Sunday, November 30, 2008
Micah's 5th Birthday
Alright, I tried out animoto and made this 30 second video from Micah's 5th birthday, back in June of 2008. It is a pretty neat tool. I was wondering the difference between this and photostory when I saw animoto on A Library by any other Name. VWB explained that in Photostory you have more control and it is a program that you download to your computer. Animoto is web-based--(I guess you make your video in cyberspace). I found out that I will need to organize my photos on Flickr in order to better download images to animoto. I recently upgraded my Flickr account so that I put all my digital photos on it (that's about4000). Since they are not organized, animoto downloaded 100 pics, and I couldn't figure out how to change what they were going to download. Then I had to delete over 80 pictures because the video will only take 10 to 15. Maybe a better way would be for me to download the 10 or 15 pics I want to my computer and then upload to animoto. I will definitely have to play with this more.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Library and the Digital age
I found this slideshow on Naomi Bates Blog and wanted to make sure I save it, but also share it. I want to study all of the information on it but am currently finishing projects for my classes at UHCL. Although, I may be using it as a reference for one of them. I hope someone else will use this as well.
Monday, November 24, 2008
a new tool
I heard about this comic book generator from VWB at A Library byAny other Name so I tried it out. It was not as user friendly as I would have liked, but Idid manage to create something. I'm sure that kids that are into making things like this would figure out all the 'bells and whistles of the program better than I did. I had a little trouble finding the speech bubbles--so I saved my work and logged out. As soon as I did the speech bubbles became a choice again, so I added them. I was able to add them without being logged in, but when I went to save, I had to log in. If you give it a try--you might want to put out your scenes first. Then pick your creatures and put them in each frame. (There is a 'recently used' that can help, but I think there is also a couple of views of the same creature and it is difficult to find if you don't get them out at the same time. You can always delete them if you decide you don't need them.) Hopefully when your are ready for speech bubbles, you won't have the difficulty that I had. If I have time, I may try to add to my book. However, it may be Christmas before I get back to it.
Thing #23
My favorite discoveries on this learning journey were photostory, igoogle, flickrtoys, and reaping the benefits of my RSS. Just since my post last night, I have shared my photostory with 5 people and encouraged them to download it and make one of their own. Since I have discovered igoogle, I have shared with everyone who spends time on the computer to check it out for it's benefits, including the Reader. I have also shared the variety of items I made with flickrtoys with many as well. I have received updates on my RSS and discovered new blogs to add that have great updates as well on what is going on in the library and technology world.
This program has assisted and affected my lifelong learning goals in a variety of ways. Without my RSS, I would not have been keeping up with new information in the library world, so I would continue to find out about new innovations and programs after they have been out for a while. I want to be able to assist teachers, students, friends and family with technology that will make their life easier and/or meet their interests and needs. I now have a 'new tool box' to start with to be able to be a 'helper' in this way.
I guess the unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised me would be how much I learned! I am still learning new things about the different tools each day by using them, but I know enough to actually be able to utilize them and help others to learn about them and use them also.
One thing I would say to do differently to improve upon this program’s format is to actually have checkpoints throughout the program with due dates. I realize it was set up in weeks, but within our class it was not required to follow this. It should have been followed. Check points throughout the course would get some of the items (like RSS) set up early enough in the program to realize the benefit of it before you are done with the 23 things.
I would love to participate in another discovery program like this in the future.
My learning experience in ONE SENTENCE is that by investigating these 'new tools', I see how easy the designers are making it for anyone to use technology with ease.
This program has assisted and affected my lifelong learning goals in a variety of ways. Without my RSS, I would not have been keeping up with new information in the library world, so I would continue to find out about new innovations and programs after they have been out for a while. I want to be able to assist teachers, students, friends and family with technology that will make their life easier and/or meet their interests and needs. I now have a 'new tool box' to start with to be able to be a 'helper' in this way.
I guess the unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised me would be how much I learned! I am still learning new things about the different tools each day by using them, but I know enough to actually be able to utilize them and help others to learn about them and use them also.
One thing I would say to do differently to improve upon this program’s format is to actually have checkpoints throughout the program with due dates. I realize it was set up in weeks, but within our class it was not required to follow this. It should have been followed. Check points throughout the course would get some of the items (like RSS) set up early enough in the program to realize the benefit of it before you are done with the 23 things.
