Well, once again, amazed is the best word to describe this "thing". I would have never known about the features of this tool if not for this class. This seems to be just like word (Zoho Writer anyway) and all it perks but with none of its limitations. Limitations such as, the availability of documents without any other storage devices. Also, Zoho Writer gives you the positive features of Livetext (no geographic limitations), but with a much easier way to manipulate your works.
Side note:
Posting this document to my blog was fantastically simple.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thing #8
If you are having a hard time reading what this picture reads, "HAVING FUN WITH SCIENCE." I know what your thinking, "What is so fun about science?" Well, I guess in short, science is the study of the world in which we live in. My ultimate lifelong goal is to leave the world a better place when I'm gone. What better way to do that than to understand the study of it?
That little rant has nothing to do with this "thing", but I felt it necessary to share it with you. This web site is very diverse in its capabilities; however, I see myself implimenting it more for my personal use than for education. I could see myself using it for things such as greeting, birthday, and cards of celebration.
Thing #7
Image by: little-wingsOnce again, I am amazed with the information and its availability on the Internet. Who knew that one day if you wanted to search a thing or a place or even a person, that all we would have to do is simply know where to begin the search and type the name.
I personally chose this photo of the White House on the basis that I had such a great experience visiting the Nation's Capitol. I believe that all students should have the opportunity some time in the educational journey to go see where the decision that shape the world are made. Just being there gives you a feel that it is truly a special place, and more importantly a place that represents this amazing country that we are sooo privileged to live.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thing #12
The tools of this particular “thing” I found most useful were the calendar and iGoogle page.
When I read the info on the iGoogle page I automatically made it my home page. Being able to add links and news feeds was appealing to me, and it seems to have a similar concept as RSS.
The other tool I chose to research further was the calendar. If anyone else is like me, they would have a hard time keeping up with their head if it wasn’t attached to their shoulders. It is essential to write down what I’m doing, or in this case going to do. I also believe that with the students of today becoming more and more capable of manipulating web based programs as well as having more and more access to computers in and out of school, that this Google feature does have an educational use. An example may include a school that does not have access to a program like D2L. They could obviously not do all the same things, but they could keep a syllabus and schedule of upcoming events.
When I read the info on the iGoogle page I automatically made it my home page. Being able to add links and news feeds was appealing to me, and it seems to have a similar concept as RSS.
The other tool I chose to research further was the calendar. If anyone else is like me, they would have a hard time keeping up with their head if it wasn’t attached to their shoulders. It is essential to write down what I’m doing, or in this case going to do. I also believe that with the students of today becoming more and more capable of manipulating web based programs as well as having more and more access to computers in and out of school, that this Google feature does have an educational use. An example may include a school that does not have access to a program like D2L. They could obviously not do all the same things, but they could keep a syllabus and schedule of upcoming events.
Thing #10
RSS and newsreaders are a great time management tool. And who couldn’t use a little more time? With these features you can visit and read all blogs or web sites you are interested in at one stop. Like the author on the bloglines web page states, “it’s like having your own personal newspaper,” except with only the information you want.
For instance, in my case I will be teaching science, so it would benefit me to RSS National Geographic, Discovery, or various other science related web sites. Why? > To save time. A high school teacher typically only has 45 minutes to get in a lesson plan, and if you waste your time looking for information on a web site you have previously visited, then you are taking away from those student’s ability to learn.
For instance, in my case I will be teaching science, so it would benefit me to RSS National Geographic, Discovery, or various other science related web sites. Why? > To save time. A high school teacher typically only has 45 minutes to get in a lesson plan, and if you waste your time looking for information on a web site you have previously visited, then you are taking away from those student’s ability to learn.
Thing #9
I personally enjoyed this “thing”. I’ve seen what other folks where doing and just had a blast. Also, I was pleasantly surprised with the ease of creating these images.
I will have to say, that in the future, when I finally become a teacher, I will use this feature to spice up my lesson plans to help get the students more involved. Because, in my opinion, a interested student has the opportunity to much more effortlessly.
I will have to say, that in the future, when I finally become a teacher, I will use this feature to spice up my lesson plans to help get the students more involved. Because, in my opinion, a interested student has the opportunity to much more effortlessly.
Thing #9
How about some "ocean front property in Arizona?" I'm sure "from my front porch you can see the sea."
Thing #5
I choose to visit Google Maps.
From the time that I discovered that I could go onto the internet and find directions to some place unknown, I was, to say the least, intrigued. This web site does that and more. It not only allows someone to search and find a location that they previously have not been, but it give the user an option to view their destination by street maps or a satellite image as well as to get an idea of what the terrain is like. The great attribute about Google Maps is that it is totally free and very simple to navigate your way around. As far as using it in the classroom, the teacher could create a web quest where the students are responsible for finding a route to a suitable place of interest for a field trip.
