom of this post-big Duh for me!) I guess better late than never.
So, until next time techies.....I will keep you posted on my blog claim.
Do I think that elementary school teachers would be interested in using Technorati? I doubt it. The reasoning behind my assumption: Time constraints. Elementary school teachers have a hard enough time keeping up with all the TAKS-related information that they have to assimilate. State testing in Texas seems to consume most of the teacher's time, whether at the elementary or high school level.
School librarians do not have the luxury of time either. Summer would seem to be the only time that librarians would be able to search Technorati for interesting blog postings.
Do I think Technorati is worth looking into? Definitely! I didn't even know Technorati existed until this Web 2.0 class; I believe it is worth introducing to the teachers/librarians; then, when they have free time (Insert big smile here!) they can explore the site on their own.
Technorati also lets you "claim your blog." When you submit your blog to Technorati, they will evaluate it to see if it is worth being included in Technorati's blog search. You have to remember, however, to include tags at the bottom of each post. (I just saw the area for labels at the bottom of this post-big Duh for me!) I guess better late than never.
So, until next time techies.....I will keep you posted on my blog claim.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Social Bookmarking Sites-Adventure #13
Delicious, found at http://delicious.com, is just one Social Bookmarking site that allows you to save your favorite websites in an organized, portable way. I had already signed up for Delicious before this adventure began because these adventures tend to overlap each other. However, I was introduced to another Social Bookmarking site that I like even better. It is called Diigo and can be found at http://www.diigo.com. What I like about Diigo is that you can link it to your Delicious account as well as your blog. So, right now, my new bookmarks for Diigo are also saved in Delicious. You can also see that I linked Diigo to my blog; so, if I find an interesting website that I need to share, I can send it directly to my blog. (see post before this one.)
Bookmarking sites are important for teachers and librarians because websites can be shared with students and colleagues in a portable way. The student or teacher doesn't have to be on the computer that the sites were saved on. Diigo also has an account especially designed for teachers which will allow their students to also use the site under their teacher's account without having an email address (important for elementary students more so than with high school students.)
Diigo has many other features that would not only help teachers but help students organize research materials found on the internet and then take the research materials to any computer. Diigo's toolbar allows the user to highlight information found in an article, capture the whole article and then send it to other users if needed.
I did find out that you have to go to View: Toolbars: Diigo each time you open your browser, but that is not really a problem. You just have to remember to do this.
Sounds like I am sold on Diigo, right? I think it will help librarians and teachers become more organized. Believe me, if you see my list of favorites on my computer, you would know what I mean. What a mess!! Social Bookmarking sites allow you to add Tags to help you find websites that have a common theme; this is what helps with organization. You can not do that with your traditional favorites bookmarking on your computer.
Each of these adventures have really been eye-openers for me; however, they are time-consuming. I am having fun though. I would encourage technology buffs to go on their own adventure but at a slower pace. Until next time techies........
Bookmarking sites are important for teachers and librarians because websites can be shared with students and colleagues in a portable way. The student or teacher doesn't have to be on the computer that the sites were saved on. Diigo also has an account especially designed for teachers which will allow their students to also use the site under their teacher's account without having an email address (important for elementary students more so than with high school students.)
Diigo has many other features that would not only help teachers but help students organize research materials found on the internet and then take the research materials to any computer. Diigo's toolbar allows the user to highlight information found in an article, capture the whole article and then send it to other users if needed.
I did find out that you have to go to View: Toolbars: Diigo each time you open your browser, but that is not really a problem. You just have to remember to do this.
Sounds like I am sold on Diigo, right? I think it will help librarians and teachers become more organized. Believe me, if you see my list of favorites on my computer, you would know what I mean. What a mess!! Social Bookmarking sites allow you to add Tags to help you find websites that have a common theme; this is what helps with organization. You can not do that with your traditional favorites bookmarking on your computer.
Each of these adventures have really been eye-openers for me; however, they are time-consuming. I am having fun though. I would encourage technology buffs to go on their own adventure but at a slower pace. Until next time techies........
