Thing #19 - Beyond Facebook: Other Social Networks

I am a member of Facebook, Pinterest, and TeacherPop.  I am sure that I have probably signed up for some more social networks during the course of this class.  I am more active on Facebook than any of the other networks.  I think that Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with family that is in another state and also local friends.  We share pictures and exchange information, and it’s always entertaining to look at what funny observations my friends have made.  I looked through the networks that are mentioned in Thing #19, and I liked Good Reads.  I think that Good Reads would be a fabulous education site that students and teachers could use to find a good book fast for research or for pleasure.  I loved Crafter.org.   I could get lost on there for days!  I liked the contributions on TeacherPop, and I think that the little Frog song would be great in a kindergarten or first grade class.  For my purposes, I think that my five year-old grandson would enjoy it and could maybe gain some understanding of what adding and subtracting is about.   

Thing #18 – Explore Social Networking

At first glance, it is difficult for me to consider social networks like Facebook and Twitter as viable in the classroom.   I always have associated them with social activity rather than as instructional opportunities.  However, I researched further and discovered that these apps can be very effective teaching tools.  Why am I not surprised?  The point of education is to make learning relative to students who eat, breathe, and sleep technology.  They all  connect with social networking, so why not facebook and tweet in the classroom?   Both of these tools can encourage student engagement and discussion about course material and class projects, which would then optimize learning both in and out of the classroom.  This method reminds me of the online discussion forums that I have used with internet classes.  The online discussion is always part of the final grade, and the instructor sets up the guidelines and introduces discussion topics.  The same could be done with Facebook and Twitter being the facilitators for discussion.  

Teachers can also set up Facebook accounts tailored to classroom topics in order to quickly disseminate information and also to engage students in the lesson.  Tweets can be used for the same purpose.   They are just quick bursts of information but can challenge students to be short and to the point – only 140 characters allowed per tweet.   Another good instructional way to use this tool would be that students could follow any of their teachers. That would be an effective way to keep students informed about upcoming assignments and lesson material. 

I probably like Facebook better than Twitter just because I already have a Facebook account and am more familiar with the set-up.  I have only tweeted a couple of times, and I was more interested in figuring out how to say something in an abbreviated form than in the content of my message.  In other words, I got distracted.   The only real thing that I dislike about either one is my mental block about viewing them both as social outlets; but taking that into consideration, what a great way to trick students into learning when they are “socializing!”   All in all, I have to say that I prefer Facebook – both personally and from an educational perspective  since it allows for more in-depth commentary and dialogue.

Thing #17 - Tagging and Social Bookmarking with Delicious

I like easy things, and Delicious would definitely make my school life easier.  I can relate to having an overloaded “Favorites” folder, and this tool could streamline my research process and my “saved” files.  I like the Delicious concept much better than the sticky notes apps that bookmark favorite internet sites and information.  The way Delicious utilizes cross-referencing with the tagging feature makes perfect sense, and the social bookmarking component allows for group collaboration.  I think that both Delicious and wikis would be particularly helpful for group projects.  Also, from an educator standpoint, Delicious could be beneficial to teachers to compare notes and share lesson plans.  I liked Digg also, but it sort of reminded me of a Facebook with tagging added since you share with a community of members.  I liked the organization of the site with category headings that can point you to the most popular stories and videos.  I didn’t like StumbleUpon as well; but from an education standpoint, I can see how it could help a student or teacher locate information and relevant websites in a timely manner.  Of course, one other big bonus of all these sites is the storage component and being able to access bookmarked information from any computer.  Of the three, Delicious was my favorite (for the school possibilities), but Digg is a close second.

Thing #16 - Get Organized with Web 2.0 Tools

          Since I had customized a start page with iGoogle in a previous blog post, I decided to try Page Flakes to create this start page.  Page Flakes reminded me a lot of iGoogle – it was extremely simple to set up.  I selected the news and miscellaneous categories that interested me and then submitted to save my settings.  I moved some of the boxes around to balance out the page, and editing was a simple process.  I also started an online Google calendar, and it was a quick procedure as well.  I liked the "invite other guests to a calendar event"as a means of notification, but the recipient needs to have an email program like Outlook in order to open the invitation attachment.  I think that an online calendar is an effective method for reminding parents and students of upcoming activities and due dates for assignments – sort of like a syllabus.  It would help organize student work and manage students' workload, which is an essential life skill.  As a tool for instructors, one of these calendars could help a teacher stay on top of day-to-day meetings and lesson plans, as well as to keep a record of upcoming personal appointments and activities.

