...and that's a wrap!

Woohoo! Hello end of the semester, and end of 23 Things. It has been quite the journey, and I have learned a TON about Web 2.0 tools and how to incorporate them into the education world. Overall, there were several things that I really enjoyed. I think my favorite things were discovering new websites and tools that I never knew existed. I will be the first to admit that I may be an internet junky (I waste SO much free time) but I never knew about some of these sites. I did know about Google, but iGoogle was a whole other world! Also, Animoto is such a cool and creative site that I can use to create my own short videos. I plan to keep exploring the internet and discovering my own Web 2.0 tools that can possibly be utilized in my classroom. To help with this, I think I will keep my iGoogle account and regularly check my educational blog subscriptions. As an educator, it is SO important that you update your own knowledge and discover new things. Who knows, you can often find inspiration in the most unlikely of places.

I was pleasantly surprised with this activity. I thought I would become extremely overwhelmed with the amount of work, but each post honestly did not take very long. I really liked that I could explore the websites and tools and easily make a post about my discoveries. Although, it was tough maintaining all of my accounts for each website.

The only suggestion I have for the program is possibly a way to increase interaction with others in the class. I do remember a requirement to make a certain amount of posts on other blogs, but that did not create much discussion. I think it is important for everyone to collaborate with each other since we are all prospective educators and taking this class together. Maybe we could have a class discussion board that everyone could post questions and promote discussions? As long as the discussion board is provided for questions and help, but not a required activity to post in.

Overall, this was a great opportunity to learn and discover new things that I can definitely see myself using in the future!

Thing #23

While searching Google, I stumbled across PLCMC's Learning 2.0 blog displaying the list of the same "23 Things" similar to those used for APSU. So, APSU's "23 Things" modified some of the material from the blog. To use the material, APSU had to observe the copyright license provided by Creative Commons and follow the conditions of that copyright. The author of the blog allows sharing and distributing their work as long as attribution is given, you do not use for commercial purposes, and you do not alter their work. However, they allow a waiver of these conditions with the author's approval first.

I feel I will most definitely come across Creative Commons in the future as an educator. I will make sure to observe the copyright conditions of the materials I will use in my classroom. Everything from worksheets. pictures, and written works have Creative Commons copyrights, so as a teacher I must make sure I follow all of the terms and conditions to use such materials. Also, if I ever create my own work and wish to have a copyright, I can use Creative Commons. Finally, I will make sure my students understand the importance of following copyright conditions and Creative Commons is a simple way to show them how. Overall, I am glad I have learned about Creative Commons and will use it in the future.

Thing #22

• I created three binders, titled "Education: Lesson Planning," "Classroom Activities," and "Teaching Hot Topics."
• Teaching Hot Topics provides links to websites discussing hot topics in the teaching and education world. I also added a Google Search for the results in the folder, providing an even larger array of resources. 
• I really enjoy this site! I could easily use this in the classroom to organize important links and information for lesson planning, news, and many other categories. I could even create an account for my class in which students can access information and even create their own links to share with others. Overall, there are many uses for this site and I can definitely see myself using this in the future.

Thing #21

Animoto is so easy to use! While reading the instructions for this project, I was a little intimidated thinking it would take some time and skill to create a decent video. I was pleasantly surprised! Uploading pictures was quick and easy, and you can connect different accounts, such as Facebook and Flickr, instead of sorting through your picture files on your computer. I really enjoyed the pre-made video styles that you could choose from that had attractive animation styles and transitions between pictures. I also liked the song selections available already on the site, and you could also upload your own.

I decided to create a simple video with pictures of my husband and I. :)

Thing #20

Although there are many things to love and hate about the site, Youtube is definitely a social networking staple. I can remember when the site first caught attention while I was in high school, and within a few months it grew so much in popularity and everyone I knew used it. Since then, the site has become a sensation worldwide and is used in homes, in the office, and even in schools. Bloggers have started "vlogging," or video blogging and online shows have been created through Youtube. Even music artists such as Justin Beiber have been discovered from their videos on the site. The amount of potential for Youtube is huge!

I could easily use some of the ideas and features of Youtube for my own library website. I think my favorite feature is the use of tags, or keywords, added to each video. So, when a user types a certain keyword into the search bar, every video with that tag will show up making it easier to sort through the results.

I decided to attach the video "April Fools: Math Class Shadow" by MDWeathers. I found this video a while ago, but I still love it because it shows that teachers have a fun and creative site to them. Plus, it displays great use of technology. Enjoy!

Thing #19

While keeping up with textbooks and reading material is important, it is also crucial for educators to communicate with each other. Teachers should take advantage of social networking because a lot can be learned through communication and discussion that cannot be found in a textbook. Websites, such as TeacherPop and Ning, opens a window for discussions, questions, and advice between all teachers. Even the most experienced teacher can learn something important from these sites.

I am already a member of a few social networking sites, including Facebook, Etsy, Pinterest, Twitter, Youtube, and IMDB. I do enjoy these sites and each in a different way because they each have their own features which make them unique. Even though I do get a little bored and have trouble keeping up with each site, I don't see myself giving them up because technology is a big part of my life.

Thing #18

Twitter

Facebook is very familiar to me because I first created an account when I was still in high school around four years ago. Although some of the updates can be frustrating, this is an amazing social networking site and I admit that I may be addicted to it. I already had the College of Education page added, which was a great idea to stay informed and find contacts.

Considering I (and probably the majority of the world) already have a Facebook account, I decided to create a Twitter account, and I provided the link above. I did understand the purpose and how to use the site beforehand, but for some reason I never created an account before. I think waited to use Twitter because I'm already addicted to Facebook and, with my busy lifestyle, I knew I would do the same with Twitter. I would spend all of my time online and I'd never get anything done! Overall, I see the great appeal of social networking sites. You can become indirectly involved in the lives of friends, loved ones, celebrities, politicians, companies, and so much more. This is an excellent way of keeping in touch in a simple, quick way.

Teachers need to become informed of social networking sites because they can provide resources, such as inspiration for lesson plans and suggestions for managing a classroom. You can also pose your own questions and thoughts, and feed off of each other. Social networking sites help to keep you informed on current events, such as in the educational field. Also, your students will most likely be heavily involved in these sites and shape their lives around them. Staying informed can help a teacher understand the view of their students and teach them the educational uses of the sites.