From the time that I discovered that I could go onto the internet and find directions to some place unknown, I was, to say the least, intrigued. This web site does that and more. It not only allows someone to search and find a location that they previously have not been, but it give the user an option to view their destination by street maps or a satellite image as well as to get an idea of what the terrain is like. The great attribute about Google Maps is that it is totally free and very simple to navigate your way around. As far as using it in the classroom, the teacher could create a web quest where the students are responsible for finding a route to a suitable place of interest for a field trip.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thing #6
What does “School 2.0” mean to you?
What does it mean for schools of the future?
I viewed all perspectives that were accessible. I believe that the classroom will never be the same. That’s good. Change in perspectives and the way we view the world keeps things from going stale. In our pursuit to become lifelong learners, we must also pursue to become lifelong educators. Having that goal in mind and assessing what tools we will need to stay ahead, “School 2.0” is fundamental in reaching that goal. Students today are so involved in the latest technology and use them in everyday life situations. As educators we simply must tap into that existing knowledge base and learn to manipulate it to our students benefit. The students of tomorrow, will only be more capable in what we now refer to as the “technologies of tomorrow,” so as educators we must get over ourselves and get with the program, so to speak.
What does it mean for schools of the future?
I viewed all perspectives that were accessible. I believe that the classroom will never be the same. That’s good. Change in perspectives and the way we view the world keeps things from going stale. In our pursuit to become lifelong learners, we must also pursue to become lifelong educators. Having that goal in mind and assessing what tools we will need to stay ahead, “School 2.0” is fundamental in reaching that goal. Students today are so involved in the latest technology and use them in everyday life situations. As educators we simply must tap into that existing knowledge base and learn to manipulate it to our students benefit. The students of tomorrow, will only be more capable in what we now refer to as the “technologies of tomorrow,” so as educators we must get over ourselves and get with the program, so to speak.
Thing #4
First:
Why is commenting on other blogger’s blogs soooo important?
What I have personally found to be helpful, is that commenting on other blogs gives me some sense of relationship with my fellow classmates that can only come through interaction. In the past this interaction could only come through one-on-one time or group activities strictly in a classroom or face-to-face setting. By implementing this “web 2.0 tool”, students and teachers as well as fellow classmates can establish a working relationship that has no geographical boundaries. Meaning, we are now able to communicate in the comfort of our own home (except for me, I have dial-up internet) and are not forced to fit it in our allotted class time.
Second:
On the “How to comment like a king (or queen!)” blog, I found the post on only making useful comments interesting. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” This can especially be applied to what we are doing. The blogger state that making a comment like, “RIGHT ON!” or something like, “Oh man, I feel you there,” this carries no educational value. If we step back and take a look we must ask ourselves the question, “Why are we here?” and the simple answer is to be a better informed and more capable educator, and to accomplish this we must have useful interaction not worthless.
Disclaimer regarding “habit 7 &1/2” PLAY!
“Please do not refrain from leaving me comments about my avatar and how funny he looks.”
In the “Edublogger Etiquette-Responding To Comments” blog, I found the information about responding to the comments that are posted to your particular blog useful. Again, ask yourself a question, “Why am I blogging?” Is it because I like having my name out there and have nothing else better to do? –Or- Is it because learning may strike us like lighting (anytime or anyplace)? There are reasons as to why people are interested in a blog or what a person might have to say. Though it may not be practical that a blogger can respond to all comments, it is essential give some sort of clarity on a particular response or question that one might have to your posts.
Third:
Jeffrey Lane
Fourth:
I commented on Jeffery Lane’s Thing # 5:
Jeffrey, I think you hit the nail right on the head. Technology such as the internet is quickly becoming essential to the advancement of education. I only wander…Do you think we are becoming too dependent upon it?
Why?
I believe in the web, but there are some essential aspects of communication we can only get face-to-face.
To be continued...
Why is commenting on other blogger’s blogs soooo important?
What I have personally found to be helpful, is that commenting on other blogs gives me some sense of relationship with my fellow classmates that can only come through interaction. In the past this interaction could only come through one-on-one time or group activities strictly in a classroom or face-to-face setting. By implementing this “web 2.0 tool”, students and teachers as well as fellow classmates can establish a working relationship that has no geographical boundaries. Meaning, we are now able to communicate in the comfort of our own home (except for me, I have dial-up internet) and are not forced to fit it in our allotted class time.
