Thing #10 - Creative Commons

I definitely learned something new. I had no idea that creative commons existed. I was totally unaware of the law. Honestly, I have never noticed the cc trademark on the websites that I visit. I have used images from different websites that were labeled free, but was unaware that I can reproduce most images, videos, audios that are on the web for the classroom. I will keep that in mind so that when I am putting together lessons that include technology, I can use cc media. 86

I feel that creative commons will help students in the creation of projects so that they can use videos, audios, and images.
I do use images and audio that I create in my classroom, but I have not used anything that I found on the web. Now that I know that almost everything is usable in the classroom, I am sure that I will make use of this copyright law.
If I create teaching material then it belongs to me. If I find it on the web then I will give credit to the author/creator. If I purchase it, then I am able to use it for my classroom. 196

Thing #8 - Wikkis

I knew absolutely nothing about wikkis until now. I looked at the wikkis that were suggested and found them to helpful and some of them were quite interesting. I like the Salut to Seuss sight. It contained a plethora of information about Dr. Seuss and his books. I also liked the voiki wikki. I am going to try to go back when I have some time and make a voki. The book study for The Discovery Utopias was also an interesting sight, but my favorite one was the one from Woodward Academy that was created by a fifth grade class. The wikki was about the book, Turn Homeward Hannalee, I liked the layout of the page with pages for vocabulary, questions, chapter summaries, etc.. If I were to start a wikki, I think that I would like it organized like this one. I think that I would have more of a reader's thoughts or reactions section where the students could write their own reading journal. A wikki would be a great idea for a novel study.

Thing #7 - Commenting

I read all the articles about commenting on other blogs. The ones on the right way to and the need to make comments. I went to the ones that I had adopted and commented and then I started looking at my RSS reader and looking for something that sparked enough interest for me to put myself out on the web and express my opinion. One that really struck a note with me was an article on Free Technology for Teachers. The blog post was about how restrictive our web access is at school. I felt strongly enough about the article to add my own opinion. If you have time you can check it out. There are some really good blogs out there that are full of relevant information.

Thing #6- RSS Feeds

RSS feeds are daunting. The number and size of the sights are overwhelming. I finally narrowed down my selections to 10 of the best or more promising sights. The amount of information that is available is mind-boggling. I was unaware of the extent of blogs/blogging. One interesting article that I read today was about the FTC finding that explicit information is accessible to children. They found that 70% of the virtual sights for children allow access to inappropriate web sights. Most parents feel that their children are safe on these sights, when in fact they are not. The study calls for the companies who own these sight to be forced to change their policies and make them safe for children. Another article that made an impression on me was one that did a study on 21st century classrooms and whether we are preparing our students for the present or the past. One of the biggest problems that I am having is seeing an interesting articles and since I am crunched for time I put a star on it to save for later. Later has a way of never getting here........

RSS Feeds-Thing #5

I found several things of interest on the blogs that I subscribed too, but the most useful post that I read was under the techlearning blog. There was a site that had the 5 tips for parents to stop cyberbullying. I think that it would be very good to post a link on my classroom blog. On the same blog I found a very useful website for US state reports. I am always looking for good ideas in the classroom.

I also read an article on students 2.0 and found it quite amusing. This entry is asking where have all the students who were blogging gone? This was a group of high school students who were using all the 2.o technology in 2008, but have moved on. The last entry was made in 2009. The author of this entry is making a point that students have long since moved on in their lives and are learning new technologies while we as educators are still hung up on the same learning that our students have already mastered and have found other avenues of expression. Maybe this is why I get the blank stares and the "what are you talking about??" answers when I question my own teenagers about what I am learning. Point taken.......technology is not standing still....we are!

Blogging is Reading - Thing #4

The blogs that I read were either written to express ideas/opinions or to give information.
I thought that the article on SSR 2.o was interesting. It is not something that I would have my students do on a regular basis, but it would be something worthwhile to do occasionally. All the comments seemed to be positive on this blog. I think that having a blog that students read and write responses would have a positive impact on their reading and writing skills.

The article on Spies Like Us was disturbing. I can see this happening in our schools. We are all human and it is disturbing to realize that a student could record and globally immortalize a moment of weakness. How do we even begin to protect ourselves from this????

The article, Cyberbullies, is a reality in our schools now. The principal and counselor have checked on facebook, Youtube and other posting sites and have found elementary school students posting inappropriate comments, pictures, etc.. It is a form of bullying that is becoming more and more popular.

I think that homework is always going to be an issue. Whether or not to assign homework has become a personal choice.

The 5th grader blog was very enlightening. His passion was passing. I enjoyed this inspiring entry and the positive feedback that was given to this entry.

I found the articles on the blogs with the comments interesting. I found that some blogs were editorials and the comments were editorials on the author's viewpoints. Although I am always interested in telling anyone and everyone my opinion about a given subject, reading about other people's opinions.....not so much. (Note: I enjoy reading the newspaper, but always skip the editorial section.). If I started a blog that expressed my views on subjects of interest, then I would have to grow a very thick skin.........

**I did learn how to add links to my blog so that I can link anything that I feel is important to my blog

Learning 2.0-Thing #2

I am amazed at how quickly technology has changed in the 21st century. I work very hard to keep up with technology. Last year I created a blog to post information for my class. I used this to replace my weekly newsletter. I post homework assignments, spelling lists, pictures of activities, and updates about activities and events that are going on in the classroom as well as the school. Podcasts work well to create activites and interest in the blog. I feel this is only a beginning of the technology that could help engage my students. With all the video games, internet sites including UTube and Twitter, it has become increasingly difficult to engage our students in traditional classroom activities. I feel that it is imperative to give them lessons that are rich with technology.

The statistics quoted in the videos and articles have probably already surpassed what was predicted for 2006.In the current job market, a person seeking a job must fill out an online application. The company then uses key word recognition software to determine who they even want to interview. It is a totally different way to seek a job. The ability to effectively use technology is crucial. How different than when I was seeking employment and my biggest concern was presenting a good resume! As educators we must prepare our students for the challenges of a technological world.

Lifelong Learning-Thing #1

I think that learning is one of the most important things that we do as teachers. In order to be effective in the classroom, teachers must stay informed about strategies, goals, and technology. We must keep our students engaged and technology is the key in the 21st century. If I don't stay up with the challenge of learning new technologies, then I will lose out on one of the most engaging tools for effective teaching.

Once we stop learning, then we stop creating and life would become very boring. I want to keep learning, keep growing and creating.