I would love to participate in another discovery program like this in the future.
My learning experience in ONE SENTENCE is that by investigating these 'new tools', I see how easy the designers are making it for anyone to use technology with ease.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thing #22
Nings are a completely new thing for me. I spent alot of time on the teacher-librarian ning and the Texas school librarian ning trying to understand what they are all about. I have never investigated myspace or facebook either, so I went ahead and set up an account in facebook and found some local friends and invited them to be my friend. I also found a friend from college with an account. I think this is great since that takes us back to 1985! Facebook seems like a really neat site. It was easy to search for people and it did alot of the thinking for me--such as-once I found someone I knew, I could look at their friends and add people easier that way.
On ning, I think it could be a valuable tool for a discussion forum and in seeing what other people of like interests or professions are discovering in their fields. I might use it to find more 'good bloggers'. However, the postings seemed disorganized and confusing. If I was going to use a ning in the classroom or library, I think one could be set up for a discussion forum. I was trying to figure out if this would allow people to discuss 'live' rather than posting to a wiki or blog and waiting for a response? If you could actually have 'live' chats, it could be great for discussion groups for homework assigned topics or book discussions. If it can't be done 'live' it seems a blog or a wiki would be less complicated.
I really like facebook and will be investigating it further this week. (Especially since I found a good friend's 16 year old daughter has an account. I may have to hire her to tutor me on all the things you can do on it!)
On ning, I think it could be a valuable tool for a discussion forum and in seeing what other people of like interests or professions are discovering in their fields. I might use it to find more 'good bloggers'. However, the postings seemed disorganized and confusing. If I was going to use a ning in the classroom or library, I think one could be set up for a discussion forum. I was trying to figure out if this would allow people to discuss 'live' rather than posting to a wiki or blog and waiting for a response? If you could actually have 'live' chats, it could be great for discussion groups for homework assigned topics or book discussions. If it can't be done 'live' it seems a blog or a wiki would be less complicated.
I really like facebook and will be investigating it further this week. (Especially since I found a good friend's 16 year old daughter has an account. I may have to hire her to tutor me on all the things you can do on it!)
Thing #21
I became familiar with doing a podcast and making one for my midterm project. So I decided to check out photostory for this 'thing' and I was just amazed. I made a simple project from some pictures of my boys during the summer of '05. It took me a little bit to create some music, but had it not been for that, it would have taken me 10 minutes to create the whole thing. I was thrilled that I could just drag the pictures from my picture program right into the photostory because I always have trouble on my computer finding the right path to them.
This is a great resource for kids to use at school, because although I did not record any voice in my story, it is very easy to do. It is a step by step program. I will definitely be showing this program to my small GT group and encourage their biography project presentation to be done in this way rather than a powerpoint.
Here is the photostory that I created:
This is a great resource for kids to use at school, because although I did not record any voice in my story, it is very easy to do. It is a step by step program. I will definitely be showing this program to my small GT group and encourage their biography project presentation to be done in this way rather than a powerpoint.
Here is the photostory that I created:
Thing #20
On Youtube I love this Sesame Street video about No Cookies in the library.
It shows the frustration we all feel at times when people don't always listen. I think it could even be used as an illustration of how the patron might feel if libraries don't get on board with 2.0 and the 21st century.
I also searched in Science Fair projects because they have just completed class projects at school. I found this which was kind of like an inspirational advertisement for completing a science fair project and a website to go for to get ideas, resources, and help.
On Teacher tube, I found this video that is the start of one on Librarian-teacher collaboration. I really like what's here so far.
This video and another one based on 'Blind Date' are both on collaboration. I think these short videos might be a good advertisement to the teachers to collaborate. If the teachers can then understand that it is for the good of the students and it will help them as well as their students, we will be that much closer to kids who know how to do research and find out the answers to their own questions. There are also 4 more videos on teacher librarian collaboration by the man who calls himself Dr. Loopy . I have viewed the 1st one and plan to look at the rest. If you want to check them out here is the link to part I.
I don't think you can put a price on the value of so many video resources. I think the videos aimed at the kids are great too, because that is the technology that they see and use themselves at home. Having them create their own videos for assignments, such as responses to literature or the kids explaining the process of regrouping in math would be awesome. If they can teach it, then you know they truly understand. For the youtube videos, I will be learning how to use Zamzar so that I can utilize the many good videos on youtube at school. I am still amazed that so many of the things are really good and that they are free!