Education World® : Special Theme: Children's Book Week
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Rollyo-Adventure #12
I have been "playing around" with Rollyo for about 3 hours. Rollyo is a site that allows you to create your own search tool using the websites that you frequently use. You can find Rollyo at http://www.rollyo.com/. I thought I would create one using websites that I have on my favorites list. All of the websites are connected to books and lesson plans for elementary school libraries. I didn't add a lot of websites but am assuming that I can go back and edit. (need to check on that)
I first went to: Add a gadget on my blog so that I could add the search box on the side. Do not click on "Search Box." That is a search box that Blogger provides. Instead, Click on "HTML/JAVA Script and paste the code that is provided from Rollyo. That will add your search box to the side or wherever you want the gadget. Just for fun, type in "shape books" and see what comes up.
It was fun creating my own search tool. I think it would be fun to create science websites for the teachers to search in or now that a social studies test is being added to 5th grade.........endless possibilities!
This adventure is not over. I am hoping to continue this adventure tomorrow. So until then techies and librarians and friends and foe....... (sorry, my husband has been reading Hulk comic books, but that's another story!)
I first went to: Add a gadget on my blog so that I could add the search box on the side. Do not click on "Search Box." That is a search box that Blogger provides. Instead, Click on "HTML/JAVA Script and paste the code that is provided from Rollyo. That will add your search box to the side or wherever you want the gadget. Just for fun, type in "shape books" and see what comes up.
It was fun creating my own search tool. I think it would be fun to create science websites for the teachers to search in or now that a social studies test is being added to 5th grade.........endless possibilities!
This adventure is not over. I am hoping to continue this adventure tomorrow. So until then techies and librarians and friends and foe....... (sorry, my husband has been reading Hulk comic books, but that's another story!)
Friday, July 9, 2010
Adventure #11-Web 2.0 Tools
This assignment said to choose only one to explore. Didn't happen!! Who could choose just one? What are Web 2.0 tools? Actually, they are just categorized websites that have been ranked or thought to be the best in their category. There are many websites. However, here is a link to the "short" list of websites which is alittle more manageable. "Alittle" http://www.seomoz.org/web2.0/short
I chose to explore four websites in detail. Of course, the websites I chose still need to be explored further. Talk about a technology rush!! The first one, for personal use, was My Heritage. This is a free geneaology site where you can start your family tree. You can find it at http://www.myheritage.com. This site is very easy to use but more for personal use than for school use.
The second one I chose was Wufoo. This can be found at http://www.wufoo.com. This is an online form creator. I created a form with it previously, but noone chose to fill it out for me. Boo Hoo! The only thing about Wufoo that I didn't like was that if you are using it for free, you can only create 3 forms per month. I can think of a lot of online forms to create for my library students. Teachers would be able to use this, however, because they probably wouldn't be able to create more than 3 forms anyway since their time is limited for extra "fun" things.
The third tool I chose was delicious. Delicious, which can be found at http://delicious.com is an online bookmarking site. Anything you find of interest on the internet can be saved on delicious for easy access later. Delicious also has internet lists already made. For example, in the search box, I typed in Elementary Library Lesson Plans, and a list of websites had already been created. Delicious is sponsored by Yahoo. I think the teachers would be able to use delicious for saving their searches for projects. High School students would also be able to benefit from this site.
The last tool I chose was pbworks. Pbworks is a shared workspace where students can collaborate on assignments. You can find it at http://www.pbworks.com The free version allows the teacher or librarian to host 100 students under her/him. What I liked about this tool was that the students do not need email addresses. Teachers or librarians can create the accounts under their account.
There are so many tools out there to use. I plan to expose the teachers to what is available and use some of the sites myself; however, sometimes, there is just too too much out there. Not complaining; however, in the real world of elementary teachers, you just do not have enough free time to leisurely "play around" with a Web 2.0 tool in order to feel comfortable enough to use it with your class.
That's just my two-cents worth. (okay, with inflation, probably less!) So, I am off to another adventure. So, techies................until next time. I am dying to post another glog....they are so much fun.
