Casey's Blog

Final Thoughts

2009-01-22T09:25:00.002-08:00

I really enjoyed learning about Web 2.0, especially the award list. I think that it is difficult to find new things when you struggle to get what you have finished. This was an excellent opportunity to step outside of what was familiar and learn about new tools.

To be honest, I was surprised at how many new twists there were, even for things I knew about or use. It was very effective to have some more challenging activities as an option.

I would love to participate in a discovery program like the one offered by NLC. Thank you so much for hosting this!

Podcasts

2009-01-22T09:25:00.001-08:00

I have use iTunes to find podcasts for a long time. I love going in and getting news, entertainment, Spanish lessons, and information. Right before a trip, I always make sure I try to find new things, outside of my personal box, to try. I have found some wonderful sources that I never would have explored if I had not gone out of my way.

I had not seen some of the directories that were listed by the NLC. While some have a way to go before meeting the organizational and visual ease of iTunes, they have some wonderful content.

You Tube

2009-01-22T09:24:00.003-08:00

I just love You Tube. Unfortunately, our filter will not allow us to access it at school. However, You Tube has a wonderful site called Teacher Tube that screens content. On Teacher Tube, you find videos, class projects, teaching units, and other awesome projects that are, for the most part, teacher friendly.

Even better, now there are applications that allow you to download a You Tube video for playback later.

A concern—You Tube make it difficult, if not impossible, to check for copyright. I have seen many things that I am sure did not have the rights released by the owner. Yet, there it was. It was nice to see that many artists now have their own channels, where they post videos, music, and other media clips.

Web 2.0 Awards

2009-01-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

http://www.imcooked.com -- What fun! Cooks record their cooking, post the video, and share. The best thing is that you can see how complicated a recipe actually is before you make. Unlike the cooking shows who make things look far more easier than reality.

http://www.myheritage.com -- Awesome! Talk about an easy way to start your family tree!

http://answers.yahoo.com -- Got great advice about how to repair some things at home without paying for an expensive plumber.

Applications

2009-01-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

I did use Google Docs to make this post. While this might not have all of the bells and whistles of something like Microsoft Office, it does an excellent job of providing needed tools for users. What I like is the possibilities that are opened up by the potential for collaboration. The collaborative possibilities are a true benefit. In our changing world, the skills and tools for collaboration are what is needed.

Wiki

2009-01-22T09:19:00.003-08:00

I went to the ALA Annual Wiki. I guess, with all of the times I have used Wiki’s, I have to say that I had not considered how effective it could be for something like an event. From experience, when you are in charge of a website, frequently everyone has to send the webmaster the information and then hope they have time to add things in a timely manner. Priorities get set. Using a Wiki, anyone can go and quickly provide or update information.

And, once again, several of the examples were blocked by our filters. . . .

Library 2.0

2009-01-22T09:19:00.001-08:00

Icebergs – We serve different populations and trying to meet the diverse needs under out tight budget constraints is not an easy task. If we don’t, we fail. But, at what point to we move forward? At what point to we leave others behind? I see students who, at a young age, are techno sophisticates. They know the language. They know the terminology. They know the applications in real life. On the other side, are the children and families that don’t have that experience and, for some, don’t see the need to discover the new ‘wave’ of technology. It is those families and children that fall behind. So, when faced with hard choices, who should we serve? Those that “have”, even in our absence, or those that “have not”?

Slideshare

2009-01-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

This was great! I had not had an opportunity to use this before, but what a wonderful tool. One of the difficulties with traveling and making presentations is that sometimes, what you bring does not work. It would be great to have that backup available. Plus, the added bonus of not having to “reinvent the wheel!”

Delicious

2009-01-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

I decided to check on the tags for a few of my favorite websites. One of the websites was Wookiepedia (A Star Wars Wiki). It was funny to see how many people thought like I did. But what I liked the most was looking at other websites that people tagged. I found that I preferred the websites from the users that had the same tags that I would have assigned. I actually found a few really neat websites as a result.

Twitter

2008-12-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

I can see where it might be interesting to follow someone. I guess I feel that if I am so interested in what someone is doing, I will pick up the phone and call them or send them an email.

I think I will explore a little more to see if something catches my eye.

Library Things

2008-12-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to say I was surprised to find so many people that had all of my books on their list. I tried to choose a variety of very different books for my library and I found people with all of my books on theirs.

What a wonderful way for students to keep track of their books. I don't think students realize how many books they read. And then to be able to keep track of what they have read or what they like is awesome.

