One last thing

This was a fun journey.  It was very educational.  I am now comfortable with all the applications we used during this discovery exercise.  I learn better by doing, and believe me I have been doing. I have completed a few things several times, just to ensure I had it.  I am by no means an expert; but I have found and used several of this applications in my class already.  IT WAS GREAT FUN

thing #23

I used creative commons to actually create a power point lesson to inform my students about plagiarism.  I wanted to ensure my students were aware of the biggest reason for plagiarism. Poor time management.  I want to ensure my students start to develop organizational skills.
creative commons

Thing #22

I did not select any names with must flourish.  My names are Spanish, Teaching and Learning and Education.  I added Teaching and Learning to this because I used it to highlight classroom management web-sites.  I plan on using my Spanish live-binder in class for further re-numeration.

 I think I would be able to integrate this tool into a unit project.  I want to have my students research a topic, write about it in the target language (Spanish) and present their research using a panel style discussion.
LiveBinder

Thing #21

I signed up and put together an animoto video clip.It was fun.  I chose ocean views, I like to see the ocean; I just don't care for sand.  I also included some animal pictures I found interesting. The process was also easier than I thought. I am not sure when I will use this in the future; but it does make for a good option. video clip

Thing #20

Top Ten Classroom Management Tips

I know everyone will have to take Classroom Management.  I thought this You tube video would be something everyone might be learn from.  I think You tube maybe of some use in the classroom; but as a teacher we must have regulations and akeen eye must be key.  I attached a second video. one that I used in my class to assist my students in learning.their alphabet.
Let's Learn our ABCs

Overall not too bad an experience; a teacher would definitely have to have a clear internet/computer use policy.

Thing 19

I posted a comment and a picture on teacher pop.  I think I set up a badge.  It was slow going; I think my computer has a bug (smile).  I left a blog comment; I noticed several thing #19 posts; so I wanted to add my thoughts on the teacher pop use to theirs.  I can only say it was SLOW.  Maybe I'm getting so GOOD with technology, I am impatient?  I think about that.  Maybe I am familiar enough with technology to mess things up?  Hopefully it is the former.

Thing 18

I started a face-book account, I was uncomfortable, but I did it. I am new to social networking; and I know that people only see what you post; but I don't know if I want my friend, their friends, etc to peek into my life.  I do have several not so close friends who use face-book, so I guess I can keep up with them.  I have family members that also have face-book accounts; but I call them.  I will try to keep up with them.  I think all social networking sites are popular because technology has exploded and infiltrated our daily lives.  It is mostly unregulated; people say what ever pops into their brain.  I guess if you filter it you infringe on freedom of speech.  I think that social networking has it place; at this point how I will incorporate it into my classroom remains to be determined.  It was interesting; I would use the word discernment to describe this process.  I had to discern what to write or not write. 

Thing 17

The ability to tag items in an informal matter is helpful.  Students will be able to tag ideas, words on their on line texts.  The need for specific notes may not be needed.
On a social networking level, it is fun to take a random picture, ie a Superbowl snack spread, and tag the food/snacks with names of your family members.

Tags for specific sites allows me to share web sites I find useful.  Other teachers are able to do the same for me, I won’t have to research it all, some research may have been done for me.

Thing 16

The customized start page I used was goggle chrome.  I added the weather, cnn, Spanish word, I added a calendar to my blog.  I set up an on line calendar to ensure I did not miss any assignments.  I added a couple of birthdays, when assignments were due,when the last day of school is.  I wanted to experiment with a calendar a little.  The online to do lists – I didn’t care for the on line to do list stuff.  I downloaded PDF converter, it was fine, nothing to be excited about.

a.       Which start page did you choose?      I chose I Goggle.

b.      Why did that one appeal to you?        My professor mentioned it and my son likes working with it, so I set up an account.

c.       Will you make it your permanent home page? Yes it is my permanent home page already.

d.      How can the online calendars be useful to you? They can be added to my wikis to ensure parents have up coming events.

e.       What about the to-do lists helpful, too much work?   Did not care for, it was too much.

f.       Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at the school or at home?  Calendars

g.      Which tool(s) would you recommend to others?  I would recommend the calendar and IGoggle for a set up page. 

