Thing 4 - Flickr

I have been playing with this a lot today. I have all my pictures on my computer on Picasa, but haven't used their web album much. Wasn't sure I should change to flickr when I already have Picasa set up, but when I started using Picasa I wasn't really happy with how I could organize and name things, etc. so I tried Flickr. Still not the most user friendly, but I will keep playing with both.

Here is a sample picture from our whirlwind trip to Europe last April, for more pictures you can go to this flickr site.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cconners1

It could take me the rest of this class to organize my pictures on either one of these sites.....

# 3- Lifelong learners

These 7 1/2 habits were a good read for me. I have a tendency to get real busy and go from thing to thing, without a real plan. Habit # 1 was a good reminder for me, help me prioritize and set goals. Habits # 2 & 4 are probably the easiest for me, since I usually am a quick learner and sailed through H. S. and college. Habit # 3 was another good reminder - I am kind of wired that way anyway. Habit # 5 & 6 are probably the hardest, just because I never thought about creating a "learning toolbox", but can see the value in it and think it would be a really good idea to learn to utilize Podcasts on the ipod I have owned the past 2 years, etc. I do enjoy teaching, even used to teach line dancing!!
Habit # 7 1/2 is evolving....I have lived vicariously through my children's sports and activities for too long. Now that I will be an "empty nester" next year, it is time to redevelop activities my husband and I enjoy. (I think my years as a horse owner/rider have passed.....at least my husband doesn't want any more "hay burners" around). Time marches on......

Thing 2.2 - Web 2.0

When I first read the story on how schools were using WEB 2.0, it made my head spin. I couldn't keep up, even reading it! I realize that we are just tapping the surface of all that is available, and you almost need everyone really tech savvie in order to use it to it's full potential. However, this class is a great start to get more people on board and using this technology to enhance the whole educational experience.

I also realize how important this is to all the kids, it's not enough to have just basic computer skills anymore. Teachers graduating from College who already are familiar with and adapting to this new technology are much more marketable, and much more comfortable teaching the next generation. It opens up the world and the learning opportunities in areas never before imagined. Now the step is to get kids engaged and interested and driving their own education.

We have come a long way since my electric typewriter that got me through college......

Thing # 2 - what makes a good blog?

What makes a good blog?
I must say that when I went to both blog sites, I quickly lost interest. My first thought is that most blogs are just a good way to waste a lot of time, and I don't usually just surf the web and areas looking for other peoples comments on something that I might be interested in. I can get the news I need and don't usually needs lots of other peoples comments and opinions.

However, as I thought about it more and the few blogs that I did subscribe to, I realize some very important things they offer. Pages such as Caring Bridge or Care Pages, for people dealing with serious illness/life issues, offer a lifesaving spot for people to post to and update a large number of people at once, along with getting much needed encouragement and feedback. I am thankful that these are available.

How do blogs enhance existing web sites? I also do appreciate people's comments and feedback on products when I am doing online shopping, however I notice that most people that post to these spots have only owned the item they are commenting on less than one month, and often haven't even figured them out yet, so I sometimes question how reliable they are. That, or they will post if/when they have had a very negative experience. It is nice to be able to see if there is a pattern with a certain item, however.

Are blogs an easier way for people to self-publish? I am sure blogs are a real easy way for people to self-publish. Are places like Xanga considered a blog? I know out-of-town family used to appreciate my children's updates on there, it made Grandma and Grandpa feel like a part of the happenings, and up to date. They weren't really happy when Facebook took over and they no longer could read posts. But again most people are not going to be interested in reading all of this. It is easy to self-publish; but you still need to make it relevant to get it read.

There are certain blogs I do enjoy, but again they must be REALLY relevant to me, I doubt I will use blogs much.

23 Things - The first Thing

Greetings!

I am not a teacher, but I am sure I will find all this useful. I already got stuck on the first site, couldn't see the podcasts....hopefully by the end of these sessions I will be able to fix this without always bothering Ron!

I am a Mom trying to keep up with the technology my kids use, and maybe even teach them a thing or two they don't know. There are always ways to use this technology at my work, I am sure. I am looking forward to using this enough to be comfortable with it, not just hearing about it, and then being able to share it with others.

Thanks for reading.....