Thing #9 - Online Image Generators

To create these images, I used image generator Image Chef.  It was a lot of fun, and I love the fact that it was free to experiment and create these images.  I never knew how people made these neat things, so I am glad I learned how to explore different image generators so that I can create things like signs and banners in the future.  Above, I used the Word Mosaic tool to create the arrow, the Flower Text to create the flower image, and the Banner Maker to create the banner.

Thing #8 - Flickr Mashups

created by Spell with Flickr

I am actually very, very proud that I was able to - not only do this - but figure out, all on my own, how to put it on my blog!  Unfortunately, Spell with Flickr doesn't really explain how to do it.  All it says is, "Here is the html of these images for use on other sites..."  I guess anyone with a knack for computers is thinking, "Gee, it ain't that hard," but I was not born with a "knack" for computers.  Therefore, I am quite proud.

After exploring Flickr and Flickr mashups, I think sharing pictures online is wonderful!  These pictures can be shared in so many different ways, like in the classroom for instance.  Spell with Flickr is a great tool for teachers that is free and easily accessible.  It can be used for classroom projects, or simply to decorate the classroom.  I will definitely be using it in the future.  If I had known it was as simple as typing in the words needed and hitting "submit," I would have started using it a long time ago!

Thing #7 - Exploring Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11795319045_0c87abbc6c.jpg  by Cuba Gallery

I found this photo on flickr by searching for "nature" photographs.  I started out exploring tabs and groups, but I became overwhelmed by the amount of amazing art on every single page.  I decided to try searching for specific things, like flowers or dogs, and I found this under "nature."

It was hard picking just one photo.  Every time I fell in love with one, I would find another that I liked just as much, if not more.  Flickr is a wonderful tool, but it is extremely overwhelming.  I cannot imagine being a photographer on this site - I would never eat, sleep, or do anything else but explore this site!  I suppose I eventually went with this picture because I felt like I was flying when I looked at it.  The movement of the glass moving down toward the plants with the water cascading on the side... it's easy to get swept into this picture.

Thing #6 - Discovery

Oh my - I loved this exercise!  I found some very neat things, but my all-time favorite so far is TikaTok. It's an amazing site that allows children to write, illustrate, and publish their own books!  How cool is that?!  What an amazing opportunity for a young child.  Not only would it boost their self esteem by giving them something to be proud of, but it could actually get them interested in reading all kinds of books - even their fellow classmates' work!  This could be used for so many different assignments, like individual projects for understanding classroom lessons.  And it would be fun - for the student and the teacher!

There are many different templates to start from, and they are grouped according to grade level.  All elementary grades - K through 6th - are available.  The teacher can even choose a specific standard that they would like to associate the projects with!  I wish this existed when I was in elementary school... 

Thing #5 - Web 2.0

Web 2.0... when I first started reading the articles and watching the video clip, it seemed so complicating.  However, I think I "get it" now.  With web 2.0, you can do just about anything you dream of doing - there aren't any limits.  Well... if there are limits, then usually they can be overcome.

For School 2.0, this is a big deal.  It opens doors for everyone - all you need access to is a computer and the internet and voila!  It's a world that has many things, endless amounts of things, that have yet to be discovered.  Web 2.0 helps students save time in many ways, and usually tasks can get accomplished much more effectively.  It means building bridges where it used to be impossible, and for the classroom, this means endless possibilities.  As technology continues to make its way into classrooms and lesson plans, learning will become more powerful in itself.  It will be hard for students not to learn in the future because there will always be something for everyone. 

Thing #4 - Commenting

Commenting... It promotes communication via technology, which forms social relations between people who are interested in the same topic as yourself.  By actively participating in one blog, you can potentially create a hypothetical path back to your own blog for anyone who is interested in more of what you have to say. 

Especially when it comes to learning, sharing ideas is very important.  It is even more important when it comes to virtual communication.  Since the person isn’t present, words are everything on a blog (unless a picture or video is posted, of course).  People need to feel connected, even on the internet.  A response of any kind can make a world of difference to a writer or a reader.  

I appreciated Drape’s Takes’ commenting advice: give readers a sense of validation.  In other words, don’t ignore their comments.  If I put a lot of thought into responding to someone, it’s nice that I’m recognized or noticed (especially if I feel very passionate about the topic).  It also makes me feel connected, like I’m actually talking to someone instead of just talking to myself.  Also, I liked this quotation from CoolCatTeacher: “We have a need to disagree with each other - a need to discuss things of importance.”  I also liked this one for teachers: “Children have a need to converse and will improve their performance when people comment on their work.”  Feedback is wonderful.

Here recently, I've commented on seven different blogs:

Riley Braem: Mr. Braem's 23 Things

Melissa Suss: Mrs. Suss' 23 Things

Lynn Torres: Prufrock and Roll - 23 Things

Esther Yum: Esther's 23 Things

Courtney Comperry: KHS Chemistry 23 Things

The Little Reader Library

Silly Eagle Books

Mostly, I found something I had in common with the blogger and I commented on it.  For example, Riley Braem stated that theatre is naturally playful, and I agreed because of my background in the performing arts.  Courtney Comperry loves creating goals, and I love making to-do lists; also, she's a self-taught knitter and I'm a self-taught crochet-er... 

I enjoyed looking at The Little Reader Library blog page; it is a book review blog that discusses anything from historical literature to young adult fiction.  I commented that I understood the overwhelming need to want to read everything in sight.  Sometimes it's hard to slow yourself down and just concentrate on what you're reading in the moment.  Silly Eagle Books is a blog page that posts recent children's book findings at the local goodwill and other unique places.  Sometimes the blogger posts pictures of extremely old and rare books and what they are about.  She mentioned that she was going to slow down on the book buying, and I commented that I needed some advice as to how that is possible... I have quite a collection myself.