          For to-do list apps, I checked out Remember the Milk and MyStickies.  I like the visuals in MyStickies, and the premise made sense, but I don’t think that I would use it because I prefer a filing system like Diigo for storing favorite websites and tagged information.  I liked Remember the Milk’s layout, and I thought that the set-up could be beneficial for disorganized students to adapt in order to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.    The system has tabs for organization, and it can be used with other apps including Google calendar.  It gives a good overview by housing the “to do” list in one central location; and for education purposes, the information can be emailed to parents and students to streamline the exchange of information.

Thing #15 - What in the World is a Wiki?

          Well, I uploaded an image to the 23 Things Sandbox  and added a comment, but it didn’t show up on the Front Page right away, so I’m hoping that the site will update and display my comment at some point.  I need confirmation!  Using the wiki seemed like a fairly simple process, and I can see what a useful tool this could be in the classroom for students to share information and to collaborate on projects.  I liked the how-to video that explained wikis in very basic terms  – demonstrating  how a group of people could keep adding information and comments to any subject that is open for discussion.  The wiki can be used to track information and for editing and for brainstorming.  I think that this app would quickly engage students because of the technology aspect –a much easier way to organize than a string of emails.  The wiki reminds me of a blog except that everyone does the writing and has equal creativity input.

Thing #14 – Go with the Flow

Both mind mapping and flow charts are easy to use and to set up for personal and group projects.  I chose Bubble.us  for mind mapping, and I really liked the simplicity of the program.  It was very easy to construct a chart using the colored bubbles and arrows.  I quickly put together a diagram of triangle types, and I think that Bubble.us is a good visual aid to use in the classroom when presenting new concepts– especially to break down a more complex topic into smaller teachable components.  It is a simple but very effective way to organize thoughts and brainstorm, both on individual assignments as well as on collaborative research.   The mind mapping tools organize and connect ideas to a central topic, whereas the flow charts link material in a sequence – so that the ideas “flow” in the natural order.   I tried to use the Flow Charts program, and it kept locking up on my computer, so I selected Gliffy to create a flow chart for my research paper on dyscalculia.  Gliffy is easy to navigate, and I was able to set up my outline in no time at all.  The Gliffy flow chart provided good visuals and enabled me to easily organize my ideas for my paper.  Both programs also have “share” features, which are essential for group projects and collaboration.  I think that mind maps tools are great for brainstorming, and the colorful graphics can be used to enhance any course material.  I like the flow charts for outlining, and I think that they can be adapted for any subject to teach procedures, to conduct research, and to design lesson plans.  Wonderful tools! 

Thing # 13 – Web-Based Applications

Google Docs and Zoho Writer are two web-based applications that offer document set up, file management, and edit/share options for group collaboration.  Both programs track and color code the editing as it occurs, in order to provide an accurate document history and to show all group members and the instructor the final edited version.

Both applications exist inside the web browser and can be saved to a personal account that can be accessed from any computer.  The formatting and layout of the two are similar to Microsoft Word and Excel.  Google Docs is easier to navigate and has more education templates that can be adapted for classroom use.   Zoho more closely resembles Micosoft with its tabs and page layout, but I had more difficulty maneuvering around the site.   For example, I was unable to conduct a search for “education templates” – although I was able to locate them when I scrolled through the entire list one by one.

The instructional benefits of both pieces of software are the simple editing and collaboration options.  A teacher can set up a project and form a group for collaboration and then review each student’s progress on the project through the version tracking feature.  He or she can add comments and editing as well.  The document is stored at Google Docs or Zoho, and this outside storage capability eliminates the problems of incompatible Microsoft versions.   Teachers can also use the editing and group collaboration to consult with colleagues on professional research and projects. 

