For Thing 18, I decided to try Zoho Writer on another computer (did not want another thing to sign up for since all of these queries have wreaked havoc on my PC). Cloud technologies are catching on quick and although I thought it was fine, I am too attached to my beloved (ha ha) Google Docs. The way I am able to easily maneuver with all Google Apps - I just can’t give up that convenience.
For Thing 19, I already had a LibraryThing account set up when I took my ELIB literature classes. It sat dormant until I became a TL this past school year. I have actually used it more for my own investigations (e.g. looking at what other TL’s are reading, writing, recommending, etc) than for posting my own entries. I am happy to say most of the CSLA2 Team’s book entries are part my collection. In fact, David Pelzer’s A Child Called It was checked out most of the time. One of my wonderful student volunteers, 8th grader Anthony Ojeda, read the book so many times, I went and bought him the English and Spanish version from Borders (I received a nice teacher discount – he is worth it!).
It is good to rub and polish our brains against that of others.
- Michel de Montaigne
As I write my last entry for The 23+ Things (includes Assistive Technology), I reflect back on all of the tasks, the time involved and the personal gain. All of this School Library Learning has really been shared knowledge and shared exploration. I have enjoyed using Web 2.0 and look forward to 3.0. I also feel the 570 class (this being part of the requirements) has been my favorite ELIB class for CSULB. The exercises keep us cutting edge for our schools, for each other and for ourselves.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Week 7: Wikis and the Sandbox
Wikis are a great collaboration tool. Prior to this exercise, I already had a PB Works account with another group (CSULB Cybrarians 2009) and was familiar with the basics of managing a wiki. I had created a wiki for my webportal for the 570 class. If time permits, I plan to extend my webportal wiki to become a Columbus Middle School Wiki to use as a co-created and shared resource – a hub of information, not just for the LMC, but for the entire school.
Before this thing, I had not heard of a Sandbox. I thought the concept was cute, but think the only true value was to expose students of LibraryLearning 2.0 not familiar with wikis, opportunities to practice.
In exploring other wikis in this exercise, my personal favorite was Library Success. I liked having so much practical information all on one site. The set-up was similar to Wikipedia (probably same webmaster). I can see users equating the same idea of massive information just by the format. Anyway, I bookmarked this site.
Before this thing, I had not heard of a Sandbox. I thought the concept was cute, but think the only true value was to expose students of LibraryLearning 2.0 not familiar with wikis, opportunities to practice.
In exploring other wikis in this exercise, my personal favorite was Library Success. I liked having so much practical information all on one site. The set-up was similar to Wikipedia (probably same webmaster). I can see users equating the same idea of massive information just by the format. Anyway, I bookmarked this site.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Week 6 - Things 13, 14 & 15
Thing 13 confirmed that tag clouds are everywhere. They are artistic and just invite you to click. I believe there must be some financial incentives as larger clouds show popularity, thus more hits (thus more advertising, etc).
It took awhile to read the links for thing 15. As educators and ELIB students, we are confronted daily with the ever changing Future of libraries and Web 2.0 (with Web 3.0 on the horizon). Not only do we teach our students, much of the time, we teach the teachers. Noting OCLC’s Next Space Blog which stated “….remember your ABC’s – always be connecting” – it’s the nature (and future) of information specialists. And with cloud based technologies, the trend shifts from where information is stored to how it is accessed. The common idea across all readings was utilizing technologies to collaborate. Hmm, what we’ve always done, but now high tech.
The discovery exercises for thing 14 focused more about writing content (site optimization) in your blogs/websites that will draw readers to your site. Inspired by Dr. Farmer’s information about Tataouine (5/1 class), I decided to maneuver through Technorati to see what (and how) people were saying about the two holidays this week (Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo). I turned my findings into a lesson. At nutrition, I had the computer out, projector screen down and used the process to show students about blogs, tag clouds and what you can get from them. We also watched the movie trailer for Iron Man 2. Okay, so yes, the library can be a place to learn and have some fun!
It took awhile to read the links for thing 15. As educators and ELIB students, we are confronted daily with the ever changing Future of libraries and Web 2.0 (with Web 3.0 on the horizon). Not only do we teach our students, much of the time, we teach the teachers. Noting OCLC’s Next Space Blog which stated “….remember your ABC’s – always be connecting” – it’s the nature (and future) of information specialists. And with cloud based technologies, the trend shifts from where information is stored to how it is accessed. The common idea across all readings was utilizing technologies to collaborate. Hmm, what we’ve always done, but now high tech.
The discovery exercises for thing 14 focused more about writing content (site optimization) in your blogs/websites that will draw readers to your site. Inspired by Dr. Farmer’s information about Tataouine (5/1 class), I decided to maneuver through Technorati to see what (and how) people were saying about the two holidays this week (Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo). I turned my findings into a lesson. At nutrition, I had the computer out, projector screen down and used the process to show students about blogs, tag clouds and what you can get from them. We also watched the movie trailer for Iron Man 2. Okay, so yes, the library can be a place to learn and have some fun!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Week 5 - Fun Week Things 10, 11 & 12
I love comics (Iron Man 2 comes out this weekend) and enjoyed the Sign Generator, until I hit a bump in the road where to continue, I was asked for pay pal verify. I never got to complete anything, so I moved on to Image Chef. It was nice to access without signing up. It’s just like Wordle which needs the latest Java Script (I had to download onto all of the LMC computers). Surprisingly, at school no one had heard of Wordle or ImageChef when I introduced them. Consequently, I showed teachers how to incorporate them into their lessons. The kids (and teachers) love it!
