Thing 9—On-Line Collaboration Tools

I found using Google Docs much easier, probably in part because it actually let me edit and comment on the text. I couldn’t figure out how to make Zoho let me do that, even with the link and with an account. Google Docs just seemed more intuitive to me, probably because it worked more like Word.

As for what the founding fathers would think—

I think that Jefferson would have whole-heartedly embraced the change that has come along in technology. Everything he did in his home and in his professional life indicates that he would love this ability to see and edit material in this fashion. Just think, the whole Continental Congress could have been a webinar or a virtual conference, with no one needing to travel. Think what we might have lost from the correspondence between John Adams and Abigail Adams, though. Their marriage might have been happier, but their legacy from their letters would have been less wonderful.

Thing 8 Overview

It’s wonderful that we can now use on-line resource for drafting a presentation like a PowerPoint, or using one for allowing drafting that can be opened through web browsers, or even the slide shows and photo tools. These tools will increase the ease with which students can collaborate with one another without worrying that they are using the same versions of programs, or that the system will somehow fall apart when they are trying to do a presentation.

I found Picture trail, Google doc, Thumbstacks all easy to use. I will try to do more personally with eFolio, but I didn’t have most of my information handy when I was working on it.

What I am curious about is how easy it would be to incorporate the html from one of these sites into my section of my school web page. Something for a time I have that mythical free time…

Thing 8 Slideshow

I think I successfully posted a slide show of photos from last summer from my backyard and the north shore of Minnesota.

Thing 8

I tried to do a preliminary presentation in Thumbstacks. I think the connection worked. You need to click on the title (Thing 8) and a new window should pop open. I like the idea that one can compose on any computer and access it on any computer with an Internet connection. That could make things so much easier for students who always have issues with compatibility between school and home.

Thing 7

Thing 7—Communication

I work in a small, k-8 school library which also has a specialized library for adults. (It’s a Jewish day school, so we have an adult Judaica section.) Email has not really been used by students, but I do respond to occasional adult requests by email. However, email is critical for my work with my teacher colleagues. It is the fastest and easiest way to make sure someone sees an idea or request without interrupting a class. (Voice mail seems like a parent thing at school, not a colleague thing.)

Right now, I can’t see the Web 2.0 tools being very useful to the students. Our catalogue, while computerized, is not easily accessible by anyone other than me. Our books are not bar coded. I still read Kindergarten handwriting on little cards from book pockets. We hope to upgrade (eventually), but as small private school, costs are somewhat prohibitive.

On the other hand, I found it wonderful to discover the Minitex web conferences. While I couldn’t do a live one, I watched the webinar on del.icio.us and it was wonderful. I immediately went and set up my account and have told a number of teachers about it. I also think that some of these videos we have been directed to would be useful for our upper-school students as part of our technology training.

I haven’t yet tried to use chat, although I am corralling some of my friends into trying it with me. But I steadfastly refuse to do text messaging. My spouse has a Blackberry, and let’s just say it’s a topic I am becoming increasingly homicidal about. ;-)

Thing 6

I found this feature easy to use. I also see a number of applications for signs or promotional materials. I really liked the trading card feature and already talked to our technology teacher about using it with a class doing biographies of Revolutionary war figures--a fun way to share their learning and to learn how to pick and choose important details. I do think, though, I am going to need a strong link list in my favorites to keep track of all the various websites that we are using and perusing as part of this program.

Thing 6 -- School Librarian Trading Card

School Librarian,
originally uploaded by librarylady90.

I had fun playing with creating a Library Trading Card. Since I have studiously avoided having my picture taken--at least at school--I used a cropped version of my avatar to make the card. I like that it is somewhat more "generic."

Thing 5 -- Retrivr Mashup

0119_NNN,
originally uploaded by Yoshihiro.

This photo is by Yoshihiro. I tried to draw a tree and I really liked this image that it gave me. This time the feature worked. Last time it didn't. But I can see that it could be a great deal of fun. It could also help me (or colleagues or students) to find a photo that might represent what they are less able to take or create on our own.

Thing 5 -- Flickr Spelling

Well, with perserverance and some help, I managed to spell out a sign and then paste it into paint and then save it as a jpeg, all so that I could upload it into my blog. (see top of screen). I like the sign, but it was a lot more work than I expected. Still, I suspect it would be easier a "next time" if I try again.

Thing 5 -- Frustration

I have spent a large chunk of time this morning trying to figure out the topics in Thing 5, but nothing I tried worked. I am usually capable of following directions. This morning, though, links didn't work, there were no directions on a site, and nothing did what it was supposed to do. On the other hand, I was able to see photos that my son posted to his facebook account (courtesy of his younger brother's account), so I am feeling at least somewhat competent. I also was able to use Flickr to find photos from his neighborhood in Athens, BEFORE he posted his own photos. That was truly exciting. But I am frustrated about not making any progress on Thing 5. Ah well--it isn't really learning if everything goes smoothly....

Thing 4 -- Story Area

library photos 002,
originally uploaded by librarylady90.

My school library was recreated this past year, and I absolutely love the new space. The bench in this area has shelving on the back, and I love the sun and wood. I'm really enjoying the time I spend at work! I am finding that using Flickr has its moments, and I could see it really helping older students with group projects. I think, though, it has more value to me as an individual, than as a pedagogical tool.