I decided to test both programs by creating a Lesson Plan on each site to save and export for my blog post.  Google Docs has a Lesson Plan template, so I used that to fill out my lesson plan.  Zoho has an extensive list of templates, some which are teacher-oriented, but there is no Lesson Plan template, and I was unable to make modifications to a pre-formatted template that was not set up for lesson plan.  I ended up typing my lesson plan on a blank document, and it reminded me of creating a document in Microsoft Word.

I think that both of these sites are very effective classroom tools, and the whole editing / collaboration concept is genius!  I enjoyed experimenting and comparing the two sites, and of course, I discovered that there are pros and cons in both.  Google Docs is more user-friendly, but the drawback is the requirement for very fast internet hook-up when doing any typing.  I had some problems typing my lesson plan document directly on the site, because I was typing faster than my wireless connection.  The letters kept being skipped, and I had to go back and add the missing letters.  I would use Google Docs again, but I would upload a Word document to the site for storage, editing, and/or group collaboration.  The templates are also easier to modify than the ones in Zoho.  I would also use Zoho Writer again, but I would have to become more familiar with the settings and the set-up to be more comfortable with the program.   

I have posted the lesson plan document (in the post right before this one) that I exported from Zoho Writer, and it was a very simple procedure.   I was unable to upload an HTML from Google Docs to my Blog: so  right now, Zoho is my favorite of the two.

Lesson Plan

(Thing #13)  Exploring Triangles

​Lesson:  Classifying Triangles

Date:       October 30, 2011

Class:      6th Grade Mathematics

Instructional Objectives:  Students will be able to identify and label right triangles, acute triangles, equilateral triangles, obtuse triangles

Grade Level Content Expectations:  

0606.1.10  Use various methods to explore properties of triangles

0606.4.4    Classify triangles by angle measure

Materials:

1. Protractors
2. Rubber Bands
3. Geo Board
4. Large Clock

Lead Questions:

1. What is the polygon with the least number of sides?
2. What are ways to classify triangles?
3. What are properties of different types of angles?

Sequence of Instruction:

1. Draw angles on the board and discuss the properties of the various types of angles.
2. Use clock hands to reinforce the difference in types of angles.  Use a protractor to demonstrate how to measure the angles.
3. Draw triangles on the board and identify the types of triangles by measuring the angles with the protractor.

Plans for Differentiation:

Guided Practice  - Have students practice making the different types of triangles with geo boards and rubberbands.

Independent Practice - Triangle practice worksheet; practice drawing triangles with a protractor; additional practice with virtual geo board at http://www.mathplayground.com/geoboard.html.

Homework Questions - Can a triangle have more than one obtuse angle?  Can a triangle have more than one right angle?

Assessment:

Oral Review - Ask the students to identify triangles and angles with a protractor.

​Written Exam - to test student proficiency

Thing #12 - Google is Not Just for Searching Anymore

I have always used Google as my primary search engine, but I never really thought about the other web tools that are available.  I explored the igoogle and Google alerts, and I am very impressed with both of these applications -- especially the Google alerts.  I think that requesting alerts is a great research tool because it can provide current information for any given subject, and each alert also allows the requester to indicate the frequency and amount of information to be received.  It is very user-friendly and requires no more than entering a topic and pressing the “search” button.  My information delivered within minutes.  The igoogle is another simple tool for customizing a Google home page.  The design is created based on personal preference and interests, and all I had to do was select my preferences, and my selections were then integrated into my Google home page.  I picked news, human interest, entertainment, food, and humor, and now my page features recipes, news updates, and Calvin and Hobbes.  There is also a clock and calendar, as well as up-to date weather and a link to personal email.  Optional apps are games and also a joke-of-the-day and quote-of-the-day that can be included.

