Sunday, March 30, 2008

Thing 10

Originally, I thought wikis were taboo, as they were created by "amateurs". What is surprising is the studies that have demonstrated that wiki accuracy is not that far off from the established encyclopedias.

Wikis have opened my mind to the knowledge and collective thought of its contributors. As for any information source, they need to be critically evaluated before applied. Now, I don't think they should be limited as much.

I loved the Book Lovers Wiki from Princeton which would be fun to do in our school setting, either as a staff or student site (maybe both?).

I edited the "23 things on a stick" wiki. When it boils down, it is all about sharing good resources and information.

Thing 9

I did not really find either Zoho Writer or Google Docs significantly different or easier to use, but naturally gravitated to Google, as I like its simplicity and familiarity. I did not have to create an account, as I had an existing Google account. (One less password to remember!) I was able to import a document and edit, etc., without any difficulty.

Had I been aware of this Web 2.0 tool last week, it could have prevented a problem that resulted from attempting to e-mail a PowerPoint attachment for editing by another party. The recipient received the document, but the images did not come through, so he was unable to do the editing he wished.

I can't imagine what our Founding Fathers would think of this tool. I know that the ability to write and edit through word processing enables much faster recording and composition. Would they have appreciated that? I think so. Would the capacity for simultaneous editors have created chaos? Perhaps. The document could have read quite differently.

Thing 8

What I like best about these tools is that they transcend (for the most part) platforms and applications. Our school runs both Intel and OSX platforms and it can be a bit tricky (not to mention expensive) providing for and moving files, etc. from one platform to another --- even "flash drives" can fail us. Thumbstacks, Zoho, and Slideshare appear to be great options for universal sharing and access, while taking the hassle out of snags due to cross-platforms, upgrades, etc.

I was not aware until the "23 Things" of Picture Trail and other sites that add pizzazz to files and presentations. Although I don't have immediate application for this, I can see its use in graphic design classes for staff and students who want to jazz up their presentations. Young people would really have fun with this, as would they with other tools like Big Huge Labs. I tried downloading a trial version of Big Huge Lab, but it does not appear compatible with my home OSX machine. (Sigh . . . ) I'll try it on my school PC sometime.

Again, I had no idea that eFolio existed and was amazed at the diversity and extent of information accessible on students' and professionals' lives (including a performance recording of a professional trumpeter!) This could be a good tool for prospective employees to demonstrate an "edge" when applying for professional positions.

What I appreciate most to date about the "23 Things" is the exposure to new trends in online tools.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Thing 7

When I started as a media specialist in 1996, our K-4 building did not have email. Now, of course, it is the main form of communication within and between our school buildings. Our students do not have email accounts, but staff and parents use it for questions about resources, scheduling, overdue books, etc.

Our building has used Webinars for staff development, most recently training on our electronic report cards/grade books and NWEL MAP testing. This saved our building considerable training expense.

I am not a current user of instant messaging, but was a heavy user during my Webcohort graduate program through the University of North Texas. I have fond memories? of Sunday evenings at my home computer chatting with professors and fellow classmates. I am grateful for this form of communication and other online tools that make programs possible to anyone, nearly anywhere in the world.

The OPAL master schedule looks fantastic. I have downloaded the plug in and look forward to tuning into some of the upcoming book discussions starting with The Madness of Mary Lincoln April 10th.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Thing 6

It is great to be exposed to all the free online tools for image editing, both in terms of "aesthetic" or just ordinary desktop editing tools. There are some easy and flexible templates that have great potential for customizing graphics and presentations.

Toondoo has application for the graphic novel fans (and others) who wish to create their own graphic stories. It provides a "less traditional" creative option for expression of ideas.

Thing 5

I can't say I spent a great deal of time playing with Flickr. The Flickr jigsaws have potential in the Media Center (posters, author trading cards, or Dewey subject cards, etc?). At any rate, it is a good resource to have ready and the creative possibilities seem endless.

(I chose our cat as a Flickr jigsaw subject because she is reclining on a pillow of bird field guides with wild song birds dining on sunflower seeds right outside the window --- I love the incongruity.)