Second:
On the “How to comment like a king (or queen!)” blog, I found the post on only making useful comments interesting. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” This can especially be applied to what we are doing. The blogger state that making a comment like, “RIGHT ON!” or something like, “Oh man, I feel you there,” this carries no educational value. If we step back and take a look we must ask ourselves the question, “Why are we here?” and the simple answer is to be a better informed and more capable educator, and to accomplish this we must have useful interaction not worthless.
Disclaimer regarding “habit 7 &1/2” PLAY!
“Please do not refrain from leaving me comments about my avatar and how funny he looks.”
In the “Edublogger Etiquette-Responding To Comments” blog, I found the information about responding to the comments that are posted to your particular blog useful. Again, ask yourself a question, “Why am I blogging?” Is it because I like having my name out there and have nothing else better to do? –Or- Is it because learning may strike us like lighting (anytime or anyplace)? There are reasons as to why people are interested in a blog or what a person might have to say. Though it may not be practical that a blogger can respond to all comments, it is essential give some sort of clarity on a particular response or question that one might have to your posts.
Third:
Jeffrey Lane
Fourth:
I commented on Jeffery Lane’s Thing # 5:
Jeffrey, I think you hit the nail right on the head. Technology such as the internet is quickly becoming essential to the advancement of education. I only wander…Do you think we are becoming too dependent upon it?
Why?
I believe in the web, but there are some essential aspects of communication we can only get face-to-face.
To be continued...
Thing #1
Okay, so I’ve got my headphones on and I’m ready to expand my journey in lifelong education.
Listening to the “7 & ½ Habits online tutorial” hit home on a few different levels. I would like to begin with what has proven to be my weakest attribute of becoming a lifelong learner and that is setting a goal and accomplishing it. However, accomplishing my goals has not always been my greatest challenge; it has proven of late to be the proverbial chink in my armor. Goals seem to be one of the most important aspects of success in life as well as in the world of education. We as people tend to lack a sense of direction, and the main reason is a deficit of proper goals. Not only does having a goal give someone a destination to strive towards, it also gives that person some sense accomplishment and self-confidence upon completion of that goal, which in my mind, are essential motivators of success.
Aside from habit 7 & ½ (playing and having fun), my unfailing knack to have confidence in myself is most assuredly above all else my greatest strength. I’m not real sure where it comes from, but my self-belief has never been something that I had to reinforce. This may seem somewhat contradictory to my above rant on “setting and accomplishing goals” leads to self-confidence, but in my situation I found them to be independent of each other.
Listening to the “7 & ½ Habits online tutorial” hit home on a few different levels. I would like to begin with what has proven to be my weakest attribute of becoming a lifelong learner and that is setting a goal and accomplishing it. However, accomplishing my goals has not always been my greatest challenge; it has proven of late to be the proverbial chink in my armor. Goals seem to be one of the most important aspects of success in life as well as in the world of education. We as people tend to lack a sense of direction, and the main reason is a deficit of proper goals. Not only does having a goal give someone a destination to strive towards, it also gives that person some sense accomplishment and self-confidence upon completion of that goal, which in my mind, are essential motivators of success.
Aside from habit 7 & ½ (playing and having fun), my unfailing knack to have confidence in myself is most assuredly above all else my greatest strength. I’m not real sure where it comes from, but my self-belief has never been something that I had to reinforce. This may seem somewhat contradictory to my above rant on “setting and accomplishing goals” leads to self-confidence, but in my situation I found them to be independent of each other.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Things 2 & 3
By now everyone is well ahead of me in their blogging adventure, and I will start off by setting the bar low and hopefully exceed any expectation that anyone may have when they read my blog.
If you haven't already noticed I have created an avatar with the likeness that some agree does not properly represent my true self. That is beside the point I'm sure. I believe that this blogging experience will be beneficial to everyone in this class, simply because this method of communication is relatively new and will only become a more popular way to stay up-to-date in the "goings on" of whatever social or academic community you may be involved with.
Another note:
As future education professionals, we cannot possibly have enough positive propaganda about us, and by registering and maintaining a blog on the 'world wide web' we are ensuring just that.
Peace out!
If you haven't already noticed I have created an avatar with the likeness that some agree does not properly represent my true self. That is beside the point I'm sure. I believe that this blogging experience will be beneficial to everyone in this class, simply because this method of communication is relatively new and will only become a more popular way to stay up-to-date in the "goings on" of whatever social or academic community you may be involved with.
Another note:
As future education professionals, we cannot possibly have enough positive propaganda about us, and by registering and maintaining a blog on the 'world wide web' we are ensuring just that.
Peace out!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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