Week 9 Thing # 23

The fork in the road.
Okay our journey in this workshop ends here, but I have choices of paths to take. Go back to the "safe" path or embrace the unknown path of my class Web 2.0 journey. I've gone this far and truly enjoyed the "permission" to look,think,create,and play in a new arena that celebrates adaptation and new creation without losing sight of where we started. I had very limited knowledge of all the tools that were available to choose. Using my cooking love as a reference it was like going to an open access cooking field day getting to try all the ingredients and gadgets you wanted, meet others and chat, and sample what you cooked. Fabulous! Obviously it does not take much to spark my passion for what I know I love to do, and that takes me back to the classroom. I am just as passionate about walking with the students on their faith journeys. I am thrilled to bring to life,in a way that they identify with, the treasures found in Scripture and apply them in their own respectives faith beliefs. Research tools that I've uncovered can make it much easier for them to be successful in their quest for information and understanding. Group collaboration with their peers outside of their specific class will be quite beneficial too. Sharing what I have learned with others will build upon our skills and learning from what others already know or have experienced will keep the learning ongoing (and fun). Learning how to properly use all the Internet has to offer if a gift to me and I look forward to sharing that gift with the students who have been born into this web based world. I hope to work with the English dept. and/or librarians to include a "fair use" unit in their research/project units to help clarify what is okay and what is not.
I hope that this is NOT the last opportunity to learn more with Region 1. I will make a point to monitor the workshops that might be available in the future. I can't wait to go back to school. Did I just say that???? :)

Week 9 Thing #22

Ebooks and eaudiobooks:
Dream come true! Im a subscriber to paid sites now. Some books I want to read but I only have so much too spend. Love the site and affordable. The "chapter a day" RSS feed option for audio is neat to-keeps you on task to complete a book easily.
I will add this to my book bag and share the site with others. One of the greatest finds for me this session.

Week 9 Thing # 21

Podcasts:
I have subscribed to these both in itunes and other arenas. I recently added the Daily Lectionary Readings of the Catholic Mass to my feeds. I like to strat my day with the readings of the day and alos can use them my Religious Studies teaching. It provides for a nice reflection activity also during classes. Another helpful one was the online K-12 web 2.0 conference podcast. Learning opportunities "after the fact" never stop with this great recordable technology! Love it!

Week 9 Thing # 20

You Tube:
I've used it before and you can find some good videos to watch,discuss,and think about. I do not like the overwhelming choices that greet you at log in-I might nopt know how to limit these yet. Usually there is at least one that is not appropriate. The moral: if using in the classroom, find the one(s) you want save them to your video library and avoid the "shock" of possible no-no sites there.
As a Catholic and a Religious Studies teacher, I appreciated the recent Pope video's from World Youth Day in Australia (July 2008). I was tickled that the Pope sent the Pilgrims a text message while they were there-the youth seemed to really connect with his willingness to meet them where they are and embrace change...that sounds familiar doesn't it? During his visit he shared a message to the young people today about living in today's tricky world influences. In a visit with the Bishops he told them to treasure the young. That is a powerful and uplifting message to share with my young students , Catholic or not, they are special to God and to humanity! We should treasure them as the valuable blessings that they are.

The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWsQ1AdKsT8
I was not successful embedding it. I do not have time to figure it out right now, but I will because it is going on my class blog.

Week 8 Thing # 19

Library Thing:
Who knew people have so much to share..... I joined and added a tiny selection of my bookshelf. I'm not sure why I need this bookshelf yet. It would be neat to share thoughts on books with others that enjoy similar reading. I'm not sure I have that much time though. I do love to read and purchase many books for reference (hobbies or educational) and check out leisure reading books because I rarely re-read a fiction book, maybe a classic.... I liked the reviews though, so who knows I might just give my two cents in a current fiction book. I have also started to subscribe to audible for audio books. This allows me to "read" when I do not have the time of sitting still ( like laundry,cooking). I've always wanted to be part of a supper club and book club....maybe I should propose a combo club. I'm rambling but this is related to Library Thing. :)

Week 8 Thing # 18

Used online document application "ZOHO". Neat to have access and be able to post to your blog. I can see how this will be useful after a working hard on a class document and then be able to instantly publish to the class blog! I love it. In my wanderings on the web I was directed to "Think Free" site also. I made a "test project" for friends at school to collaborate and make a flyer inviting Web 2.0 teachers to gather, enjoy a bite of food (tapas) and share experiences. We will decide on details and then try and work online flyer development using the Think Free site. The task management capabilities seem useful for project based collaboration from anywhere.
Good for creating actual WP docs and presentations.

