Thing #23

WOW!
1. My 2 favorite things were Big Huge Lab & Flickr because of all the cool things people can do with photos, and TeacherTube because I think this will really be helpful for my students who are visual learners.
2. It demonstrates that I CAN be a life long learner. I graduated 2 years ago with MLS, and I miss all the latest and greatest that you learn in college. However, 23 Things helped me feel so much more knowledgeable about what is available now.
3. There are so many take-a-ways with this online course. I hope you keep it on the Internet so that we can continue to access all this informtion in one place. Even though it was very involved, you really made it easy for us to use.
4. Truthfully, I can't think of a way to make it easier. I know that some have said how time-consuming it is, but there is just so much ground to cover. I don't know how you could shorten it. Since we started in June, it is my guess that there are already new "Things" that you could add to this course.
5. I would definitely choose to participate in another course. I think you should have different levels of achievment, with this being Level I. In other words, don't discontinue this one when you decide to submit another course.
6. I am off to do some commenting. And, thanks so much for this learning opportunity and for making it available to people outside of SBISD.

Thing #22

Nings are another tool to use for communicating with others who have something in common. I like the idea of cohorts or classrooms using it to create a social network to create, plan, and finalize ideas and projects. I read the librarian Ning and got some good ideas to use at the beginning of the year with my students. It makes planning a lot easier when you have access to others accomplishments or lessons to be more creative in your own planning. It can be used to set up a social network of a small group or it can be used to be part of a more global group of people who share your same interests.

Thing #21

Podcasts and Photostory are very easy to use, and the kids love to incorporate them into their projects or book reviews. Last year, the 5th grade used podcasts to compare and contrast the North and the South armies during the Civil War. Each student researched a different aspect, including history, important person, confederate/Union soldier, etc. They completed a podcast in the library. They felt like they were putting together a performance. It really was fun for them and me.

They also were able to write book reviews and come into the library to put it in podcast form. Here is the link to my library web site. Go to Eagle Podcast to hear one.

http://www.humbleisd.net/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=97101

Thing #20

I searched videos on YouTube and TeacherTube. I watch Ted Poe's speech in Congress about the United States standards for light bulbs. It was viewed by over 4 million viewers, and I was curious because my theme for the library this year is "Living Green." I think 5th graders would understand the message, and I think it could also be useful in showing them what it looks like when Congress is in session. Since it is election year, and we will be discussing presidents and U.S. symbols, I watched "Lady Liberty" on TeacherTube, and I plan on using it in October when we will be discussing this event. These are amazing tools to use in the classroom, and I think it will provide more authentic learning opportunities. I will definitely be searching videos this year to enhance my lessons in the library. (I tried several different ways to embed the video, even using ZamZar, and I wasn't successful. So, here is the link until I figure out the problem.)

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=fbe2f28760472a381534

Thing #19

This exercise was awesome. There really are so many that I want to explore. I looked at Wufoo, Craigs List, and I'm Cooked.

Using Wufoo for surveys is quick and easy. There are many times that this could be handy at school. Wufoo would be a helpful tool for surveying teachers for book requests for collection development or surveying librarians for their opinions on library meetings, speakers, or technology trainings.

Craigs List is a wonderful site to connect shoppers with sellers. I used Craigs List when I was looking for an apartment out of town. Even though it was helpful, I did learn one thing...never rent site unseen. Pictures do not show everything!

Videos for Food! I am always hungry and looking for new recipes. I definitely will add this to my delicious sites. Yum!

Thing #18

This free online tool, Google Docs, is better than using Microsoft Office Tools because of the sharing capabilities. If you are collaborating with someone on a paper or a presentation, it is so much easier to use Google Docs than to write the paper, email it, wait for the other person to edit it and send it back to you. You can both be viewing it and/or working on it at the same time. You really do have a feeling of connectivity when you collaborate in this way. I love this tool.

