Thing #23

**My favorite discoveries were creating the blog and writing my responses. Also making a cartoon & podcast and using flickr to post my pictures.


**This program assisted me in having an online place to learn about current technology. My lifelong learning goal is to teach others what I have learned and experienced. I will definitely be able to do this with my staff, students, other librarians, and friends.

**The unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you were~~~At first I didn't "keep up" with my passwords and wrote my notes on scratch paper. I decided about half way through that I needed to keep a spiral binder so that I could refer back to each thing. I guess I decided to take more ownership of what I was doing. Another unexpected outcomes were discovering new things, being able to comment on them, and then being able to "brag" on myself that I knew how to do something...you know....throw out a buzz word to someone and then be able to have a conversation about it.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? I can't think of anything. You gave each person a platform to share what they had discovered. Each time you wanted my thoughts on how I would use the technology in my library...Well I had to sleep on it several nights and "brainstorm with myself". Some of the Things were so totally new to me. You would probably have to add a couple of more Things if something new came along that you wanted us to know about.

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
YES...most definitely. Springbranch ISD is on the cutting edge of sharing with so many of your staff members about these priceless "technology Jewels". In my circle, most of my peers don't have a clue what a blog, wiki, etc. are. You also gave us some great ways to collaborate and organize our links. Also, new platforms for student final products.

How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?

WOW! The 23 Things are a wonderful way to learn many new things that have been developed to communicate and develop technology.

Now go and comment on some of the other Players' blogs? I will be glad too.

Thing # 22

I looked at all 3 Nings listed: Teacher Librarian Ning -Texas School Librarian Ning - Ning for Teachers. I will probably join Texas School Librarian Ning as it seemed to have more information that I might need for my job.

When I did a "Ning" search in Google, I came across this blog posting on Nings. http://tech4teaching.org/wpblog/?p=119

The author has a discussion on Nings and "Yes", 7th graders may participate. They commented that most Nings they came across weren't very active. In this blog, I came across a link (Ning)to The Independent School Educators Network- http://isenet.ning.com/ .

( I am currently working in an independent, private school).

They also listed the link for Classroom 2.0. http://www.classroom20.com/.

Both Nings "looked like" (format) the 3 posted Nings in the Thing #22 assignment.

I would use Independent School Educators Network as a place for discussion and collaborating among independent school educators . There is a special network for librarians with 61 members. I saw some interesting things discussed that would help me with my daily job as a Library Media Specialist. The Association of Independent School Librarians has great discussions on my school's e-mail (another alternative to Nings).

(Graphic:http://www.clipartguide.com/_search_terms/teeth.html)

Thing # 21

I named this "Let's visit the Capital of Texas". I used Photo Story for Windows to create it. I'm going to continue to work with Photo Story and "experiment" with Audacity. I've learned so much doing this....

Thing # 20

I wonder what Franklin would think about a new way to read the news besides "The New England Courant", the first "newspaper" in Boston?!

I tried to add (embed) a Teacher Video but it was so big in the blog and when I saved it on the right the whole video wasn't visible.

1.) Select a reader. Well I had done that for Thing #8. AND discovered I have forgotten to read the blogs!...yikes..do I have a lot to read! I just found some interesting & current blogs posted about ALA, summer, 2008.

2) I did add "Of Life, Education & Books" and "Library TWEeter" . "Eagles Read" is a good example of a blog that didn't work in a school. "Rummel Creek Musing" is a wonderful example of students' work. I put my students' Haikus on my library webpage this past year and was it a great PR tool with parents & students. I will add more as I get used to using Google Reader.

It is just hard to find time to read what everyone is commenting! I guess that is an excuse to purchase an I phone.

3) RSS Feeds
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders? I'm on the computer everyday so it is ONE easy way to read my favorite blogs & they are RIGHT there. I do enjoy reading what others' comments are on the various issues.

How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life? I work with elementary student so I probably wouldn't use it at school. I "just run out of time" each day to "keep up with the news". I know that this would help my life!

How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology? There could be a link on the library's website which would share news, You Tube informational videos, and teen library blog. Here is a link to the Carrollton Public Library's "teen blog" that two librarians created.
http://cplteen.wordpress.com/

Thing # 19

I chose MUSIC in Web 2.0. Believe it or not I don't have music saved on an I-pod like my children do!

