Thing 28 -- Personalize Your Homepage

Because I had created an iGoogle page with the original 23 Things class, I chose to do more with that homepage. I chose it initially because I had begun to use Google Reader, so it seemed a logical fit. Now that I have changed my Internet provider at home, I have also started using gmail for my home account.

As part of this Thing, I added back my Yahoo mail account to the front page. I also added a Twitter gadget, a gadget to link to the MToaS wiki, a tab with Library materials, and a few more news and education gadgets. Because that felt a bit too "plug and play," I decided I would try to create a new theme for my home page. That took a bit more effort, since Google was not particularly clear what size or shape of photo would work. My effort isn't particularly spectacular, but it uses a photo from my vacation last year, so I like it. (It doesn't seem to be available to be shared, although I thought I gave that permission. It's called "Mountain Sunshine," if it ever shows up.)

I would have to say that I like having Twitter there, as well as Reader and the email accounts. I also find that the education gadgets often point me to things useful for my school. Many of the other gadgets and widgets seem too much for play and not so much for work.

I really want to explore how I can use these items as part of my library or for school services. I'm still trying to figure that one out. Some of the reading (the end of the Metz article) got more technical than I am, so I am still unsure how I can make this work.

Thing 22 – Planning Ahead

I find that I will miss the demand of 23 things. It’s easier for me to meet a challenging deadline than it is to make time for things I want to do. But I am glad that I am being asked to create a plan—I do have the capacity to create a plan and stick to it. (Sometimes, anyway…)

So here goes—

1. I have signed up for Web Junction and subscribed to the Crossroads newsletter. That will get me to look in at specific times.
2. I am already enjoying getting emails from the Ning sessions that I commented on. I plan to stop there when I have an occasional question or to see what people are talking about.
3. I have made “iGoogle” my home page, so that I check the feeds I subscribe to on a daily basis (at least). I also can check my Yahoo mail there with a widget and I subscribed to technology and education news sites so that I frequent updates.
4. I will be using many of the early tools on a regular basis. I have already used Flickr and Big Huge Labs for signs, I will be using them for a student project soon, and I will be exploring podcasts in the not too distant future. We will also be considering having our students use Blogger to correspond with our partner school in Israel, since Blogger is Hebrew capable. How cool is that?
5. Given that I am a former writing teacher, I think I will be able to make time for blogging. My only fear is that no one will read what I write. (That is what Site Meter has suggested lately.) Still, that never stopped me before. I may, however rename it or create a new one. If I do, I will put the link into my 23 things blog.
6. I will share with my fellow teachers. One of the best ways that I have discovered to sharpen and to retain my skills in any given area is to share what I have learned. I plan to offer opportunities for the teachers at my school to learn some of what I have learned during this course. They may not be sure at first, but…
7. I plan to teach students how to use some of the tools we have been exploring. I especially want to show them Google Docs and the power of Wikis, the value of using a Research project calculator, and the wisdom of using something like ELM.

I have benefited greatly from the experience of doing these things. I look forward to looking forward to Library 2.0 and counting!