Thing 13: Tagging

I have used Delicious for several of my graduate classes.  However, since that class, I haven't done much with it.  It didn't make much sense for me to keep up with it if I didn't need it.

But!  Once I get into the library, I can see recommending this for teachers to use to give resources (websites and other bookmarks) to their students.  In addition, I can see using this and allowing teachers to view mine for them to find resources, links for lesson planning, and awesome ideas.  This would be a great way to save paper and be more efficient with the little bit of time we have with kids.

Thing 11: LibraryThing

I love the fact that with Library Thing, students can see my collections and can see what I'm reading.  Teachers can use it to share what they're reading and make connections with the students and their reading.  I wonder how I could use this with a reading promotion program like Read It Forward or something similar...I'll have to keep thinking about that one.

Thing 10: Online Image Generator

I've used a lot of these in my classes.  My students have loved using Glogster.  They created posters about themselves as little kids.  It's fun to give them time to express themselves with pictures, etc. after learning how to do things in Spanish.  Here's a link to the one I created.

http://srtasmith.edu.glogster.com/cuandoeranina/

Thing 9: Library-Related Blogs and News Feeds

I didn't care for most of the search engines.  I enjoy searching blogs either by searching through the google reader "explore" option or by clicking on links within the blogs I read.  I know that's a longer process, however, if I enjoy a blogger and they enjoy another blogger, it would make sense that it would be a blog worth checking out.

Thing 8: RSS Feeder

What do you like about RSS and readers?
What do I LOVE about RSS feeders?  The fact that I go to one spot and get updates on everything I could possible want!  Whether it be my friends' blogs, blogs about reading or baking, or updates of webpages...it's great!


How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life?
I already subscribe to many and it keeps me up-to-date on everything I want to be kept up on.

How can libraries/teachers/administrators use readers or take advantage of this new technology?
This is the way I stay current with new books coming out and reviews.  Teachers can find blogs that update them on new sources, lesson plans, and great ideas.

Thing 7: Google Apps

I already use most of these Google Apps on a regular basis.  I have Picasa albums from my trips overseas, I use the Google Feeder, Calendar, and Docs often.

Here's a link to one of my photo albums.  I had just learned how to put up crown molding and this is my first solo attempt.

http://picasaweb.google.com/smith.melissa.a/ITried?authkey=Gv1sRgCM_LobbXy_GVGQ&feat=directlink

Thing 6: Third Party Sites

I made a trading card using BigHugeLabs.  I could definitely see using these in the classroom and making a "set" to review culture, grammar, and vocabulary!  Here's a picture of what I've done.