Podcasts & videocasts are a wonderful way to capture our students. They are much more apt to watch/listen then to read. I used Photostory, BUT the computer I had to use at home had no way to record my talking. My laptop crashed, and I cannot access blogs from the school district. I have created podcasts before, so I feel confident in creating them in the future. Anyway, here is a very short show featuring my youngest son.
Alex Trevino's 5th grade year
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
23 Things: Thing #23
First of all, I want to say thank you for allowing me to participate in this experience. I had seen many of these while earning my MLS, but I really needed the refresher course.
1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I really enjoyed them all, but I loved the mashups and learning about RSS feeds. I had been wondering how to get those to work, and now I am excited to be able to stay abreast of information.
2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
It has paired beautifully with additional outside reading that I currently do. I want to stay on top of the trends to ensure that I am in the loop when my 11th & 12th graders ask questions. To do that, I must continue taking courses like this one.
3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
Not really- maybe just how much time is lost when you are having fun playing on the Internet. Allowed me to see why my kids spend so much time on the computer.
4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
Nothing that I can think of right now. It was a great program!
5. If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
Absolutely!!!
6. How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?
AMAZING...INCREDIBLE!!!
I can't wait for the next class. :)
1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I really enjoyed them all, but I loved the mashups and learning about RSS feeds. I had been wondering how to get those to work, and now I am excited to be able to stay abreast of information.
2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
It has paired beautifully with additional outside reading that I currently do. I want to stay on top of the trends to ensure that I am in the loop when my 11th & 12th graders ask questions. To do that, I must continue taking courses like this one.
3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
Not really- maybe just how much time is lost when you are having fun playing on the Internet. Allowed me to see why my kids spend so much time on the computer.
4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
Nothing that I can think of right now. It was a great program!
5. If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
Absolutely!!!
6. How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?
AMAZING...INCREDIBLE!!!
I can't wait for the next class. :)
23 Things: Thing #22
I am familiar with Nings, as I already belong to Teacher Librarian Ning and an alumni Ning associated with the university I attended for my MLS. I just joined the Texas School Librarian Ning. I think Nings hold great value for professional reasons. They are a great place to ask questions, find resources, and connect with other professionals who are doing what you do. With so much in common, it becomes a safe place to ask for help, which is not always easy to do on a professional level. The Nings I already belong to really helped me prepare for my first year as a librarian, and I know I can always go there for ideas.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
23 Things: Thing #20
Videos available on YouTube and TeacherTube can be utilized to support your lessons. Utilizing these methods for students to create products of learning would be a great way to get the students involved in the learning. It allows students to be more creative without the traditional pencil and paper boredom. As we move into the Web 2.0 world, we must be willing to use less traditional methods with our students, especially since they are already using these sources.
Monday, August 3, 2009
23 Things: Thing #19
Web 2.0 Awards
This was fun! I decided to plan a pretend vacation, so I went to Gusto.com, which was an honorable mention under travel in the SEOmoz's Web 2.0 awards list. I didn't even have to register to plan a trip. It takes you through a series of questions about where you want to go and what interests you when vacationing. It plans your itinerary, makes recommendations, lists things to do and free activities, provides helpful links and even offers shopping recommendations. You can print out a free trip guide with all the information. Unfortunately, I could not figure out how to link to the trip planner created for me, but you can save it in Gusto. It was pretty cool! Go forth and plan a trip- real or imaginary!! :) Below is a small sample of some of the information given to me on my free trip guide.
http://gusto.com/
Balcony House
Market St and Trinity Place Nassau, New Providence Island Bahamas Opening Hours:10am-4:30pm, daily
Nassau's Oldest Standing Residence
One of the oldest structures in Nassau is the Balcony House, a 1788 wooden residence that has been restored to show what eighteenth century colonial life was like in the tropical paradise of the Bahamas. Using period antiques and objects that originally were in the house, it has been decorated as authentically and accurately to the original as possible. one of the most interesting owners of the house was a free black man named Stephen Dillet. He moved to Nassau from Haiti after the 1838 Bahamian emancipation. Originally the black population was supposed to reside beyond the hill outside of Nassau, but unbeknownst to him, he bought this house located near the waterfront in the forefront of Nassau. This encouraged the other black people living outside of Nassau to move in and affectively help jump-start the black presence in Nassau. Learn about the the unique architectural styles of Caribbean houses and the interesting stories of the people that lived here over the 200 years that Balcony House has stood in Nassau.
