One Last Thing....

Well, I have definitely learned a lot with this project. I have to admit that I have been a little reluctant to jump on the technology train but I can't really avoid it or be scared of it any longer because of all that is out there and available. I am behind but feel much more "in the loop" now after completing this project. Now I just have to make sure I keep up with the ever changing world of computers and technology.


My favorite parts of this project were creating the images like the post it's and sign makers as well as the animoto and you tube and flickr. I liked playing with pictures and creating images that BEFORE this, I never would have thought I could figure out how to do. I still don't really like podcasts OR really blogging in general. However, I will probably attempt to keep a blog when I am teaching so that the parents can read it. I will probably have to access that, though, and determine if it is really worth the time and effort depending on who (if anyone) is actually reading it.

Thing #23

This image was taken from Thing #16 on APSU 23 things. It was taken from Flickr and at the bottom of the description of Thing #16 was: Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tidalotter/538731706/.


Whenever you create anything, you automatically have all rights reserved. People who are interested in sharing can use Creative Commons. The people who put pictures on flickr are okay with others using their work. They want others to use it and an easy way to let people know that they can use it and how they can use it is by Creative Commons. Every site we've used on APSU 23 things has been a part of Creative Commons. It's a great way to collaborate but not completely give up your copyright rights. Because of Creative Commons, as a teacher, I will be able to clearly see what I can use and what I can't use. And it will allow me TO use more than I would have originally been able to before Creative Commons.

Thing #22

I wasn't too crazy about this "thing". I don't think I'm too crazy about podcasts in general...I'm finding them kind of boring. I need something to look at.

I found Podcastalley.com the most user friendly. It had the top 10 of the week, new ones, and most listened to. So, it was all right there and easy to see and use. Even though I am not a big fan of podcasts so far, I may still use them in the classroom but more of a project for the kids because it may be a fun project for them to do. But to just sit and listen to one...not so much. But, they may enjoy creating them and hearing themselves and listening to their friends.

This is the podcast I ended up listening to and even though I am a Twilight Series fan, I even found this podcast boring... I just don't think I'm a podcast person....

Thing #21

I liked Animoto. It was pretty easy to use, too. At first, when I saw I had to make a video, I thought, "oh great", but it was simple. The music choices were kind of bunk, but it was easier to choose from their music than to go through mine. I just uploaded some photos from our engagement shoot and it was simple. This would be a fun thing to use in the classroom and I will probably use it again now that I know about it like for wedding pictures!

Thing #20

You Tube is pretty popular. I love it because you can seriously find anything on it from news clips, to music videos to instructional videos. I tried to view the "I want to be a Librarian" that was on the description of the "thing" but it has been removed. I chose the all famous JK Wedding Entrance and then also the spoof that was done on it known as the JK Divorce Entrance. I would never do anything like this at my wedding, but it still cracks me up to see people do it. And this particular video was fresh on my mind...



And now the one below is the spoof that is known as their divorce entrance....pretty funny...

Thing #19

I joined TeacherPop and was able to post the badge to my blog but nothing more until my membership is approved. But I already know what picture I want to post...so I will do so once my membership is approved. I think I will definitely use TeacherPop throughout school and my career. It's a great way to communicate with other teachers and get ideas and advice. You can also post an experience you had so that it may help out other teachers.

Currently I am a member of Facebook and now, Teacher Pop. I have wanted to join Teacher Pop anyway, so I am glad that was a requirement for this "thing". I looked at a few of the other social sites, but I'm just not interested in joining any other ones. I checked out Fuzzster which is a social site for you and your pet...which is kind of cute, I guess but a little werid. And I also checked out goodreads and flixster. I will probably join goodreads in the future as it can benefit me when choosing books for my students to read.

Thing #18

Sweet! An easy "thing".... I've had a facebook account for only a little over a year. First I had myspace but got rid of it when I set up my facebook account. Facebook was just easier to use and easier to find people on than myspace. So, I'm a bigger fan of Facebook. I held out for a really long time on either, though. I didn't get a myspace account until LATE 2007. And then got my facebook account mid 2008...so then dumped myspace. But, I remember the first time I heard of myspace...again, it was probably later than normal...and it was early 2006. Then all my friends started doing it but I held out for a really long time. Anyway, I enjoy facebook now. It's nice to keep in touch with friends from all chapters of life. I make sure to keep my profile set to private so that only my friends can see pics and all. But, there really is nothing on my facebook account that I would be embarrassed about. It amazes me some of the things I see people post or pictures they put up and I'm like, "wow...really? That's not smart...."

Anyway, as far as using facebook or myspace in the classroom...I'm not feeling it. I think it should just be used for networking or staying in touch with friends. It's more useful if you're in marketing or something like that. A lot of companies create facebook accounts to get fans, which is a great and free way to advertise, but I don't really see a use for it in the classroom. I think teachers should be aware of it just because it's a big thing. Students are into it and use it a lot, so educators should be aware of what is going on. I suppose a teacher could try to incorporate it into the classroom but I just think it should be separate. Blogging is a better more formal way to communicate with the classroom than facebook or myspace. I mean, I can't even imagine a student requesting to be my friend on facebook or leaving a comment on my wall or something like that....but if it were a separate account, maybe that would be ok. I probably will not use it in the classroom,though.
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