Is It the End or Only the Beginning?

The 23 Things presented many new websites and features that I was unfamiliar with.  I really enjoyed Gliffy that allows the creation of flowcharts.  Students can use this in English as they begin to map out a paper or other writing assignments.  Brainstorming is always a good first step.  Flickr is fun to navigate.  There are so many amazing photographers out there with many beautiful shots.  Pictures hold a thousand words and are great inspiration for creative writing, which is something I would like to incorporate in my classroom.  YouTube is something that I was aware of, but its use to students and teachers cannot be overlooked.  The amount of resources available on that website is phenomenal.  Students love it, and so do teachers.

The best thing that can happen for the 23 Things is an update.  Dead links are present, and the amount of new resources and tools available on the Internet continually grows.  Therefore, removing some Things and replacing them with new tools should occur.  In order for me to stay informed on the latest in technology, I will keep my ears open to those around me.  Most everyone is ahead in technology compared to me.  If I overhear new tools, I will take it upon myself to learn more about it to remain up to date.

I would like to maintain a blog and utilize the many resources available on the Internet.  Using a blog for daily writing assignments would be an excellent way to encourage practice in writing while relating it with the technology with which the students are so familiar.  In this manner, I may even learn a thing or two from my students.  Incorporating technology is becoming more essential with each passing day.  Students will learn it, which means it is the teacher's responsibility to know it as well.

Thing #23

Creative Commons

Learning 2.0 - 23 Things I found to be based and inspired by various other locations.  When I looked towards the bottom of the page, I saw the following:

It appears that these Things are loosely based on 43 and based on 23 Things from the Mesquite Independent School District.  Creative Commons is great in that it allows for the opportunity for something good to become even better, to turn an idea to profound inspiration.  Now that I am aware of Creative Commons, I will certainly look to be inspired by others' works to improve or to create anew.  Also, I will want to place my ideas in a location to allow others to better it in ways that I never considered.  A community of people seeking to attain the best through collaboration, now that is what the world needs.

Thing #22

LiveBinders

The first binder is called "English Games."  This would be accessed by the students after a lesson has been taught.  They will use their new knowledge to play the interactive games that will reinforce the lesson.  The second binder I created is named "English Lesson Ideas."  High school English teachers can access this binder for ideas and actual lesson plans that they can use in their class.  The Internet is full of amazing ideas, and teachers need the right place to look.  The final binder is called "Interactive Online English Lessons."  This binder is also for students to use where they will be led through an interactive lesson with practice on the way as they learn a new concept.  LiveBinders are very useful in organizing good resources online for teachers and students to access.

English Games

Thing #21

Animoto

This site is pretty neat.  I always thought that a lot went into those fancy slideshows you see online, but Animoto makes the process easy for anyone to use.  And the slideshows turn out great!  I like that you do not need to pay to make a 30 second show, which allows you to experiment with several templates before you finally give in and subscribe.  I will not be purchasing a subscription to the site anytime soon, but I will certainly remember it for the future!


Try our slideshow creator at Animoto.

Thing #20

YouTube

YouTube has become synonymous with watching videos online.  As "google" has become a verb for searching content online, "youtube" is a verb for looking up video clips on the Internet.  The search bar provides suggestions as you type, and once you select a video, suggestions appear along the right side of the screen of similar videos.  If one needs to find out how to complete a process, YouTube has video tutorials from changing your car's oil to finding out how to use Twitter.  This tool can be especially useful for teachers who want to spice up their lessons with a funny video or informative segments.

I chose a video called "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" performed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company.  Though the video is almost 90 minutes, my main focus would lie on the first 22 minutes that cover an introduction and the play Romeo and Juliet.  These three men bring a new twist to the timeless classic through their humorous approach.  Students will find their version very entertaining while at the same time remaining true to the source material.  The Reduced Shakespeare Company is hilarious and should always be brought into the classroom during a unit on the English bard.

This contains only the introduction.  If you would like to see

the video in its entirety, click the link above.

