Thing #7a

I've been fairly diligent about looking at my google reader, but when I went to it this morning I had over 300 items not read! I know the culprit, it's TMZ, my celebrity trash gossip is cluttering my reader. Oh well, I simply marked them all as read and moved on.
I did find a very interesting story about how our brains are affected by reading and learning in a digital world. Everyone taking the 23 Things course should read this story. It directly relates to what we are learning. Author Nicholas Carr: The Web Shatters Focus, Rewires Brains this story really has me thinking and somewhat concerned. Researchers have evidence that reading/learning on the internet actually rewires our brains. With hypertext, flashing ads and other digital distractions we are becoming weaker readers. This is a scary thought, since reading comprehension is already a problem facing our nation.
Of course, no solutions were given just the scary statistics. However, it is my opinion that as educators we have to find a good balance between integrating Web 2.0 and digital media into education without abandoning what we know works. Reading a good "old-fashioned" book is not a bad thing.

Thing #14

More exploring...I'm definitely one of those that gets sucked in and spends way too much time exploring. Most of my time just now was spent at PollDaddy.com. This is a Web 2.0 tool that I can use in my current position. Often times I need input from our teachers on various issues. This site offers a great way to create a survey. Now, I'm still trying to figure it out, so I don't know for sure, but I think I should be able to email the survey to my staff. I think we are advanced enough that most teachers will embrace completing a survey or poll on the computer. I'm really trying to complete more tasks digitally and use less paper. Go green, right?

Thing #13

First, I used the mashup Spell with flickr.

I liked using this mashup, but I'd like to be able to save it directly as an image. If it's possible I can't figure out how to do it.
Next, I played around with Image Chef. This mashup is probably my favorite since it is easy to use and you can save the images directly to your computer.
Finally, I used the Glitter Text Effect Maker. This was a fun application and I know my teenage daughter will love using this!

Thing #12

Well I did it I figured it all out without the "training wheels", but I will say that if I wasn't computer savvy it may have been a difficult task.

Photo credits:
gray rocks by: sdbrown
letter "G" by: marie-11
letter "R" by: dinglemunch
letter "A" by: Leo Reynolds
letter "Y" by: Leo Reynolds

Thing #11

I've discovered the joys of Flickr! I love it! I have a ton of photos just sitting on several computers around the house. I'd love to get them transferred to Flickr; now I just need some "free time" whatever that is...

I decided to look for some images that go along with our theme for next year: "Gray Rocks!". I once again, found myself searching images for hours. These "things" could waste a lot of my time if I allowed it. I was able to find some cool images. Now I just have to think of some creative ways to use them.

I definitely see how teachers could use these images. There is basically an image for anything you need. They could use them in slideshows or even teach students how to capture the CC images to use in projects.

Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerdurden/3359346666/sizes/l/
tylerdurden1

Thing #10

I'm like many others and find Copyright laws VERY CONFUSING!!! I certainly understand the importance and "try" not to violate them, however I'm certain I have so I'm confessing now. With that said, Creative Commons makes much more sense. Although I've never heard of it prior to this lesson, I can definitely see the impact this can have on education and especially teachers using technology in the classroom. I took some time to explore the OER Commons and the Content Directories. Both of these have a massive amount of information; you could spend days exploring.
As an assistant principal, I often find myself looking for articles are tidbits to share with teachers. This will definitely be a place to look. I did a search for classroom management and "Oh my gosh!" a ton of information is available!
The audio, video and images available in the Content directories would also be a great resource for teachers putting together presentations or lessons. I'll be sharing this will our staff for sure!!
One interesting side note. I have a 17 year old daughter who will be a senior this year. After learning about CC, I asked her if she had heard of it or had she been taught about Copyright laws. Her answer to both was "no". Somewhat disturbing since I know for a fact she uses the Internet/computers daily at school. Just something to ponder...

Thing #9- The Sandbox

I've been playing in the wiki sandbox today. It was easy to follow the instructions and create a new page. I also loved going to the image generators and the Voki making websites. My page is made. Now, I did run into some difficulties while trying to add my link to the sandbox homepage. The homepage had changed and no longer looked like it did when I left it. I was so confused. I think it had been edited and changed. Now, that's the part of a wiki that would scare me. If I had created something I didn't want changed or want it to disappear, is there a setting to keep this from happening?
Overall, I think the wiki pages have great potential and are easy enough to use.