The kitchen is particularly interesting; it is the original slave galley.
If you like this attraction, you might also like these:
Nassau Public Library & MuseumShirley St
Pompey Museum of Slavery & EmancipationOn Bay and George St
St. Augustine's MonasteryBernard Rd
While you're in the neighborhood, visit:
The Dig at AtlantisCasino Dr
Nassau Botanic GardensChippingham Rd
Times and Dates
Open Hours:
10am-4:30pm, daily Visit
Time:
1hr-1.5hr Average Wait Time: 0-15min
Target TravelerRecommended Ages:
Pre-teen (9-12yrs) Teen Adult
Most Enjoyable for:
Couples Friends Solo Travelers
Exposure:
Indoor with climate control.
Price DetailsPrice:
Free Notes: Donations encouraged.
Restroom Information
Restrooms: Not Available
Eating & Drinking
Water/Drinks: Available at attraction or nearby. This is a good place to get: Snacks Dinner Lunch Breakfast
Transportation
Best Modes of Transportation: Walking Parking Availability: Yes
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Tours
Tour Options: Tours available on site
This was fun! I decided to plan a pretend vacation, so I went to Gusto.com, which was an honorable mention under travel in the SEOmoz's Web 2.0 awards list. I didn't even have to register to plan a trip. It takes you through a series of questions about where you want to go and what interests you when vacationing. It plans your itinerary, makes recommendations, lists things to do and free activities, provides helpful links and even offers shopping recommendations. You can print out a free trip guide with all the information. Unfortunately, I could not figure out how to link to the trip planner created for me, but you can save it in Gusto. It was pretty cool! Go forth and plan a trip- real or imaginary!! :) Below is a small sample of some of the information given to me on my free trip guide.
http://gusto.com/
Balcony House
Market St and Trinity Place Nassau, New Providence Island Bahamas Opening Hours:10am-4:30pm, daily
Nassau's Oldest Standing Residence
One of the oldest structures in Nassau is the Balcony House, a 1788 wooden residence that has been restored to show what eighteenth century colonial life was like in the tropical paradise of the Bahamas. Using period antiques and objects that originally were in the house, it has been decorated as authentically and accurately to the original as possible. one of the most interesting owners of the house was a free black man named Stephen Dillet. He moved to Nassau from Haiti after the 1838 Bahamian emancipation. Originally the black population was supposed to reside beyond the hill outside of Nassau, but unbeknownst to him, he bought this house located near the waterfront in the forefront of Nassau. This encouraged the other black people living outside of Nassau to move in and affectively help jump-start the black presence in Nassau. Learn about the the unique architectural styles of Caribbean houses and the interesting stories of the people that lived here over the 200 years that Balcony House has stood in Nassau.
The kitchen is particularly interesting; it is the original slave galley.
If you like this attraction, you might also like these:
Nassau Public Library & MuseumShirley St
Pompey Museum of Slavery & EmancipationOn Bay and George St
St. Augustine's MonasteryBernard Rd
While you're in the neighborhood, visit:
The Dig at AtlantisCasino Dr
Nassau Botanic GardensChippingham Rd
Times and Dates
Open Hours:
10am-4:30pm, daily Visit
Time:
1hr-1.5hr Average Wait Time: 0-15min
Target TravelerRecommended Ages:
Pre-teen (9-12yrs) Teen Adult
Most Enjoyable for:
Couples Friends Solo Travelers
Exposure:
Indoor with climate control.