I think that both of these web tools are useful applications that could part of the classroom computer.  A home page can be quickly designed to include news and weather, and Google alerts can provide up-to-date information for student research on any given subject.  The alert request reminds me of the RSS feeds because the information can deliver directly to my email and save valuable time.  I will definitely be using these two links in the future.

http://www.google.com/alerts

http://www.google.com/ig

Thing #11 - Finding Good Feeds

I explored Edublog and also Technorati to get an idea of what these search sites have to offer.  I preferred Technorati , not so much for directing me to a blog, but because I liked the site’s features and uncomplicated set up.  Searches on Technorati can be conducted by subject category to find blogs relating to a particular subject, or you can network in the soapbox venting area with other bloggers.   I arranged for several blogs to come to me through RSS feed:  The Pioneer Woman, The Gannett Blog (I work for Gannett), Cool Cat Teacher, Teach Science and Math, and Pop Teacher.  I enjoyed reading the live feed with the most recent news.  One advantage of having Pioneer Woman come in through RSS is that I can actually see the site.  When I try to go to there directly, my computer keeps freezing.  I also tried searching on Syndic8.  I did not like that site as much because cosmetically the site was less appealing and not designed as systematically, which makes it more difficult to maneuver.  A lot of the search sites that I explored were education-related.  There were quite a few news streams – also entertainment, music and hobbies.  The internet choices seem to be limitless.  There are also other blog search engines out there that categorize by subject, and there are top blog lists – I looked through a few, but I didn’t find one of interest.  I was primarily focused on teacher support and sharing networks that would discuss new ideas and strategies.

Thing #10 – Set Up an RSS Reader and Add Feeds

The RSS feed reminds me of an electronic paper boy.  It delivers the news to the internet subscriber, which is a wonderful timesaver for teachers and parents alike, as well as an added benefit for students.  Teachers can use the RSS feed to update parents about classroom events and to communicate with students about schoolwork.  The feed can also be utilized to view blogs about teaching, about breakthroughs in technology, and also to be used as an instructional aid in the classroom.  RSS will save time because I can select the sites that I would personally like to view or that I would like the class to view for daily enrichment.  Daily newspapers or scholarly sources could be piped in to afford students an opportunity to learn more about current events and to keep informed about what is going on in today's world.  I think probably the most beneficial aspect is that the RSS feed can be used to introduce student-led learning, and this activity will prove that surfing the internet is a valuable and relevant classroom tool that encourages independent research and learning. 

Thing #9 – On Line Generators

It was fun to experiment with the different on line generators.  My first impression was that they are good tools for creating customized signs and graphics.  As a teacher, I could use the signs on a parent-teacher blog or for effect on a homework assignment page on a blog or at a website.  I could manipulate text or create signs to print out and use them as sign labels in a library or classroom at learning stations or in designated reading areas.  The special effects and smiley face visuals could be inserted on a classroom home page or a student blog for added effect.  I experimented with Happy Face Generator and with Image Chef and Post-It Note Generator, and my absolute favorite was the Image Chef.  I think that it could make sight word cards more appealing for younger kids who are learning to read, and older students could enjoy creating signs from key words and graphics for computer practice.  Image Chef is a simple application, and it was very easy to save my creation to my desk top for future use.  The links are below:

Shine sunshine is from http://www.imagechef.com/

The happy face is from http://www.happyfacegenerator.com/

The post-it note is from http://postit.note.txt2pic.com/

Thing #8 – Flickr Mashups

I had a lot of fun exploring the Flickr mashups.  They are very easy to use, and I enjoyed playing with Spell with Flickr, Puzzles and Mosaic Maker.  I think that technology adds a new dimension to creativity in the classroom, and I know that students would enjoy trying different combinations and features.  There are so many opportunities to experiment with Mosaic Maker to use it as a fun, creative exercise and also to reinforce the lesson plan.  To energize a learning activity, students could use the apps to collage pictures from history or literature and present their experiences to the class – either as group presentations or individually.  That’s just one example – the possibilities are endless.  I think that these applications could provide a lively alternative to traditional teaching – a fun way to enhance learning.  I enjoyed the Spell with Flickr and tried out different fonts for several different words.  The Puzzles app was easy to use as well.  I think the Mosaic Maker is great for giving family photos a different look, and I have seen some examples of that on Facebook; but I am not a big fan of sharing personal photos on the internet, and I really wouldn’t advocate that practice for children in the classroom.  Above is a picture of my practice mosaic in the row format that I made with my "wallpaper" photos.  I think the mosaic effect is more pronounced when more than four photos are incorporated but it illustrates what the overall effect would be if more photos were incorporated.