ZOHO entry: Class code working doc

The students will be prepared for class everyday with all materials,textbooks, and supplies.

Class Motto is "Bring everything everyday!"

Week 7 Thing # 17

Region 1 Sandbox
I made it to the sandbox that I've read about from other blogs! It is a nice place to play. I wonder if it would have been more helpful to have this in an earlier exercise? At this point my explorations have already introduced wiki's and I have been using them. By no means am I an expert though so the opportunity to play in somebody's sandbox is less scary than messing up your own "real" wiki. Now the question is "Which wiki do I want to establish and where?"
It does seem weird to go in and edit others work and I suppose that is because we are not used to having open access, at least digitally, anyway. It makes you really think carefully before proceeding. Working with teens, there is also the possibility of the inappropriate editing that I'm sure happens somewhere. Managing the comments/edits will be interesting but important so as not to let a bumps in the road derail the open access experience. I'm fortunate that several colleagues are taking this workshop and I look forward to filling the "SJA Greenhouse" that I setup in Ning to share and collaborate on these very issues. Ahhh... the power of teamwork and collective sharing.

Week 7 Thing # 16

Wikis:
This is the "official" post about the use of Wiki's. Weeks ago, in one of the previous discoery exercises, I found wikispaces and created an account. I've created a "test" place to play with the format and content that I might use in my real classes. So far, easy to set-up and use. I am not sure about the size limits or restrictions and so I am checking on that . I will have at least 150 students to keep up with and I do not want to have a problem. Minimally, I know that I can use the wiki's to discuss Scripture stories and the literary elements,possible meanings, and reflection in my lessons. There are so many possibilities! Our school computer access is limited to a "lab" that is not always available so I like the wiki's because they can access from home for their posts.
I've setup an "Online" class at classroom 2.0 and am see how the wiki pages work in there. I like that because the class periods can enroll privately and I believe it is ad free. I have enjoyed the wiki examples and once again was lured away to other places to explore. That is fun but time will be an issue once "playtime of summer" is over. I appreciate the model sites from classrooms to cull ideas from from those that have been actively using wiki's in their classes. Again, learning from each other! As far as wikipedia, I use caution in the areas of Scripture and faith research for the students because they are just learning how to analyze source materials and examining their faith beliefs. A solid foundation is important as a reference point for any research, but especially learning that impacts your soul.

Week 6 Thing #15

Thoughts on readings about Web and Library 2.0 and the future:
I enjoyed the articles/reports. The "Iceberg" article was short and clearly written to help identify potential hazards facing libraries ( and classrooms) today. I most enjoyed the Horizon Report. It was easy to read, written clearly and each part provided more than discussion by including sites/tools to use to support the area written about. The proposed "implementation timeline" provided a sense of timing to keep on track. As I was reading, I was reminded of the book that I believe what titled "Who Moved My Cheese?" that dealt with change in the working environment. The Library 2.0 articles clearly connected to Web 2.0 as our traditional methods of reaching students are falling short. I am drawn to the phrases found in the ESC1 Learning 2.0 intro about "embracing change" and "meeting the users in their space" because the students I have do exactly that everyday. That's what makes Web 2.0 exciting but daunting at the same time. Can I do it? No, not alone....and that is the point: collaboration and networking is vital.

Week 6 Thing #14

Technorati and tags...
I appreciate how this site helps search through the multitude of information that is "out there" in so many forms. I tried searching in each of the categories , looked at the side tags,sidebar stats,etc. The ads and popups were distracting and annoying.
It was interesting to note that up to the minute "news" is there as well as "old" postings. As far as tagging my posts, I don't think I need to tag my posts. Who knows when that will change, but for now I think the world is just fine without my blog posts. Professionally, I would like to add meaningful experiences using web 2.0 that might help others, but I am not there yet.

Week 6 Thing #13

I especially like the del.icio.us site because of the universal access from any computer. It has proven most helpful after my laptop had to be "restored" to factory settings. All the time invested in bookmarking favorites was spared (partially) as I just discovered this tool. The tags and notes capabilities help me stay organized and find what I need. I believe this will be a useful tool to share with those unaware and with those that have discovered other places of interest. I have included hobbies, classroom related,Church, and education tools in my list so far. Looking at what others have thought about the sites is useful and interesting insights , in most cases. I can envision the use of this tools by my students in my class and their other ones also. The stats and categories listed on the side bar helps with navigation and provides additional places that maybe I did not think about or had trouble "tagging".