Technology and Children

2008-11-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

I see a big divide among students and technology. I have students who use email, they blog, check out wikis, Visit their friend's My Space accounts, text with their photo enabled cell-phone, and, at the tender age of 11, could be considered gamers.

Now take some other students, who may not have used a computer before and do not have access to any of the technology except through school. How can we best bridge such a large gap in the understanding and utilization of technology?

2008-10-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

I went to Generator Blog first. Of course, many of the links were blocked by our filter. I found this one first! As a big fan of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, this was so much fun.

http://www.benjerry.com/scoop_shops/dousaflavor/flavor_generator.cfm

The Chocolate Bar was a neat choice. I guess you can see a theme of my preferences!

http://www.kessels.com/Downloads/choco/index.html

The Pumpkin one was fun!

http://makesweet.com/mixer/my-halloween-pumpkin

Flickr Discovery

2008-10-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I discovered that 3 of the 4 websites were initially mentioned were blocked by our web filter. The only one that works at my school is Montagr. To be honest, I was not that impressed with what I saw. I think there are a few options that would make the quality of the graphics better.

At home tonight, I plan to explore the Flickr Color Picker and Spell with Flickr. I can see some wonderful uses for those.

The Web Applications link has some really cool tools. Of course, several of them are also blocked by our web filter.

I like the Flickr Sets RSS, that allows you to create an RSS stream from your Flickr set. What an incredible way to keep your family up-to-date.

Flickr : The Road Out

2008-10-31T10:05:00.001-07:00

The Road Out
Originally uploaded by ~ZeroGravity~

I found this photo on Flicker. I think it one of the most beautiful photos I have seen.

I was really impressed with the quality of photos people are posting. Times have certainly changed. I remember how thrilled I was go get an inexpensive camera, I would load the film, take pictures, wait until I could take them to be developed, and wait again. By the time they were developed, half of the time I could not remember why I took certain photos.

The level of sharing and quick access to photos is awesome.

Seeking RSS

2008-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

The amount of information that is at our fingertips is astounding. More so is the speed at which the information is expanding. RSS can go a long way in getting wanted information into the hands of users.

I went to Syndic8 to search and I thought I would see what happens when I type in the name of my favorite actor. Sure enough, I have an RSS feed now that gives me updates on the great Alan Rickman. Now that is a really nice feature!

For me, the first drawback is that some of the RSS feeds are rather overwhelming. The organized nature of Bloglines is wonderful.

The second drawback is simply in our choices. If people narrow their feeds to only what is of interest to them, there is a potential that it will limit learning.

RSS

2008-10-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

I keep coming back to how our children are being raised at a time when information of all kind is at their fingertips. I remember how time consuming it was trying to keep track current news. To be honest, who actually has the time to do things the "traditional" way.

The level of engagement that people of all ages have when they have the power to quickly access items of interest is astounding.

I do worry though, that at some point, some people may become so dependent on an RSS feed that they do not have the opportunity to see other items of interest.

Instant Messaging, Part 2

2008-10-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Thinking about it, I realized last night just how much the Internet and technology has changed our world. I have used instant messaging and a free translator to speak to people from around the world. In the last week, I have spoke in French, Japanese, and Spanish.

Our children are growing up in a time when they have the capability to speak to virtually anyone around the world.

Instant Messaging

2008-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I would be without my IM at home. After my daughter went to bed last night, I realized I had been sending ims for over 4 hours to people from all over the world. Hmmm. . . I wonder if that is why I am so tired today? rofl

BTW, check out netlingo.com!

Creating Blogs

2008-10-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

I remember using HTML to create webpages. My, times have changed. Technology has provided an opportunity for anyone to be a writer. For anyone to share their thoughts and dreams.

7 Habits

2008-10-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

I like the idea of having to commit in writing to one of the items. It makes it more likely (for me at least) to focus on working on the goal.

The Fun of Discovery!

2008-10-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

The joy of discovery! I love to learn new things, I get excited and look forward to the journey. I hope that I can instill that love of learning in all of my students.

Lifelong Learning

2008-10-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

It occurs to me that the happiest people I know approach life always eager to learn new things. Obstacles are challenges, not problems. I see students every day who approach learning with joy and eagerness, while other approach learning with fear and trepidation. I wonder how those same children would describe their approach to life in a few years?

I like how Madame Bonbon described the first step as predefining an adventure. Learning should always be an adventure!