Thing #7 – Explore Flickr

I have mixed opinions about my Flickr experience.  I enjoyed touring the site and looking at the various galleries and available features. There are so many images, and so many possibilities for enhancing a lesson plan.  I didn’t realize how many historic photos are available through a photo site like Flickr, and I especially enjoyed looking through the Civil War photos of Matthew Brady, who left a history in photos.  There are also many photos of nature that would provide added dimension in a science class.  I have never used any other photo hosting service, but I can understand the popularity of a site that can catalog your photos and also share them if that’s your intention.  I do not really prefer to have a lot of photos out there in the public domain, although I have a couple on my Facebook page.  My photo is a picture of a flower that is blooming in my yard that was taken minutes ago and uploaded to my desktop – no sentimental attachment, just a nice picture of a flower and also an opportunity to try the upload feature on the blog.  Although I found Flickr user-friendly for the most part, I was unable to upload any of the photos from the site after numerous unsuccessful attempts – very frustrating.

Thing #6 – Discovering Web 2.0 Tools

I always wondered what happened to paper dolls – little girls don’t seem to play with them anymore.  Well I found them alive and well at Stardoll.com.  My first impression was “you have got to be kidding,” until I realized that that this is a site primarily designed for 7 to 17 year-old girls to be able to play virtual dress up with  virtual paper dolls and to also network with other girls their age. 

The set-up reminds me of Facebook and offers free membership (some accessories and additional feaures cost extra).  Sign up is easy, and each new member receives a virtual room to decorate, a star doll to dress (an avatar) and a personal page for blogging.  Star Doll has an extensive online security guide for parents and teachers to review.  I pretended to be a ten year-old girl, and I was initially impressed that the site would not allow me to join without  parental notification and consent.  However, when I signed in a second time, I was allowed immediate access without the required parental approval – not good. If you are under age, there is a very detailed consent form that is supposed to be faxed in before membership is accepted.  An email is also sent to the minor child’s parents.  Of course there are ways around these security measures, but the site has at least made a valiant effort to maintain the program's integrity.

I think that this is an entertaining site for young girls to play virtual dress up and to also make friends.  It is colorful and there are lots of pretty wardrobe items and games to play, and it allows for creativity as well.  The concept is honorable – the site’s creator designed the site as an alternative to violent video games.  However, I think that if I had a little girl at home, she would only be allowed to blog with friends that she already knows – I am too leery of faceless strangers.  That is also why I could never recommend this site in a school or library setting – because of that potential risk. 

Thing #5 - Perspectives on Web 2.0/School 2.0 and the Future of Education

Web 2.0 is regular, everyday people in all walks of life, old and young, surfing the Web for entertainment and information pertaining to every aspect of their lives. People turn to the internet for everything, so it makes sense that schools should use internet tools to connect with students in the classroom.

 Enter School 2.0, which is adapted from Web 2.0, and can cause learning to be relevant in a fresh new way. Computer “anything” seems to capture student interest. I believe that it makes perfect sense to use School 2.0 tools in education, since children of all ages seem to live on the internet when they are not at school.  I think that it is hard to fathom just how rapidly technology seems to be advancing, and I wonder what that means for classrooms in the future.   

School systems recognize and are addressing these issues with the installment of School 2.0 –which has introduced blogging, podcasts, videos, and wikis into the curriculum, in order to engage students in more meaningful instruction.  Students participate through collaboration and social interaction, using the 2.0 tools, and they are more involved in their learning experiences as a result.  The challenge for schools is to keep up with technological advancements and the social trends, so that students stay connected and actively engaged. The perspectives that I read all echoed the necessity for technology in education for both now and in the future. I think this is also part of self-education for teachers – to stay informed of new technologies that could be incorporated into the lesson plans to keep learning relevant and interesting. 