I chose to explore four websites in detail. Of course, the websites I chose still need to be explored further. Talk about a technology rush!! The first one, for personal use, was My Heritage. This is a free geneaology site where you can start your family tree. You can find it at http://www.myheritage.com. This site is very easy to use but more for personal use than for school use.
The second one I chose was Wufoo. This can be found at http://www.wufoo.com. This is an online form creator. I created a form with it previously, but noone chose to fill it out for me. Boo Hoo! The only thing about Wufoo that I didn't like was that if you are using it for free, you can only create 3 forms per month. I can think of a lot of online forms to create for my library students. Teachers would be able to use this, however, because they probably wouldn't be able to create more than 3 forms anyway since their time is limited for extra "fun" things.
The third tool I chose was delicious. Delicious, which can be found at http://delicious.com is an online bookmarking site. Anything you find of interest on the internet can be saved on delicious for easy access later. Delicious also has internet lists already made. For example, in the search box, I typed in Elementary Library Lesson Plans, and a list of websites had already been created. Delicious is sponsored by Yahoo. I think the teachers would be able to use delicious for saving their searches for projects. High School students would also be able to benefit from this site.
The last tool I chose was pbworks. Pbworks is a shared workspace where students can collaborate on assignments. You can find it at http://www.pbworks.com The free version allows the teacher or librarian to host 100 students under her/him. What I liked about this tool was that the students do not need email addresses. Teachers or librarians can create the accounts under their account.
There are so many tools out there to use. I plan to expose the teachers to what is available and use some of the sites myself; however, sometimes, there is just too too much out there. Not complaining; however, in the real world of elementary teachers, you just do not have enough free time to leisurely "play around" with a Web 2.0 tool in order to feel comfortable enough to use it with your class.
That's just my two-cents worth. (okay, with inflation, probably less!) So, I am off to another adventure. So, techies................until next time. I am dying to post another glog....they are so much fun.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Glogster for educators
I am backtracking to Glogster. I researched Glogster for educators and found it to be a worthwhile tool for use with elementary students. Glogster, as previously stated, is an online poster creator. The educator's version allows a teacher, or in this case a librarian, to create an account with 100 students having access to it under the teacher/librarian account. A glog was created by a teacher giving you more information on how to use and make glogs. It can be found at http://momtom.edu.glogster.com/all-about-glogster/ I was going to place the glog on this blog but wasn't sure about copyright laws. Can you tell that this is my new favorite adventure? Okay, back to Web 2.0 tools. Believe me, there are a lot of those, even on the short list. :)
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Adventure #11-Web 2.0 The Best of the Best
I am just beginning to explore the Best of the Best Web 2.0 tools. Here is one that I created using WUFOO which is an online form creator. Check out my form, and fill it out when you have a chance. Then, I will post the results and how I obtained them.
http://angelfox.wufoo.com/forms/how-is-tyran-doing/
http://angelfox.wufoo.com/forms/how-is-tyran-doing/
Adventure #10-Online Image Generators
Stay tuned!! I am reading about glogster for educators. Sounds interesting. Okay, obviously, I am still hooked on glogster and want to find a way to incorporate it into the library. Until I learn more, tech fans.......
Friday, July 2, 2010
Adventure #10-Online Image Generators
I fell in love with Glogster. It is a lot like creating a blog but in poster form, and you can be more creative with it. I posted one that I created today. You can also visit my page at http://angelscaughtreading.glogster.com to see my glog page. I would really love to see my elementary students (primarily 5th grade) use this; however, I think I am dreaming! High School would definitely enjoy this. Why did they have to make all these technology wonders after I have grown up? or maybe I haven't grown up if I am enjoying these generators so much. :)
ImageChef.com is also great. I believe I could you this site in the library to highlight the student's accomplishments in reading or for the student to create an image for a project.
I spent time on the other image generators, but when I found glogster, the others took a backseat. I love being creative. I know the students do too; they just are not given enough time to be creative with all of the testing that is going on in school. Boo!!
So, as a librarian, whether I am in elementary next year again or at the high school (that is another story) I plan to introduce glogster in some way. With my luck, it will be filtered, and I won't be able to use it.