Thing 15

I added to the APSU 23 Things Sandbox wiki. I wrote about graphic organizers , my zoho writer and added my goggle doc presentation/picture.  It was great.  I was so pleased, it worked right away, no problem.  I am still jazzed.

So this is my blog the experience was AWESOME!!  I would like to use a wiki for vocabulary words/spelling.  The idea of my students learning after they leave the classroom, to good for words.  I created my own wikis, I have to approve people to use it, but it is outstanding.  I can start using it after fall break.

mywikis syllabus creation

Thing 14

I chose Gliffy FLOWCHART I set up my account and made a Venn Diagram.  Gliffy has several different options for the user to customize the chart.  The user can select a Venn Diagram or an organizational chart.  The flexibility can be useful, it lends itself to several different lessons.  I remembered a science project my child complete on the solar system, so I used it.  A Venn Diagram is very useful for compare/contrast assignments.   I also used Bubb.us, set up an account, but it was not to my liking, mind maps are OK, but I prefer flowcharts.  Flowcharts are good graphic organizer material, mind maps not so much.  Mind maps generate ideas so I know they are useful.  I just did not enjoy doing one

Thing 13

Creating a Zoho account was easy. I did not even know such a thing existed. I sent my document from Zoho writer it follows this.

This is my first attempt to use this site, I think it will be useful.  This look see into different web based options has me flabbergasted.  I am unable to keep it all in.  Technology has exploded. Not learning to use it, or staying on top the latest technology available is ludicris.  Teaching this generation has proven to be challenging.  The ability to use technology correctly is valuable to all educators. 

Zoho writer is simliar to MS word: but, I found more uses.  This application has a tab for word count, thesaurus, and spell check.  This will prove very valuable when a specific length is given to an assignment.  

​This is what I created with Goggle docs drawing.  I preferred Goggle Docs it was EXTREMELY easy to use and I think students will be able to work with it better.

 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6izflDJ1Xe-bVhKwQbYKgzLU4iHvm5-v3lHikLOcnvtiJi9qwk_azl2VwR6mXhg_zQ0OpDD3jeI92CqO4E0veWhMZmpyZ63sMr7YZyNJZLIcDMyD9e9gUpjqU6jq3O_GDrhd9G5FiL8Y/s1600/GoggledocsdrawingThing14.jpg

Thing 12

I looked at Goggle tools, I explored the calendar, translate (of course), picasa web albums, and iGoogle page.  I have one an iGoogle page with a daily crossword, words of inspiration, Spanish word of the day and weight loss tips (my son’s idea of a joke). I included a weather update, this is Clarksville, give a minute and the weather will change.  I set up a public page, I didn’t place much on it, I am working on being OK with this ability.

I found picasa interesting, I especially liked viewing the pictures. My creation is unassuming but I did it!  I like Goggle translator, no surprise right, this is a god tool for students learning a foreign language

Thing 11

I went into Goggle Reader, signed up for an account, checked out the subscriptions listed.  I then used search words to find things I thought I would be interested.  I have subscribed to Creative Commons, What every educator needs to know, Cool Cat Teacher Blog, Dangerously Irrelevant, Free Technology for Teacher, and Stephen’s Lighthouse.  They have several sub items, I check it, and then read it.  I have found several items written in Spanish about teaching the language.  It had some great suggestions.  I actually enjoy Dangerously Irrelevant best at this point. They have articles listed that are at the heart of what I think important.  Testing, Technology Use and a current video that targets compliancy at the public policy makers. 

Thing 10

This thus far has been the riskiest for me.  I created a public posting.  I thought I would take a leap of faith.  They will only read what I post, right?  Does the rest of the world really want to get information about me?  I think they want to read what I have to say; but not much more.  What did I like about RSS and newsreaders?  The thing I liked most was that the information is updated regularly.  It stays current.  I will be able to access current information and technology.  I especially like the free calculator downloads.  I will use them a great deal in my personal life; I plan on assisting my grandchildren with homework.  Taking advantage of new technology means I will be to use it to motivate and keep my students on their toes. I have found myself spending more time with the computer.  My grandchildren find it interesting that their Nana is learning too.  I hope to update our school technology policy. 

