Thing #23 Reflection

This class has helped me branch out and explore more on the computer which is exactly what I needed. I lack confidence on the computer and get frustrated when I can't get things to work the way I think they should. This class gave me the opportunity to fail and then come back with fresh eyes and give it another try. I also asked family, friends, co-workers and students about their experiences with the "things". In many cases I learned something new and a few times I got to introduce them to something new. It has been a really nice introduction to new technology and I will definitely use my new skills and knowledge both in my personal and professional life. I would take another class like this and I'm even considering other tech classes offered by the district that didn't appeal to me before because I feel more confident now.

Cheers,
Amy

#22 Audiobooks

I'm not a huge fan of audiobooks in the first place. I like the act of reading and I tend to tune out while listening. I did poke around on the netlibrary and figured out how to do searches and such. They didn't have anything by my favorite author Barbara Kingsolver. It's great that there is access available through the library and now that I know I can share the good word. I know some people at work who like audio books. I'm guessing that it's not well known that this option is available through the library.

Thing #21 Podcasts

I've used podcasts on an ipod while I was commuting to Denver but have sense put them out of my mind and no longer have access to an ipod. It's nice to have the option of just listening to them online. I really enjoy NPR but don't always have access to it. It's so great to just be able to pull up stories when you want to which is of course very applicable in the classroom. It would be nice to listen to a short podcast and then have students journal or draw in reflection. My favorite NPR programs are Car Talk and This American Life.

I doubt many of my students would appreciate this but I know a few who would. I guess that's another nice thing! You could just email this link to students who you know would appreciate it.

Thing #20 You Tube

I think You Tube is a great resource and that it can be used by teachers to bring diversity to their lessons. I don't think it is a very good tool to set students loose with. I work in a high school and I see You Tube abused by students regularly. There is very little filtering and just too much inappropriate footage. It is also very easy to get distracted and off task when using it.

Ooh, I'm so proud of myself for figuring out how to get the video to show. I gave up yesterday but came back today and figured it out right away. Sometimes I feel like my eyes just glaze over from being on the computer for too long. I guess I just learned the value of taking a break and then coming back to it.

I really enjoy this version of such a classic song and I can't get it on pandora.

Thing #19 2.0

I used livemocha.com quite a bit this summer and found it to be very helpful. I was looking at purchasing the Rosetta Stone system which is really expensive. I started google searching for foreign language site and found live mocha which is a very similar learning experience and it's online and it's FREE! I think it's actually nicer than taking a class in many ways because you can go at your own pace and you can have things repeated as many times as you need. I didn't really like how they worked out the collaboration. As a native speaker you are supposed to review people's written work and it just seemed silly because you don't know what level they are at.
I recently discovered pandora.com an online radio site. I'm smitten with it. It is so perfect for me. I love music but I'm not good at DJing and I'm terrible with knowing artists and songs names. With pandora you just put in one artist you like and the site will come up with a station that plays music with a similar flavor. You can give each song a thumbs up or down. If you give it a thumbs down it never plays again, a thumbs up adds it to your play list. You can have multiple stations and it keeps them on your account. You can also share stations with friends. Did I mention it's FREE! The other great thing is it introduces you to new music and artists. It is truly my new favorite thing and I'm listening to my Frank Sinatra Holiday station right now...

Thing #18 Web based apps

I am so glad to be introduced to this tool. I have moved/traveled quite often and I always email my important documents to myself in order to have them wherever I go next. This is such a practical tool to allow you access to your documents no matter where you are. Over the holiday I plan on working on my resume while I'm in Montana. This way I can access it anywhere!! I like the features on Zoho as well. One small complaint, when I copy and pasted a document from word the spacing turned out funny. This is so practical for students as well. I've been working with students on building their resume and with Zoho they will be able to access it at the library or wherever they need so that they can keep up with it. Brilliant!!

Thing #17 PBWiki

I can see the advantage of using this in a high school classroom. I can also see it being frustrating and time consuming to set up. Its seems like once you got in figured out and flowing it would be a nice and convenient tool if your students have enough computer access. Many students do not have access outside of school and sometimes limited time/access at school. This may create problems if you were relying on using a PBWiki.
I didn't see a link for the Rocky Mountain PBWiki. I also searched for it and couldn't find it. I'm thinking that may be another challenge is being able to find the wiki you are looking for.