I am not finished with the image generators and plan to revisit them later. So, my technology buffs, until next time, visit glogster to view other glogs. You may be glogging instead of blogging!!
ImageChef.com is also great. I believe I could you this site in the library to highlight the student's accomplishments in reading or for the student to create an image for a project.
I spent time on the other image generators, but when I found glogster, the others took a backseat. I love being creative. I know the students do too; they just are not given enough time to be creative with all of the testing that is going on in school. Boo!!
So, as a librarian, whether I am in elementary next year again or at the high school (that is another story) I plan to introduce glogster in some way. With my luck, it will be filtered, and I won't be able to use it.
I am not finished with the image generators and plan to revisit them later. So, my technology buffs, until next time, visit glogster to view other glogs. You may be glogging instead of blogging!!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Adventure #9-Locating a Few Useful Library Blogs
I don't want to sound like I'm not having fun with RSS feeds, but at the moment, I feel like there is too much information out there to explore. In my opinion, there are too many places to explore. Who really has time? (Even in the summer?) I previewed the sites that were recommended, such as Topix.net, Technorati and a multitude of others; confusing? No; time-consuming? Yes!
Topix.net is basically your local newspaper or the news in your area on the web. I read the newspaper everyday; so, for me, this was worthless; for others, this would probably be worth the feed. I liked the edublogs link that took me to the top websites. I was even able to link one through my google reader to my blog. So, that was cool; however, there is so much out there on the web that after awhile, you can have access to too much information. Some may disagree, which is okay with me. Again, it is that two-edged sword that keeps popping up.
What I think is interesting is the way, when viewing my blog, you can click on Next blog at the top of the blog site to see other blogs. Most are just family related blogs with family pictures, but once in awhile, you will come across an unusual one.
As a librarian, will any of this help me? Some will, some won't. It is a matter of just devoting time to RSS feeds. I am aware of the symbol, though, that alerts me to the feed capability. (see symbols above) So, if I find anything useful in my future adventures, I can add the feed to one of my accounts or to my blog feed. So, as of right now, I will not be adding any more RSS feeds to any of my readers. I am anxious to move on to a new adventure. So, until next time.....
Monday, June 21, 2010
Technology Adventures Off the Beaten Path
My husband found two new technology gadgets that I thought you would be interested in. Not really for education but for personal use (due to copyright laws). One is an internet radio. Some of the best radio stations are internet-based, very few commercials (if any) and a wide variety of music genres available. You can have these streamed to an internet radio through a wireless connection. Go to http://www.gracedigitalaudio.com/ to check out this amazing discovery. The other gadget is a wireless transmitter for movies. You can check out this gadget at http://www.roku.com/. If you like to stream movies (play-it-now movies) from your Netflix account or rent movies from amazon.com, this device, once connected to your television or DVD player, will allow you to stream through a wireless connection to your television. If you have any questions about these products, you can leave a comment or email me. Until next time, technology buffs. :)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Adventure #8-RSS Feeds and Readers
What would make a constant web-based reader happy? A reader of news; a reader of blogs; a reader of technology bytes; the answer, though not clear-cut, would be a place to consolidate all of your web-based reading materials into one site, therefore providing easy access. Web-based readers provide the means to which you can have easy access to all your important up-to-date reading material.
There are two readers that I researched. The first one was Google Reader; the second one was Bloglines found at bloglines.com. I really didn't care for Google Reader as much as I did for Bloglines. Bloglines, I felt, was easier to use. It even allowed me to add RSS feeds and blogs to my blog for others to read.
According to the 23 things website, an RSS ("Really Simple Syndication") feed is a "file format for delivering regularly updated information over the web." These feeds are fed (no pun intended) to your reader, whether you choose Google reader or Bloglines.
Whether you are in education or not, this is truly a time-saver. Sometimes the internet can really bog you down with information, but the readers and RSS feeds will help streamline your information and only give you what you want.
I don't know if my teachers in elementary school would be receptive to this because they are bogged down enough with paperwork. I think if I research the different news and blogs in more depth, I may be able to find something that they could use. Students in elementary school would not find much use for this; however, this is just my opinion. So, my followers, if you are reading this blog, you are a web-based reader and need to check out both Google Reader and Bloglines. I am puttng my money on Bloglines. (well if I had any money!) Until next time...Read on!