So, if I'm going to make "jazzy" videos with my students and add music......then I need to get on the bandwagon and discover.

I searched all 4 links on Music-"Last", "Pandora", "MOG", and "Arnie Street". I was able to investigate them without "setting up a password". I used the same artist with all 4 sites.

I'll probably go back let them know I'm here!

"Last" seemed the easiest to use. After typing in my search, I was able to listen to clips from the music listed. It looked easy to download into your MP3 player. I also found similar artists, user tags, You tube videos, and buy the CD on Amazon.com. YOU can also add tags.

I can see why it got 1st place!

"Pandora" had cute icons to tell how you felt about the music being played-I like, I don't like, I'm tired of this....

"MOG" site seemed VERY busy with all of its graphics & words. Of course, you could get the latest info on 'the latest artist, top post, our daily picks'. A person could post their comments, subscribe to RSS, and find out who listens to the same artist.

"Arnie Street" had a search area to type in your search as the others do. When I typed in the same artist as the other three, I found a Genre listening and tags added to the artist.

My special tool for music is "Last"? I can type in a search and download it for a video. Its useful parts are being able to listen to the music clips and a U-tube video and then adding the music to a video or even PowerPoint. I know now where to find music. I just need to practice downloading it and then adding it to a final project.

Thing # 18

The first thing that I noticed...no Front Page for web design...but everything else is here in Open Office. The biggest advantage to Open Office is it is FREE but you do need Internet access to use it. Most of us have MS Applications on our work computers but Open Office would be an alternative if MS is too costly to provide at home. Google Docs is similar but doesn't have as many features as Open Office. I looked over all of the possibilities-spreadsheets, docs, presentations and Open Office looks great. I decided to wait before setting a password and downloading Open Docs...I'm going to think about it a few nights.

Just a thought! I might not even need to carry around my flash drive for saving files after I've completed the 23 Things.

A couple of weeks ago I attended a day long TechNet by Region XI. I went to a couple of sessions on Google docs. The biggest plus with Google docs is the sharing aspect of it all. When collaborating with a group of people and working on the same project, you all have access to the document for revisions. In the past when "e-mailing the document around" the revision process got "lost in the shuffle".

graphic: base10blog.files.wordpress.com

Thing #17

I immediately thought of the candy when I started this thing.

I signed up for Rollyo with a few websites that I use all of the time. I forgot to put Springbranch ISD in it...as I'm always looking for that...hmm another Thing to accomplish. But I'm almost finished. yea! I also tried to put my favorites, "Google" and "Yahoo" but it said they were search engines...well yes.

I did set up a site, "RolloutforMargaret",

http://rollyo.com/search.html?q=Search+for...&sid=406246&url=rollyo.com&rollbar=1

I need to add websites to Rollyo as I go....I'm not sure if I need both del.icio.us & Rollyo. I did remember to get down all of the username, passwords, etc for this.. I need to download Rollyo in my toolbar...but have a lot of stuff already up there. Now just finding Rollyo and working with it will be my next challenge. What are they going to think of next?

Talking about the del.icio.us icon...my husband saw it in the toolbar and thought it referred to FOOD...Boy did I set him strait quick!

Thing #16

How might I use wikis? FOR COLLABORATION EFFORTS!! YES!

Use wikis for student comments on a book discussion, syllabus for a class, a study group, comments from librarians on TLA sessions-We can chat, share videos, add a slide show, and a collaborative calendar!

I'm thinking & planning a wiki! Give me a few days!
I liked the linked outline to set up your wiki.