Thing #19

Other Social Networks

I have joined several online communities within these 23 Things, such as Google+, Twitter, and Teacher Pop; however, prior to this, I only participated on Facebook, which has become increasingly less frequent.  I do enjoy movies quite a bit, so IMDB is certainly a website I visit often.  Classroom 2.0 looks like a good site that contains several current topics that teachers are facing.  As I progress into my career, I am certain that I will be joining education networks to learn from my fellow colleagues, and thanks to this, I will have a good start as to where to look.

Thing #18

Social Networking

One cannot listen to or watch anything without hearing about Twitter and Facebook.  Companies and programs are always asking people to check out their page and to 'follow' them.  This is the world we live in today, and this is the world in which students are growing up.  Therefore, as an aspiring educator, I must be well acquainted with these social networking sites in order to have a better understanding of the world students spend so much time within.  I already have a Facebook account, and although I practically lived on that thing six years ago, it has become only an easy way to keep track of friends, and the time I spend on it has dwindled down to a simple check maybe once a day.  Twitter I have tried to avoid since it began, so I decided to create an account and give it a look-see for the sake of this Thing.

Twitter - ebourke14

This social networking site has a lot going for it.  Twitter is simple.  You search for people or organizations you would like to follow, and with a simple click, the process is done.  Typing messages is easy, and that is the extent of what Twitter is about.  The simplicity is very attractive.  Nothing stands out as being problematic besides the limitations for the website, which I find to be a plus personally.  I may use Twitter as a means of keeping track of certain celebrities and sports, but I do not think that I will be sharing what I had for lunch with the world.  As far as using this for school, I cannot say there is a lot going for it.  I am uncertain as to the restrictions of high school teachers following their students and vice versa, but if it is not a problem, simple reminders may be useful for students to see before their next class.  But the last thing we need in schools is to encourage students to use Twitter during class time.

Facebook

Facebook is the opposite of Twitter when it comes to simplicity.  Although Facebook is not difficult to use, the amount of content available on it exceeds Twitter in leaps and bounds.  The fact that so much is present makes Facebook a tool that could never be used in schools.  Same with what I said in Twitter, I am unsure of the policy for friending students, and depending on that determines whether or not sending out mass messages to students with reminders and other content is appropriate.  Using Facebook as a type of email system is the best feature the social networking site has to offer since students are often visiting their Facebook pages outside of school.  However, considering the amount of distractions that come along with the website, its use in schools is deeply ill-advised.

Thing #17

Delicious

While watching the tutorial on Delicious, he explained the advantages for teachers who use the site very well.  Teachers within the same discipline can use each other's webpages for their own use and share their findings as well.  Organization becomes easy with the use of tags, which makes finding specific bookmarks simple.  Delicious appears to be an extraordinary website for people with loads of bookmarked webpages who need easy access.

Unfortunately, I am not one of those.  I am sure as a teacher, I may want to keep track of several sources; however, Delicious will not be the method I use for doing so.  The webpage is not attractive to me, and it does not work as smoothly as I would like.  If I need to find good sites, Google and other methods can make the process much easier.  This tool is just too much for a simple thing.  Although delicious, it falls short of appetizing.

Thing #16

Customized Start Page - iGoogle

I chose iGoogle because I use Google as my primary search engine.  Since I use the cite regularly, it only makes sense for my to use it as my customized start page.  The date and time along with the weather are some gadgets I left on the page, but I removed the other standard ones that I felt were distracting and did not meet my needs.  Instead, I added two webpages that provide me a word-of-the-day, as I am one seeking to expand my vocabulary seeing as I'm wanting to teach English.  Then, I finished with a quote of the day and sports updates.  I do not think that I will make this my homepage, however.  I do not want to become too distracted when I hop onto the internet.

Online Calendar - Google Calendar

 

I do not have a lot of events to add to my online calendar at this point in my life, but I understand the usefulness one can have, especially in the busy life of a teacher.  With the use of computers and the Internet on the rise each passing year, it becomes greatly convenient to have access to a calendar of events right online.  Google Calendar is easy to use, and edits are a walk in the park.  The hectic life of a teacher can be partially remedied by the organization of an online calendar.