It shows the frustration we all feel at times when people don't always listen. I think it could even be used as an illustration of how the patron might feel if libraries don't get on board with 2.0 and the 21st century.
I also searched in Science Fair projects because they have just completed class projects at school. I found this which was kind of like an inspirational advertisement for completing a science fair project and a website to go for to get ideas, resources, and help.
On Teacher tube, I found this video that is the start of one on Librarian-teacher collaboration. I really like what's here so far.
This video and another one based on 'Blind Date' are both on collaboration. I think these short videos might be a good advertisement to the teachers to collaborate. If the teachers can then understand that it is for the good of the students and it will help them as well as their students, we will be that much closer to kids who know how to do research and find out the answers to their own questions. There are also 4 more videos on teacher librarian collaboration by the man who calls himself Dr. Loopy . I have viewed the 1st one and plan to look at the rest. If you want to check them out here is the link to part I.
I don't think you can put a price on the value of so many video resources. I think the videos aimed at the kids are great too, because that is the technology that they see and use themselves at home. Having them create their own videos for assignments, such as responses to literature or the kids explaining the process of regrouping in math would be awesome. If they can teach it, then you know they truly understand. For the youtube videos, I will be learning how to use Zamzar so that I can utilize the many good videos on youtube at school. I am still amazed that so many of the things are really good and that they are free!
Thing #18 update
While reading my RSS this morning there was a great blog from Cool Cat Teacher responding to another blog about the use of Google Docs and what happens if Google stops the program as they did earlier this week for Google Lively(everything would be lost?). For schools to use it still makes sense though. Cool Cat Teacher reminds us that IT departments delete everything in the summers (or can if they don't). Google Docs has a lot more space. If at some point Google does pull Google Docs from their tools, they would give notice and anything that you truly wanted to save you could at that time.
I still like the idea of using Google Docs in the schools!
I still like the idea of using Google Docs in the schools!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thing #19
I investigated a genealogy site called My Heritage. I created a little bit of a family tree. Feel free to view it. It was extremely easy to do. I will have to look for information on birth dates and some death dates, but I will be going back to fill in much more of my family tree. You can add pictures and other information as well. I don't have any information in a genealogy program, but if I did, I could import that information directly into this program. It also has a calendar, so you could make this an extended family page and keep extended family events or even birthdays on this calendar. Another thing that I might want to do is let my family know about it and they can fill in their own information as well as other information that they may have that I don't have filled in yet. There is even a place to put recipes. So those secret family recipes won't be lost. You can keep track of activities that are happening as well.
As far as libraries and schools, I think that this is a valuable tool for students to make their own family tree. It is user friendly enough that it could be used by 2nd or 3rd grade. The great thing is that the kids could save it and go back to it when they are older--or add information throughout their growing up years. What a history they could leave for their children!
As far as libraries and schools, I think that this is a valuable tool for students to make their own family tree. It is user friendly enough that it could be used by 2nd or 3rd grade. The great thing is that the kids could save it and go back to it when they are older--or add information throughout their growing up years. What a history they could leave for their children!
Thing #18
I downloaded and explored some of the features of Open Office. It seemed pretty user friendly. I am very familiar with Microsoft Word, so I made a small word document. I think that this can be a valuable program, especially for those who may not have Microsoft Word. It certainly offers many more features than Wordpad. If it is utilized in the classroom for the students, it could save money for schools, since Microsoft does not offer a site license for its Office products. I like that it can be saved as an Office document, because chances are the computer you would have to do a presentation on these days would be a Microsoft product. This helps for those who may not have Office or an updated version of Office. I also liked the feature that would convert the document to a pdf format. That and emailing the document is right on the shortcut bar.
I don't see myself using this, just because I am so used to Office, but I am glad to know about it to recommend it to students who may not have Office. There were some nice templates and wizard for presentations as well, and they could be saved in a Powerpoint format.
I also investigated the Google Docs templates. When I investigated all the Google features earlier in the 23 things, I had saved a document to Google Docs. I thought that was what it was for--which is really cool because I don't have to carry around a flashdrive or attach a document to email. Now after looking at all the other features of Google documents and the templates, I will be using these as well. There are things for address labels, invitations, scrapbooks, presentations, and more. These also have the ability to save them in a Microsoft product format and has the benefit of having other people to have access to the document. Once again--lesson plans for grade levels and/or collaboration could all be done via this resource. I am still amazed at all the things that are available on the internet for free!