Thing #17

A rollyo is a great idea to use for project pages and the sbisd teacher created a super video that made it easy to understand how to create one. This will help students go directly to the sites they need to complete their research.

Here is my link:

http://rollyo.com/editroll.html?sid=432504

Thing #16

Wikis are great ways for students to collaborate on projects for school. After reading Thing #16, I realized it is also a great way for librarians to collaborate with teachers for research, and it gives other teachers an opportunity to see what is going on in the library. My plan is to set one up for the fall.

Thing #15

Library 2.0 is overwhelming. After attending TLA in 2007, I felt that I understood it fairly well. After reading the articles and perspectives, I have a whole new view of Library 2.0. One thought that crossed my mind is that it is a combination of many things, and it is always changing. Also, each individual, depending on their perceptions and needs, defines Library 2.0. After watching the video, I have a deeper understanding that the way people are learning and want to learn is changing. As librarians we must accommodate those needs. Libraries will be changing, and I feel that I want to continue with my professional development to adapt to these changes. Consequently, I am thankful for 23 Things because it has raised my awareness of all the aspects of Library 2.0.

Truthfully, I have a hard time with blogging. Blogging is like public journaling. My concept of journaling is like writing in a diary where your own thoughts are written down but are not made public. However, to participate in this change, my ideas about writing must change. When choosing a doctor, I would want one who consults with other experts before making decisions about my treatment. So, I can see how this exchange, discussion, and contribution of ideas and opinions can be enlightning.

David Warlick writes, "However, if you want to know what people think about a thing, what the anticipate, what they love, what they hate, what they don’t understand, or what they think they understand — then you go to Technorati." After reading this, I wondered how do you decide who is the expert? If everyone is writing about what they think, where are the facts? I guess after reading everyone else's opinions, a person makes decisions as to what is important to him/her.

Thing #14

Technorati is another awesome way to organize topics that you are interesting to you. One click provides hot topic links to what people are talking about. Technorati can be used in schools to keep researchers updated on the latest information on a specific topic. Blogs from experts are at their fingertips. Since this is so new to me, I am wondering if there is a correct way to cite a source on Technorati.

The value of tagging, once again, allows the researcher to have access to more information since it is linked together by a keyword. It saves time and provides the latest information on the topic.

Thing #13

Del.icio.us is awesome for accessing bookmarks from any computer. At times I would work at home and need my bookmarks which were at school. Now, I can access them wherever I am. I like this social bookmarking site because it seems easier to use, and more people that I talk to have heard of it.

I think it would be a valuable tool to use for research projects. Typing a keyword could provide many more links that could be useful in finding information.

Libraries could use this site to find more reviews for books or to find ideas and links for teaching certain topics.

Thing #12

Two important things about commenting include:
*Remember the power of words/Criticize kindly from How to comment like a King (Queen). This tip is foremost is any kind of communication. To have a dialogue each participant needs to be respectful. Opinions and knowledge can be exchanged more meaningfully when these common courtesies are in place.
And from Drapes Takes:
The most successful teachers always feel that they have so much more to learn. This is really true in any profession. The person who is always learning becomes better at their craft. Overall, they have an openness to what others have to offer.

I went to Google Blog Search and searched for blogs pertaining to pet therapy and Web 2.0 Tools. What attracted me to both of these were of a personal interest, and just like reading in general, reading a blog is more meaningful when it is authentic. I felt that I could relate and contribute to these two blogs because I found a common thread. I am interested in becoming certified with my pet in the Delta Society, and I found some information that will help me to accomplish this. Pertaining to the Web 2.0 Tools, I found a post from a library student in the northeast part of the U.S. commenting on her final evaluation of her Web. 2.0 class at a university. Her task was to utilize these tools with a 5th grade class to enhance reading. It gave me some good tips.

