Thing # 21

Ok. I am now officially in love with Photo Story. It is so user friendly. I cannot wait to get it approved so that my students can create book trailors for their books.



As I created this trailor, I started pulling more books to create trailors for. It is going to be a long, Photo Story Summer. I love free tools!

Thing # 23

1. My favorite things that I learned about are the wikis and youtube. It amazes me how easy it is to find information about pretty much any topic. If I need troubleshooting help, I can find a video that walks me through the process.
2. Before completing this program I was afraid of technology. I used it only when I had to, and only used basics. My students still laugh when I roll out the overhead. I now feel more confident in using the web to enhance learning and create modern lessons that will help students develop their love of learning.
3. I was surprised at how easy it was to set up and modify my wiki. I will definitely incorporate this as a means of communication with both parents and students as well as to collaborate with my colleagues.
4. I prefer Shelfari to Library Thing. It has more appeal than Library Thing. I also like that it takes you through each step from title to review as you enter each book.
5. I would absolutely participate in another discovery program. It is nice to have someone point out cool tools that are available.
6. 23 Things has removed my fear of technology and sparked my love of learning.

Thing # 22

Nings are a great idea especially for new librarians. This is a great way to find people to collaborate with even if you are new to an area or a first time librarian. As a transplant to Texas, this social networking tool is beneficial. I can invite my former colleagues to join, along with locating new colleagues to share ideas and best practices. When I have questions, I can hop online and find someone who knows the answer or can give me a human connection. The teacher librarian ning gives access to other librarians and teachers to share ideas, ask questions, and keep updated on conferences and cool tools.

Thing # 20

I first began feeling old when a couple of new teachers talked about hulu and youtube on a daily basis. I had no idea what these were let alone how to access them. These teachers were kind and explained that they were web sites where I could find videos and watch old SNL episodes. I could not for the life of me understand why anyone would want to waste time looking for television shows on the computer when a television is so easy to work. However, after I began searching youtube, I now understand how cool it is to download movies and clips and view it anytime you like. The only problem I have with these sites is that I am impatient. I get annoyed with how long it takes for a two minute video takes twenty to download. I went to youtube and searched "library." Immediately I received several videos with people rapping about the library. Although I became agitated at the length of time it took for this video to load, I got hooked in by the rap about the Dewey Decimal System. After viewing this, I know my students would know where to find different types of books. It is hilarious and catchy.


I then searched teachertube for a video about John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. I found a simple video that could be used as a sample for a student project. Students can find pictures that represent characters and write a character analysis. They can create a video to post that demonstrates understanding of the selected character.

Of mice and men character pictures

Thing # 19

In the realm of wikis, PBWorks.com earned first place on the Web 2.0 Awards list. I must say I agree. I created two wikis for my class. The first was created using wikispaces. While it was relatively easy to figure out, it still took time. Someone suggested that I go to PBWiki to create my wiki. When I started creating my site I realized that this was much more user friendly. In addition, it is easier to create a more personalized wiki. My students love being able to access information from home, and I love having the freedom to post updates and deadline reminders that both students and parents can access from home or their local library. It is a wonderful way for my classes to discuss topics in more depth than we are allowed time to in class. It also gives the opportunity for those who are shy to share their thoughts. This is a great way to have students to discuss books for book clubs. It is versatile and can be utilized in any curriculum. Kudos PBWiki. Thank you for making me enjoy technology.

Thing # 18

I wish I had known about Openoffice.org when I purchased my computer. I would have saved money and would have thought twice about getting rid of my other desk top. Although it took a while to download, the fact that I can have free access to the same programs and more that I paid a pretty penny for is pretty amazing.