Thing #4 – Why Commenting Is Important

Commenting on other blogs brings a sense of community because it invites reaction and interaction from the blog author and his fellow commenters.  I think that comments validate the blog author’s discussion topic, and contradictory opinions can stir up the conversation.  I can certainly understand why comments would energize a blog and give its author a vote of confidence.  I remember in the movie, Julie and Julia, what a rush it was for Julie when she realized that she had an audience – that people were actually reading her blog postings and were interested in what she had to say.  I think that I would prefer blogs that tackle controversial subjects.  A lively exchange would keep my interest because without passion, words can lose their momentum.  A heated dialogue can entertain, as well as inform.  When I conduct my search for two blogs to comment on, I think that I will look for a “controversial” blogger, who knows how to push his audience’s buttons.

I believe it is important to be respectful of other bloggers’ views, and to be agreeable about disagreeing.  The blog tips warned against being critical and offending.  I also think that it is interesting to consider that when I post comments on other blogs, that I am now part of someone else’s blog and part of what I am reading – both inside and outside at the same time.

The five blogs that I selected to read and why are as follows:

Sarah’s 23 Things - Thing #3  Sarah’s musings about the benefits of a classroom blog as a learning method caused me to reflect on how her blog statement prompted her to suggest  researching the potential advantages of classroom blogging. Her suggestion made me aware of the blog’s usefulness in the learning process.  I concluded and commented on her blog that a classroom blog would be an effective teaching tool because it would motivate students to initiate their own learning and research.

Evelyn Estes - Thing 3  - I liked her observations about a classroom blog being like Facebook because it would set up an interactive communication network where parents and teachers could share issues and any relevant concerns about students, curriculum, etc.  My comment was that I appreciated her point of view and that her Facebook analogy enabled me to see classroom blogging in as more beneficial to the curriculum.

Seebert - Thing 1 – I liked her post on Thing #1 because her concerns with using new technologies made me think about the future of technology in the classroom and how different today’s classrooms are from the 60's, 70's and even the 90's.  Technology has caused everything to change in a hurry.  Her comments made me think about how classrooms were in past decades and also to realize how quickly teaching methods have changed because of advancing technology, and that was what I mentioned in my posting on her blog.

Jasmina Kulovic -  Thing 4 – I liked Jasmina’s account of how she discovered fellow blogger Brandi Reed.  It caused me to realize that posting on someone else’s blog does generate more interest in the commenter’s blog.  I commented on her blog that I enjoyed reading about her following Brandi Reed’s posting, and that it helped me to realize how blogs are connected and that there is a mutual dependence there.

Education /Janie Walker – Thing # 3 – I like her suggestion to link library sites to a classroom blog.  That helped me realize that a blog is similar to a living organism that can evolve and change based on how it is set up to be used.  Linking to other sites would help students have multiple resources at their fingertips.  The blog could then be a learning hub that the kids could use for more than blog posts.  I commented to Janie that her suggestion about libraries helped me realize the unlimited possibilities for a blog and that it would be an excellent way to engage students in other learning activities.

For blogs outside of our group --  I posted a comment on an article that was posted on http://www.teachscienceandmath.com.  The article addresses the need for students to be taught how to think critically and how important it is to ask quality questions to stir students to think critically.  I posted that I enjoyed the author's (Dick Wetzel) perspective and the information that his article included and that I agreed with his opinion and appreciated his suggestions for motivating students to think critically.

The other site that I posted on was Cool Cat Teacher at twitter.com/#!/coolcatteacher.   I read a lot of the posts to familiar myself with the topics being discussed, and I commented that I enjoyed her site because it mentions technologies and new gimmicks and strategies that are being explored that I really have never heard about.

Thing #3 – Blog Benefits in the Classroom

A blog can be an effective tool for today’s busy teacher.  It is an easy time-saver that can quickly inform parents about classroom activities and student learning.  I have always viewed teachers as “professional communicators” (among other things), and blog postings about curriculum and current assignments can provide notification faster than the traditional classroom newsletter.

As a teacher, I can blog about my successes and failures and evaluate my postings, in order to modify my teaching plans.  My blog becomes a place where I can objectify the ever-changing, unpredictable activities of the classroom and then use my observations for review and analysis –much like an after-action report.  I think the most beneficial thing about this type of self-education blog is that it keeps a record of classroom specifics, and it gives teachers time to reflect and regroup for professional growth and more dynamic teaching.