Week 5- Thing 12

I forgot to post about my experiences. I created a neat little personal search for cooking favorites. This helps me cut through the thousands of unhelpful sites and allows me to find reliable info. I think that is the key and strong point for using this tool in the classroom. These will allow the creation of "trusted" or reliable sites. I think it would be a good exercise for the students to complete, after they complete a "evaluating web site" activity. In my classes, there are many unreliable/unhelpful areas about Scripture that sometimes seem acceptable (but are not valid) for research/study.

Week 5 - Thing # 11

I'm back... I've been "playing around" but have not posted my experiences. There were many. While reviewing the award winning lists, I discovered some familiar ones were winners. That helps support my decision making to use them. I liked the categories to help sort through the many sites. I did grow weary of "looking" after awhile because there is so much to "do/see". The cooking category imcooked.com is an interesting place for cooks that want to showcase their recipes and talents. The wiki spaces category is another favorite. Wikispace has a free offer for a private space to use for teachers. I think this will be useful for my Religion classes to start out with. The privacy allows the students to explore/share/write amongst their peers in a safe place. There is a size limit and so I am not sure how much I can have before "we are full". I generally have at least 155 students. I'll be researching this. For starters, I can see this space useful to discuss a book , a specific Scripture passage/book, or artwork that is related to our studies. I can envision my students using this site to write collaboratively. One concern was that the security software on my laptop indicated a potential phishing site at the wiki login. That is a concern. I do have anti-phishing software to check each page-I'll see what happens. Overall this was a resource packed exercise and very helpful in my planning.

Week 5- Thing 10



After playing with the image generator sites, I chose to upload this "Headline" image. I think image generators could be used in the class blog and or wiki assignments in our Old Testament (Moses) unit. This is a vital turning point in Scripture and for personal reflection. I envision them having some creative fun while embedding English ( cross curriculum) writing skills at the same time. One of the other images I will use is the animated section. On Valentine's Day each of my students receives a Valentine from God and they are asked to create one for Him. It is a short written personal reflection activity that fits nicely with this tool.

Week 4- Thing 9

The discovery journey took me to places that an "information lover" could easily spend all day searching, reading,pondering, replying...... forever. Almost "information overload". Each of the suggested sites were easy enough to search and follow. I discovered the common craft videos on you tube. I love them as they explain these tools in clear and simple ways-quickly. I must for us Type A people. :) While poking around, I grew tired of the blog conversation log because much of the blogs were not something I was interested in reading , even though keywords/topics were in there somewhere. On the other hand, I did find some interesting and though provoking blogs from students... the 21st century learners we are working with now. I value what they think and say and it is fascinating to "see" learning with their eyes and what they value as important learning tools and needs for the future workplace.
They creatively learn "stuff" everyday, why should our classes, where they spend hours a day be so different? Is it the "losing the control" feeling or "this (technology) is just a fad thinking? Do "we" fear the unknown? Are we unwilling to change because "we" know better or this "is the way it has always been done"? Questions to ponder for me in my life and planning. Not only am I a teacher, but I have a 21st century learner (tween) that I am responsible for first. This experience has shed light not only on my teaching, but on my daughter's schooling as well. Am I helping prepare her for this new world? What about her teachers.....?

On another side reflection:
I love to cook and garden. I was comparing how "things" have evolved over time in these areas. Think about how new ways to cook or grow vegetables have spurred new growth, productivity and enjoyment. Often times the "new" ways were (are) rejected or doubted for some of the same reasons we do so in the classroom. For example, today I bought the "Topsy Turvy" tomato growing bag. You plant everything in reverse- plant first (hanging out of the "end"), then the soil and then water. You hang the bag and let it grow. Who would have imagined that to be possible? My husband's agricultural visit to Spain a few years ago highlighted their unique ways of growing crops to adapt to their growing/environment challenges. He was surprised to say the least at what he was able to learn. Okay, enough about applying hobbies to the task at hand, I guess this is my " written mashup" for the day.

Week 4- Thing 8

This week's assignment was to investigate RSS feeds. I created a Google reader and subscribed to some News,gardening, and Catholic sites that are of interest to me. I have chosen a few to share that might be helpful for planning in Religious Studies ( my class focus). The feeds can be used to bring current posts about events and reflections that are meaningful for quick viewing. I like the way that the feeds come to you rather than having to spend time checking for updates.
I'm thinking about how I will use RSS feeds for the classroom blogs that I have planned for this upcoming academic year. I linked some of my favorites on the "shared" section of this blog.