To Do List - Remember the Milk

 

I think to-do lists online can be useful because they can force one to put a deadline for the tasks he or she seeks to accomplish.  By putting completion dates for several jobs on different days, one does not become overwhelmed with the total amount of work but rather can concentrate on the smaller portion of tasks for just that day alone.  However, activities can have a deadline of "never," which may reinforce the idea that it will eventually become completed and procrastination takes hold.  All in all, online to-do lists can be useful if used properly, but a pen-and-paper list can be just as effective.

Thing #15

The YouTube video in which the guy explains Wikis through the analogy of planning a camping trip is very useful.  Wikis would be especially beneficial for students when it comes to group work assignments.  Anyone in the group can add and edit the information they accumulate in real-time rather than depending on email from each group member.  I also liked the idea of literary discussion as exampled by the English 10 Literature class where they discussed George Orwell's 1984 and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.  I think this would be a great tool, especially if students are reading different novels with similar themes.

For the Sandbox, I posted by Thing #07 involving the exploration of Flickr.  I enjoyed seeing other students' posts from previous classes and their approaches to the various Things assigned.  I like the idea of Wikis for class use because it can allow students to add and edit information with their classmates.  This allows many perspectives to come together, which can alter previous beliefs and misconceptions on information.  When it comes to discussing literature, many interpretations can arise based on the text, and each student can notice something different that can enhance everyone's understanding of it.  Wikis provides the opportunity to easily allow one to give their input on the subject without the fear of running out of time or not being called on in class.

Thing #14

Gliffy

This flowchart website works great.  After reading a few brief tips, handling the shapes and connections became easy as pie.  Mine only uses the classic shapes and connections, but the site provides several tools for people to use to make an attractive and effective flowchart.  I based my chart on a TN State Standard that involves figurative language in the 9th Grade.  I plan on speaking about this subject in my podcast.

 

MindMeister

Mind maps are great for brainstorming ideas, especially when planning to write a paper.  One general subject can branch out into several ideas that can have their own sub-connections.  Relationships are everywhere, and a mind map help make a visual image of those connections.  I made a simple one of the many subjects that lie within being an English teacher, such as teaching poetry, Shakespeare, grammar, MLA, and more.  I did not find as much freedom or user-friendly controls in MindMeister as I did with Gliffy.  The website still works well.

Thing #13

Zoho Docs

Zoho works great and is very similar to Microsoft Office.  I made a quick document and presentation, which were simple to use.  The best part about this online docs site is having access to one's documents wherever one may be.  All the information is stored online, which can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection.  Perhaps I am doing something wrong, but I do not like that it saves multiple copies of my work, as seen in this screenshot:

 

Google Drive

I found several similarities between Google Drive and Zoho Docs.  They both are great online substitutes for Microsoft Office and are simple to use.  However, Google Drive did not save several copies like Zoho Docs had done for me, which I like.  Another advantage for Google Drive is that it is Google.  When I sign into my Google account, I have access to all my Google applications, which is a major convenience compared with going to a separate website for my documents.  Google Drive is also more colorful, as seen here:

Here is a link to my Google document I typed up:  Beyond the Rise

Thing #12

Google Alerts

This is a great tool that can especially be utilized by educators.  The latest results concerning a specific topic can be emailed straight to the individual without having to search and find regularly.  For fun, I put the subject "JaMarcus Russell" in as my Google Alert.  He is an Oakland Raiders quarterback draft bust who is seeking a second chance in the NFL.

It allows me to choose the volume of results, which I chose "Only the best results."  I also selected to be notified "As-it-happens."  Therefore, I am always up to date on the latest news.  This is an excellent tool that assists people on the latest and best in their areas of choice.

Picasa Web Albums

This tool is very similar to Flickr and just as easy.  Someone can easily search for images with specific tags, and uploading pictures is made easy for the user.  Since my Blogger is connected to a Google account, all of the images I have uploaded in my posts are on a Picasa Web Album.