There are two readers that I researched. The first one was Google Reader; the second one was Bloglines found at bloglines.com. I really didn't care for Google Reader as much as I did for Bloglines. Bloglines, I felt, was easier to use. It even allowed me to add RSS feeds and blogs to my blog for others to read.
According to the 23 things website, an RSS ("Really Simple Syndication") feed is a "file format for delivering regularly updated information over the web." These feeds are fed (no pun intended) to your reader, whether you choose Google reader or Bloglines.
Whether you are in education or not, this is truly a time-saver. Sometimes the internet can really bog you down with information, but the readers and RSS feeds will help streamline your information and only give you what you want.
I don't know if my teachers in elementary school would be receptive to this because they are bogged down enough with paperwork. I think if I research the different news and blogs in more depth, I may be able to find something that they could use. Students in elementary school would not find much use for this; however, this is just my opinion. So, my followers, if you are reading this blog, you are a web-based reader and need to check out both Google Reader and Bloglines. I am puttng my money on Bloglines. (well if I had any money!) Until next time...Read on!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Adventure #7 Technology Applications
There was an article in the American Federation of Teachers magazine today. It talked about how there has been research conducted on multi-tasking and whether students can actually do a good job when multi-tasking. The research said "no." This leads to the subject of technology and whether it will really enhance learning in the classroom. Although every student is different, most students will like the new technology being used in the classroom; however, this technology will not necessarily enhance learning. Our minds can only process so much information at a time, and by overloading it with too much technology at one time, it can shut down and become confused.
So, there are pros and cons to technology in the classroom. You can't say, "What am I going to do with my smart board in my classroom?" but rather "How can I enhance my lesson on verbs with my smart board?" I thought this was an interesting article because we just assume that all students need new technology in the classroom or they won't learn. Yes, technology is our present and future, but we need to be more selective when using it and not just use it because it is there and we feel we "have to."
I know a teacher on my campus who isn't into all the new technology gadgets, and she is just as effective in getting her students to learn; so, again, technology is a two-edged sword. So, watch out! You might just cut yourself. Until next time....in about two minutes. :)
So, there are pros and cons to technology in the classroom. You can't say, "What am I going to do with my smart board in my classroom?" but rather "How can I enhance my lesson on verbs with my smart board?" I thought this was an interesting article because we just assume that all students need new technology in the classroom or they won't learn. Yes, technology is our present and future, but we need to be more selective when using it and not just use it because it is there and we feel we "have to."
I know a teacher on my campus who isn't into all the new technology gadgets, and she is just as effective in getting her students to learn; so, again, technology is a two-edged sword. So, watch out! You might just cut yourself. Until next time....in about two minutes. :)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Adventure #7 Google Applications
Who would have thought that Google had so many applications!! No, Google is not just for searching, although that is what it is known for. Google, of course, has an email application; however, it also has something that I feel will be beneficial to the teachers. It is called Google Docs; this application allows you to create documents and save them for personal use or for public display. It also allows you to upload documents that you have already created. Teachers have turned to pin drives, but this will allow them a little more freedom. They can open up their documents anywhere, anytime. How convenient is that? Rhetorical question, of course! :)
I am still exploring a program for uploading photos called Picasa, as well as Google Reader which allows you to receive articles on topics of interest. Right now, I have articles on North Carolina Lighthouses and How Stuff Works being fed to my account. I will follow up on this later and let you know if it is worth the hassle of setting it up. (Okay, I am sure it will be!)
One other Google application sounded interesting. It is called Google Alerts. This will send email alerts to you on topics of your choice as well. I am having librarian articles and celebrity deaths sent to my email. This may bog down my email with too many articles; so, I will see if this would be something that the teachers on my campus could use. Like they don't have anything else to do!
Since I am in an elementary school, the only thing I think the students could use would be the google docs. Still an interesting find: Google Applications. I am just beginning my quest with google; so, until next time my sweet followers.