I believe that blogging can be very beneficial to math students, who struggle with abstract concepts and have difficulty conceptualizing.  Integrating a writing element into the math program has always intrigued me – probably because it was virtually unheard of when I was in school.   I think a blogging project can be used to help students, who are strong in reading and writing but struggle in their math class.  A self-paced, reflective writing project, similar to 23 Things, can cause students to think through the more difficult, abstract concepts and ultimately be able to understand new lessons.  I believe math blogging can be a great way to evaluate student abilities.  As their teacher, I can also provide constructive feedback and use their blog comments to measure their individual progress.

Thing #2 – Create a Blog, Add a Post and an Avatar

Creating a blog and adding a post and avatar are not complicated procedures from the mechanical standpoint, but they are a little more labor-intensive for my brain cells.  Fear of unfamiliar technologies tends to cause me to have mental gridlock.  

Maybe I should name my blog “At a Snail’s Pace” for obvious reasons, but instead I choose the more appropriate: “Amy Monson: 23 Things,” in order to convey through a simple title, that my blog’s subject is about Amy Monson and 23 Things. For my purposes, simple is better because my main focus is on working with the 2.0 technologies and then sharing my impressions – which is why I am trying to save more original and interesting wording for the 24 blog posts. 

The overall blog set up and design went well, except for numerous trial and error attempts while installing my avatar and figuring out how to move it five inches across the screen to a new position—obviously a technical deficiency on my part.  My blog template is the green grass because I like the dandelion “blow things” that appear in the scene.  My sons (when they were little) always called them “blow things,” and that memory makes me smile every time I open up my blog. 

I think that my altar ego is sort of funny-looking with her “o”-shaped mouth and her frumpy dress. Yes, there is an uncanny likeness, and her facial expression is a “deer in the headlights” look, which is how I feel most days with my crazy school/work schedule.   I also dressed my avatar conservatively with my hair and eye color, and she is standing in front of a school blackboard, as I hope to be doing some day.   Her appearance reflects her reserved, introverted side, and her physical and personality similarities definitely make her a “Mini Me.”

Now that I have started posting, I am intrigued by this whole blogging thing and the individualism and self-expression that a blog affords. 

Thing #1 – Lifelong Learning and Learning 2.0

This is a blog about exploring the 23 Things and documenting my personal growth.  Setting up the blog was a simple procedure (no stress), and it reminded me of setting up a Facebook or email account – no difficulties with the process.  I would like to learn all that I can about the 2.0 web tools to be more comfortable with these technologies and so that I can use them to enhance my students’ learning.

How appropriate – that the first of these 23 Things is a short video that defines learning and then calls for reflection on what it means to be a lifelong learner. The video was a good summation, and I agree with the main theme, that learning lasts a lifetime and should be by design.  The most challenging habit for me is Habit # 3, to view problems as challenges and as growth opportunities and not to see them as roadblocks.  This statement reminds me that lessons are not only learned in the classroom, but also through day-to-day living.   For example, I have learned from past mistakes how to troubleshoot by solving problems that are broken down into smaller, more manageable parts – essential to know for math class, but also an important life skill.

The habit that will be the most valuable to me as I work through this course is Habit #4, remembering to trust in my abilities as a competent and efficient learner.  There is a lot of writing in this course, and I sometimes spend too much time on word choice and on overthinking my ideas before I can come up with the “right” thoughts.  Reflection is sometimes more difficult and a much slower process for me than already knowing what the “right” answer is.   In other words, writing becomes a learning challenge – I mean opportunity, and Habit # 4 will keep me going.

The easiest habit for me (and the most enjoyable) is Habit # 2, accepting responsibility for my own education, because I love doing research and keeping informed, and I am always learning something new about something.  The video says, “Break out of the box,” and that we are to be intentional about self-education.   I have discovered (or learned) that sometimes learning is not “cookie cutter,” and it is oftentimes an out-of-the-box approach.   I am usually on a fact-finding mission at work or at home and always trying to connect all of the dots. 

Hmmm, I wonder – how could it even be possible to be a teacher and to not enjoy learning?