Google provides several tools to its users that are interconnected and user friendly.  It helps with organization, and resources are right at people's fingertips.  Google is certainly more than just a search engine.

Thing #11

Of the three search tools, I find Technorati to be the most accessible for my needs.  It allows me to search for a specific posts or blogs in general.  By clicking on each result, a brief description is given in regards to the blog.  I find this feature to be quite useful as I attempt to decide whether or not viewing the actual site will be worth my time and fit my interests.

When using the Google Blog Search, I was often lost and unsure at what exactly I was looking.  I wasted a lot of time clicking on sites that did not match for what I had searched, and I it continued to fail even when I allowed it several chances to work for me.

The final searching tool called Topix provided slightly better results than Google, but I still felt lost in the results as I searched for blogs in which I may be interested.  Another reason Topix failed to meet my needs was the large number of advertisements, and I even experienced some popups.  This was not the type of search site that I wanted.

I found an interesting blog that is very political, but at the same time, it has wonderful photography of birds and nature.  Also, the blogger throws in some poems with the other random topics that are covered.  Crime poetry is interesting to say the least.  On the other hand, I discovered some useful blogs, like Notes From A Homeschooled Mom and Teacher Beat.  They both offer important information and useful tips for teachers in the field and preparing for the field.

One way that I enjoy finding other blogs is by clicking on "Next Blog" at the top of the Blogger browser.  I am randomly transported to a whole new world:  some strange, some great.  So many blogs, so little time. . .

Thing #10

RSS is pretty genius.  Why waste so much time searching every website for updates when the updates can come straight to the surfer in one convenient location?  I do not know what people would dislike about this tool.  Maybe they enjoy the layout of homepages as they search for new additions, who knows?  I can speak for myself in saying that RSS is an excellent tool.  Imagine having to drive to countless companies and friends just to receive bills and letters.  We can't really imagine it because we have something called mail.  All these things come straight to us.  Why shouldn't our websites do the same?

This is an excellent tool for teachers.  They can easily receive the latest in educational advances, ideas for lessons, and technological advancements to make their job more simple.  I subscribed to the Education bundle that contains several great sites, and I also found the Teaching Channel YouTube channel.  If you have not watched any Teaching Channel videos, I highly recommend them.  They are especially useful for teachers transitioning to Common Core State Standards.  The channel is fantastic for learning new strategies and activities to implement within the classroom.

Thing #04

Commenting for Community

Building a community is impossible without communication among its members.  Commenting on others' posts allows for ideas to be shared, points to be discussed, and relationships to form.  Without comments on the material, the writer receives no feedback to improve his or her writing and learns little about the audience his or her posts are reaching.  Imagine a classroom where the teacher lectures the entire period without student responses or group work.  What kind of a relationship forms between the teacher and the students?  The same can be said in regards to a blog without responses.  Information may be passing from one individual to many, but none is given in response to the teacher or writer.  A community, similar to a classroom, relies upon communication, discussion, and feedback.

Important Points

I think Vicki Davis brings up an excellent point regarding the presence of many "Darth Commenters" (DCs) on the Internet.  Some people simply enjoy stirring the pot and being hurtful.  One should not give in to such comments by arguing or back-lashing the DC, which can often encourage further behavior from the individual and perhaps more.  By deleting the DCs and sticking to the beliefs and reasons for blogging, a person can continue to post without becoming discouraged by those just seeking to be hurtful.

Darren Rowse presents several techniques that encourage more comments from readers.  One in particular that I like is #3 concerning open ended posts.  I have often read posts and articles that I enjoyed and found informative, but I found nothing more to say than "That was good."  By remaining open ended, more room for contribution from the readers is made available, and a sense of community is improved.

The 7

Jordan Tupper

Jordan presents some good points as to how a teacher can use a blog in the classroom.  We share some similar points in Thing #03, and I wanted to elaborate on a point I agreed with by providing some input from my own post.

