Thing #12

     When exploring the wonderful tools in which Google has to offer I found that creating a Google alert and calendar to be the ones in which I would utilize the most.  Both of these tools were extremely easy to make and also seem as if they would benefit me the most.  I must have an organizer/calendar in order to keep up with all the activities that I am involved in, and the electronic one on Google seems like it will definitely help me to become a better organizer.  This calendar would be a great way to keep tract of parent meetings, evaluation scheduling, and other extra curricular activities in which I may be involved in when I become an educator.  The alert system also seemed like it would be "handy" within the education profession as well.  As most people know, being a teacher requires work constantly, and sometimes there might not be time left over to check updates on educational websites.  The Google alert system provides people, like teachers, with instant updates, therefore saving time and energy.  Both the calendar and alert system will definitely be useful during my professional and personal activities.        https://www.google.com/calendar/render?settings=0

Thing #11

     When first viewing the four search tools that were listed I was not familiar with any except the Google Blog Search.  The other three (Topix.net, Syndic8.com, and Technorati) were all a little difficult to navigate through, but out of the three Topix.net seemed to be the most user-friendly.  Topix.net was also my favorite because it took me to sites which contained accurate information about my specific area.  This information is good to share within a classroom because interest will be created instantly, being that instruction is on the area in which the students live. 
     The Technorati and Syndic8.com search tools seemed hard to use and were not providing me with good RSS feeds.  These two sites will not be ones in which I will use in the future.  However, the Topix.net tool will be one that will hopefully provide me with educational and interactive activities in which my future students will be able to benefit from.         

Thing #10

     The entire blog process has been a new concept and tool which I have enjoyed learning about.  There are so many "handy" and useful tools that come from using and having a blog.  The RSS tool seems as if it will definitely be beneficial to use within my career as an educator and also in my personal life.  Keeping up with many different sites and educational references can be time consuming and challenging to do, but not anymore thanks to RSS.  This tool will enable me to provide my students with up to date resources and information, while also incorporating fun and interactive games and videos within daily instruction.  I am looking forward to gaining experience with my blog and RSS and improving my use of technology within a classroom setting.

Thing #9

                  

 When I first began to use the online image generator I found the process to be a little difficult, but after experimenting and navigating my way through each site I realized that it really isn't that hard.  After finding out which site was the easiest and most fun to work with (the Custom Sign Generator), I quickly became a fan of the online image generators.  Their fun and creative visual objects are very eye-catching, and would definitely develop an interest for learning within a classroom.  By using such signs like the one posted to this "thing" children will want to learn within this fun and creative learning environment.  The custom sign generator which I chose to use, ( http://www.dangersigngenerator.com/ ), is very creative, fun, and a great way to accessorize any learning environment. 

Thing #8

  Using Flickr mashups was a very enjoyable thing to do.  I had so much fun looking through flickr photos again and enjoying their beauty and exquisiteness.  Flickr along with the mashup tool would definitely be beneficial to use within the classroom.  This use of technology would allow students to visually gain knowledge and concepts.  Being able to see what is being taught is crucial to some learners and through flickr mashups this type of learning style may be accommodated.  Not only will the photos provide the students with a visual, but they will also bring curiosity to the individuals through their wonderful colors and quality.  Sharing photos online through sites such as Flickr is a wonderful way to gain knowledge visually, and should be used within the classroom.  One way which I have thought to incorporate Flickr within instruction is by projecting a Flickr photo upon the board before class begins.  For example, if one were to be discussing organisms and habitats that teacher could project a Flickr photo of a dolphin in the ocean.  By being able to visually see the discussion topic students may acquire a better understanding to what is being taught.