Price DetailsPrice:
Free Notes: Donations encouraged.
Restroom Information
Restrooms: Not Available
Eating & Drinking
Water/Drinks: Available at attraction or nearby. This is a good place to get: Snacks Dinner Lunch Breakfast
Transportation
Best Modes of Transportation: Walking Parking Availability: Yes
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Tours
Tour Options: Tours available on site
23 Things: Thing #18
Online Productivity Tools
What I would have given to have access to Open Office many times in the past! However, at this point in my life I don't think I would utilize it much. I think it is great, especially for people who don't have the software &/or can't afford it. I wonder if it truly is more compatible that Microsoft Office? My biggest concern would be accessiblity if the Internet is down. I can also see this being blocked through the school district. I think I would mostly use Open Office or Google Docs if I were away from my computers (at a conference, out of town) and needed to create a document.
What I would have given to have access to Open Office many times in the past! However, at this point in my life I don't think I would utilize it much. I think it is great, especially for people who don't have the software &/or can't afford it. I wonder if it truly is more compatible that Microsoft Office? My biggest concern would be accessiblity if the Internet is down. I can also see this being blocked through the school district. I think I would mostly use Open Office or Google Docs if I were away from my computers (at a conference, out of town) and needed to create a document.
23 Things: Thing #17
Rollyo will be a fabulous tool to use for research! I love the ability to add a link to the searchroll to the school library website. This will increase access to this tool. As soon as I get back to school, I am going to create searchrolls for all the research the teachers do throughout the year. FUN!
Here is the link to the first one created (of course, it needs tweaking):
http://rollyo.com/mctclibrary/roaring_20s/
Here is the link to the first one created (of course, it needs tweaking):
http://rollyo.com/mctclibrary/roaring_20s/
23 Things: Thing #16
Wikis can be a wonderful tool for teachers to entend learning outside the classroom. Students who normally would not speak up in class, may find the courage to contribute to a wiki. Having previously participated in a wiki in another class, I think they are wonderful tools once we figure out how they work. I can see very lively conversations and extension activities being born in literature or history classes. I can envision a student lead wiki of book reviews for other students. I can also see some PLC time between faculty that doesn't require one to stay after hours, but allows the freedom to contribute new ideas or make suggestions on how to extend or improve lessons and current plans. There are just so many options with a tool this handy!!!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
23 Things: Thing #15
Some great readings about Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and the Future of Libraries! I want to read more in my spare time, but I've read about half a dozen. I really think the future of libraries is tied up in Web 2.0. We have to stay with the changing trends and offer our patrons access to information in a way they are currently using it, but also in ways they haven't learned about and must learn before going to college. Having graduated with my MLS only last year, I can't agree enough that we need to be utlizing wikis, blogs, podcasts, etc. with our students as these are the means they will be required to use in college. School districts need to realize that our students are not up to par with students in other parts of the country, who actually use these tools in school. It is our job as librarians to encourage this transition.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
23 Things: Thing #14
Technorati would be a great site to search for blogs of interest, blogs that are similiar to my own, or to find out which blogs are popular at the moment. I think including tags in your blog will help create more traffic to the blog, especially if it is registered at Technorati. Tagging certainly opens up an extended world of information that otherwise would not be readily available.
From all the sites we viewed in Thing #13 and #14, I liked digg.com the best for personal use. I liked the way it is set up and the fact that you can instantly see just how much the other members liked something. I liked diigo.com the best for classroom use, but I think Technorati will be the most helpful in locating other blogs of interest.
From all the sites we viewed in Thing #13 and #14, I liked digg.com the best for personal use. I liked the way it is set up and the fact that you can instantly see just how much the other members liked something. I liked diigo.com the best for classroom use, but I think Technorati will be the most helpful in locating other blogs of interest.
