Oops...somehow I skipped Thing 14!!!

Oops...somehow I skipped Thing 14!

When I first searched the blog posts, I found several entires so I then tried the directory which had fewer items to chooose from. It seems like they are all listed by index with the following words coming up as a keyword search in no particular order: school library learning 2.0. However, when I tried again with the search phrase: school*library*learning*2.0 it was a success!!! While the other blog entries were relevant, I was able to better narrow my search by adding the astericks to specify the exact phrase as it may appear within a blog post or in the directory.

I had difficulty finding where/how to search by tags within Technorati, but must say that tags are very useful for indexing items. This being said, I do like the verticality of Technorati because it is so easy to navigate. The organization by topic is a great tool for implementation in the classroom and/or in the library. However, my concern is helping elementary age students to discern information that is both accurate and authentic. Technorati is an index of blogs. Blogs can be educational, but it will serve me well to consider implementation as far as students who are learning the process of research.

Thing 22

I actually belonged to the Texas School Librarian Ning, but got a little freaked out when I googled myslef and realized that people could access my Ning. I tried to block it, but I got frustrated and decided to change up the information since I did not have much success with the actual social aspect of the site itself. I suppose it just goes to show that you really do get out of something what you put into something.

Because of my previous experience, I decided to check out the Teacher Librarian Ning because I really do feel like I am a teacher and a librarian. This site seems to have useful information since it has 3,000 more members that the Texas School Librarian Ning. The possibilities for networking and the sharing of ideas make Nings ideal!

Thing 21

I love the idea of using Photostory with Audacity to create a book review! I have used Photostory before and found myself frustrated that I was unable to add personalized audio so this exercise has been very worthwhile. My students and teachers are going to really enjoy being able to implement this in the classroom.

I had fun putting together the following Photostory of our trip to Germany this summer!

Thing 20

If only my school district did now block You Tube and Teacher Tube!!! We actually have to submit a request for them to unblock it for us to use during Professional Development sessions. The irony is that if we as educators are using it to learn, then why is it that we don't use the same techonology for our students to learn?

I love the idea of using Teacher Tube for library orientation!!!

Thing 19

I am hooked on I'm Cooked!!! Being a self admitted food junkie, I am so excited to find this wonderful resource. I have always wanted to cook Tofu and think that I have actually found a great video that I can going to try. It is so nice that I can watch the specific preparation method in such a short amount of time.

A great compliment to I'm Cooked is the Cocktail Builder! Alas, these are not tools to use in the library. So, in looking at the Web 2.0 Award list I can see that there are several with which I am already familiar and use on a regular basis: Delicious, World Cat, Craig's List, Monster, Geni, Twitter, Facebook, Google Blog Search, Flickr, and You Tube.

The one page that I would like to try using in the library and/or classroom is Lulu. It would be great to help our students see themselves as authors and what better way than to go through the process of writing, editing, revising a story of their very own! I realize that the cost of such an endeavour is prohibitive in the school setting, but you never know what you could come up with as far as donations or even a grant!

Thing 18

Google Docs is great. My husband and I actually use the Family Budget Planner. It is so great to be able to load expenses on any computer and have it all virtually stored in one place. This is especially helpful for us since my husband does travel with his work schedule. I really like the idea of the Calendar Doc since it would help us organize our weekends, etc. On a professional level, I really do think that it would be a great tool for collaborative planning with teachers as well as students!

It took FOREVER to load Open Office. I had not used it before and honestly do think that it is slower than Google Docs. I can see that it is useful, but honestly do prefer the ease of use and layout of Google Docs.

Thing 17

Rollyo is SO cool!!! This is a great tool for our teachers. I started with a Rollyo about Texas History and then decided to look at Rock and Minerals. Using Rollyo with our curriculum bundles will be so helpful! Now I just need to get our Tech Dept to load the Rollyo Roll Bar onto our campus machines...