The only disadvantage that I can think of for this type of document is if the internet goes down, you would be stuck without your document if you didn't save it in an alternate place.
I don't see myself using this, just because I am so used to Office, but I am glad to know about it to recommend it to students who may not have Office. There were some nice templates and wizard for presentations as well, and they could be saved in a Powerpoint format.
I also investigated the Google Docs templates. When I investigated all the Google features earlier in the 23 things, I had saved a document to Google Docs. I thought that was what it was for--which is really cool because I don't have to carry around a flashdrive or attach a document to email. Now after looking at all the other features of Google documents and the templates, I will be using these as well. There are things for address labels, invitations, scrapbooks, presentations, and more. These also have the ability to save them in a Microsoft product format and has the benefit of having other people to have access to the document. Once again--lesson plans for grade levels and/or collaboration could all be done via this resource. I am still amazed at all the things that are available on the internet for free!
The only disadvantage that I can think of for this type of document is if the internet goes down, you would be stuck without your document if you didn't save it in an alternate place.
Thing #17
Wow, thanks for the video explaining rollyo. It was excellent and made it very clear on how to set up your own list. I set up a list for my GT kids. They have all chosen a person to study, so I titled my list biography. Here is the link to that page http://rollyo.com/lford/biography/
I wasn't sure how it would work, so I tried it out with some of the people the kids chose and I got hits on all of them. The most I got was Harry Houdini at about 20,000. The others were usually in the 1,000's. This is such a valuable tool to limit the searching to valuable websites that you as a teacher or librarian know can be relied on for accurate information. I will definitely be using this tool!
I wasn't sure how it would work, so I tried it out with some of the people the kids chose and I got hits on all of them. The most I got was Harry Houdini at about 20,000. The others were usually in the 1,000's. This is such a valuable tool to limit the searching to valuable websites that you as a teacher or librarian know can be relied on for accurate information. I will definitely be using this tool!
Thing #16
I think wiki's can be a valuable tool for grade level teacher planning. If teachers work as a group to plan, then each can put info. that they have found into the wiki and then hopefully double work won't be done. It can be a great collaboration tool between the teacher and the librarian as well when planning collaborative lessons. Teachers can use wiki's with their students to answer discussion questions as well, but I think I might prefer the blog format better.
I did go ahead and set up a wiki for my family. I thought that this year for the kids' Christmas lists, if we all have a list on the wiki, when someone decides that they will buy a certain item--they can put their name next to it. That way instead of many phone calls for who is taking care of what, or emails that get confusing--we should all be able to keep up. We'll see how it works.
One thing I did see when looking at some of the wiki's and I could be wrong, but it seemed that they were more temporary than a blog. They seem to get used for a certain purpose and then never get used again. Those with more wiki experience, what do you think?
I did go ahead and set up a wiki for my family. I thought that this year for the kids' Christmas lists, if we all have a list on the wiki, when someone decides that they will buy a certain item--they can put their name next to it. That way instead of many phone calls for who is taking care of what, or emails that get confusing--we should all be able to keep up. We'll see how it works.
One thing I did see when looking at some of the wiki's and I could be wrong, but it seemed that they were more temporary than a blog. They seem to get used for a certain purpose and then never get used again. Those with more wiki experience, what do you think?