Nicole Clay

I enjoyed Nicole's points on providing a Q&A section on the blog for students to answer and help each other while being monitored by the instructor.  I reiterated what I liked and added my own points.  Formative assessment is crucial in the classroom, and a blog can provide that important information.

Kyle Christmas

Kyle is a high school English teacher, which is the area I hope to teach.  I look forward to reading his posts and learning from someone who is already out in the field.  Our weak habits are the same, and I enjoyed his ideas of utilizing technology within an English classroom.

Michelle Terry

Michelle's Thing #08 has an interesting assignment idea utilizing the puzzle generator.  I have a similar idea for my #08 using the Motivator where students would present their picture and explain their choice and its relevance.  History has never been one of my favorite subjects, but I am interested by the approach Michelle may be taking.

Michelle Dixon

Michelle's Thing #07 is an inspiring picture of a castle upon a mountain top.  A history and story concerning that fortress lives on, but even without knowing any of it, I can already imagine the deeds and betrayals that have taken place within its walls.  Pictures will be great sources of discussion and inspiration for English students.  I enjoyed Michelle's choice and her reasoning behind it.

Workout Plan & Healthy Eating

Having a major in Health, I was quickly drawn to this blog.  I commented on a post regarding the losing of weight, which many can attest to as being less than simple.  The blogger provides several examples of easy ways to burn more calories, such as tapping your foot, drinking cold water, and just plain old moving around.  I gave my own little input on some suggestions for burning calories and eating better while still affirming several of the ideas the blogger posted.  I will certainly continue to follow this blog.

Daniela Blagoeva's Paintings

I love to see other people's artwork.  Much like a book, paintings and sketches contain a story in and of themselves, and despite what the artist intended, a person can find their own meaning for it based on the particular aspects they find to be beautiful and unique.  I commented on a sketch of Mary holding baby Jesus.  I asked whether or not it was original or copied from a different source, but either way, she shows great promise and plenty of skill in the way of becoming a successful artist.

Thing #09

 Comic Strip Generator

 

I was expected multiple panels that can be edited when I explored the Comic Strip Generator, as one would expect from the Sunday funnies.  To my disappointment, I found single-frame pictures with speech bubbles that are still fun but does not allow for as much creative freedom as one with multiple frames.  I must say that once I saw a picture of Derek Zoolander, I knew that I had to use it.  I think that this tool would be fun for a teacher to utilize by creating lighthearted pictures for PowerPoint slides, but I do not think that I could come up of a use for students specifically.  However, multi-frame comic strips could be used for many purposes in English, for example portraying different scenes from books in a new medium.

Sign Generator 

 

Looking through the different signs, my attention was caught by the fortune cookie design.  I have received some pretty cryptic fortunes, and sometimes I question whether people take these seriously.  I decided to have a paradoxical cookie message.  The second is an attempt to be humorous.  Designing different signs is fun, but again I do not see a good classroom application for using this web tool.  It certainly would be useful for posters that concern upcoming events and purposes similar to that, but on an academic level, I fail to see the application.

Smiley Face Generator

 

Being an English major, I simply had to go for the smiley with a book in his hands.  At the same time, I just had to put a twist on the most famous of Shakespeare quotes.  I understand this dilemma quite well when the teacher assigns a less than enthralling piece of literature.  When I become a teacher, I hope to minimize the dread of having to read, but kids will be kids and will find more "important" things to do than read.  Again, this was fun, but the classroom application of this tool is nothing more than simple fun and little creativity.

Thing #08

Through Big Huge Labs, I used the Motivator to create the above image.  Football is one of my passions, and I follow the NFL religiously.  One thing I love to do is scan through photos for hilarious looking shots, and Sam Bradford (as seen above) has some of my favorite looks, especially while throwing the ball.  He always manages an interesting look on his face, as noted by the picture.  10 points to the person who correctly identifies the movie quote on which the above Motivator is based.