Thing #15

~~~LIBRARY 2.0 ~~~~

The video was quite thought provoking. These students went through all of the steps to get a "degree" so that they could make a "way for themselves". Their time in college seemed to "just go through the motions." I personally learned a lot during my time in college AND that has helped to be the educator and librarian that I am today. Of course times are changing with ALL of the technology that we have today, that's why I've learned so much completing each THING!

Many of the articles were informative in is this Thing, but the most helpful to me was the last one by David Warlkick-"2 cents worth on Library 2.0". As a school librarian ( I'm probably one of the only staff members in my school who knows about blogs, wikis, etc.) I'm excited about learning about ALL these new technology tools so that I can do what he said, and try to establish some discussion meetings. I have also wanted to find some educators or librarians who would like to learn some of these new tools. The instructions in each Thing is very easy to follow and "work through."

School librarians need to be knowledgable with the latest technology tools.

graphic source: http://www.danhuang.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/forkintheroad.jpg

Thing #14

Let's see---two full pages of notes on Thing #14. Where do I start? After looking at the video and podcast, I had a better understanding of Technorati. Amazing it is competition with Google & Yahoo. I would use Technorati for searching for blogs and videos, de.lidio.us for weblinks, and flickr for pictures. I believe the tags (keywords) are very important. It is also great to "connect" with others to see what their thoughts are.
I thought the Technorati staff was very dedicated in making the website a "user-friendly" & helpful place to be (html code for websites).

Technorati's Widgets are "places to look" --include buttons for desktops,Pinging (updates) and good searches....
I think I have learned it all until I complete a new THING! Well I tried to open my "button" for my blog and I got a message about "boing boings"...keep working at it!

Thing#13

Wow! Del.icio.us is a wonderful way to share your book marks with another computer as well as others.

I think this would be very valuable with teachers and librarians. I'm always saving my bookmarks on one computer and then cutting and pasting them on a Word Document to have.

You could set up various websites for students to use and then have them participate if coming across one (adding that to it.). I create pathfinders but this might be a lot easier than creating a web page. The URL link can be put on your library page.

I prefered the Del.icio.us video more than the information on the Ma.gnolia website. Like the man said in the Del.icio.us video with the example of the Algebra sites - the possiblilities are endless. Also, learned more on just how to create my weblinks on the Del.icio.us tutorial. The podcast was great and with pictures (an alternative to PPts).

I can't wait to get started. http://del.icio.us/simmonsma I started "A Library Lessons" to experiment. I will keep going as needed.

Some things that I learned from the podcast were information about the "Magic Middle", put a pdf file on your blog and post your blog, the amount of posted blogs has doubled in the past 5 months to 27.2 million.

Thing #12

I found this picture. It said, "It's ok!" I lost my original post and felt Vaughn say, "It's ok!" I appreciate her support. I am REALLY learning a lot through this online-23 Things!

I'll start over and yipee I took notes! So, the lesson I learned here is to probably save my drafts somewhere!



1. The two important points in the readings are:
*The etiquette of responding to blogs-respond if you have something to say, be complementary, and then give your thoughts in a "non-sarcastic" tone (criticize kindly). Also, have something to say when you post your blog!

*the Power and impact blogs can have on others-a blog can be used to help children express themselves. When soliciting comments on your blog-invite comments, ask questions, interact with the comments, and make it easy to comment.

2. The five different Learn2Play blogs that I commented on were Marsha's Notebook, Jill's talk, Mountain Mustangs, Playing with/tech, and Ms Frazzled. I tried to send an encouraging note, especially on the Newbies to the 23 Things.

3. I wasn't quite sure what to put in the search box in the Google Blog Search. I used "Elementary Library" and "Primary technology". The elementary library had blogs about an author visit, jobs, a grant received in Utah, and banned books.Of course there were LOTS of blogs posted. One site looked like a replacement for an actual website.

Primary technology had two sites which drew my attention. One was about technology in China. It seems the actual science and math books are more important than technology with elementary students. Also, I found one "Childhood Memories" which was about banned books. I thought the author was going to reminice about her life.

Thing # 11

Library Thing Catalog was very intriguing to say the least. I read the introduction, created a log on, and created my list. I finally figured out how to add it to my blog. Yahoo!


The 2.0 podcast and U-tube video helped me understand the Library Thing Catalog better. The list is a way for sharing your lists of books with friends. You are also able to rate books. I saw there were 3 groups on one of the books that I listed. Also, one of the books I wanted to list wasn't available to put on my list.

The CueCat scanner gadget looked like something every librarian would have to have. Bottom line-there is a lot to the Library Thing Catalog and might take awhile for me to "sort though it" when I have more time. I enjoyed the video created on U-Tube. Now that's another thing to accomplish-putting a video on U-Tube.

Thing #10

I enjoyed making a trading card from the website "Dummies Books".
http://dummies.book.cover.txt2pic.com/


