Avatars

I went out to Yahoo and created and avatar for my account.  I loved the fact that they had created “plus” size characters to choose from.  It is nice to see someone who realizes the world in not all a size 2 and give us who are not a chance to express ourselves as we are!!

Lesson #10

Wow how quickly this learning has gone by.  It was a wonderful way to “make” myself take the time needed to really look at these tools.  I hear about them, read about them but really haven’t taken the time to play with them myself.  This was a wonderful avenue to do so.

I would love to see a school use version of this made available (why reinvent the wheel).  I would use it with my 8th grad class, teaching them how to use these tools and instill the importance of being responsible in using them.  The 8th graders created trading cards that I will print off, laminate and pass on to them as a reminder of their 8th grade year.  They loved being able to make them reflect themselves.  We have IMAC so they could take pictures right on the computers and within in a class period have them completed.  We even went on to check out a few of the other features.

It has been wonderful having the chance to experience the continuing changes to the world of technology.  Thanks for the great opportunity.

Lesson #9 – Wikis

I think wikis could be a valuable item to use within in a library or other teaching environment. The problem is keeping your information safe and unchanged by those who view it. I could see some students “adding” their own take on things which could get out of hand very quickly.

I would love to create one that would go over the basics of how the library functions, how to use the catalog, fiction vs non-fiction, reference materials, calendar of events, etc. It would be a great link to a web page for parents and students to use.

Lesson #8 – Social Bookmarks

I have been using www.ikeepbookmarks.com for years. I love being able to add sites I find at home to use at school and not have to send myself e-mails with addresses. I checked out the site provided in will be excited to continue to explore the sites listed there.

Lesson #7 – YouTube

I must agree there are some good things on You Tube and many not so good things. We had students post a video last year that showed themselves at the local fair ground “shooting” at each other.

The video I picked is one about the Society of Creative Achronism, (SCA). It is a reinactment group that covers 650 ad to 1600 ad. This video is one that was on CBS. Enjoy!

Lesson #6 – Podcasts

I added the Sirsi Dynix Institue to my RSS feed using my Itunes. This is a great source of information. I love that you can get in on live feeds or recorded ones.

Lesson #5 – Playtime

I chose the billboard to do – what a great advertisement – wouldn’t you say?

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr

Lesson #4 – More Flickr Fun

I am slowly catching up with my blog. I created the trading card and thought it was fun. I think I will use it as an ending project with my 8th graders at the end of the quarter. It would be great for them to make them and be able to share them as they get ready to leave our K-8 school and head to high school.

Lesson #3 – My Flick 4a

My son is a ham and loves to take self pictures of himself. Here is one of him in all his glory LOL!

Lesson #2 – My RSS Feeds

I went out and selected 10 feeds to add, I included my own blog that I am using with my 5th grade classes on the book Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.