I am still exploring a program for uploading photos called Picasa, as well as Google Reader which allows you to receive articles on topics of interest. Right now, I have articles on North Carolina Lighthouses and How Stuff Works being fed to my account. I will follow up on this later and let you know if it is worth the hassle of setting it up. (Okay, I am sure it will be!)
One other Google application sounded interesting. It is called Google Alerts. This will send email alerts to you on topics of your choice as well. I am having librarian articles and celebrity deaths sent to my email. This may bog down my email with too many articles; so, I will see if this would be something that the teachers on my campus could use. Like they don't have anything else to do!
Since I am in an elementary school, the only thing I think the students could use would be the google docs. Still an interesting find: Google Applications. I am just beginning my quest with google; so, until next time my sweet followers.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Adventure #6-Mashups Continued
Okay, I am hooked on bighugelabs.com! Here, I framed my 2nd grade group picture from Oxnard Street School in North Hollywood, California.
Adventure #6-Mashups Continued
Still having fun with bighugelabs.com!! Motivational posters and cartoon captions. What fun! Oh the possibilities!
Adventure #6-Mashups
Bighugelabs.com offers ways for you to use pictures found in flickr or your own photographs to create magazine covers, trading cards, slideshows as well as a multitude of other mashups (two programs combined for added fun and variety!) I am having fun with this website; I can see myself using this program in the library to enhance research projects, thus making them more appealing to the younger students. I have noticed that creativity has been stifled in school due to the onslaught of testing; so, this program would help bring creativity back, at least in the library. I am just beginning my adventure with this program; so, I will be posting more later. I did create a magazine cover that students could create for any animal that they were researching. So, until next time.......
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Flickr Adventure Continued-Adventure #5
I uploaded a picture to Flickr, one that I didn't mind being public. I am not in my library this summer; so, I just uploaded one from my personal collection. I tagged it; however, I could not find it in the creative commons. I am not enjoying the Flickr adventure very much. I enjoy looking at some of the other posted photos, but again, I do not think I would use this very much.
The next adventure, however, which includes a website called bighugelabs.com, will be more exciting because you get to "mash-up pictures-change them in some way, create motivational posters, etc. So, I am tired of Flickr for now. That is not to say that I won't revisit it. I just want to move on to changing up photos and making my own creations. So until next time..Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars (Oh wait, that is not my saying..it belongs to Casey Kasem) :)
The next adventure, however, which includes a website called bighugelabs.com, will be more exciting because you get to "mash-up pictures-change them in some way, create motivational posters, etc. So, I am tired of Flickr for now. That is not to say that I won't revisit it. I just want to move on to changing up photos and making my own creations. So until next time..Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars (Oh wait, that is not my saying..it belongs to Casey Kasem) :)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Flickr Adventure Continued-Adventure #5
I am continuing my Flickr adventure. I learned about the different groups that are found on Flickr. I searched for library and librarian groups but didn't find any that I felt were beneficial to me. I learned how to link my blog to Flickr which was very easy. (I think I was just fighting it yesterday) I was able to post a picture that someone else uploaded; so, I am on my way with Flickr. I still don't know if I would use it within a school setting; however, on a personal level, it could prove to be useful. I will post more about it later. On another note, I was able to modify the comments section. Anyone may post a comment; however, it has to be moderated by me first. How cool is that.... Until next time.
Flickr Blogging Tool-Still Adventure #5
This is a picture of The Griffith Park fire that I found on Flickr. It was uploaded by Atwater Village Newbie back in May of 2007.
Flickr-thing #5 (renaming adventure #5)
I hate calling these posts "things." So, I am renaming them adventures! Flickr has been an adventure. Flickr is a site that allows you to post photos while also allowing you to view other poster's photos; although I am sure uploading photos is easy, the problem comes in with Creative Commons. There are many different Creative Commons categories. Some photos that others have posted can be used as is or remixed; some have to be used as is; some can not be used without written consent. Etc. Etc. Blah Blah Blah. Just kidding about the Blah Blah Blah part. I am just a little frustrated. I would not use this site with elementary school students. Now, I know why it is blocked in our district. (Some pictures are not age-appropriate)
I was excited to do a keyword search (tag search) on Griffith Park (my favorite childhood park in North Hollywood). Many photos were posted; even one showing the creeks that run through the park. Could I use these in an educational setting? No, but I enjoyed them none the less.