Made with free image tools @ TXT2PIC.com

Gosh! What a "gold mine"--especially with the Custom Sign Generator. I'm always looking for creative ideas for bookmarks. I know that I'll think of something to do with ALL of the cute pictures on these sites. I really had a time getting my design in the blog. Finally, I realized just where you could cut and paste the html. Was I dancing around the house when the trading card "magically appeared" on my blog.

Thing #9-

I read all of the information in Thing #9 but didn't get to post until a few weeks later. So, I had to "re-read" & experience it ALL over again.

My thoughts on Newsreaders.
I liked the "Cool Cat Teacher" because the topics relate to what I do with the library. The site is very current and visited frequently by many people. The points on "Creating your circle of the wise" had some helpful information-look for responsible conversationalist learners. Also, not being so over whelmed with all of the information to read but read "snippits" during the day when you have a few minutes.

I couldn't get the Feedster link to work. I was amazed at how involved Springbranch ISD is with their blogs (366 to be exact). Google Blog Search is very easy to use.

Technorati had so many different feeds to look at but the site was very organized and easy to navigate. I found the news interesting to read. It was a lot more detailed than another site which I have used in the past. Topix has the latest news also. I like this site better.
I found an advertisement of about Webinar 2.0 that I might pursue.

I set up several blogs to read but have forgotten to read Google Reader. Tonight I looked at it and wow, do I have a lot to read. Finally, I opened up Edublogs' award winners and found Vaughn had won the award for librarians and had also blogged about the same library conference that I attended. Her comments about the sessions that she attended were informational because I didn't get to the same sessions.

Thing #8

I viewed the short video and learned about RSS feeds. I had trouble with the sound. After several tries, I was able to view. Then I set up an account with Google Reader. I wasn't sure which blogs that I should include. I typed in several different keywords and searched various blogs. I was interested in "elementary school librarian" and technology with elementary students". I found some interesting blogs to read and put those links into my Google Reader. At least all of the "similar" blogs are together for searching.

As the video said, "Get it all in one spot!" I'll have to see if this works. I'm excited about learning new technology. I know that reading the blogs will support my efforts to teach students new technology. I am always "on the go" so having all my news in Google Reader will be helpful. I'd like to begin using this technology on my Elementary Library Page, especially as someone else said, "I'll use this for book reviews."

Thing #7

I set up a Google notebook. I am always "on the run" and need a central place to "record" my findings. I especially look for new websites for my school website. Now I won't have to send the information to my e-mail or put it on my flash drive. I think it is wonderful that I can "have it all there" within the Google notebook.

http://www.google.com/notebook/#b=BDT3iIgoQzrHF3Y8j

I have also used the Google advanced for finding PowerPoints relevant to what information I was wanting to learn or use with my students. Last year I went to a session at TLA where Google demonstrated "Google Earth". I've used it with students and you hear, "Ooh, ahh!"

Thing #6

Wow! Flickr is so easy to use. There is a trick though getting your digital images to look right in the various activities that I explored. I found so many ways use Flickr mashups! I can think of a new way to write a brief bookreport with the trading cards or advertise National Library Week. I have a class that has written a book and its looks like Flickr creates books. Also, my third and fourth graders study the different areas of the United States so a Flickr toy-trip planner or mappr would be easy to create.

Thing #5,

I explored Flickr further. (I've used it some for our high school class reunions). It is so important to tag your pictures. I noticed that libraries used Flickr to advertise their programs, show new books, show images of their libraries, information to get patrons involved in the library, and social networking.

What's New With Media

As you can see I created a blog and avatar. I worked and worked with the directions on creating an avatar (I didn't even know what an avatar was before I started this assignment.). I had set up my blog before putting the avatar in. Well...I worked and worked until I completely deleted my blog and re-created it with the avatar in it. Wow! I finally was able to follow the directions when I started over. Now the avatar doesn't look like the one I set up with my yahoo account, but believe me...I have learned so much!

Also, I had worked with Flickr before. I had set up an account for our high school class reunion pictures. But now I understand what tags are and I even joined the librarians' "share your pictures".

What's New With Media

The easiest thing is goal #7. I love to help children and adults learn about technology after I have learned how to accomplished using it. My greatest times mentoring adults were when I taught adults in the public library how to set up an e-mail account, create a webpage, use Excel and Word, and use the public libraries' online databases. I often heard, "Now I know how to use the computer like my children do."

The hardest thing is goals #1. I can easily determine what my goal will be but then I'm unsure how I'll accomplish the goal and especially how long or what I'll need to do to completely finish the goal. It always takes me a lot longer to correct my mistakes and keep continuing the goal until finished. But then I gain confidence in myself and look at the problem as a challenge and learning opportunity.