23 Things: Thing #13
Social bookmarking has quickly become very popular. I had previously heard of del.icio.us, but I really had no use for it. Now that I try to recall websites I searched whening earning my MLS, I wish I had used it as they are not so easy to find. I have always just added sites of interest to my favorites, but I do see the huge benefits in sharing sites with collegues and friends to expand our resources. While I am sure most of these are unavailable through my school district, I have recently discovered that diigo (previously furl) will be available to us. I am very excited about the prospects of not only social bookmarking with students and staff, but with the additional tools such as highlighting and notetaking, I think this will be a useful tool to all of us. The students can conduct research, highlight important information, and share what they have found with other students in their group or share it with the teacher to make sure they are on the right track. I think this will really expand learning in my school district.
I plan to spend some time in the next few weeks learning all about diigo, so I will be ready to help my staff implement it with their students.
I plan to spend some time in the next few weeks learning all about diigo, so I will be ready to help my staff implement it with their students.
Monday, July 20, 2009
23 Things: Thing #12
1. I found the points made in these particular posts were quite helpful. I agree that people need to add something substantial to a post rather than just say "good job", etc- although sometimes that is what they want to say. I liked the fact that the articles encouraged commenting as well as reply comments from the bloggers. It provides a community of discussion rather than someone preaching.
I also thought it was good to know about negative comments and some steps in how to handle them. As a new blogger, one is not comfortable with his/her abilities. I think it is only fair to comment in as pleasant and helpful way as possible rather than cutting some down to shreds.
2. Blogs that I posted comments to include:
- Ginny's Blog: http://ginnyscontemplations.blogspot.com/
You have a wonderful blog. I hope you get the opportunity to complete the 23 Things, as you seem to have a good grasp of what you have accomplished so far.
- No Shushing Action Included: http://noshushingaction.blogspot.com/
I love the name of your blog. There were so many Google tools. I spent many hours pouring through them myself. I am going to check out duckduckgo.com, as I have not heard of that one. Have fun with all the other "things." :)
- The Candy Wrapper: http://wellreadbearcat.blogspot.com/
Too true. As librarians, we are forever molding ourselves & our libraries to the current trends & trying to keep up with the changing times. At least in theory that is what all librarians do. :) I think without online classes such as 23 Things... available for free, we would become "old" in our way of thinking! On a side note- I am soooo impressed by your summer reading list. I didn't read nearly that many titles. Guess I took a vacation from reading, too! :)
- Logical Lori: http://www.logicallori.blogspot.com/
What an awesome podcast. You definitely get the idea without the sound. I am impressed that you are persevering without AC. I do NOTHING without AC in the summer. ha ha LOVE the picture of the day from National Geographic!
- Sassy Librarian: http://sassylibrarian2.blogspot.com/
3. Blogs I enjoy:
I really like the Boys Rule Boys Read! blog because all of the information is directed to boys and reading. Since I have 3 boys, I like to stay abreast of the latest information. There was even a link to a trailer for The Lightning Thief, which is my youngest son's favorite series. Yay!
I also thought it was good to know about negative comments and some steps in how to handle them. As a new blogger, one is not comfortable with his/her abilities. I think it is only fair to comment in as pleasant and helpful way as possible rather than cutting some down to shreds.
2. Blogs that I posted comments to include:
- Ginny's Blog: http://ginnyscontemplations.blogspot.com/
You have a wonderful blog. I hope you get the opportunity to complete the 23 Things, as you seem to have a good grasp of what you have accomplished so far.
