Thing #9

When searching for blogs I found it easiest to browse through google reader, and browse by topic. I also found that there were many websites that I check on a regular basis, that subscribe to RSS feeds. There are so many available that it hard to search by anything more than topic.

Thing #8

Google Reader and RSS

I have really enjoyed becoming familiar with RSS on google reader. While I have recognized the symbol before, I had no idea what it was, or how to use it. This assignment was slightly addicting, as I kept wanting to look for feeds to subscribe to, and then went to all of the websites that I go to regularly, to see if I could use RSS through google reader. RSS could be used for school or library websites, as a way for students to access specific information. Personally, I will be using google reader on a daily basis now that I have been exposed to it.

Thing #7

The technology piece that I have been thinking a lot about this week is a document camera. I was recently given one for my classroom, and it has been a great deal of fun. When I am reading a book to my students, I can quickly put the book under the document camera, and all the students can see the story. We were working on writing BCR's this week, and I put some samples of strong BCR's right on my smartboard, without having to scan them into the computer.

Thing #6 retrievr

Retrievr is a fun mashup that takes the photos on Flickr, and allows the user to "sketch" a photo they are looking for. While my sketches don't look anywhere as nice as the actual photos, it is fun to browse through the pictures. If you are looking for photos with certain colors in them, this would be a great place to start. I tried to sketch actual things, and what I was looking for rarely came up (I do have to admit I am not that great of an artist however...).

Granada Thing #5

Granada
Originally uploaded by Gil art

Thing #4

I think I messed up when I registered my blog with the website. I accidentally registered for the School Library Learning 2.0 instead of Classroom Learning 2.0. I went back and tried to re-register for the other program. Hopefully it worked!

Thing #3

Making an avatar was the most fun assignment I have ever had as a student! I found it simple to create, and simply to export onto blogger. I hope these assignments continue to be so entertaining!

Thing #2

I found the 7.5 Habits of Successful Lifelong Learners to be very interesting. Too often in life, we become passive about our own learning, and these habits can help individuals to focus and become more active in their own learning.

The habit that I think is the easiest for me to stick to is Habit #6: Use technology to your advantage! I have grown up with technology available for me, and when I have simple to difficult information needs, I have been able to solve these needs quickly with the use of technology. I am also fortunate enough to be a quick technological learner. Even when I am not completely sure how to use resources, I am usually able to do so quickly.

The habit that is the hardest for me is Habit #3: Viewing problems as challenges. The second something goes wrong, I get disheartened. I need to change my attitude, and realize that every problem has a solution, and finding that solution will be valuable for me in the long run.

My first exposure to “23 Things” has been positive, and I look forward to learning more about Web 2.0.