One Last Thing...

I really enjoyed working and playing my way through the 23Things.  It is a great way to see what's out there.  I NEVER would have happened onto even a tiny fraction of the great tools and resources were it not for this activity.  I can't really say what my favorite discoveries are at this point--because there were so many!  I found so many things that I'll be using in the future, and, more importantly, I realize how important it is for me to teach my students how to use these tools and resources.  I really feel that many of my standards can be taught in an improved way by incorporating what I have learned.  The only suggestion I would make is to give students more time to complete the 23 Things.  To complete all 23+ in a meaningful way is a daunting task for students who are working/teaching, taking other classes, and taking care of family.  I look forward to sharing with my colleagues. I also know that I need and want to take a technology class more often than every 8 years or so!!!

Thing #23: Oh, happy me!

Under Credits credit is given to the original 2.0-23 Things and another adaptation of this original, and it is stated within these credits that it is being used with permission under a Creative Commons License.  I think that I remember seeing somewhere else (or possibly several places) that the 2.0-23 Things was based on someone's 43 Things.  ( Or, maybe I'm just delirious.)  Rather than continuing with my horrible attempt at paraphrasing, here are the actual credits copied from the blog:  

Learning 2.0 - 23 Things for Teachers is based on Learning 2.0 - 23 Things, a staff development program for the Mesquite Independent School District. That program was based on the Learning 2.0 program that was designed by Helene Blowers and adapted by the California School Library Association and others. Content and style for Learning 2.0 - 23 Things for Teachers has been borrowed and duplicated with permission, under a Creative Commons License.

*Note: This project is loosely based upon the website 43Things (which allows you to set and track personal goals) and the Stephen Abram article titled 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006).  

In the future, I will look to the CC website for more information and leads to educational tools and materials that can be shared with permission. I will definitely spend some more time looking at Curriki and Connexions.  These both appear to be quality sources of usable- or should I say reusable-educational material. 

 

Thing #22

I listened to NPR's Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!  I really enjoy this show and only listen to it on the radio when I'm lucky enough to remember to tune in.  I decided to look for this show in particular when I began this "thing", so I just did a Google search, found the show, and subscribed through my Yahoo reader.  If you ever need a laugh I highly recommend this podcast.  They get great and interesting guest and regular panelists, current newsworthy topics, an intelligent and entertaining host, a laughing, live audience, and a home audience contestant--what could be better?  If you're interested, check it out at the following link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=35

Odeo's Studio is no longer available, but the Plan Your Podcast Tutorial was very helpful--from its outline for what equipment is needed, to planning, to how to create your podcast.  I have no immediate plans for creating a class podcast; however, it is definitely something I would consider in the future.  Maybe, when I'm not so busy completing school work and grad school work, I'll give it some more thought. :)

Thing #21

Using Animoto was fun and interesting.  Of course, I couldn't use photographs that I had already uploaded to Flickr or Picasa, I needed to work with something different.  The only thing I didn't like about Animoto was the fact that I had trouble selecting a free clip. Each time I clicked on something I liked, I was informed that it was an upgrade and would cost me.  :(  However, persistence paid off, and I was able to get one for free.  It took a while for the photographs to upload, but the music selection was fine, and I think I found something that suited my photos.

Presenting for your listening and viewing pleasure, Europe (a.k.a. old buildings and even older music):

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Thing # 20 Part II

I really like YouTube.  I must admit that before I started working on this degree (again), I really spent a little too much time watching and laughing at YouTube videos.  I also looked from time to time for videos that would be appropriate, entertaining, engaging, interesting, and could be used to instruct students.  However, YouTube is a blocked site at my school.  I have used TeacherTube in the past, but the selection is so much poorer than on YouTube.  There are ways to get around this block, but I would never think of doing anything like that. :)

I thought this YouTube video from Whose Line is it Anyway was worth watching.  I hope you do, too.  Please forgive the mention of the bad place. Oh, yeah, there was a very quick means to include the video on blogger!

Thing #20 Part I a.k.a. The Fun Part

Thing #19

I am patiently awaiting my TeacherPop approval so that I can post a comment, upload a picture, or get my badge!  More later....


Visit TeacherPop

Okay, I have now had the opportunity to upload my photo on TeacherPop and embed the badge on this blog. I like the fact that not just anyone can get on providing a secure chance for collaboration.
 

I looked at several of the other social networks on the list provided.  I liked the Project Playlist but left before I got too carried away.  I also liked Bake Space.  The name misled me a bit; I thought that it would only be concerned with baking.  What could be bad about this network?  Great tried and tasted recipes of all types categorized in an easy to locate manner and nice photos of the food all at the disposal of its members.

I am not currently a member of any of these networks.  ( I am awaiting my membership approval for TeacherPop.)  GoodReads and Bake Space are interesting to me.  I would consider looking at them in the future.