Thing #23

The 23 things Learning 2.0 exercise can be found at http://sjlibrary23.blogspot.com/.

Creative commons is the greatest resource an educator can take advantage of. Most educators are in the field due to the desire to make a difference in students lives. The time needed to create all original lessons would take away from the very people most educators care about. There truly is no need to reinvent the wheel. Like the idea of the 23 things exercise many learning resources are available all over the web. Using images and videos from multiple sources is essential in supplementing instruction as well as increasing time to devote to creating original learning activities to increase students interest. Due to creative commons resources  can be taken advantage of with more free reign to use information and resources as the creator intended them to be used.

Thing #22

History


What are the titles of your binders?  History, World History, and World Geography

Discuss how you might use LiveBinders in the classroom, including possible lesson ideas for students.

LiveBinders would be an excellent addition to a WebQuest activities. A binder created to be used as resources for a WebQuest would concentrate all resources in one location. Having students create a binder as a way to compile resources would also be a useful tool. Students could be assigned specific topics with subtopics that could be researched by individuals of a group with materials organized into a binder to be used for calibration in a group presentation covering the main topic.

Thing #21

Flowers

I thought Animoto was a very interesting site although it not being free was disappointing. Animoto would not upload videos from my computer which was unfortunate but for the purpose of exploring the site I used images from their library to gain a better understanding of the process. If personal images would have been available I believe this could be a useful resource both for teachers and students.

Thing #20

I frequently use you tube for videos that cover historical topics. There are many good videos from the History channel and BBC that have educational value. I selected this video not for education but for entertainment.

Thing #18

Why is it important that educators know how social networking works?  Social networking is popular among   youth. Social networking can help an educator relate to students and share school and educational information with fellow teachers.
What new insights did you gain about these popular sites? I have been using facebook for years but had not thought of it as an educational resource and am excited to be a friend of the department of education. I am fairly new to twitter and have enjoyed it as a source to follow organizations that are important to me.
What did you like or dislike about each of the sites you explored? Being a long time member of Facebook I have had the opportunity to see it evolve over time. I do not like the new format of Facebook and the amount of commercialization and advertisements that have began to plague the site. Being newer to Twitter I am still getting used to the application. Like Facebook Twitter has same downfalls in that lots of people/organizations will tweet information that is not relevant to me.
Which site had the most useful features? Facebook has more useful features than Twitter. Facebook allows its own page that centers all posts and activities in a more visually stimulating format.
Can you see a classroom or school application for any of these sites? I can see either application being useful to put out information to the masses in a short period of time.
http://www.facebook.com/je.mayfield?ref=tn_tnmn

Thing #17

Can you see the comments they added about this bookmark or the tags they used to categorize this reference? 

I looked at howstuffworks.com which was under the comment learn how everything works and had the tags reference, howto, science, technology, and education. The web page was actually very interesting and I found myself side track for quite a while. 

Can you see the potential of this tool in the classroom? Or just as an easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere? How can teachers take advantage of social bookmarking sites?

 I can defiantly see the usefulness of tagging and social book marking in the classroom. For instance I searched Delicious for history education and the results included several very academic sources for historical information. It could also be used as a tool to research specific historical topics or issues related to reading and writing in history which are becoming a focus in education. 

Thing #16

Which start page did you choose? Why did that one appeal to you? Will you make it your permanent home page?

I chose iGoogle because I use Google Chrome browser and have always been a fan of other Google applications. I liked that it was pre linked to let me view my Google inbox and had the options of linking to Facebook and CNN news. I will not make it as my permanent homepage because I use a family computer. I would use it as a homepage on a work computer due to the amount of related gadgets that would be useful as a teacher.

How can the online calendars be useful to you? Online calendars are useful because they can be accessed anywhere including using your smartphone. They can also be viewed by groups of people if unnecessary.

What about the to-do lists—helpful, too much work…? Very helpful for me because seeing what I need to do helps me properly manage time. I am also extremely forgetful and having a to-do list that is easily accessible is helpful. 

Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at the school or at home? Which tool(s) would you recommend to others? There were many tools that could be useful but I currently use a iPhone app/web page that is very handy and I did not see listed I would like to share. This app is called Cozi and is a family planner/organizer that is online and available as a smartphone app. It has a family calendar with text notifications and a family to-do list which includes a shopping list. I can not count the times I have been grocery shopping and had my wife add things to the list as I was looking at it. No more going back to the store because the call would not go through.

Thing #15

I thought the Wiki's were neat but as a history major they are not very useful. We are programmed to not rely on any source that is not academic. I could see it as a useful tool to be used in a classroom to analyze a large historical document by breaking it down into small sections and assigning specific sections to individual students. The students could set up a Wiki of document sections with there personal reflection of the section to help the class analyze a large document with less work. Then as the instructor I could add comments to the students work to guide or correct any information.

