Thing 7 - Google Tools

I am creating a google doc to experience using it! I downloaded pictures from my computer into Picasa. I also created an igoogle homepage and added the moon phases, to do list, places to see before die, and maps and other things. I think that students might be able to do some of this for learning and creating documents. I don't see a lot of practical use for students in elementary for this "thing." Google earth could be interesting as a filler activity as students try to find their residence or other points of interest. This could lead to a short writing on their experience using one of these google tools.

Thing 6 - Mashups

Mashups are an interesting combination of websites used to create a new site. The potential to create your own site using mashups is limited only by your imagination. Flickr seems to be the primary site used to develop mashups.

I found the fd's Flickr Toys (aka Big Huge Labs) to be very appealing. Users can create all types of pictured items using the many links provided on the home page. Examples include making your own magazine cover (just find a picture and add a caption), making a jigsaw puzzle, or even trading cards.

Many of these links encourage creative writing, which is a necessary component of learning.

Thing 5 - Clap On, Clap Off, the Flickr

Flikr is a site I'm somewhat familiar with, so I was able to gloss over some and not miss too much. The creative commons section was new territory - and I have to admit, the derivative works and share alike licenses were a little sketchy for my understanding at first. My librarian just remarked on my comments about borrowing pics from various sites to use on Activstudio flipcharts and how I should be more aware of copyright issues. Of course, copyrights was not something I thought much about, but thanks to her, Library2Play, and Flickr, I will now have LESS PICS at my disposal :(

Twas the First Night

of my blogging setup. It didn't sting too much. A little confusion about pasting the html code to a "gadget" but all in all, I'm satisfied with the outcome. As I posted in my last entry, I learned something - love it!!! On to greener pastures now - wait, I don't mean retirement. Errrr, on with the show.

7 & 1/2 Habits

So I'm asked what are the easiest and most difficult habits to accomplish out of the 7 & 1/2 habits? As soon as I saw (heard), "Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner," I knew that would be my easiest. I hope that doesn't come off as arrogant or braggadocious, but in effect I have been learning my whole life and eagerly accept new challenges and venues for learning. Learning doesn't just occur in the classroom, but also in the house, at the store, or even while reading a blog. If it's new to the mind, it's learning. My analytical logical dominant self can't get enough.

Now the most difficult habit for me is absolutely beginning with the end in mind (determining what your goal will be). I consider myself to be a "big picture" person. If you're going to present to me, give me the grand scheme first, then the details, or else I'm completely lost. However, when I begin my own projects, too often I don't look for the end result first, and find myself making unnecessary mistakes or gaffs. A good example that commonly happens is when I make a Home Depot visit because something in or around the house is in need of repair. More times than not, I end up making return visits to Home Depot for extra parts or some other silly reason that could have been avoided had I planned for the outcome better. I know I'm not the only one who's done this. Admit it!!