Thing #21

I have to start off by saying my husband HATES the term "google."He hates when the word is used as a verb. I try to tell him that it is in the dictionary but he doesn't care. With all that be said, I did not realize that there so much to Google. I have used the Google search engine many a time and now because of this class I have used Google docs. This time I experimented with Google Calendar and iGoogle. I have to say that I probably wouldn't use Google Calendar. I am still a paper and pencil kind of gal when it comes to the calendar. I have a large calendar that sits on my desk at school that is what I use. I think I like because it is big and I can't miss it. I also experimented with iGoogle. I enjoyed having my own customized homepage right at my fingertips. As you know, I am a new news junkie. I liked that I was able to set the page so that I could have the information that I wanted right there in front of me.

Thing #20

Google Docs is another tool that I could spend an endless amount of time on. I enjoyed how there were templates that you could search and find a form that would benefit you the best. I love not having to reinvent the wheel. Also, I think Google docs is a great way for teachers to communicate with one another. I know many times when making plans we (my team) always discusses making our own assignments to go with whatever we are teaching in class. Google Docs is a great way to make a document share it with your team and get everyone's input before deciding on the final presentations. Yet, another tool to make teaching easier.

Thing #19

I have actually used VoiceThreads before and I didn't even realize it. I was in a class for my Master's and took the class on-line. Several times during the semester the professor had us listen to lectures that accompanied PowerPoint presentations. I think VoiceThreads can be used in the classroom for the same purpose. Again, I think any thing that can grab, hold, and maintain the student's attention is great. I think it adds a great variety for the classroom.








I also found this great VoiceThread that can be used in class to show students how to make writing more exciting.

Thing #18

I found some great videos and audio clips while searching on TeacherTube and YouTube. Prior to this activity I was familiar with YouTube and have been able to find some great things--mostly for entertainment. I have only used YouTube in my classroom once. I know that I have to override to view at school. I have not tried TeacherTube but I think that it is a great way to expose students to different types of media and keep things exciting in the classroom.





See more Audio at TeacherTube.com.

Thing #17

I have heard of podcasts before but I had never thought of how to use podcasts in the classroom. I explored the podcasts on Just One More Book!! There were some great clips on the websites. There was a podcast that had an excellent interview with Mo Williems. I think the students would really enjoy the interview because the really enjoy the "pigeon" books. I also, like this website because there are some great books that are read here. My only complaint I have after listening to several podcasts is the advertising. There is some type of advertisement prior to listening to the podcats.

Thing #16

Library Thing can be very useful in the classroom as well in my personal life. I can think of many times when I have looked for the perfect book to add to a lesson. I had to ask numerous teachers, the librarian, the internet, etc. That process can be daunting. Now, using Library Thing puts book ideas at your fingertip. Also, I think Library Thing is a great way to expand your classroom library. It can point you in the direction of books that are on the same topic.

Thing #15

DELICIOUS!!! I was unfamiliar with delicious until today. However, I was able to find some great websites by finding different websites. I loved having to ability to bookmark numerous websites in one place. I loved that the websites could be grouped by similarities and tagged for convenience for later on. No more post-it notes scattered around the classrooms with websites on it!!!