Thing #15
Library 2.0 has to be where libraries are headed if we are to keep patrons. I like what the "Away from the Iceberg" article said on the 'just in case' scenario. Why spend money on hard copies of books just in case someone wants something on that topic? If the occasion occurs where someone does need information on something that the library has chosen to not hold a hard copy of any longer--then connect the patron to the web resource for that. The information is out there and it is ridiculous to spend money on some things 'just in case' someone needs it once a year, when you can get the same on the web. Libraries need to focus on the books and media that the patrons crave. They must be "user-centric" as the "iceberg" article also said. One library which I frequent is the Freeman Library in Clear Lake. I discovered this gem last spring during my Children's Lit. class. It is what I would like to see the school libraries go toward. There is a computer lab and in addition, laptops for check out and probably 75 more computers for patrons to surf the web, play games, do research, etc. They have a night for their young adult section that is "Guitar Hero" contests. If we are not focusing on what the people of today want--the library will become a museum. My husband likes to visit museums and read all of the information in front of each exhibit--but I am more of a children's museum type of person. I want interaction with the exhibits. The same goes for libraries. We are coming upon a generation of multi-taskers. We need to meet their needs and give them things they can interact with. My 2nd grader reads very well, but he also enjoys listening to books on tape, because while he's listening he can do something else. His vocabulary has grown tremendously through listening to books, and when he does sit down to read--his reading has improved because he has transferred some of that listening vocabulary into his reading. I know that the 'playaways' are starting to be used in some libraries and I have heard some say--they don't think it's good because then the kids aren't really reading. But if they are getting great literature in a digital format, it will increase their knowledge. I have seen it through my 2nd grader in his writing at school. His teacher recently showed me his How-to paper that he wrote and I was totally amazed. It is far above his grade level and I truly believe it comes not only from reading he has done, but much that we have listened to in the car on the way back and forth to school. I do read with my kids some at night, but with busy schedules, it doesn't always happen. Since we started listening to books on tape last spring--he has actually asked for more, and sometimes we bring the CD inside to finish listening because of an exciting part. He chooses this sometimes, instead of turning on the TV. I can see that my children are in a different library world than what I grew up with and I want to make sure that they remain excited about learning. 2.0 is the way to get there, with the extensions of 3.0 and 4.0. I am looking forward to learning more how to utilize and build a true 2.0 library when I am in one!
School libraries are going to have to convince the administration that 2.0 is something in which to invest to keep up with the student's technology of today.
School libraries are going to have to convince the administration that 2.0 is something in which to invest to keep up with the student's technology of today.
Thing #14
Doing a keyword search for “School Library Learning 2.0” in Blog posts, in tags and in the Blog Directory in Technorati, I did not come up with any results. Maybe I was not doing it correctly. I even went to advanced search. I also tried doing a search on the 3 areas using library collaboration and found nothing. I will definitely have to investigate a better way to search on technorati.
While exploring poplular blogs I found this little treasure of a blog that included this youtube video that is available in France as a DVD. It is hilarious!
apparently there are several more from this company. I love it the end and the creativity they used. Just when you think it is over--they showed how to make something of what we thought was garbage. Watch it to see what I'm talking about. I also like it because it is wordless and so language is not a factor! Looking at the popular blogs is interesting, but I am more interested at this point, in being able to search for blogs relating to my interests.
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/11/22/minuscule-cgi-bug-vi.html
Using tags will be a great time saver and a great way to organize my 'cyberspace'. The value of tagging is truly priceless. We all need more time in our days, and by tagging things on blogs, pictures, websites, etc. when we come across them, we essentially are saving valuable research information at times--before we need it. When we do need it, we will already have some great resources to use before we even have to put time in to find more. What a benefit to a teacher/librarian from day to day, month to month, and even year to year as they are used.
Technorati has a wealth of information on their site and I plan on going back to try to understand it more.
I did look at some of the widgets and gadgets. I am going to attempt to add the ticker of popular searches on Technorati to my blog!
While exploring poplular blogs I found this little treasure of a blog that included this youtube video that is available in France as a DVD. It is hilarious!
apparently there are several more from this company. I love it the end and the creativity they used. Just when you think it is over--they showed how to make something of what we thought was garbage. Watch it to see what I'm talking about. I also like it because it is wordless and so language is not a factor! Looking at the popular blogs is interesting, but I am more interested at this point, in being able to search for blogs relating to my interests.
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/11/22/minuscule-cgi-bug-vi.html
Using tags will be a great time saver and a great way to organize my 'cyberspace'. The value of tagging is truly priceless. We all need more time in our days, and by tagging things on blogs, pictures, websites, etc. when we come across them, we essentially are saving valuable research information at times--before we need it. When we do need it, we will already have some great resources to use before we even have to put time in to find more. What a benefit to a teacher/librarian from day to day, month to month, and even year to year as they are used.
Technorati has a wealth of information on their site and I plan on going back to try to understand it more.
I did look at some of the widgets and gadgets. I am going to attempt to add the ticker of popular searches on Technorati to my blog!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thing #13
Wow! All I have ever used on my browser is my 'Favorites'. Del.icio.us is great! As I was searching, one topic that I chose was library collaboration. Some of the articles that came up are the same as if I was searching the databases at UHCL. But in addition, there were blogs and wikis as well. I also searched podcasts in libraries and got some helpful sites not just that have podcasts, but show the many ways they can be used in libraries by not just the librarian, but the students. Others might find this wiki helpful as well. Check it out!