There were many award winning webapps (see link) I’ve already used and written about. I decided to comment on my favorite, Google. What else can I say, I love them all! I even set up two accounts of Google everything for business and for my personal use. With regards to ELIB classes, so much of what I need to access, Google reader lets me view everything on one screen. Even my smart phone interfaces with Google!
The Travel IQ Challenge was fun (although I didn’t score too well – too slow), so I added it to the Blog. I plan to add it to my website later. Although I have already created a custom Google search, I must admit, I liked the ease of Rollyo, especially not being another thing to sign up for. I also like the fact that many rolls were already set up and I could access them. Time’s not my best friend these busy days, so that was sweet!
There were many award winning webapps (see link) I’ve already used and written about. I decided to comment on my favorite, Google. What else can I say, I love them all! I even set up two accounts of Google everything for business and for my personal use. With regards to ELIB classes, so much of what I need to access, Google reader lets me view everything on one screen. Even my smart phone interfaces with Google!
The Travel IQ Challenge was fun (although I didn’t score too well – too slow), so I added it to the Blog. I plan to add it to my website later. Although I have already created a custom Google search, I must admit, I liked the ease of Rollyo, especially not being another thing to sign up for. I also like the fact that many rolls were already set up and I could access them. Time’s not my best friend these busy days, so that was sweet!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Week 9 – Podcasts, Videos & Downloadable Audio
To teach is to learn twice over. - Joseph Joubert
By now, everyone knows YouTube and its subsidiaries (e.g. TeacherTube, even FarsiTube, which my daughters love!). I’ve enjoyed the entertainment aspect for years. I used to not consider using web-based videos as a classroom resource, since most sites are blocked by LAUSD. For other sites, streaming videos were subject to the Internet working, or working too slow. However, once I figured out how to convert files, they are now a staple in my curriculum. Just today, I had a scheduled author visit, who wanted to show a video she had made as part of her presentation. Although I had offered to prepare anything she needed for her presentation, she didn’t tell me she needed access to YouTube until she arrived at our school (with her camera crew – more on that later). All efforts failed to circumvent the block so she rescheduled for another day. Of course I had to use Plan B for the classes I had scheduled! Point – videos are a vital aspect to engaging students. It takes planning and preparation to streamline their use.
In undergraduate school, I had the opportunity to work in college radio (MIT’s WMBR) as an engineer (11pm – 3am shift). I had obtained my third and second class engineer’s license. If I had stayed in Massachusetts, I would have gone on for my first class license and probably made it a career. Point – this exercise allowed me to think about the progression of digital media over 20+ years. With podcasts, anyone can become an “air personality”. It’s an effective communication tool for those who prefer to be “off camera”. I linked a podcast for educators to my Blog since teachers are following.
I first used audio books as a parent and found them a wonderful resource. With my first iPod, I started importing books on CD. Having been an ELL teacher most of my teaching career, I am an advocate of audio books for language learners, struggling readers and those with time constraints. And I certainly welcome tips on resources for free e-books. I hope future funding allows us to purchase and use them more.
By now, everyone knows YouTube and its subsidiaries (e.g. TeacherTube, even FarsiTube, which my daughters love!). I’ve enjoyed the entertainment aspect for years. I used to not consider using web-based videos as a classroom resource, since most sites are blocked by LAUSD. For other sites, streaming videos were subject to the Internet working, or working too slow. However, once I figured out how to convert files, they are now a staple in my curriculum. Just today, I had a scheduled author visit, who wanted to show a video she had made as part of her presentation. Although I had offered to prepare anything she needed for her presentation, she didn’t tell me she needed access to YouTube until she arrived at our school (with her camera crew – more on that later). All efforts failed to circumvent the block so she rescheduled for another day. Of course I had to use Plan B for the classes I had scheduled! Point – videos are a vital aspect to engaging students. It takes planning and preparation to streamline their use.
In undergraduate school, I had the opportunity to work in college radio (MIT’s WMBR) as an engineer (11pm – 3am shift). I had obtained my third and second class engineer’s license. If I had stayed in Massachusetts, I would have gone on for my first class license and probably made it a career. Point – this exercise allowed me to think about the progression of digital media over 20+ years. With podcasts, anyone can become an “air personality”. It’s an effective communication tool for those who prefer to be “off camera”. I linked a podcast for educators to my Blog since teachers are following.