Thing 9

  I use the on line image maker application.The first picture is who? 

The second Mr. Smiley.  

Thing 8

elsa morales (leininger)'s photostream on Flickr.

Thing 8 was the photostream - oops - I thought it was thing 7.

Thing 7

Uploading to flickr was interesting.  I uploaded a couple pictures of me; not because I think I look great; but I was a cute baby.  I even didn't look to bad in uniform.  I also included one of my class projects, my students enjoyed their Mexican battle reenactment; it was a fun exercise.

Thing #6

From Web 2.0 award nominees I selected browsers and web extensions. I am familiar with firefox - it is used at A.P.S.U.  I use IGoogle on my home computer, I have personalized my home page.  I am comfortable with it and works well for my uses.  I chose diigo to explore further.  It is user friendly.  I made a list of current web sites I access often.  This is a great web list sharing tool.  I can allow others to access my list and I am able to access their, with an invitation.   The internet is vast and no one person can know everything or know all possible web sites to be used for a class or remediation. List sharing is a great way to increase your knowledge of web site without spending time looking things up.  I list is marked/tagged with specifics; so if your are looking for similar information you can use someone else's web list.  Information sharing is what makes us better educators/researchers, diigo is great for that.  I think using diigo in a library would be awesome, teachers would be able to give students specific teacher investigated sites for projects, remediation or just fun.http://www.diigo.com/user/eleininger

Thing 5

Originally, I thought Web 2.0 was an updated version of the internet.  WRONG!!!! It actually means that the internet is EVERYWHERE!!!!  It has become an integral part of our daily lives.  It seems everyone in my world uses the internet.  (Even my mom; well, she has family members use it for her)  I no longer have to go to a book store, the library or do general shopping.  We are able to talk to people on the other side of the world while simultaneously doing our banking, paper is optional today.
Children of all ages are very comfortable with accessing the web; it is second nature to them.  People from my generation used encyclopedias, students today surf the net.
This generation is our future; they have incorporated the internet into their daily lives.  Educators must stay relevant, up to date.  Using the web gives learning a discovery, hands on and global process.
Web 2.0 is technology that non tech people (like me) can easily use.  The lesson planning process is faster, due to the web.  The information we use; is updated; the latest and greatest, if we look efficiently.
Web 2.0 for education is similar to what printing presses did for manuscripts.  We are limited by our ability to use the web.  We have hit the tip of the iceberg.  I am CONCERNED.  I have to get better at using web applications.  The more I practice now, the better it will flow when I use the web in the classroom.

Thing #4

Making comments on classmate blogs show our interest in everyone's work.  Blogging may be old hat to some of my classmates; so, I look forward to the comments of "seasoned" bloggers.  I think making positive or constructive comments will assist everyone with this project.  I further think, it opens the door to getting to know my classmates.  Sharing the difficulty or ease with which we complete each thing will encourage those of us that are not bloggers.  It is a small peak into each person, so that will help build cohesion.  I will edit this from time to time, after I post on other blogs.  I have chosen Emily and Britni, from our class to make comments on.  I chose to comment on blogging.  I don't know if they will lead to a friendship; but at least we get to know each other. I also made a comment on Tyler's reasons for his avatar.  He made good points.

Thing #3

I am not a big fan of blogs; well, I can’t say that exactly, I don’t blog.  I am certain students today are much more familiar with it than I am.  I reviewed the recommended sight; some of their recommendations didn’t appeal to me.  I did find some of the suggestion worth further exploration.  I think I would like to blog in my education courses to reflect on my teaching experiences.  Experiences from others would gain me insights into other possible approaches to a myriad of tasks.  It would be a quasi mentoring program.  Initially I would be the most benefited, I’m sure.  Writing something I have learned may also be beneficial to others.  My favorite reason for blogging with other teachers would be to share ideas.  I also want to keep on top of important teaching and learning issues.