I think the school community can really take advantage of social bookmarking in the sharing aspect that was in the Commoncraft show. As the librarian builds up bookmarks on various topics, by sharing the best of the best with the teachers some collaboration begins. By everyone being able to share amongst themselves, what a great amount of research that can be done while time is being saved. I will definitely be utilizing delicious. I have been keeping up with my RSS feeds through google reader and have seen the delicious add to--now I can do it!
I think the school community can really take advantage of social bookmarking in the sharing aspect that was in the Commoncraft show. As the librarian builds up bookmarks on various topics, by sharing the best of the best with the teachers some collaboration begins. By everyone being able to share amongst themselves, what a great amount of research that can be done while time is being saved. I will definitely be utilizing delicious. I have been keeping up with my RSS feeds through google reader and have seen the delicious add to--now I can do it!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thing #12
I think that one of the important things about successful commenting is to be sincere and make it meaningful. I have been reading more and more blogs since I set up my "reader" account in igoogle. I have been a little overwhelmed with information and have not commented yet, because even though I would be sincere, I feel more like it would just be a comment like 'thanks for the info." Maybe that's ok sometimes too, but it seems like it should have more for someone to take the time to read it. I think a second important thing in commenting is to check back on the blog after you've made comments. If you cared enough to comment in the first place, make sure that you continue to participate in any discussion that is going on.
I have only made a couple of comments so far on our learn2play blogs, but will be checking back to do that some more. I have done some searching on google blog and found some interesting things, but have not made any comments yet. I searched 'library children's' and found several blogs. One was from the children's library section of a public library and it had a post from August about a library program that they had on scratch-which is a program that you can use to make video games. I can't wait to check this out, because my 8 year old has been asking me if he can go to a class to learn to make his own video games.
I will have to continue this #12 later when I have made some comments to some blogs!
I have only made a couple of comments so far on our learn2play blogs, but will be checking back to do that some more. I have done some searching on google blog and found some interesting things, but have not made any comments yet. I searched 'library children's' and found several blogs. One was from the children's library section of a public library and it had a post from August about a library program that they had on scratch-which is a program that you can use to make video games. I can't wait to check this out, because my 8 year old has been asking me if he can go to a class to learn to make his own video games.
I will have to continue this #12 later when I have made some comments to some blogs!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thing #11
This is going to be a great tool for my own personal library. I have so many children's books that I sometimes forget if I have the book or not, particularly in the series of Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer. I know I have more than 1 copy of some of the titles. By putting all of my books in Librarything, I will be able to check to see if I have a book before I buy. Or for that matter, if a colleague is looking for a book and I am not sure if I have it--it's right there at the computer to check. I also don't have to put the books in any sort of order, because if librarything shows a duplicate ISBN# it tells me. This will really help as I'm trying to put them on my account and my children mix them up as I am doing it.
I checked out a couple of the groups and joined the one that's called Librarians who Librarything. I already got a useful tip on how to use it as a librarian when helping people look for books. ShannonMDE wrote "I use it for Readers Advisory. Help I've read everything by James Patterson, Danielle Steel, Louis Lamour, etc.. Also, use it for send me a good western, romance, etc.. particularly useful for genres I don't regularly read." So if someone has read everything by a certain author, I may be able to help them find another author that they might like. I am really looking forward to using this more!
I checked out a couple of the groups and joined the one that's called Librarians who Librarything. I already got a useful tip on how to use it as a librarian when helping people look for books. ShannonMDE wrote "I use it for Readers Advisory. Help I've read everything by James Patterson, Danielle Steel, Louis Lamour, etc.. Also, use it for send me a good western, romance, etc.. particularly useful for genres I don't regularly read." So if someone has read everything by a certain author, I may be able to help them find another author that they might like. I am really looking forward to using this more!
Thing #10
I played with all the image generators and I like 2 of them best. Image chef was very easy to use and especially easy to add to my blog. I just clicked a button to add to my blog, chose which blog service, put in my login, password and title, checked a box to put it in the sidebar and clicked post. It was simple. The puppy picture in my sidebar came from this generator.I also liked comic strip generator. I had to save my picture to my computer first and then add it to my blog, but it was easy to use. There were hundred's of choices of comics to use. If students were going to create their own, it would have to be closely monitored though because some of the choices of pictures do have some bare bottoms, etc. The baby penguin strip and Scooby Doo were created in this image generator.
