Thing # 19

     TeacherPop seems like a great network for teachers and other education professionals to collaborate and share ideas.  This would be a great way to communicate with co-workers or teachers located throughout TN.  I look forward to being able to use this professional network in order to better prepare me for my job as an educator.
     The other social network which was appealing to me was the Open Source Food network.  This site allows its users to view millions of cooking recipes and also allows people to post and share their own favorite recipes.  This could possibly be used within the classroom when studying about different areas or cultures.  Teachers could use the Open Source Food site as a reference for different recipes and foods which are eaten all over the world.  I really enjoyed exploring the different forms of social networks and look forward to using them throughout my career as an educator.

Final Thoughts on 23Things!!

     YAY!!!  I never thought I would finish all of these Things!! :)  I started off this assignment scared and afraid of the internet and the web 2.0 tools, but this has been a wonderful experience and has definitely taught me wonderful things about the internet.  By navigating my way through all of the different applications, tools, websites, and assistive technology programs I have now gained a better understanding and appreciation for the internet and its amazing and numerous capabilities.  The internet provides us with unlimited amounts of resources, guides, and ways to communicate, learn, and express information and knowledge in various different ways and this program has provided each future educator with the experience in just about every area possible!  Going into this project I actually viewed it as a waste of time and energy, but as I made my way through this program I have noticed by using the tools within these "Things" tons of time can now be saved and used for other important tasks.  Also, technology and the internet provides educators with the latest knowledge and facts which could be crucial within instruction time; and by becoming educated on the "trendy" communication and social networking sites teachers can become better connected with each individual student and/or guardian.  Just becoming familiar with the various types of networks and communication has definitely been a favorite of mine, and also becoming educated on the wonderful benefits of Google and all of its many positive contributions to the education field.  This entire experience has not only better prepared me as a future educator, but also as a more technology "savvy" individual as well.  This program has had numerous positive effects and I can't wait to implement and share my new discoveries with friends and future co-workers.

Thing # 23

     Learning about copyright and Creative Commons has been extremely beneficial.  I always knew that there were laws which protected the original work of people, but I have never been completely informed on every aspect until now.  This activity and the Creative Commons exercise which we were to complete within our LiveText portfolio has given me total insight to all of the licenses and protection which can be achieved through the Creative Commons and Copyright laws.  By doing this activity I am better aware of what resources I will be allowed to use within my future classroom and how to better educate my students through the proper and legal way.  This entire program was a great example on how to take advantage of a particular license and adjust the work to fit to the user's particular needs.  The Learning 2.0-23 Things for Teachers as stated within the credits is "based on Learning 2.0- 23 Things, a staff development program for the Mesquite Independent School District."  That program was based on the "Learning 2.0 program that was designed by Helene Blowers and adapted by the California School Library Association and others".  The Things for Teachers, which we APSU students participated in, was borrowed and duplicated with permission, under a Creative Commons License.  Also, this project was developed on the same basis in which the website 43 Things and the article 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year by Stephen Abram.  This is a perfect example on the usage of a license from the creative commons, and provides future educators with an excellent guide on how to properly follow a copyright license.

Thing # 22

     Before this technology class and "thing 22" I wasn't quite sure what to think about podcasts or even knew exactly what one was.  After participating in this activity I am now fully educated on podcasts and how they operate and function.  This type of technology can be extremely beneficial to one while in the classroom.  This provides a wonderful way to connect with auditory learners and gives a creative spin to instruction.  After playing with the podcast directories I have found that Learn Out Loud best suited my technology needs.  This site provided me with easy access to numerous different educational podcasts on every subject possible, and also educated me well enough that I feel as if I would definitely enjoy creating one to use with my future classes.  Podcasts seem as if they would be a wonderful alternative to boring instruction, and I definitely can't wait to put them to the test! 

Podcast

Thing #21

     I absolutely loved playing and experimenting with the Animoto video making website! It was extremely easy to use and super fun too.  This is definitely a site which I will always remember and continue to share with friends and family members.  Animoto provides each individual with the opportunity to create a video about anyone, anything, and any desired subject.  This would be a great way to document an educational activity or an adventurous field trip through vibrant and interesting photos.  The videos would be a great way to present information not only to students, but to parents as well.  Educating the parents and guardians on what their children are learning and participating in within school is wonderful and Animoto allows teachers to do this successfully and with ease by using their website.  :)

My Animoto Video! :)

Thing # 20

     YouTube seems as if it would be an awesome tool to use during instruction.  This site has wonderful educational videos which can help with communicating each lesson more effectively, and will also aid in engaging each student.  YouTube was easy to use and navigate my way to needed material such as the habitat video attached below.  This video, along with many others which YouTube provides, would be a great way to introduce lessons and incorporate technology and other various learning activities within the classroom.  This was a great tool to experiment with, and I know I will continue to benefit from its numerous educational videos.


Habitat YouTube Video    

Thing #18

     Social networking is very important to become aware of when becoming an educator.  As teachers it is our job to become aware of the hottest trends or applications that the majority of our students will be interested and involved in.  I used to have a myspace account and I still have a facebook membership and I find them useful at times to keep up with distant friends and family members, but I also find them very distracting and time consuming.  Although such networking sites can take away from study time and homework they could also be a tool in which teachers could inform parents and their students on appropriate classroom assignments and daily activities.  After researching social networking accounts I still am not so sure about their effectiveness within the classroom settings, but maybe if implemented in the correct manner and fashion. 

   
My Facebook Link!! :)