I first used audio books as a parent and found them a wonderful resource. With my first iPod, I started importing books on CD. Having been an ELL teacher most of my teaching career, I am an advocate of audio books for language learners, struggling readers and those with time constraints. And I certainly welcome tips on resources for free e-books. I hope future funding allows us to purchase and use them more.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Week 4 - RSS Feeds
I am not a teacher but an awakener. - Robert Frost
Prior to this “thing”, I had discovered Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds and started using them for personal use. Like most people, I wanted breaking news sent to me. I had also put a feed into the web portal. I was to soon find out how valuable feeds were. On April 4th (Easter), I was sitting at my computer working on ELIB assignments when the Baja earthquake struck. There was strong rolling, but no loss of power. I had added the United States Geological Survey (USGS) feed awhile back. I was notified instantaneously and knew the magnitude before the television media. Seeing it work so efficiently, my interest in RSS soared and consequently, I began to subscribe to sites to use for everything!
In this assignment (thing 8), I set up the RSS feed in Google Reader. Was I ever impressed! In Google Reader, you can just add a subscription just like a search and you will get links to choose from. This is good if you are just building your sources. If you are already on the web, you can add feeds by the orange button in the tool bar.
As for Library Blogs, I found using the Google Blog Search to be the most convenient since many of the tools I use link to Google (Blogspot, Reader, G-mail, etc). The most impressive feature for me was the ability to see all subscriptions, blogs and feeds, on one screen. Very practical! In the last few weeks, I have become an enthusiastic user of Google apps. I just wish I had money to buy Google stock (LOL)!
Prior to this “thing”, I had discovered Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds and started using them for personal use. Like most people, I wanted breaking news sent to me. I had also put a feed into the web portal. I was to soon find out how valuable feeds were. On April 4th (Easter), I was sitting at my computer working on ELIB assignments when the Baja earthquake struck. There was strong rolling, but no loss of power. I had added the United States Geological Survey (USGS) feed awhile back. I was notified instantaneously and knew the magnitude before the television media. Seeing it work so efficiently, my interest in RSS soared and consequently, I began to subscribe to sites to use for everything!
In this assignment (thing 8), I set up the RSS feed in Google Reader. Was I ever impressed! In Google Reader, you can just add a subscription just like a search and you will get links to choose from. This is good if you are just building your sources. If you are already on the web, you can add feeds by the orange button in the tool bar.
As for Library Blogs, I found using the Google Blog Search to be the most convenient since many of the tools I use link to Google (Blogspot, Reader, G-mail, etc). The most impressive feature for me was the ability to see all subscriptions, blogs and feeds, on one screen. Very practical! In the last few weeks, I have become an enthusiastic user of Google apps. I just wish I had money to buy Google stock (LOL)!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Assistive Technology: Module 5 - Curriculum
As the AT Discovery Modules conclude, I think of the many hours put into the various exercises. If we hadn’t had to do this, I don’t think I would have learned a much.
Doing these exercises in March, and not October (Disability Awareness Month) made it difficult to do a whole lesson (teachers are busy with District Assessments and STAR test preparation). However, I had the art class in the LMC this past Thursday where there was a “teachable moment”. This class is taught by the MR teacher and 1/3 of the class are students with severe disabilities. The special ed students were dismissed before the general ed students allowing time to get to PE. The remaining students had not been the best behaved. The teacher and I started a discourse on the maturity and self-control of the special ed students, something the remaining students should model. One student spoke up in admiration for the special ed group. I think they got the point.
It’s difficult to think of just one thing when there was so much information. I was impressed with many of the websites that brought attention to the plight of the disabled. I was overwhelmed with the products available to the disabled and their supporters. I was humbled by the courage of the disabled. Most important, I was motivated by what I learned in these modules to be a proactive educator – seeking equality for all.
I believe Librarianship programs should make this a requirement. Although time consuming, you can’t put a price tag on the wealth of knowledge provided. In the Teacher Librarian role, I will continue to teach my teachers about servicing the disabled through modeling lesson plans, acquisition of software, hardware, furniture and equipment and through promoting literature that make us more sensitive to those with special needs (which I can do through many sources including LibraryThing).
Doing these exercises in March, and not October (Disability Awareness Month) made it difficult to do a whole lesson (teachers are busy with District Assessments and STAR test preparation). However, I had the art class in the LMC this past Thursday where there was a “teachable moment”. This class is taught by the MR teacher and 1/3 of the class are students with severe disabilities. The special ed students were dismissed before the general ed students allowing time to get to PE. The remaining students had not been the best behaved. The teacher and I started a discourse on the maturity and self-control of the special ed students, something the remaining students should model. One student spoke up in admiration for the special ed group. I think they got the point.
It’s difficult to think of just one thing when there was so much information. I was impressed with many of the websites that brought attention to the plight of the disabled. I was overwhelmed with the products available to the disabled and their supporters. I was humbled by the courage of the disabled. Most important, I was motivated by what I learned in these modules to be a proactive educator – seeking equality for all.
I believe Librarianship programs should make this a requirement. Although time consuming, you can’t put a price tag on the wealth of knowledge provided. In the Teacher Librarian role, I will continue to teach my teachers about servicing the disabled through modeling lesson plans, acquisition of software, hardware, furniture and equipment and through promoting literature that make us more sensitive to those with special needs (which I can do through many sources including LibraryThing).
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