Starting a class blog would make it easy to communication with parents and family.  Clarksville is a military town so extended families may not live close by.  Another good reason, unfortunately, is that we live in a world of yours, mine and others. (Divorce) Parents may not communicate well with each other, but they  would be able to access the classroom blog with ease.  Parents would learn first-hand what their child is working on.  It would assist non-custodial parents think they are more involved with their child’s education.  I have chaperoned class trips in the past; a classroom blog would allow photo posting for instant access, when my class took a trip.  The class activities could be blogged quickly; it would be as if they were all there with them.  I like the idea of building a class newsletter, using student written article and photos, but I think it would not be feasible for my class, I teach Spanish.  I would like to link my class with another class, Mexico actually; I have cousins who teach in four different Mexican states; that would be AWESOME.  I don’t think having my students set up a blog would work at this time, but a shared weblog to complete a Web Quest may be in the cards.  I don’t know how to complete the last two items, YET, but the possibility of doing them fills me with excitement and anticipation.

Thing #2

http://according-to-mo.blogspot.com/ How did I decide on the name of my blog? Naming my blog was something I pondered for a couple of days.  I gave my posting name plenty of thought, I kept making changes.  I did not think of anything clever for my posting name, because I would get confused.  The names I tried were not me at all.  I chose according to me.  Why?  Well-l-l-l-l, what happened was, I read over the 23 things and realized it was set up for my thoughts, opinions and feelings.  So-o-o, why not according to me?  This name suited me well.  It has some humor behind it; and I like humor.

What was my experience creating the blog?  Creating my blog was not hard in the difficult sense; NERVE WRACKING!!! Is good word for it.  I did have a hick cup at first; but I was able to work through it.  I found it challenging.  I was unsure of how much it should reflect me, how much information do I include.  Blogging is a balancing act.  I want to be forthcoming; but not too much so. 

The avatar reflects me slightly, I would have preferred a mid-length skirt and jacket; I lean towards a tailored look.  I did select one of my favorite colors, blue.  I don’t wear glasses, reading ones don’t count, but my sister does and I thought it fun to use her style of glasses and haircut.  I enjoy wearing jewelry, nothing to ostentations, but feminine; but I did not find that option.    I have to admit overall I did have fun!!!!

Thing #1

What is my easiest lifelong habit?  That was the million dollar question.  I thought about it, even wrote my thing #1 several times.  I finally settled on this:  the hands on approach.  I follow a recipe teaspoon by teaspoon, regardless of the number of times I have made the dish.  I have been cooking for 3 decades; so I know there have been a few repeats.  I don’t do the exact measuring with the dishes I learned from my mother and Nana (paternal grandmother); but, I do exactly what they did, no teaspoons, just a pinch of this and that.  In my previous life (career); everything was hands on.  I never completed any task without being shown told how to do it, step by step. I find hands-on-learning is what I enjoy most. 

I know reading a textbook holds the greatest challenge for me.  My optimum learning scenario is to read my text book, listen to a lecture, and take notes.  Those conditions meet my needs to a tee.  I am puzzled though, when I attend seminars I find my mind wondering.  Usually I get handouts, someone is lecturing and I take notes; but my mind does not stay on task.  I really lose interest if they show plain black and white power point slides.  If I am given a copy of the presentation and have to just follow along; I am really not focused. 

I want to use web 2.0 to become familiar with it.  It would be a great tool to use in my classroom; but I have basic computer literacy.  I am in the elementary stage of my education in the technology department.  

My comfort zone was stretched a mile setting my blog up. I am not sure I like the idea of having a blog, it seems alien to me.  I thought it would be something only young people had; but I have recently learned several of my friends are very comfortable in cyberspace.  Here I go, on this adventure.  Creating the avatar was fun; I tried several different colors, clothes, glasses, deciding was actually fun.  I have to come clean; after I created the avatar for this class; my nine year old grandson helped me explore other sights he thought were “cool”.  I am so glad I don’t suffer from low self-esteem or ego mania; if I did, I would have missed out on making a memory with this great young man.