Thing #14

Mind map vs. Flowchart

Wow I am truly finding tools online that I could really see myself using. I tested all four suggested sites Gliffy, Bubbl.us, Flowchart.com, and Mindmeister. I liked Gliffy for a flow chart application and could see a flowchart being useful in any instructional application where new technology was being used. I could use Gliffy to walk students through almost any new process if they needed a refresher on the instructions based on the web. My favorite application was Mindmeister due to its extensive applications. Mindmeister is a mind map that could be used by students to organize facts for projects and papers. It could also be used for to-do list, meeting notes, or brainstorming. The biggest drawback to Mindmeister was its monthly charge.

Thing #13

Exploring Zoho and Google Docs

Zoho is an interesting website. My first impression being already familiar with Google Docs is that Zoho is another Google Docs. Zoho turns out to be more of a Google everything. I was not really impressed with Zoho it seems to take everything Google offers and repackage it. The word processor at Zoho is a simple word processor that has several flaws that Google Docs does not have. Zoho writer has no auto save function or confirmation before closing unsaved work. I like the auto save function on Google documents (now Google drive) because it limits the amount of work lost due to power loss or accidental closure. Neither of the programs have much to offer when compared to Microsoft Word, but they are good for basic word processing. I have used Google for group communication and projects in the past. Google Groups is a excellent application to share and transfer information for any type of group project. My students could use Google Groups and Google Drive to share research and compile into the final format for a group project. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmiwN106etFQdEhuX1BtVmx6ME5pZm9oblBnZkFtZkE
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/11ZSJhwG-4lm_6a_rUi8i3tBFyTTiAESJXe1Ctb_uE-Q/edit
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QPH3H00-k74-aSqVGrrz8ZM3ArRg2BXh4sWaN31a7qE/edit

Thing #12

Google Tools

My family has been using Picasa to store and edit family photos for years. We have also used Google documents several time throughout the years. Google truly has some amazing free resources. For this assignment I downloaded and explored the Google Translate app for my Iphone and it is amazing. I will have a Ipad in my classroom and will have the Google translate app to use for any ELL students I may have. I also used the Google translate to translate historical documents from English to Spanish which would also be a great classroom resource. Another resource that is priceless in any social studies classroom is Google Earth. Google Earth can be used to give students real world perspective on global locations.

Thing #11

Finding good feeds

After exploring several of the blog and rss search tools Topix.net is defiantly my favorite. Topix sorts results into local relevance but also includes state and national stories with local impact. I did not like the Google blog search due to an excessive amount of context on the search results compared to Topix. The Topix search provides a descriptive headline only. I also liked http://www.search4rss.com which gave a little more information than a detailed headline, but not as much as Google. Using search4rss I found the U.S. department of education rss and the White house education rss. Both of these were very informative sites for future and current educators. 

                                        

 

Thing #10

RSS feeds

I was unsure about what a RSS feed was before Thing #10. I found the video explanation very helpful and it left me wondering why I waited so long to have a RSS feed. I read most of my news both local and national online and setting up a RSS feed was a great way to consolidate all of the different news organizations that I usually subscribe to. This could be a useful tool in the classroom to help students keep up with current events. I am a History major but I usually view myself as being interested in social studies because my interest is not limited to history. I believe as a teacher I could use this to follow news that directly affects them in the field of education.

Thing #9

http://www.imagechef.com/
http://www.txt2pic.com/toons/1.htm

I'll have to admit the image generator thing was pretty entertaining. These things would be awesome to use in PowerPoint presentations or on classroom newsletters. The process was much simpler than many of the other activities we have done. I will be using image generators for PowerPoint presentations and in blog post from this day forward.

Thing #8

I used Spell with Flickr to create a heading for my blog. I was not very excited about this process after a few minutes of trying and it not being as easy as I wanted it to be. It did turn out nice and I see where it could have relevance in the classroom. I believe in a social studies classroom the Mosaic Maker and the Map Maker could be very useful. Students could use these apps to make mosaics from areas that were being studied in class and the Map Maker could be used to show images from specific areas of study. I believe online photo sharing can be a great experience personally and professionally, but as with anything online it can also be used negatively. Uploading personal images without copyright protection can result in your personal images being used anywhere without your permission. 

Thing #7

Apotheosis of Washington in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, a photo by USCapitol on Flickr.

This is an amazing photo of the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol building. The photographer is listed as USCapitol with no real name given. I used the share on blogger button on the flickr toolbar. The process seems very simple so I am not very optimistic about the outcome. I have never used an image without copying and pasting and giving no credit to the source. I am reflecting on this experience as a step in the right direction in terms of giving credit where it is due. This image was retrieved from a US Government search which is very applicable for me being a History major. There were many other useful images and they are all licensed as United States Government Work and free to use in any form without permission.

