http://secondaryesldcs.pbwiki.com/
A quickie on Wiki- I created this Wiki with the intent to communicate and collaborate with SBISD’s ESL DCs (and teachers if interested). However, I have not had much luck! What’s getting in the way- fear factor, time, too complicated or other? One of my goals was to create valuable resources in a collaborative environment using this online database, but not there yet! …. Wanna a Wiki?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thing #15
The library as we knew it is a thing of the past, when I read some of the articles included in 23 Things, I couldn’t help but to think that the library has been unleashed! The library now has to be a user-centered and flexible place, where there are different types of media to be able to keep up with the constant change. Well, does this mean that there will be no more books? The bookless library? Hmmmmm.... interesting!
Dr. Schultz’ article “To a temporary place in time...” was one of favorites – I know she is probably right on, but I felt like I was reading a Sci-Fi article or watching something from the Jetsons. Very good!
Dr. Schultz’ article “To a temporary place in time...” was one of favorites – I know she is probably right on, but I felt like I was reading a Sci-Fi article or watching something from the Jetsons. Very good!
Thing #14
I am going to skip registering and claiming my blog on Technorati. I am not sure I want to gain traffic on my blog just yet- I tried to open the video a few times, but wasn’t successful, but went to the Q&A section instead. I am just awe of how big the blogosphere is… will it soon replace face-to-face communication? Amazing, just amazing how communication has changed in such a short time!
Regarding tagging- I think a lot of the information I have learned through the 23 Things experience is coming together. Thing #13 dealt with bookmarks and tagging, but Flickr and RSS also had tags! I have concluded that the common purpose of tagging is that by writing a one word or very short phrase (tag) that describes the content of the file or the bookmark, I can organize and manage the information. I think I just made the connection that tags are like the folders that are even under “your favorites”. I understand that tags are more flexible though. What a great discovery... and there is nothing like making connections! Ha!!!
Regarding tagging- I think a lot of the information I have learned through the 23 Things experience is coming together. Thing #13 dealt with bookmarks and tagging, but Flickr and RSS also had tags! I have concluded that the common purpose of tagging is that by writing a one word or very short phrase (tag) that describes the content of the file or the bookmark, I can organize and manage the information. I think I just made the connection that tags are like the folders that are even under “your favorites”. I understand that tags are more flexible though. What a great discovery... and there is nothing like making connections! Ha!!!
Thing #13
Navigating and setting up an account with del.icio.us was not difficult at all. I see its benefits and advantages- you can access the information on any computer you sign in, easily organize and publish collections of contents. One thing that struck me in the del.icio.us site was that once the bookmarks are imported, the bookmarks were no longer my bookmarks- now they are all shared! Pretty cool...
The implication in a classroom: a teacher can refer students to certain bookmarks for research projects. I appreciated the fact that I got see different examples of tags here, and one of my goals is to import all of my bookmarks at work and home … in conclusion, a convenient bookmark system!
The implication in a classroom: a teacher can refer students to certain bookmarks for research projects. I appreciated the fact that I got see different examples of tags here, and one of my goals is to import all of my bookmarks at work and home … in conclusion, a convenient bookmark system!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thing #12
The more I get into this, the more questions I have. What are the fundamental differences between blogs and discussion forums? Do most teachers only use blogs to communicate assignments to their students? I was particularly interested in finding samples of blogs where secondary math, social studies, and science teachers had incorporated them into their curriculums, but no luck yet! I think we should consider incorporating them next time there is curriculum writing. Opinions?
By the way, I will come back here once I comment on other's blogs.
By the way, I will come back here once I comment on other's blogs.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thing #11
LibraryThings a pretty cool web 2.0 application!!! Interesting how the Internet keeps finding ways to change our habits! (ha!). Now we can create a catalog of our personal library and we can even add a Flickr like tag to organize it, (again!) pretty cool. Have you thought about how much smaller and smaller the world gets with all of these social networks/communities created by the Internet? I wonder if the wide diversity of views posted online really makes us grow from being exposed to others, or if at the end we learn to protect (or end up protecting) our own views more. Just wondering....
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Thing # 9
I guess not everything has to be fun, eh? This has probably been my least favorite activity so far. Now, notice I said least favorite... not least useful!
In my humble opinion, Edublogs work the best- they provide you with a great starting point. Google search tool was probably the most straightforward. I am thrilled about some of the resources I found, such as ESL Podcast and signed up for a couple of alerts for ESL blogs. There are several ESL feeds out there- Let’s take advantage!
In my humble opinion, Edublogs work the best- they provide you with a great starting point. Google search tool was probably the most straightforward. I am thrilled about some of the resources I found, such as ESL Podcast and signed up for a couple of alerts for ESL blogs. There are several ESL feeds out there- Let’s take advantage!
Thing # 8
I guess anyone who uses the web regularly can use readers to save time. I like the fact that one does not need to visit sites individually especially if they change their content regularly, that is free, and that it’s easy to add. I guess is a way to always get fresh information- I am all for that!!!!
RSS can be used in schools where teachers and students blog as a way to group blog posts. There are also many different sites that provide teachers and students with question/problem of the day or word of the day- subscribe and, bang you have a new routine! I also guess that during these difficult times students and teachers could also monitor different grant and scholarship opportunities. Ok, ok… I am probably on left field now!
I tried to link my reader here, but was struggling with getting the public view done- so I quit. I will come back to it after I get some help.
