Thing 2; Image Generators 2

I could not choose, so tried them all (and even at that found myself getting distracted and straying off into other links, and links....I guess I got caught in a web tide and started floating away). How much fun!

Student use of Wordle—because the user can either type in text or copy and paste, Wordle can be used to look for the frequent use of vocabulary in newly assigned text, maybe predict a theme or main idea of a reading assignment, or the student can examine their own writing for redundancy of a word, and create word posters. Using Wordle, students can work either as individuals or as part of a team.

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Student use of WordSift has many helpful functions and some especially helpful to identified ESL students such as the visual Thesaurus, providing examples of different meanings to the same word, the Academic Word List (AWL), posts of images and video related to selected words, sound (ability to hear the pronunciation of a word in English and other languages--awesome), and the organization of key words according to color (green, red).

Glogster—As a student learning how to create a Glogster for myself, I needed to plan and research images as well as my pictures, links, video, and possible sound. I also needed to give thought to my font type, color, shadowing and layout. Different (different than traditional cardboard poster) thinking was obvious—that related to the video, sound, links, and images so easily available on the net, options that allow the student to present more information using less space. Using the electronic poster online allows the student to combine art and layout skills of the cardboard poster along with presentation available on the net. An added bonus is that the Glogster can be easily viewed by a larger audience.

Depending on the purpose of the poster, it is difficult for me to say that one is better or worse. Because I feel so very strongly that we should be using technology in such a more creative way in our teaching and learning, I have to make sure that I am not biased in my thought process. Ex. There is a place for hands on Art (the cardboard poster) and using that instructional delivery across the curriculum areas is also a valuable tool.

Voice Thread is an easy to use internet tool that combines visual, auditory, and text mediums and can be used by students as a presentation tool for sharing (favorites, how-to’s, greetings, announcements, etc.) sharing with the intent of gathering input, as an evaluating tool (their own work or another’s), story telling, sharing an experience, and simply being a voice (i.e. electronic portfolio). There is potential for using Voice Thread in every classroom.

Animoto—Another presentation tool--Fun, easy to use. I did like that there is a library of music and images for the student to choose from. Many options available for sharing the final product.

Voki— a talking avatar can be used to send a strong message in an email or blog relevant to the theme of the blog or mission of the email writer by putting a voice to words regarding, for ex., living green or eating healthy.

Bookr— students can easily use this tool to create a photobook instead of any other application that creates slide presentations (ex. powerpoint, virtual whiteboard, voice thread); however, the user is limited to using only those pictures/images that have been loaded into Flickr

11.5 More Things; Thing 1 The Networked Student

Thank you LRC for organizing a Library2Play2.

My personal thoughts, teacher/student; teaching/learning: I am grateful to see that we are recognizing and appreciating online and virtual instruction. The video demonstrates an example of an older (secondary/college) student in a virtual class that uses research intensive assignments, fact finding, and information sharing as the basis for teaching and learning. In a simplistic manner the video shows the viewer how the student can seek out and easily contact experts, regardless of geographic location, truly expanding learning to beyond the textbook, the walls of the classroom, or knowledge base of the assigned instructor. I love that the student is expected to demonstrate whether or not he or she has assimilated new learning, has sifted through the differences of fact vs. opinion, by way of information sharing via a social networking site; what an A+ assessment tool.

The teacher has the responsibility of giving good initial expectations for the assignment, asking the right probing questions, being available for students’ questions, and monitoring student progress and direction.

The librarian can help with online or virtual learning through their knowledge of electronic databases, online libraries, appropriate blogs, wikis or other networking and communication tools.

Thing 21

I need to take more time to experiment with Podcasts and Audio Books at a later date. This is a "thing" that I have made several attempts at working through and it simply does not interest me. First of all, I am having issues with loading programs on to my computer. The awareness and exposure to the tool is appreciated.

Thing 23

Favorite discoveries - nearly everything!

Professionally - This experience supports my belief that we should be doing so much more with developing our online method of delivering curriculum and expanding learning opportunities.
The tools are there!

Personally - I have wanted to learn how to create a blog for a long time. Now, I have the tools and skills to play around with the idea.

Learning that we were going to create a blog was a nice surprise, but being exposed to nearly all of the tools was an unexpected outcome too - wetpaint.com, google docs, how to add a search engine to our blog, are just a few that immediately come to mind.

I would most definitely take a program like this again. As a matter of fact, I was looking at what I have done and see that it needs development from its rough beginnings. As I was looking at some of the other blogs, I noticed that some individuals were experienced with the process. I would love to have the opportunity to take a level two where we take what we started and build on it.

Recommendations -
* different levels for the beginner and those with experience
* lab time opportunity for visual demonstration and use of unexpected equipment needs like speakers for voice recording

The 23 Things learning activity is- academically relevant, responsible and progressive.

Thing 22

When I opened Ning for Teachers, the first thing I came across was that Nike is having a virtual Child Development Programs Career Fair on 3/20/08. How exciting!
One click led to another which led to another and another and I came across a pretty comprehensive test generator. I would take advantage of this if I was writing new curriculum.

I didn't notice ads on the Teacher Librarian Ning as there were on the Ning for Teachers. Sometimes the ads are interesting too. Personlly, I did not see anything there that I would use; however, if someone has the time, really needs an answer that they cannot find, they can always start their own forum.

Thing 20

I enjoyed viewing "student product" videos from around the world. I believe that one of the reasons to taking advantage of the internet is to expand our world and to open the doors to creative ways of teaching and learning.

Personally, embedding Teacher Tube video on my blog was easier than editing the Sandbox---

Thing 19

When searching through Web 2.0 I found several sites that I was able to share with friends and they were VERY appreciative. In addition to all of the other wonderful tools that we have been introduced to, I found www.writeboard.com. I wish I knew of this site years ago! How wonderful to share grant writing, agendas, etc.