Thing #6

Discovering Web 2.0 Tools

I stepped a little outside of my box when exploring Web 2.0 tools and explored http://www.etsy.com/. Etsy is a retail site for handmade items. I began to review this webpage without thinking of any educational connection. Within minutes I realized there were many educational applications to the handmade items There were several custom classroom rules items as well as word art items that could apply to specific units. The nice thin about handmade items it the ability to have them customized for your classroom. There were also bookmarks and other items that could be customized and given to specific students for performance awards. Although Etsy is not a resource to be used in the classroom it defiantly has materials that could be used in any classroom or library setting.

Thing #5

What does school 2.0 mean to you?
School 2.0 is the merging of the internet and the technology that comes along with it with the classroom and our world. School 2.0 is the application of technological resources such as blogs, social networks, internet video, Skype, rss feeds, email, school web pages, and many more.

What does this mean for schools of the future?
The Atomic Learning video What is Web 2.0 explains the evolution of the web from a read only to a more interactive resource. The evolution of technologically based classrooms will lead to studies that are more accessible than ever before. Students will be able to video chat with teacher, complete school work when not able to attend class, and watch or listen to lectures at their convenience. Web 2.0 a guide for educators reminds us that technology is becoming more second nature for students. It has became such a important part of their lives that it needs to be taken advantage of.

Thing #4

Using blogging in education requires comments to be successful. There are some blogs that are written more for the writer than for the audience. The type of blogging we are experimenting with requires feedback to be successful. The sense of community and interaction that is associated with blog comments establishes the worth of the blog. The blog post how to comment like a king of queen reflects on the importance of heartfelt comments. It is important to comment when you have a personal connection or understanding of what the blogger is discussing. The blogger will appreciate and feed off of the connection made and expressed in the comment. 10 techniques to Get More Comments discusses something equally as important. Inviting people to leave comments is the number one way to get feedback. Sometimes people are on the edge about leaving feedback and a simple please leave a comment will inspire them to leave a comment. 

Crane's US Hist-tech experience
I selected this blog to comment on primarily because it was written by a fellow history major. I also felt a connection with the comment on self motivation in education. Many students need a reason to be motivated more than they need the subject knowledge you can provide.
Teaching is not for sissies
I commented on this blog due to the ah-ha moment it gave me when connection social media interest and student involvement  I had never thought about getting students involved in blogging based on their interest in social media. Blogging is very similar to posting and commenting on Facebook and most students love to do that.
The Brennon Breeze
I felt a personal connection with the Blogging in the Classroom post. It reminded me as a new teacher blogging is an important way to reflect on classroom experience and gain possible feedback from fellow teachers and students.
A.Downs' 23 Things
The Thing 5 post brought back memories from my high school experience and my technological superiority over my teachers. I do not want to be that teacher. Keeping motivated in being proficient with the latest technology will be very important in my classroom.
Webb's 23 Things
I connected with Thing 4 post because I also have an easier time successfully conveying my thoughts through written word than through verbal communication. My thoughts have always come across more successfully on paper so blogging is a great tool for communication.
C.Barlow's 23 Things
The Thing 5 post mentioned Skype as a classroom tool which is something I had never thought of. My family uses Skype to communicate on a daily basis. I am excited to use Skype as an educational tool to help my students when they need help.
Douchane's 3040 Reflection
Thing #3 was very interesting to me because it is also my first experience blogging. It gave me prospective to methods to use blogging in my classroom as refection from my students.

Thing #3

I would use my blog as a tool to give and receive feedback from both my students and colleagues. I would blog a reflection of my individual classes and include both positive and negative observations.I would encourage students to leave feedback.  I want my students to know their feedback is important to me. I also want to make sure they know good work it is appreciated. Giving positive feedback to particular classes and students in a blog gives them recognition to their class and others.. I would also use my blog to further explain any classroom assignments that my need further clarification.

Thing #2

I used my full name to make it easier for anyone who was looking for my blog to find and Mayfield 3040 as a blog name because it is easy to remember. I enjoyed create my blog especially creating the avatar and background scheme. The more I use the blog to communicate the easier the experience becomes. My avatar looks upbeat and happy and that describes my typical personality. I believe the hair color and eye color are fairly close, but I could not find cloths I was crazy for.  

Thing#1

Life Long Learning Habits

In life I have never had trouble being a planner. Beginning with the end in mind is a way of life for me and would defiantly be the easiest life long learning habit. I always have a plan though life rarely ever seems to follow that plan. My greatest strength probably contributes to my greatest weakness. The life long learning habit I have the most trouble with is play. Having a personality that demands work before play makes for an incredibly productive person. Being a full time student, husband, and father of three young boys creates enough work that play is often pushed to the side. 

Web 2.0 Tools

Although this is my first experience with web 2.0 the directions were very clear both on the web 2.0 instruction page and the pages for blogger and dopple me. Being my first experience with blogging has made it slightly stressful. The ability to edit post and blogger profile relieves much of the stress, but publishing a widely accessible blog is frightening.