Thing #6

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13546_109-10237663-29.html?tag=mncol

I really liked remember the milk tool.  You can create to-do lists and then access them in Gmail, via SMS, Skype, and popular IM client lists.  It offers two different services, one service is free and the other service that cost $25 a year.  This tool is also offered on the iPhone as an app.    This application could be used in the school or library.  You could make a list of needed supplies for the school or library.  It could be e-mailed to other teachers or it could be used as an open house idea.  This list could be e-mailed to all parents and they could buy supplies for the school.  This could also be used as a list of goal for the schools. 

Thing #5

School 2.0 means an opportunity to further myself as an educator.  It gives me an opportunity to learn about the emerging trends with technology and just how present it is in our everyday lives.  Everybody is jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to new technology.  Now you can purchase e-books on the computer or your Kindle, completely eliminating the need for a thick book when you can have it in the palm of your hand.  In Web 2.0:  A Guide for Educators it talks about using blogs, podcasts, wikis, etc in the classroom.  Students are like sponges and they soak up tons of stuff about technology.  They like the convenience of having technology at their fingertips and their ability to update their status via their cellphone.

This means that teachers have to learn how to use technology effectively in the classroom.  Just merely having a computer and a smartboard aren't going to cover it in the classroom.  Teachers will need to be able adapt to new technology quickly in order to meet the needs of students.  For example, creating a website for their classroom where students can blog and discuss about what they are doing in the classroom.  Schools will need to purchase new technology products like the iPad or have computers in all the computers, so that students have the opportunity to use technology.  I really enjoyed the Teachers 2.0 section.  I liked how it gave you ideas on how to incorporate technology in the classroom.  It also gave you the website/app review and I thought that was really cool.  This website provided so much additional information and I can't wait to use some of it in the classroom.     

Thing #4 (Half)

 Commenting helps create a sense of community and interaction because it requires for you to put some thought into your opinion.  It allows you to reach out to your fellow person and leave a meaningful comment on their page.  By commenting on their blog you are giving them your personal feedback and possible ways to solve their problems.  I found leaving a meaningful comment and criticizing kindly to be two other important points about commenting.  Anybody can leave an "I agree" comment, but it means more to leave a reason why you agreed or disagreed with the person.  Also, criticize nicely to people.   I don't think you need to rip someone a new one just because you don't agree with what they say.  I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion.     
Five Blogs That I Commented:
    http://www.ecoleman14.blogspot.com
    http://brownsquirrel23things.blogspot.com
    http://dmoran195752.blogspot.com
    http://molly23things.blogspot.com
    http://fantasticwrite.blogspot.com
Why I Choose These Blogs
    They are in my class, so it makes it easier to leave comments. 

Thing #3

A way that I might use a blog in my future classroom is by communicating to parents.  Some parents are busy and may not be able to physically meet with me and a blog would be an excellent way to communicate with me.  For example, I could set up a blog for parents to voice their concerns about what their child is learning.  

Another way would be to have a class blog.  The students and I could let the parents know what they learned today in school.  Then parents could put individual comments about the lesson.  Blogging could also be a good way to spark discussion in the classroom.  We could also list a class schedule, so that parents know what is going on in the classroom and what is coming up.  
Blogging can also be used to communicate wit other teachers.  If I had question about how to integrate Science and Social Studies into reading I could make a post and see the responses I would get.   It would be a great way to learn many different teaching strategies.   

Thing #2

I'm not very creative so basically I used my name.  I don't really care if someone does track me down by name.  If people are that bored and can actually find me kudos to them.  I decided on that name because it's easy and I don't really like coming up with some goofy name like LuckyLiz.  Sorry if that really is someones name I'm not singling you out, it just popped in my head.  I think it is just not that professional.  

Creating a blog is easy it just feels very time consuming.  Also, it just seems odd to me that random people can post on your blog.  I am hoping that I will be able to get over the MySpace and Facebook blogging misconception because it seems like blogging could be very effective in the classroom.    

My avatar reflects my personality because I always have a smile on my face, unless I am at my job.  I love bright colors and the simplicity of jeans.  I consider myself a pretty easy going person, which is what I was trying to accomplish in the completion of my avatar.  I tried to create my avatar to look similar to me, but I didn't feel like I had a ton of options on the website.  It gives you a variety of colors to choose from, but I don't feel like there is a big selection of clothes options and the ones that I wanted to select it wouldn't let me choose.  I choose to go as close looking to myself as possible because I think I am beautiful.  I'm not ashamed of the way I look and I don't feel like I have to hide myself by creating some off the wall personality.

Thing #1

Accepting responsibility for your own learning would be the easiest lifelong learning habit for me.  First off, I love participating in class.  Basically, anything that involves talking or discussion in class is great.  Second, I believe you get what you put into the assignment.  If you do not work hard then it shows in your craftsmanship.  Viewing problems, as challenges would be the hardest lifelong learning habit for me.  If I am having a problem or challenge, I'm not thinking at the time "oh this is a learning opportunity."  I am just trying to survive at this point.  For example, I lost my credit card and at the time I was not thinking, "what can I learn from this?"  Later on I thought about what could I have done differently, but not at the current time.

I want to learn to use the web more efficiently.  There is so much information out there and it can seem a little daunting.  Also, this is my first blog ever.  I always had a negative connotation with blogging and always associated it with MySpace, which in my opinion is stupid.  I just don't want to hear about your feelings and what you ate for lunch.  Setting up the blog was easy, but some of the instruction on the web 2.0 website was confusing.  For example, in the blog address they suggest you use your last name, but then below it says to come up with a name that is different because it will be available to everyone on the web.   This doesn't make sense because then can't it be looked up your last name?