Thing 5

The technology available today provides opportunities for varied forms of communication.  We are able to communicate with anyone, anywhere - as long as the are connected to the internet.   We are no longer limited by time and location.  For education, the possibilities are endless.  After perusing the selected readings, I decided that I believe School 2.0 is the future of all schools.  Being able to supplement in-class material with material that can be accessed from any internet connection is remarkable.  In addition, the use of discussion boards and blogs can enhance communication, anytime it is needed and not just during face-to-face classes.  School 2.0 is not just distance learning or video conferencing.  It is a whole new avenue for teachers and schools to utilize that will enable them to reach more students and provide much more information to those students.  When I look at websites that describe interactive textbooks, I'm amazed.  These interactive textbooks make it so easy to click or touch certain areas on the screen to open windows that provide more information, which save an enormous amount of time.  I think the future of School 2.0 is very exciting and full of endless opportunities to make educating easier and less time consuming.

Thing 4

By allowing numerous people to communicate via the web, blogging has made it easier to become a part of a larger group.  Following and commenting on blogs helps the users feel a sense of community.  The interaction between bloggers and those that comment also adds to the sense of community.  Blogs give people an opportunity to find, and communicate with, others who are interested in the same topics or issues.  The "Cool-Cat Teacher" blog shared some very interesting recommendations.  Commenting on someone else's blog can help you gain viewers to your own blog, as long as you draw attention to it in your comment.  Good advice, especially if you want reach more people with your own blog.  Another interesting point made on the same website involves commenting etiquitte and encourages teachers to "teach commenting."  I've always believed there needs to be a font for sarcasm, many feelings could be spared.  The "10 Techniques to Get More Comments" blog had some great pointers.  "Be open-ended" and "make it easy to comment" are two pointers that would encourage comments.  I also liked the "be humble" and the "be gracious" recommendations.  I think everyone should strive for these in all areas of their lives.

Blogs I am following include:

EDUC 5540/23 Things/Katrina
  

These are a few of my favorite 23 Things!

23 Things I Did And You Are Reading About

23 things

Luanne's 23 Things


http://www.spreadlovekanda.blogspot.com/









 

Thing 2 (continued again!)

Forgot to mention earlier how I decided on my posting name and the name of my blog.  I almost used my last name - as most teachers - but decided to use Ms. Alicia as my posting name because that is what my current preschool students call me, and I really want to teach preschool once certified.  The name of the blog just sort of came together.  A combination of the 23 things and my posting name.  As for the avatat, I think it looked alot more like me before I made revisions.  Originally, I was wearing blue jeans and a casual shirt, but changed my avatar's appearance to reflect more of a "teacher" look.  When I first completed the update, I realized my avatar looked almost identical to Dr. Wall's avatar, so I changed it again.  I'm pretty satisfied with the final result.

Thing 2 continued

Finally got my avatar on the blog - what a relief!  I've even gone back to DoppleMe and made revisions.  I thought I would have to edit the avatar on the blog, but it had already been updated.  This may sound like a small thing to you, but I'm thrilled!  As I am sure I will struggle with future assignments, hopefully I will continue prevail, building more confidence along the way. 

Thing 3

Registering the blog was interesting.  Obviously I've been on this site before because I seem to have a question that was added 3 years ago.  Can't wait to find out what that is about.  I've been looking ahead to some of the other 23 things and have decided that everyone was right - this is going to be the fun class.

In the future, I believe a blog would be an incredibly useful tool, especially for a teacher.  Not only could the blog be used in classroom, it is a great way to stay connected to the students and parents.  Email is nice - definitely handy - but this is better.  I used to think blogs were all about narcissistic people blabbing about themselves, but this is more of a discussion board.  I know, I know!  But you must remember, I said I was not native to this technological world.

A personal blog to keep track of classroom successes and failures would also prove helpful, especially if I teach the same course/grade each year.  I've never really been one to keep a journal, but something that would allow me to reflect on past experiences, both good and bad, could aid in decisions about future assignments and activities. 

Thing 2

Well, I've done something wrong, cannot wait to find out how to fix it.  I have not quite figured out how to attach the Avatar.  I shall continue this post after I settle the little one into her new home.  To be continued...

Thing 1

Well, I know every one calls this the "fun" class, but I'm so anxious, I can not seem to think straight.  You see, I'm a technological immigrant.  Although I feel very comfortable manuevering around the web and running certain programs, most of this is new to me.  That is why Habit # 6 is the hardest for me.  Use technology to your advantage.  Sounds great - but scares the you-know-what out of me.  I guess that is what I want to gain from this class - technological confidence.  The really good thing is that the easiest Habit for me is #3 - view problems as challenges.  I have always been a very optimistic person and usually find challenges exciting.  So, this technological difficulty that I have is definitely a challenge that I look forward to conquering.  Setting up my blog was not as difficult as I first imagined, but I'm still having trouble with some of the background colors in some of the boxes.  Must keep working on that. Now, for my first challenge, adding an avatar!