Thing #11

I found LibraryThing useful in many ways. It is a great way to find reviews for books. I did check out some of the groups, and I found Librarians who LibraryThing interesting. There was a discussion about levelling books, and this question seems to come up in my library every year. After I entered my five books on the list, it was interesting to see what other people wrote about those same books. I also found that you could rate the books you listed, which would be helpful to readers. The cataloging information is also helpful.

Thing #10

I am really excited about Big Huge Lab. For me, it is an awesome discovery. It offers so many options, and it is so easy to use. I can think of so many uses for this site in the classroom. I am excited to share this with the teachers in the Fall.

Thing #9

Useful ways to find feeds include clicking on links of sites that are of interest to me. Using the sidebar on a useful site also takes you to other pertinent feeds.

I found that Bloglines and Google Blog Search were the easiest to use. They both feature user-friendly search windows.

Syndic8 seems overwhelming to me. It is cluttered with so much information it is hard to stay focused on the topic.

A particularly useful feed is Technology-enhanced Learning Spaces and PowerPoint Sidekicks. I think the students would find it an exciting way to record their research.

Other ways to find newsfeeds: Clicking on a site provides links to other related sites...and the list goes on.

Thing #8

I like RSS feeds and newsreaders because it sends updates quickly and easily. It eliminates going to many web sites to get information. The Google Reader is set up so that it is easy to skim for information and articles that are interesting.

I am subscribing to eschool news which sends updates on education around the world. With our crisis funding in Texas, I think it is good to be informed as well as how other schools are being funded.

I received a grant for alternative energy resources, specifically wind power. My objective is to raise student awareness of our energy crisis, and the feeds will give more background knowledge to share with the students.

Thing #7

Using Google Tools has limitless possibilities, but you need a lot of computer time to take advantage of all they offer. I know we can pick and choose, but, for example, I chose iGoogle and set up a page. Of course, I personalized the page, but I think it will be difficult to take full advantage of it every day. I guess the attitude is when you need it, it is there.

I also downloaded and explored Google Earth, which will be great for explaining the setting of a story. Taking students to Canada to explain how important the setting is for Hatchet would give them background knowledge before they read the story. During a videoconference about sled dogs, the host took the class to Google Earth to point out the distance between our location and their location.

Thing #6

The Flickr tools provide endless possibilities. Library Trading Cards could be used as a "getting to know you segment" at our orientation meetings. The Big Huge Lab could be used to promote a theme in your library. For example, I want to introduce the concept of alternative energy resources, and the mosaic could be used for that.

Thing #5

Flickr is an amazing tool. I am brainstorming with Louise (librarian facilitator in our district) how to use it at our district library meetings. I have heard my daughter talking about it, and how she uses it with her friends. It is exciting!

Thing #4

At this point, even remembering what was needed in the email was too much. At the moment, I have blurred vision and a neck ache. I am thrilled I made it through Thing #4.

Thing #3

Creating a blog and an avatar with the directions was not hard, but it did seem foreign to me. I usally don't have a lot to say about a topic, so it must be easier for some people than for others. The avatar was fun. The reason that it seemed foreign was because I don't usually think this way. It was mind stretching.

Thing #1

Thank you for making Library 2.0 tools available to any librarian. I think it is important to be informed about new developments in technology and how to use them when teaching students.

Thing #2

What stands out in my mind about the 7l/2 Habits of highly successful people is part 1. I think it is important to "create your own luck." You can do this in many ways. Taking a proactive stance to life makes me feel that I am more prepared and informed about situations around me. It gives me the tools to make better decisions about my life, and it makes me feel that I am doing something positive.

The hardest thing for me to do is to allow myself to play. It seems that everything I do must have a purpose and an accomplishment tied to it, and I do enjoy this. However, just to play does not have much meaning attached to it.

Renew LMS@work

I am renewing my committment to 23 Things. I started this in December, but I think I will have more time to devote to Library2Play this summer. I am excited to learn more about Library 2.0 and to share this with my colleagues.