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.