For whatever reason, I'm having a hard time with this one. I'll come back to it.
I get it now! Thanks, Bruce Goodner! And it's SOOO cool! I can definitely see using this in a library setting. Or a classroom setting. Or on a home computer. Or anywhere! This is a tool I have never seen before and never used. I like the way it looks and the fact that the kids can only search select websites. Awesome!
http://rollyo.com/txmel/travel/
Above is my link to a bunch of travel websites. I searched some other Rolls and found one I liked, removed a few links, added a couple more, and made it my own. Fun!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Thing 16: Wikis
I have used wikis a lot in the past year and a half. I have some strong feelings toward them. I don't really like them. Here's why.
First, I hate wikispaces. There's not spell check and the formatting is impossible. I like PB Works a lot better, but it's still a challenge to format. I don't like that anyone can change my work. I am aware that the wiki tracks changes, however, sometimes they're confusing and hard to read. On top of that, it's up to an individual to look at the changes to see if I did my work or not. Finally, I have found the multiple pages and links hard to manage and make sure they're not broken. It can be hard to keep up with if you are not proficient in the program.
Despite my dislike for wikis, I know students use them and like them. I can see them being used in instructional settings for collaborative projects, world-wide discussions, and/or brainstorming. I think my dislike for wikis stems from the fact that they were NOT explained to me when I began using them. I was unfamiliar with the technology but expected to just jump right in and get wiki-ing. If students don't know what they are (which most of them do), explaining them clearly and thoroughly will help. Also, leaders need to set strict guidelines and information for the project and track the changes often to keep the project and students in check.
First, I hate wikispaces. There's not spell check and the formatting is impossible. I like PB Works a lot better, but it's still a challenge to format. I don't like that anyone can change my work. I am aware that the wiki tracks changes, however, sometimes they're confusing and hard to read. On top of that, it's up to an individual to look at the changes to see if I did my work or not. Finally, I have found the multiple pages and links hard to manage and make sure they're not broken. It can be hard to keep up with if you are not proficient in the program.
Despite my dislike for wikis, I know students use them and like them. I can see them being used in instructional settings for collaborative projects, world-wide discussions, and/or brainstorming. I think my dislike for wikis stems from the fact that they were NOT explained to me when I began using them. I was unfamiliar with the technology but expected to just jump right in and get wiki-ing. If students don't know what they are (which most of them do), explaining them clearly and thoroughly will help. Also, leaders need to set strict guidelines and information for the project and track the changes often to keep the project and students in check.
Thing 15: Library Futures
I've read several things by author Michael Stephens and listened to my boss talk about one of the conferences she went to where he spoke. I found his article very poignant. He points out that librarians in this day and age need to focus on being technologically adept and fast-thinking. I think these are incredibly important.
Today's learners are digital natives and seem to almost require technology in their learning experiences. By being able to incorporate the technology and present it in an interesting way, students are more likely to enjoy their learning experience and take more information away from it. Librarians are the forerunners in getting teachers to incorporate that technology into their lesson plans. Collaboration and co-teaching are great ways to help them do this.
Today's learners are digital natives and seem to almost require technology in their learning experiences. By being able to incorporate the technology and present it in an interesting way, students are more likely to enjoy their learning experience and take more information away from it. Librarians are the forerunners in getting teachers to incorporate that technology into their lesson plans. Collaboration and co-teaching are great ways to help them do this.
Thing 14: Tagging
I like tags. I don't often do the tagging myself, however, I read through them to see what other people have tagged items as. I do this a lot when I'm looking for books in the public library system for my MLS classes and need something specific.
I can't say that I search by tags very often. I seem to get strange results when I do that. Again, I have searched by tags when I needed something that my search terms weren't bringing up.
I think tagging can be a good tool for students to use. Generally, they search for terms that the subject heading might not understand. For example, they might search for home instead of house or domicile. They can use tags to see what others students think this work is about.
I can't say that I search by tags very often. I seem to get strange results when I do that. Again, I have searched by tags when I needed something that my search terms weren't bringing up.
I think tagging can be a good tool for students to use. Generally, they search for terms that the subject heading might not understand. For example, they might search for home instead of house or domicile. They can use tags to see what others students think this work is about.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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.
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/
http://srtasmith.edu.glogster.com/cuandoeranina/
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