For the Motivator, students can find a picture that is representative of someone or something from a class book, story, or poem.  Then, a particular quotation can be across the bottom for a simple, creative homework assignment.  A similar path but using a mosaic tool can be used as students find several pictures representative of a story or poem as a whole.  A short presentation would accompany the final product for the student to explain his or her picture choices.  Many creative uses can come from pictures and quotations, but there is quite a difference between academic relevance and simple fun.  As a result, the teacher needs to ensure that the project is in compliance with academic standards.

Thing #07

"Bridge - Clarksville" by Alfredo A. Garcia

Searching through Flickr is certainly an experience.  The number of amazing photographers in this beautiful world is phenomenal.  I would hate to have created my own Flickr account and taint the wonderful sight with my far below average photography skills.  After some perusing, I became curious as to the kind of photos there are of Clarksville on the site.  I found this spectacular shot of the bridge spanning the Cumberland River not too long after I searched with a "clarksville, tn" tag.  Alfredo Garcia has plenty of spectacular shots, but this one has a lot of character.  I like the gloomy skies looming over the rusted bridge.  The beat up stop sign in the top right corner simply adds to the foreboding feeling emanating from this photo.  I feel an entire story can be formed based on this image alone, which I think would make an excellent writing exercise.  The teacher can give the students a specific tag to search for, and then they can choose any picture to create a short tale based on the photo.  With this particular shot, a dark urban legend can be formed around this specific bridge that teenagers would tell to all their friends.  Some curious kids then would decide to test the legend by exploring it at night and . . . it would go on from there.  A lot of potential is there, and the old saying holds true:  a picture is worth a thousand words.

Thing #06

Solvr

This simple tool allows one to determine a problem and create ideas as to how the problem can be solved.  It is a self-thinking tool for someone to actively ponder the issue.  Through analysis, the person can find solutions; however, often with solutions come more problems.  The person can thus insert new ideas to solve the new issues.   This creates a tree of problems, ideas, and comments that branch out every which way.  Once all of the problems have solutions, the tree turns green to indicate that the plan is deeply considered with each potential issue eliminated.  If one so desires, the entire problem tree can be shared through email, blogs, or social networking as each tree comes with its own unique URL.  Simply copy and paste the code and others will be able to access the Solvr tree and input their own comments and ideas for the presented issues.

I personally enjoyed this little web tool because people often want to find quick solutions to their big problems.  For example, say someone wants to lose weight, so their quick solution or idea may be to workout more.  He or she will soon discover a new issue, such as lack of motivation or time.  As a result, the idea of working out is quickly abandoned.  Solvr seeks to solve this problem that becomes a part of people's problems.  It calls for one to consider the issues that solutions dig up.  Going back to wanting to lose weight, the person can solve the "lack of motivation" problem by partnering up with a trusted and motivated friend who may already go to the gym regularly.  This in itself may create a new issue, but the Solvr tree is there to allow these things to be fully considered.

I think classrooms could use a tool like Solvr.  If a student is struggling within school, he or she can sit down with a teacher and use the site to identify the overarching problem.  By working through problem after problem with ideas one after another, the student and teacher can create a Solvr tree that helps solve the mini issues that are affecting the big problem, such as poor school performance.  The link can be sent to the parents of the student to allow them access and input on solving the problem as well.  In the end, people always want the quick fix, but Solvr is suggesting that that can rarely be done.  When considering all things, we will learn that a deeper analysis of the problem must take place in order to achieve true progress towards a solution.

Thing #05

50 Web 2.0 Tools and the Future of Education

The world is changing, and that is a reality that educators need to face.  Information is no longer locked away in books collecting dust in the local library or within the brains of teachers who must hold all the answers since they tell students what is important.  Access is granted to all.  When Steve Hargadon states that Web 2.0 is the future of education, it is no outlandish statement but rather is the reality.  Therefore, these tools cannot be ignored as students will not.  Instead, educators must adopt this ever-advancing technology and utilize it; otherwise, students will brush off what teachers say and discover it on their own.

The "50 Web 2.0 Tools" is a phenomenal source for finding specific aids that fit within your particular area.  I would love to implement ToonDoo into my teaching.  Allowing students to take a written text and transfer it into a comic strip form would be a great way to encourage higher-order thinking.  Students would have freedom to be creative, and they can make something that is personal.  Children need several opportunities to participate, which takes me to Steve Hargadon's article.

