I tried again!

Thing #23

I am living proof - if I can do it - anyone can!

1- My favorite discovers/exercises were:
.blogging in general
.wikis
.trading cards
.Library Thing

2- Life long learning:
.Like one of the video clips pointed out - in the 21st century a person will not be considered illiterate only because they are not able to read and write. One will be illiterate if they are not willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn.

3- Surprises:
I could actually do most of the assignments without a hitch!

4- I'm totally satisfied.

5- Yes!

6- phenominal

Now I'm going to go back and see if I can get my Photo Story to imbed!!
This life long learner never gives up!

Thing #22

I love the Ning for Teachers. It's hysterical reading - no school is any different than another. I needed a good laugh at this point. Will investigate more to see if I can come across a music teacher Ning. I really didn't relate the the librarian Nings.

Thing #21

There are endless possibilities for the use of Audacity and Photo Story in the classroom. I really enjoyed putting together my Photo Story but am having endless time consuming problems uploading it to the blog. Is it because of where I saved it? Photo Story support is not very helpful when your problem doesn't fit their list of anticipated questions. I'll try one more time and then shall call it a day on this one.

Thing #20

Surprisingly to me, I found quite a few videos that would be appropriate for the elementary music class. It will be fun to devote more time to this, play around, and discover even more! I don't know if I've been successful at embedding one of the videos or not.

Thing #19

I investigated the Map award winners for this "thing." Google Maps is unbelievable - you actually drive down the street to your destinations. All of the sites have certain advantages and specialties. They're fun to play with. Kids would have a blast finding where they live and exploring the city, country, or all around the world for that matter.

Thing #18

I really got into Google Docs. The whole concept of on-line documents seems so much easier than all of the inserts we currently deal with on email. Plus everyone and their dog cannot copy it and send it around the world and back. I am a fan of securely simplifying life.

Thing #17

This "thing" has thrown me for a loop. It has helped reading other folks' blogs to see the roadblocks they've also run into. I'm just not quite getting this and will return to try try try again. I thought I had created my own customized search but have to get in it through the back door. Oh well...there are other days!

http://rollyo.com/donathek/chicagocubs

Thing #16

This "Thing" has the most potential of any of the others yet. What a fantastic way of making learning fun for kids and adults alike! Can hardly wait to use it in my classroom.

Thing #15

I cannot imagine a world without books since they are and have been such an important part of my life - but then a few years ago I never would have imagined taking a class via the internet either. Obviously, the only way to realistically handle it, is to give people the tools to teach themselves and let them fly.

Thing #14

Overload! Can hardly believe anyone has enough time to spend on all of the available technology. It simply sucks the life out of me. I understand the advantages and importance of tagging but after having joined the millionth site, plugging in yet another password, and watching two precious hours of my life pass by without a blink of the eye, I'm ready to lock myself away and play the acoustic piano for the rest of the day!!!

Thing #13

Wow! I was overwhelmed with all of this at first but see infinite possibilities now. Being connected with other teachers of the same subject, would be a fabulous resource. I need to keep experimenting on this one.

Thing #12

What a vast amount of interesting information Thing #12 entailed!

1-The best advice I received through this exercise was:

. read before you write (read the entire blog before you comment - I tend to read the beginning of things and jump to conclusions)

.comment on the comments (to keep the discussion growing - go into your blog regularly and make comments on the comments - although that's not always easy according to more veteran bloggers and there are varying opionions on the best way of going about it)

2- I successfully commented in five other participant blogs. I enjoy finding folks who share my frustrations!

3- I enjoyed getting into political blogs.

Thing #11

I found this "Thing" absolutely delightful! It was fun discovering there are other people out there with the same taste in books. I found it interesting that I am currently reading a book only seven others have posted. This will be a great way to find even more interesting literature to read and share with others.

Thing #10

I have spent the entire day playing with this. Had no luck getting Comic Strip Generator to work but see possibilities with all the rest. I still like Trading Cards the best.

Thing #9

Easiest way to find feeds: Google blog
I like taking the direct approach to things - type it in - and there it is!

Easiest search tool: None were too difficult even for a beginner like me.

Most confusing: Suprglu wasn't working the times I've tried it.

Useful feeds: I've enjoyed experimenting with the news and political feeds. Had no idea how much is out there!

Other tools: I'm still experimenting!

Thing #8

RSS was the most fun assignment so far - or else I'm actually building some confidence and getting over the fear of technology! It will definitely keep me more up to date on current events, etc. I'm not sure how I'll use it in my elementary music classes but I'm sure there are possibilities.

Thing #7

I've enjoyed "playing" with every one of these! Have set up a calendar and Google Alert. I plan on spending many more hours experimenting.

Thing #6

I can't wait to use the trading cards with my students!!

Thing #5

I love this! It took me quite a long time to actually be able to download a picture. I'm not sure what I was doing incorrectly but I finally got it right! Perserverance seems to be my motto these days.

Thing #4

Sent my the email to officially register. Hopefully all is well thus far.

Thing #3

Well, I made it this far! My Avatar isn't exactly what I picked out but- oh well! I'm still pleased with my journey - bumps and all.

Thing #2

"Use technology to your advantage" is definitely the most difficult of the 7 habits for me. I'm way out on a weak limb when it comes to techie things. I'm quite impressed that I've managed to make it this far on my own! Therefore, my strong suit seems to be "view problems as challenges." Now on to the next challenge!

Out of the Box

Starting a blog is totally out of my sphere of reality. It feels like jumping into a bottomless pool surrounded by crystal clear water. Where this all goes - who knows!