In the classroom, the image generators could be used in a variety of ways. In writing, students could make a single comic strip and put text in that uses feeling words. They could make a multi-frame comic strip and make up their own story. They could work out their math problems in a multi-step comic strip and it would make them show their work. In the library it could be used to answer questions that are frequently asked. The students and teachers would have fun with this technology.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thing #9
Before I begin I'd like to add a note about Thing #7 and #8--I have to say that I am really using my RSS and several of the other igoogle features that I didn't mention. I used the document feature last night for the 1st time. From the computer lab at UHCL I saved a document and then viewed it later from home and even from work today. It is amazing how all I have to do is sign in to igoogle and I get my "set-up" and all my items. I also used the notebook to save some websites for further investigation. It is wonderful that I don't have to get out my flash drive just to do this.
Which method of finding feeds did you find easiest to use? I preferred searching by topic and depending on the tool--some seemed to give me more what I was looking for than others.
Which Search tool was the easiest for you?I found the blogline search tool easiest to use. I like how you could use the drop down menu to search for posts, feeds, citations or the web. I found several valuable feeds. Many are associated with School Library Journal--but topic specific. I am looking forward to perusing these on my Google Reader over the next few days to see the best.
Which was more confusing? For me syndic8.com was confusing or hard to get to what I wanted. It didn't give me much of what I was looking for like blogline did.
What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels? Or what kind of unusual ones did you find? I added one that is called School Library Journal Breaking News and I think it will be very useful on keeping up with the latest trends. Another is called Neverending search and it looks very promising as well. An additional blog is out of Australia and I love being able to see what the other side of the world is doing in their school library. The blog is called pretxts
Other ways I located blogs or news feeds was just by looking at some of the blogs and then looking at some of the blogs they subscribe to. I also just added CNN by typing in CNN.com and then copying and pasting the address. I have it giving me the top stories.
This RSS feed is just great!
Which method of finding feeds did you find easiest to use? I preferred searching by topic and depending on the tool--some seemed to give me more what I was looking for than others.
Which Search tool was the easiest for you?I found the blogline search tool easiest to use. I like how you could use the drop down menu to search for posts, feeds, citations or the web. I found several valuable feeds. Many are associated with School Library Journal--but topic specific. I am looking forward to perusing these on my Google Reader over the next few days to see the best.
Which was more confusing? For me syndic8.com was confusing or hard to get to what I wanted. It didn't give me much of what I was looking for like blogline did.
What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels? Or what kind of unusual ones did you find? I added one that is called School Library Journal Breaking News and I think it will be very useful on keeping up with the latest trends. Another is called Neverending search and it looks very promising as well. An additional blog is out of Australia and I love being able to see what the other side of the world is doing in their school library. The blog is called pretxts
Other ways I located blogs or news feeds was just by looking at some of the blogs and then looking at some of the blogs they subscribe to. I also just added CNN by typing in CNN.com and then copying and pasting the address. I have it giving me the top stories.
This RSS feed is just great!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thing #8
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders?
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life?
How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
I like the RSS and newsreaders in the way they save time. I set one up and linked all the blogs from our class as well as a few others. I have been checking the other blogs to see what others have said about the "Things" and many times have found that nothing has been updated since the last time I checked. I won't have to do that anymore! I also like the fact that if I want to actually go to the blog that I can click at the title of it at the top and it opens in a new window. This way I can see pictures if any were posted, since the RSS mostly just shows the text. I thought it just showed text but the pictures on the posts of the Librarian Philosopher show up on the feeds!
This technology is great for my personal life (as far as furthering my education) because I can more easily monitor blogs that pertain to library and keep myself updated on information that applies to my studies. This would be great also, if I had family that posted personal blogs, it could keep me informed on their lives as they post. I would like to keep my blog going after this class as a personal blog and give my family the link so that they can stay updated on my life. I have no family in Houston, so it would be a great place to keep them updated on my family along with pictures. I hope that I can set up an RSS feed for my inlaws (they have a computer, but mostly use it to play solitaire) so that they can check it for updates. I am not very good at emailing, but I think I could post once or twice a month and with the RSS friends and family wouldn't waste time checking my blog unnecessarily. We always do a Christmas letter and this year I am going to include my blog site in the letter.