RSS can be used in schools where teachers and students blog as a way to group blog posts. There are also many different sites that provide teachers and students with question/problem of the day or word of the day- subscribe and, bang you have a new routine! I also guess that during these difficult times students and teachers could also monitor different grant and scholarship opportunities. Ok, ok… I am probably on left field now!
I tried to link my reader here, but was struggling with getting the public view done- so I quit. I will come back to it after I get some help.
Thing # 7
I am not very big in using calendars- I pretty much remember where I need to be (well, or that may be why I am sometimes late!)… I did set up a calendar with Google Calendar, but I am not making it public as I will try to use it for personal information such as birthday etc. I like the fact that is free and web based, which means I don’t have to have my computer with me to access it.
Google Advanced Search- I am very familiar with the basics of Google search, but I really enjoyed learning and practicing using GAS- I was impressed by the options it offers to make the searches more precise and getting more accurate and useful results when looking for information. It's always a good day when I learn something that will make my life easier!!!
Google Advanced Search- I am very familiar with the basics of Google search, but I really enjoyed learning and practicing using GAS- I was impressed by the options it offers to make the searches more precise and getting more accurate and useful results when looking for information. It's always a good day when I learn something that will make my life easier!!!
Thing # 6
I can see why mashups are popular Web 2.0 tools; however, this is one application I’d need to explore further to make sure I am well prepared to use it as a teaching tool. I enjoyed toying with the trading cards and the jigsaws.
In the ESL newcomer classes, mashups can be used to combine Google maps and digital pictures for students to share with others the students’ travel journal. Ialso think mashups can help us create rich lessons and increase interactivity in the classroom.
Hence the popularity and flexibility offered by mashups, I have a concern though. Is it safe to use data from outside sources and combine them with my own data (my personal computer or the school district’s network)?
In the ESL newcomer classes, mashups can be used to combine Google maps and digital pictures for students to share with others the students’ travel journal. Ialso think mashups can help us create rich lessons and increase interactivity in the classroom.
Hence the popularity and flexibility offered by mashups, I have a concern though. Is it safe to use data from outside sources and combine them with my own data (my personal computer or the school district’s network)?
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thing #5
1. I spent a long time surfing Flickr today. I was aware that this was an image site, but didn’t really realize that it’s so much more than that! It’s a place for people from all over the world to upload and share with others their photographs and even videos. I noticed that you can upload one picture or create photo albums (photosets). Although, I didn’t create an account, it looks like it is easy to navigate and it’s very well organized.
2. I chose this picture because I feel like like I have a gold mine in my hands now (knowledge about Flickr) and need to share it with others.
3. I can see Flickr being easily used in the classroom- teachers can use photos as a prompt to start writing projects (summaries, reflections, descriptions…), the pictures can also be used for discussions, debates, etc. In an ESL classroom the use of pictures or graphics would be more engaging than just using oral explanations. I can see how we could use Flickr to create visual literacy in our students (reading pictures), to help them engage in conversations and build their vocabulary. Students can make stories using different images- the possibilities are endless!!!! I am glad I learned about this!
2. I chose this picture because I feel like like I have a gold mine in my hands now (knowledge about Flickr) and need to share it with others.
3. I can see Flickr being easily used in the classroom- teachers can use photos as a prompt to start writing projects (summaries, reflections, descriptions…), the pictures can also be used for discussions, debates, etc. In an ESL classroom the use of pictures or graphics would be more engaging than just using oral explanations. I can see how we could use Flickr to create visual literacy in our students (reading pictures), to help them engage in conversations and build their vocabulary. Students can make stories using different images- the possibilities are endless!!!! I am glad I learned about this!
Thing # 4
I registered my blog today- yay! In the email I also let VWB know that the time being stamped on my postings is two hours off (Pacific Standard Time) instead of Central Time.
Thing #3
This is not my first blog, so setting this one up was not as difficult as the first one! Creating the avatar was actually fun. I thought I was going to struggle, however, owning a Wii came in handy- The skills needed were similar to the ones used to create your "person" for the Wii.
Also, the directions given to us were clear and made a difference. Thanks!
Also, the directions given to us were clear and made a difference. Thanks!
Thing #2
As I watched the video on life long learning several thoughts came to mind. The first one dealt with the use of technology in our classrooms and how for us (especially students) technology is no longer a thing of the future. There are all sorts of gadgets available to us and as teachers we must deliberately integrated in our lessons. We are unable to equip our students with all the knowledge and skills they will need to prosper throughout their lives, so they must not be tied to traditional methods and resources. We must empower them by helping them expand their toolbox so that they can manage and enhance their own knowledge in any situation or location.
On a personal level, I believe that out of the 71/2 Habits, Begin with the End in Mind is the easiest for me. I always envision what I want the end to be or look like so that I can create a direction and a framework and move towards achieving whatever the goal or task is. I don’t like doing the same thing twice, so this really helps me!
The most difficult habit is probably 7 1/2, Play. I think I could to do a better job balancing my personal life with my job.
On a personal level, I believe that out of the 71/2 Habits, Begin with the End in Mind is the easiest for me. I always envision what I want the end to be or look like so that I can create a direction and a framework and move towards achieving whatever the goal or task is. I don’t like doing the same thing twice, so this really helps me!
The most difficult habit is probably 7 1/2, Play. I think I could to do a better job balancing my personal life with my job.
Thing #1
I never thought I was going to have the time to beging learning about the 23 Things! Time has been a huge issue, but finally prior to the Superbowl, I read thing #1. I am ready to start now!
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