Week 3- Thing 7

We were assigned to comment on any technology area of interest from this week. In my "travels" through flickr and linked apps I am so excited. I feel like I have finally discovered the "buried treasure" that I have been looking for and get to share the "loot" with everyone. I look forward to creating new uses of technology in my classes. Adding the input of my students and colleagues, this should be a fascinating year! I especially like the flexibility of using photos- one of our students' favorite things to "play" with. Turning them loose to create class cards with images or creating their projects tied into their own "exodus" experiences should keep them engaged. I will be totally engaged as we work together with new technology. One of the other new sites I came across is Moodle. More on that exploration later.

Week 3- Thing 6

Wow! It is so amazing what is available to use personally and professionally. While looking at the different apps out there, so many ideas came rushing in that I had to jot down notes. I created a "Landmark Quiz " trading card from a vacation photo thinking how I could utilize these cards with the Bible characters in my classes. The movie/magazine posters would be a fun project to introduce the Scripture Stories.

Week 3- Thing 5

After browsing through FLICKR, I found many great pictures. One I wanted to use, had share this but also marked with "all rights reserved" so I decided to upload a picture of mine instead. This picture taken from the camp my daughter attends reflects beauty,fun, and adventure in one shot. That reflection is how I view this workshop using technology: the beautiful gift that technology is to us, the fun we can have using it properly, and the adventure of trying new things. Just like the slide, once your on board you are committed to going on the ride..you can enjoy it or have a fearful ride to the bottom. Either way, you will get your feet wet, so it seems more fun to enjoy it. Uploading the picture I took was not difficult and I was able to include it without problems. Now I need to work on my picture taking.

Week 2- Thing 4

After creating the Blog, I had to register it with the Region Workshop. That was easy to do, but hard to remember when re-typing it for others to access. I had to re-submit because of a self-discovered error. Oops! I do want those continuing education credits. :)
I have also invited some readers. We will see how that goes: Can they log in easily? Do they want to read my blog? Will I keep up with the postings? The fun continues...

Week 2- Thing 3

I know that a week has not gone by, but I have had the chance to spend some time on the workshop. We were asked to set-up a blog, add an avatar , and add a post. Obviously, I have done that or you would not be seeing this blog entry. It was a fairly easily process. The detailed instructions empower you to complete the Blog with ease. The hardest part was thinking of a name. Looking around for tips on the web helped me focus on a name that I could use beyond this assignment. I hope to continue sharing as the year goes by so I chose something that might be meaningful to others also- a place to collaborate. The avatar was easy to create but exporting took me longer. With the coaching of my colleague, I was able to complete what I had tried to do (unsuccessfully) earlier. Sharing the experience makes it more fun and learning is easier. I think that I could do without an avatar, but perhaps I do not have a full understanding of its purpose. It does provide some "life" to the blog besides print. I have chosen to keep it "invitation only" for readers because I am still not 100% comfortable with complete open access. Not out of unwillingness to share ideas but opening up to the "unknown" . Once I become more skilled in managing a blog ( and actually knowing what I am talking about), I'll probably open it up and give it a try.

Week 1- Thing 2 (continued)

After viewing the 7 1/2 habits slide show, I have been thinking about what was shared.
The assignment for workshop was to blog about which of the seven habits is the easiest and which is the hardest to keep. I love learning, so the easiest is to accept responsibility for my own learning ( habit 2). I regularly participate in discussions,classes, research and collaborate with colleagues. The hardest is to use technology to my advantage in the classroom. It is the hardest because that is an area that I have not taken enough time to actually plan and use newer strategies in my teaching. I think I am hesitant because I am not sure what would be the next best step for my classes. My goal for the upcoming year is to include a classroom blog as part of my classes. I have already created another blog ( before this workshop) for this purpose. Now, I can set it up properly. So I have made a "baby step" forward. Yeah!

Online workshop summary (23 things)Week 1- Thing 1

My journey begins from the Learning 2.0 23 Things Online Workshop.....

Week 1-Thing 1:
I have successfully logged in and officially begun my adventure in blogging!
The instructions provided by the online workshop were very easy to understand.
Thing 2- 71/2 Habits:
I enjoyed the presentation. The combination of verbal and visual methods made it easy to learn.