Libraries can use RSS to keep updated on information and library trends. I think it has the possibility to keep you updated on book reviews. Since I am still learning in my pursuit of library science I am not yet familiar if there are websites that might regularly update information on reviews that could be linked to an RSS, but it certainly would be beneficial in selection.
Once I have researched it more, I can include the best news and blogs related to libraries in my RSS feed. Teachers could be taught how to blog and set up their own blog, then teach the students how to set up RSS to keep up with assignments from teachers. If teachers are working in groups or teams, they can keep each other up on planning if they set up each other in their RSS.
I imagine that professor's at University's could use an RSS to check the progress of their class when they have a blog assignment so that they don't have to keep checking the blog! :)
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life?
How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
I like the RSS and newsreaders in the way they save time. I set one up and linked all the blogs from our class as well as a few others. I have been checking the other blogs to see what others have said about the "Things" and many times have found that nothing has been updated since the last time I checked. I won't have to do that anymore! I also like the fact that if I want to actually go to the blog that I can click at the title of it at the top and it opens in a new window. This way I can see pictures if any were posted, since the RSS mostly just shows the text. I thought it just showed text but the pictures on the posts of the Librarian Philosopher show up on the feeds!
This technology is great for my personal life (as far as furthering my education) because I can more easily monitor blogs that pertain to library and keep myself updated on information that applies to my studies. This would be great also, if I had family that posted personal blogs, it could keep me informed on their lives as they post. I would like to keep my blog going after this class as a personal blog and give my family the link so that they can stay updated on my life. I have no family in Houston, so it would be a great place to keep them updated on my family along with pictures. I hope that I can set up an RSS feed for my inlaws (they have a computer, but mostly use it to play solitaire) so that they can check it for updates. I am not very good at emailing, but I think I could post once or twice a month and with the RSS friends and family wouldn't waste time checking my blog unnecessarily. We always do a Christmas letter and this year I am going to include my blog site in the letter.
Libraries can use RSS to keep updated on information and library trends. I think it has the possibility to keep you updated on book reviews. Since I am still learning in my pursuit of library science I am not yet familiar if there are websites that might regularly update information on reviews that could be linked to an RSS, but it certainly would be beneficial in selection.
Once I have researched it more, I can include the best news and blogs related to libraries in my RSS feed. Teachers could be taught how to blog and set up their own blog, then teach the students how to set up RSS to keep up with assignments from teachers. If teachers are working in groups or teams, they can keep each other up on planning if they set up each other in their RSS.
I imagine that professor's at University's could use an RSS to check the progress of their class when they have a blog assignment so that they don't have to keep checking the blog! :)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Thing #7
The google advanced search is great! I like looking for powerpoint's that are already made. I put in the word 'math' and 'place value' and got some really good finds. One was even a race that was interactive for a student to do independently. I am going to share these with the teachers tomorrow. I am also definitely going to share how to search for documents on subjects that are already created. Even if they are not exactly what they want, they give something to work with that can be revised. It sure beats starting from scratch!
I also really liked exploring google earth . It is great for social studies and geography. You could study everything from street maps to city maps. The 3D functions are great. It is also a great way to bring famous monuments right into the classroom--like the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore.
I also created my own igoogle page. I love the games and animal pictures. I keep adding more games and revising my page. It's alot of fun.
I also really liked exploring google earth . It is great for social studies and geography. You could study everything from street maps to city maps. The 3D functions are great. It is also a great way to bring famous monuments right into the classroom--like the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore.
I also created my own igoogle page. I love the games and animal pictures. I keep adding more games and revising my page. It's alot of fun.
Thing #6 complete
I really like all the things you can do with pictures--and it is so easy. In a library, the possibilities are endless with the creations. With the speech bubble captions-you could take pictures of students with books they enjoyed and add their comments about the book and then put them up in the library. With the trading cards--you could use them as a business card of sorts to the students. But you could also use the trading cards to promote books--Hints as to the story to give a clue about what the book is about to spark some interest.
With the framer--you could also promote books with pictures of students who had read the book. You could also use it for awards for reading--post the students of the week from each class. There is so much to explore at the fd's Flickr Toys. This will definitely be on my favorites menu.
Here are a couple more fun things I made!
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