Thing 23

Working on 23 things has been very time consuming. The projects were not overly challenging, but they did introduce me to some things that I was unaware of. My views on the Internet and its educational applications is unchanged. I have been using technology throughout the year and am well aware that technology is a useful tool that will fuel education. I plan on using some of the tools to provide my classes with supplemental information and access to information presented in class. My big “take away” from this experience is students need to be introduced to the educational aspects of the Internet. They are well versed in social networking, but they are not aware of any educationally relevant aspects, due to the fact that they're not fun. We should start the year by introducing students and their families to the technologies we will be using throughout the year.

Thing 22

Using a wiki could be a useful tool in my classroom. I'd like to make a year long running wiki that information is added to throughout the year. It would proved an educational time line from September to June. Students could always reference previous information and relate it to current lessons. Wiki's are different from a blog in that a wiki can be edited by all members, whereas a blog can only be commented on. I think a blog is more appropriate when you are providing information that should not be changed. A wiki is more appropriate when a group or class is creating something.

Thing 21

I found the Survey of Literature Course - 9th grade course site to be a great idea. I want to create a site that incorporates my classroom rules with our lab safety procedures. The ability to reference online and to document the viewing is a great way to create accountability. The only problem I can see in using a wiki is students not having access to technology at their home. I know we have computer labs available, but it still hurts the students who cant afford a computer. Academically or emotionally. We are quickly approaching an educational society that would provide all students with access to technology at their homes. This is absolutely worth the fight.

Thing 20

Include in your post the name of at least one podcast to which you subscribed. Describe your experience using the various search tools. Which do you prefer and why? I found all the different methods of searching for and subscribing to podcasts to be user friendly. I prefer itunes, but only becaue I can download the software onto my computer, and it serves multiple purposes. I subscribed to a weekly tech update. The podcasts cover various forms of new technology, which considering this project, is fitting and very useful. ">

Thing 19

I searched through many blogs provided by RESA and other sources. I finally decided on the podcasts created by Dave Bydlowski. He is the science consultant for Resa and provides many ideas for lessons and informational podcasts. I think the most useful cast was the one concerning 6th grade science curriculum. We are currently reworking the science curriculum this year and Dave's casts provide a deeper understanding of the glcs and how they work together. This would have been helpful six months ago when all this started. I plan on reviewing them with my team and integrating the new information into the rest of the year and adding on to the things we've already changed.

Thing 18

Autism Spectrum Disorders

View another webinar from Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

The presentation I embedded is a great introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Its a misunderstood disorder and this gives people a good general history and symptoms of autism. Being able to upload and share presentations is a great way to share them with coworkers and classmates without the annoyance of sharing USB's or emails. This also eliminates the problem of transferring presentations that have a large amount of data. My students could also have easy access to presentations shown in class, without having to print off a hundred copies at a time.

Thing 17

I used the 30 boxes website. Its a great site that is easy to use. I've been looking for a good online calendar and this one fits my needs. I didn't allow it to access my Facebook account or any of my other information, but I can see people using that, even though Facebook notifies people. I think having an online calendar that can notify me of upcoming events without me logging in will help keep me on track in my business life. My personal life functions on a less strict schedule.