Thing #13 - Web-based Applications

There are many growing web-based application that encourage collaboration. I don't think they will take the place of Office but, like what was said in the 23 things blog, they definitely have their place. I have experience of Google Docs from my Education 2100 class, and I absolutely loved it. I found Zoho to be somewhat difficult to understand. It was hard to find the actual Writer, and I had difficult making an account. Google Docs is completely connected with your good account, making it very accessible and easy to navigate. Students would love collaborating over Google Docs for a project, or group assignment. It would be nice for them to be able to collaborate in the privacy of there own home, in their pajamas, but still learning. I have included an example of a Google Doc in the following link. Check it out! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a3PcU6m4F9gebbbhnqZh9IInR6JxMKdOnB-lPXiyJD8/edit?usp=sharing

Thing #12 - Google is not just for searching anymore

I have found many uses to use Google for other than searching (Although, searching is by far my favorite). I use my Gmail account daily. I have become very found of Blogger. I also thoroughly enjoy using the Collaboration tool through Gmail. It does not stop their though.

As we were asked I explored Google Calender, and I must say I am thinking I may switch from my writing planner to this! I will search for an application for my iPhone and if I find it, I am definitely making the switch. I explored the calender a bit and I am including a screen shot of it as follows:

 

I like the fact that I can color code my appointments and assignments. That is a great tool for organization. 

Thing # 11 - Finding Good Feeds

I found some great feeds using that blog search tools that were provided for us. I found feeds that, again, pertained to my aspiring teaching career that I could use for future reference and feeds for my own personal use. I really liked using the Google Blog search. It was very simple and almost identical to the search engine that I use on a daily basic. Technorati was pretty simple overall, as well. I thought Topix was very confusing. I could barely find the search bar and the website had adds all over the page. That is an instant turn off for me. 

Things #10 - Set Up an RSS Reader and Add Feeds

Okay, so I made my Google Readers account and this is really neat. I added some feeds for my own personal use and some for use in the classroom. This is a great tool that can be used for teachers, as well as many others. All of your information that is interesting to you is gathered in one place for you to see. That is very convenient. Teachers could use this tool for classroom, project, and many other ideas that relate to the learning use of their students.

Thing #9 - Online Image Generators

  

What a fun tool! This could be great for student's to use during free time. Ir could expand their knowledge of Web 2.0, and have fun while doing it! Here are some of my images I have generated.

 Fan Sign Generator

Image Chef

E-Greeting Card

Thing # 8 - Flickr Mashups

I hope you all enjoyed my photo I uploaded from Flickr. If you have time check out the rest of susivinh's photo stream!

I have explored some of the "mash ups" or branches of flickr and have discovered the Flickr Color Matcher. This resource takes photos from flickr that are the same color and puts them together. This could be a great way for elementary students to learn colors! Who knew Web 2.0 could be so pretty, too?!

Things # 7 - Explore Flickr

I use an application on my iPhone called Instagram, but today I am exploring Flickr. This overall has the same concept as Instagram, but it is a little different. I decided since I want to become a teacher, I would search the tag "teach". I found a cute photo with an inspirational quote that I would like to share with you all.

 

Photo by sisivinh (Susanna Fernandez) on Flickr

"The true aim of everyone who aspires to be a teacher should be, not to impart his own opinions but to kindle minds." 

Things #6 - Discovering Web 2.0 Tools

I'm still really enjoying this blog. I've been trying to save my posts as drafts before I actually post them so I am able to edit as necessary.

Anyway, who knew there could be so many awesome 2.0 web tools? I explored a few different tools from the desired list, but the one that really caught my eye was Rompr. Like I have said before, I have a little girl who is now 15 months old. I am constantly looking for new ideas to introduce to her, rather it be an activity or just new healthy foods to make her for lunch. This site is perfect for this! Rompr is a social media site that allows people to post fun things they have done with your children. As soon as you become a member, it finds your location (This is still creepy to me, haha!) and automatically connects you to the posts from people in your area. if you edit your profile you can add the ages of your children, and Rompr will filter the posts that are appropriate for their age groups.You can add and invite your friends, and follow others if you are a fan of their posts. Rompr still has a way to go before it becomes a big hit like Facebook. Their are a few things that I would could possibly change or filter. Although I did not see an application app for use in a school or library, this is still a great tool for mothers!

I have provided a link to the website below. Check it out!!

www.rompr.com

Things #5 - Some Perspectives on Web 2.0/School 2.0 and the Future of Education

Wow! School 2.0. What is school 2.0 to me? This is our future. If we are amazed right now at all the technological resources available, just image what is to come. As a student, I am finding new ways to complete assignments and papers, and other ways to simply save my work. I have not even broke the ice on the resources that are available for teacher use in the classroom.

I do not think anyone is prepared for the future of education.Technological recourse are escalating at such a high capacity, there really is no telling what is to come.

Thing #4: Why commenting is important

Like we were assigned, I read up on reasons why commenting is so important. I can definitely see why. Like said in the CoolCatTeacher blog, commenting can create a sense of community and interaction. There will be people who read your blog, then read other blogs that you read. Actually, they can be considering your neighbors. They follow the same blogs, and interact with you and others during comment conversations. These people thoroughly enjoy your input, and ideas and you become like family to each other. What an awesome learning tool the World Wide Web can be. This is also a great example of Learning 2.0.

I also believe that commenting meaningful posts, and genuinely saying thank you for commenting are important in the blogging process. It proves that you truly appreciate what you are reading and that you really care that someone had input to add. I would also like to add something that I did not read. I believe addressing the name of the person you are speaking to is important as well.

I commented on a few of my fellows classmates blogs, as well. I read through each of thier posts, and choose anything of interest. I commented in a respectful and enthusiastic manor. I was sure to make my comment meaningful. I wanted my classmates to know I care about what they are posting.

John Fisher, Rebecca Brooks, Jessica Hudson, Kayla Kitchens, and Caroline McDaniel, I hope you all thoroughly read and enjoyed my comments.