- No Shushing Action Included: http://noshushingaction.blogspot.com/
I love the name of your blog. There were so many Google tools. I spent many hours pouring through them myself. I am going to check out duckduckgo.com, as I have not heard of that one. Have fun with all the other "things." :)
- The Candy Wrapper: http://wellreadbearcat.blogspot.com/
Too true. As librarians, we are forever molding ourselves & our libraries to the current trends & trying to keep up with the changing times. At least in theory that is what all librarians do. :) I think without online classes such as 23 Things... available for free, we would become "old" in our way of thinking! On a side note- I am soooo impressed by your summer reading list. I didn't read nearly that many titles. Guess I took a vacation from reading, too! :)
- Logical Lori: http://www.logicallori.blogspot.com/
What an awesome podcast. You definitely get the idea without the sound. I am impressed that you are persevering without AC. I do NOTHING without AC in the summer. ha ha LOVE the picture of the day from National Geographic!
- Sassy Librarian: http://sassylibrarian2.blogspot.com/
3. Blogs I enjoy:
I really like the Boys Rule Boys Read! blog because all of the information is directed to boys and reading. Since I have 3 boys, I like to stay abreast of the latest information. There was even a link to a trailer for The Lightning Thief, which is my youngest son's favorite series. Yay!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
23 Things: Thing #11
LibraryThing is a fun site. There is so much to do, and it is very easy to add books. There are so many different groups that represent our varied reading interests. It took only a couple of minutes to join the site and add 5 books. I love the lists that are added on the right side of my home page, which sparks more reading interest. I also added a widget to my blog.
I think I will use this site to find out which books are popular, especially among young adult readers. I can also recommend it to my students who are voracious readers. This site would help them to expand their reading horizons. Fun, fun, fun!! :)
I think I will use this site to find out which books are popular, especially among young adult readers. I can also recommend it to my students who are voracious readers. This site would help them to expand their reading horizons. Fun, fun, fun!! :)
23 Things: Thing #10
I had a lot of fun with the image generators. There are so many uses for the classroom and libraries. I thought Wordle would be great for introducing a lesson or new vocabulary. The possibilities are endless. I think Glogster would be great for creating posters for the library about new books. The students could even get in on creating these. I think teachers would enjoy Glogster for poetry or the kids could create posters about content they had learned- Great site!
My favorite was the comic strip generator- as you can see above. I know the students would love this tool! I plan to use some of these new tools to create fun and interesting additions to my library.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
23 Things: Thing #9
This thing could send you into the Internet for many hours...
It was great to find some sites that assist in the search for RSS feeds. I liked Cool Cat Teacher and Edublog's award winners. And, of course, Google Blog Search was easy to use.
I didn't like Atomic Learning or Technorati. (Maybe I was just Internet tired at that point...)
I found Cathy Nelson's Professional Thoughts, Boys Rule Boys Read! and
Monarch's Librarian Blog.
Looking forward to the next thing!!
It was great to find some sites that assist in the search for RSS feeds. I liked Cool Cat Teacher and Edublog's award winners. And, of course, Google Blog Search was easy to use.
I didn't like Atomic Learning or Technorati. (Maybe I was just Internet tired at that point...)
I found Cathy Nelson's Professional Thoughts, Boys Rule Boys Read! and
Monarch's Librarian Blog.
Looking forward to the next thing!!
23 Things: Thing #8
I really enjoyed learning about RSS, and I am thrilled to finally know how to access this information. I had been trying to do this for about 6 months off and on with no luck.
1. I like that RSS allows us to access the information we seek without having to go through all the other information that can be distracting or just cause longer search times.
2. I can definitely use this technology in the library to access helpful information for improving my skills in the library and to stay abreast of current trends. In my personal life, I can stay informed about current events and in areas that interest me. I am very excited about this!
3. Libraries/teachers/administrators can take advantage of this by sharing articles that are pertenient to their patrons or causes. This can extend classroom learning experiences, which encourages continued learning- a major goal of education.
I have included my shared RSS feeds in the right side column of my blog, or you may also access this information via http://www.google.com/reader/shared/06960053778803059744
1. I like that RSS allows us to access the information we seek without having to go through all the other information that can be distracting or just cause longer search times.
2. I can definitely use this technology in the library to access helpful information for improving my skills in the library and to stay abreast of current trends. In my personal life, I can stay informed about current events and in areas that interest me. I am very excited about this!
