Summary

I cannot believe the 23 Things assignment is over! I really enjoyed going through all the "Things" and learning so much about web 2.0 tools! I had no idea how much there really was out there on the internet and this assignment really opened my eyes. I feel educated on the web 2.0 tools that are available to teachers. I really enjoyed using imagechef and flicker. I was able to express a little bit of my own personality through those exercises. I also enjoyed making the Animoto video. That was also an assignment that allowed me to let a little of my personality shine through during this project. I already know the 23 Things assignment has prepared me to be a better teacher. I was really clueless of all the interactive websites that are out there on the web and now knowing what is all out there, I believe my students are going to benefit from my knowledge of the educational internet tools. I plan on staying in touch with the web 2.0 tools by keeping up with Diigo and TeacherPop. Overall I felt this semester long assignment was very useful and beneficial for me as a future teacher.

Thing #23

Creative Commons is definitely very important to both teachers and students. Teachers have to be careful not to use anything that is copyrighted. I will definitely find a fun way to make sure my elementary students are aware of creative commons. The copyright law is one that everyone should know about and know how to properly site work that is not their own.

Thing #22

I chose to use the Education Podcast Network. The podcasts were neatly organized and really easy to use. I liked how you could either search podcasts by subject or grade level. I watched a podcast called Visit the Universe Around Us. It was a very informative podcast and it definitely showed me that podcasts are a great technology tool that should be used in the classroom. It actually did make me want to make another podcast. However, I did not find a podcast that I might want to subscribe to and listen to regularly but that does not mean there is not one out there. I am definitely going to use podcasts in my classroom when I become a teacher.

Thing #21

My Life

I really enjoyed making my 30 second video on Animoto. I liked picking out ten of my own pictures and I used a song from the Animoto music library. I definitely would use this site again in the future. It was really easy to make the video because everything was set up with very clear instructions.

Thing #20

I totally think that YouTube can be a beneficial aspect in the classroom. There are so many great educational videos on the site. The video I picked was about the solar system because that is what my project standard is about. You can also create an account and make your own videos and post them up on the site. A teacher could definitely use that to their advantage. Using video in the classroom appeals to multiple learning techniques. Since anyone can post something on the site, it is important that when using YouTube in the classroom it is closely monitored.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NIveh7h6Dg&feature=related

Thing #19

I am proud to say I am a member of the teacher social networking site, TeacherPop. I think this network is a great way for teachers and future teachers to share their creative teaching ideas. It is also a great site for teachers to just share how they are feeling and ask any questions they may have about teaching in general. I also checked out the Project Playlist social networking site and really enjoyed it! I love music so I thought it was really neat how you can make your own playlist of listen to other playlists already made up by other users. I could definitely see myself using this social networking site in the future.

Thing #18

This learning exercise was a lot of fun because I use social networking every day. I have a facebook account and I enjoy being able to stay connected with family and friends that are far away. It is important for educators to know how social networking works because it is the most commonly used form of transportation among students of all ages today. I like facebook because it is really easy to use and there is not a ridiculous amount of advertising like there is on some other social networking sites. I could see using facebook in the classroom. A special private group just for the class would have to be made and all students would have to have an account. There would have to be strong monitoring by the teacher for the younger students who would be using this networking site.