One of the biggest points Hargadon presents is how everything is becoming participative.  With social networking, people are commenting, sharing, liking, and posting everything.  If a student has to come to class and watch a lecture, opportunities to respond and participate are being limited.  More discovery and self-learning is becoming necessary as people seek to be a part, and educators need to allow for this participation.

School 2.0

The reality that must be faced is the need for School 2.0.  Students cannot go from a life of complete interaction to a classroom of minimal participation.  I have witnessed many classes where the participation from students is so poor that I swear I hear crickets in the room.  This idea of an interactive classroom needs to be presented and encouraged by the teacher.  School 2.0 seeks to fix this through the use of Web 2.0 tools that are more familiar to students than William Shakespeare's Hamlet (an unfortunate reality English teachers need to face).  These types of tools will certainly become a part of schools in the future, and more training and courses for aspiring educators in regards to Web 2.0 tools will need to be offered and required.  When considering the best way to teach children, building connections, utilizing technology, and relating to prior knowledge are all key elements to interact successfully with students.

Thing #03

Ways to use a blog

A blog is an excellent place for student/teacher communication.  The instructor can post links to different websites that are related to the current topic the class is learning.  For example, when starting a unit on William Shakespeare, students can explore the posted sites for information on Shakespeare's life, the time period, and the plays for better understanding of the particular piece being studied.

Providing information left out from class or perhaps new details developed from a different period can be posted for students to see on the blog as well.  Study materials for upcoming tests can be uploaded, and reminders and information on the next class session's content would be another useful part of having a blog between teacher and students.

Students can do the posting themselves as well.  Any questions they may have thought up after class can be submitted to which other students can answer if they log on before the teacher has a chance.  If the teacher assigns homework that involves finding a useful website, the blog would be a great place for students to post and the rest to view it.

A blog can have several uses for teachers, students, and even parents to receive an idea of what their children are studying in class.

Thing #02

Experience

My only experience with blogs has come through viewing posts from friends, who continually insist that I visit their blogs and click on any links so they can earn money.  They have always looked interesting, and I have thought about starting a creative writing blog for me to submit my poems and short stories for people to read, but I am unfamiliar with copyright laws in regards to a host’s rights to my words.  As a result, I have steered clear of blog posting.

My Name

My posting name is my birth name, so I suppose my parents decided for me.  The blog name goes back to my birth name.  My parents have a lot of influence on my life.

The Blog

Creating the blog was fairly simple.  The site provided me step-for-step instructions in making the basic shell of my blog, and the rest can be figured out through simple exploration.

Avatar

The avatar looks fairly similar to my own likeness.  The same basic clothes and hairstyle are present in the little guy, but people may question the angry face displayed.  I am an easy-going person, and anger is the last emotion people will experience with me.  However, I often like to make exaggerated looks of frustration randomly.  I do not know why.

Thing #01

Strength:

Habit 2 - Accept responsibility for your own learning

If I receive an undesirable grade on an assignment or test, I am not one to point the finger at the teacher being unfair or blame some external force in my environment for the downfall.  A poor mark is but a challenge to improve.

Weakness:

Habit 5 - Create your own learning toolbox

I rarely create any methods or tools to assist in my learning.  I do not go beyond the class notes (if I even take those) by making such things as flashcards or organized notes that are typed up on my computer.  By creating more tools for my own learning, I will become better prepared in providing my students with creative methods to assist their learning.

What I hope to learn . . .

I hope to expand my knowledge of the tools available on the Internet that can assist me within the classroom.  I often find myself visiting the same few websites each time I surf the web, and I cannot help but wonder about all that I am overlooking.  Through the 23 Things, I am confident that I will become better prepared in keeping up to date on the latest technology that is increasingly becoming second nature for many students.  My experience with setting up this blog assists in my trust that I will learn several simple tools that will be useful for me as an educator and my future students.  Blogs are easy as pie, and pie is good.