3. Libraries/teachers/administrators can take advantage of this by sharing articles that are pertenient to their patrons or causes. This can extend classroom learning experiences, which encourages continued learning- a major goal of education.
I have included my shared RSS feeds in the right side column of my blog, or you may also access this information via http://www.google.com/reader/shared/06960053778803059744
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
23 Things: Thing #7
I LOVED the Cool Google Tools!!! There were so many that would be applicable to high school students. One I think they would greatly benefit from is Google Scholar. It is a nice back up when our databases lack the information they seek or if they cannot access the databases from home for some reason.
I loved iGoogle. I created a page. What fun gadgets that are available to customize one's page. I also enjoyed viewing some celebrity pages- too fun!!!
I also played around with Google Calendar because I loved the idea of anyone in my family being able to access it without me having to send them individual updates. It is great, but it doesn't allow you to color coordinate each person on the calendar as I can in Outlook. You can send the information to various people in their own color, but not place different colors within one calendar. Each person in my family has their own color so I know immediately who the activity/appt. is for on that particular day without looking at the details. For now, I will stick with Outlook, but I had a blast playing with all the Cool Google Tools today!!!
I loved iGoogle. I created a page. What fun gadgets that are available to customize one's page. I also enjoyed viewing some celebrity pages- too fun!!!
I also played around with Google Calendar because I loved the idea of anyone in my family being able to access it without me having to send them individual updates. It is great, but it doesn't allow you to color coordinate each person on the calendar as I can in Outlook. You can send the information to various people in their own color, but not place different colors within one calendar. Each person in my family has their own color so I know immediately who the activity/appt. is for on that particular day without looking at the details. For now, I will stick with Outlook, but I had a blast playing with all the Cool Google Tools today!!!
23 Things: Thing #6
I really enjoyed the activities in this thing. I had fun creating a librarian trading card- they are too cute! My favorite mashup is FD's Flickr Toys. There are so many ways this site can be used in the library. I can see students creating movie posters or mosaics for their favorite books. I think the teachers would like the trading cards and magazine covers.
I have included my librarian trading card and a mosaic of my youngest son.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
23 Things: Thing #5
I was already familiar with Flickr, but I always enjoy an opportunity to look through the pictures.Since I am a librarian in a career high school for juniors and seniors, I thought this picture displayed in the library might generate some interest. I find it very interesting that only plants and flowers Shakespeare wrote about are in this garden dedicated to him. The garden is located in the Central Park Conservancy. The picture was uploaded by Vidiot.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
23 Things: Thing #3
Setting up the blog and adding an avatar was great fun! Since I already had experience setting up a blog from graduate school, I was able to do that pretty quickly. I loved creating the avatar- way too much fun! I did experience some trouble adding the avatar, but once I downloaded it to my pictures on my computer, I was able to add it as a picture to the blog with no trouble. I am so excited to see what else we will learn this summer!!! :)
23 Things: Thing #2
7 & 1/2 Habits Online Tutorial:
The easiest habit is accepting responsibility in your own learning. I spend a great deal of time using my available resources from which I seek information to expand my learning. (I suspect we all do this and that is why we are taking 23 Things...)
The hardest habit is having confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner. Until I have worked with something for quite awhile, I do not rely on my own knowledge. Many times I already know the answer, but I seek assistance to ensure that I am on the right track.
I believe that lifelong learning evolves as we mature and gain more confidence in ourselves.
The easiest habit is accepting responsibility in your own learning. I spend a great deal of time using my available resources from which I seek information to expand my learning. (I suspect we all do this and that is why we are taking 23 Things...)
The hardest habit is having confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner. Until I have worked with something for quite awhile, I do not rely on my own knowledge. Many times I already know the answer, but I seek assistance to ensure that I am on the right track.
I believe that lifelong learning evolves as we mature and gain more confidence in ourselves.
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