So, my adventure continues with flickr today. I will not be defeated! I will post more later today, after my pool school class is over. Until next time.
I was excited to do a keyword search (tag search) on Griffith Park (my favorite childhood park in North Hollywood). Many photos were posted; even one showing the creeks that run through the park. Could I use these in an educational setting? No, but I enjoyed them none the less.
So, my adventure continues with flickr today. I will not be defeated! I will post more later today, after my pool school class is over. Until next time.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
I Sent My Registration E-Mail-Thing #4
I sent my registration email; so, I am hoping I will get followers. I may need to tell my facebook family to view my blog so that I can get constructive feedback. So far, this has been fun. There is so much you can do with technology; I also love to write. So, this will be my outlet this summer: to post what I am learning, as well as add a few extra snipets of information. For those who are not taking this class, you can create an easy to manage blog with blogspot and you can create your avatar using avatars.yahoo.com Until next time (which may be later today)
Avatars-Thing #3
Avatars are fun to create; however, there were so many options to choose from. I know this doesn't look exactly like me, but I can dream, can't I? I do have green eyes, I did live in North Hollywood and I love books. The rest, I am working on. :) It wasn't hard to add the avatar to the blog. The instructions were clear-cut. HTML code is not scary, I repeat not scary; so, don't be afraid to cut and paste. Now, I need to register my blog so that I can gain followers. Until next time...Aloha. (My library clerk is in Hawaii right now and I am jealous!)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Avatars and Flickr
Well, I thought I would be able to add my avatar from school; however, the website is blocked as well as Flickr; so, I will have to wait until I get home. This may be a problem if I want students to make avatars during the next school year. So, I will have to look into having these sites unblocked if they are age-appropriate. Be on the look-out for my avatar. Until next time.
Lifelong Learning (thing#2)
There are 7 1/2 habits to follow that will help create a lifelong learner. These habits are ideas that should be instilled in us from childhood experiences; however, some children may not have had the nurturing needed to create "good habits" over "bad habits." As I learned in the tutorial, you are never too old or too young :) to learn new things. You just have to open yourself up to the challenge and not view it as an obstacle.
I believe sometimes our goals are too lofty. We don't have a clear end in mind, and we get bogged down on what we never finished; so, I believe that goals are very important as long as you have the end in mind. What is it exactly that you want to do? You must be exact in your thinking.
I personally am not afraid of technology. I love technology; so, that opens me up to new challenges. My problem, however, is not wanting to ask for help from others. So, that is a habit that I must change. (People must be added to my toolbox of resources!)
So, until next time. Now, I have to figure out how to place an avatar on this blog!!
I believe sometimes our goals are too lofty. We don't have a clear end in mind, and we get bogged down on what we never finished; so, I believe that goals are very important as long as you have the end in mind. What is it exactly that you want to do? You must be exact in your thinking.
I personally am not afraid of technology. I love technology; so, that opens me up to new challenges. My problem, however, is not wanting to ask for help from others. So, that is a habit that I must change. (People must be added to my toolbox of resources!)
So, until next time. Now, I have to figure out how to place an avatar on this blog!!
What I Anticipate From this Workshop-(thing#1)
I have been introduced to some of the 23 "things" that I will learn in this summer workshop; however, sometimes it is hard to find time to apply them to real life learning in the library setting. This workshop will ensure that I become comfortable with each technology application so that they will be effectively used when school resumes in August.
Learning 2.0: 23 Things-(Thing#1)
You are viewing my first entry of many. This blog was created to inspire me as well as my readers so that we can embark on a journey together into the world of technology! Do I know everything? No, but that is what makes it fun, for it is never to late to learn new ideas.
Technology is here to stay; with each new class of students comes new challenges and adventures; so, LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
Technology is here to stay; with each new class of students comes new challenges and adventures; so, LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
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