Is It the End or Only the Beginning?

Well...I am so excited this is it! LOL  I will grudgingly admit that I enjoyed most of the "23 Things".   I even think I learned a "Thing" or two!  LOL 

My favorite Things were the calendars, the fun gadgets and gizmo's that can be used just to add some fun and spice to a dull day.  The cartoon caricatures and magazine cover options were neat.

I will definitely be using a weekly blog for my classroom.  It's just a fantastic way to keep students, parents and teachers on the same page.  I loved learning the Mail Merge option.  Such a time saving tool! 

I didn't like some of the "Things".  For example, Live binders just didn't excite me and neither did the RSS assignment.  I do think this is a very productive project for this technology class.  Because if it hadn't been for the 23 Things, I would never have went on my own and learned most of these things.  For those who are technologically challenged, this assignment pushed me out of my comfort zone.  I truly did learn things that will be beneficial to me and that I will use in my own classroom!

I've posted a little parting video to this assignment.  Just thought it was cute!  Enjoy teaching everyone!  And remember....Anyone can teach, but only those who are CALLED become Master Teachers!  :)

Thing # 23

Ok..so this is it!  Ready?  Let's finish this "Thing"!  :)  I just took the time to go the the APSU 23 Things site and clicked the "about page" option.  This tab gave me the explanation of where the 23 Things came from.  Apparently, Stephen Abrams wrote an article entitled, "43 things that I (or you) may want to do this year".  This caught the attention of the Technology Director of the Carlotte Mecklenburg County Public Library, Ms. Helene Bowers.  She and her staff used Mr. Abrams article as a outline to design the "Learning 2.0 Program", from which 23 Things for Teachers was born.

Because of this "Thing", I am now more comfortable in my understanding of what "Creative Commons" is.  I believe I can avoid using copyrighted work within my classroom based upon this assignment.  I will definately make sure that I give proper credit to the work of others.  I hope to teach my students the importance of using CC.

Thing # 22

Hey Ya'll!!!  So...what did you think about this "Thing?"  To be truthful, I wasn't excited.  I looked at it... then went to FB! LOL  I looked at it again...then went back to FB! ha-ha.....I just wasn't looking forward to this one.  Seemed like too much work.  Or actually, just more than I wanted to do.  BUT...I knew I HAD to get past it so I just sat down determined to muddle my way through and X this one off the list.

I'm not going to lie...I finished it, but I didn't get any more excited than I did the first time I looked at it.  I think if I used this daily, I would probably learn to like it.  It does seem to be a fast and somewhat easy way to keep all the digital folders together in one spot...but...I don't know.  It just didn't ring any bells with me. 

So, here's the link to one of the folders I created.  I made three folders and labeled them 5th, 6th and 7th Grade History.  I placed a few things in each folder.  I figure this "Thing" will be one of those AH-HA! moments when I am finally teaching in my own class.  I can just see myself drowning in all the websites I'm trying to scroll thru in my favorites box and trying to find that "certain" one...when I'll hear Dr. Wall's voice saying, "LiveBinders is a really neat thing.  I love it!"  :)  (You really did say that Dr. Wall!  LOL) 
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=850005

Welp...let's keep moving!!!  :) :) :)

Thing # 21

Ok...So I REALLY had fun creating this little collage of my kids! Did you have fun with this one??? Take a look and see why I think I'm a very blessed mom!!

Make your own slideshow with music at Animoto.

I love my kids more than life itself! I'm sure if your a parent, you feel the same. If you're not one yet...trust me. NOTHING is better than having children. They love you unconditionally. I think it's the closest thing to feeling God's love that we can experience here on this earth! Well...I need a kleenex! No! Not because of my video silly! But because it's allergy season!!! GOTCHA!!! :P :P :P

Thing # 20

Hello Everyone!  I knew EXACTLY what vidoes I wanted to post for this "Thing".  I have a love hate relationship with YouTube.  I use it quite often to search instructional videos for my math classes.  I also like to search for older song videos.  However, this is a site I will not let my children access.  There is sooo much junk on this site!  Even when you aren't looking for smut it shows up!  So...Youtube is not accessible on my children's computers. 

However, here are a couple of videos I have accessed that are comical...but very true.  The first one I'm posting is in honor of all of us "mom's" out there who are tired of sounding like a tape recorder!  Listen and laugh with me........

Next....there's an "Instructional Video" that all husband's need to see...Ready??? I don't think there is anything left that I can say that can top those! LOL See ya!!!!

Thing # 19

Wow!!!!!  This "Thing # 19" gave me a few FITS!  I can not tell you how many HOURS I spent...Yes, I said HOURS....trying to get my badge posted to my blog!  UGH!  Don't you laugh at me either.  I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Really?  That was so easy!"  (If you are ARE saying that....just don't say it very loudly! :P)

So....now that I am past that nightmare...let's talk about the other aspects of "Thing 19".   I love to cook...when I have the time, of course.  I love to try new recipes.  So...I checked out the Tasty Kitchen website/blog and absolutely LOVE it!!!  I put it in the favorites file on my computer!

 

 

I found it amusing that there were instructions on how to use Facebook!  I mean...who in the world doesn't use FB???  LOL  Anyways, the only social media site I frequent besides FB is a religious organizational website called EveryonesConnected.  However, since FB came along, that site has been pretty quiet!  So....let's move on to the next "Thing."  The finish line is in site!!!!!! :)

Thing # 18

https://www.facebook.com/#!/sherry.mcneily

 

 

Hey again!  I mean isn't this going to be the easiest "Thing" EVER!!!  Come on!  Everybody uses facebook!  At least, everybody that is BREATHING!  :) :) :)  I love FB because it allows me to connect with friends both past and present.  Friends that live across country that I haven't seen in years are still a part of my life thanks to FB.  I enjoy viewing everyone's pictures and reading what's going on in their lives.  However........I also hate FB when it becomes a gossip page or when people use it to "slam" others because they do not agree with them. 

 

Now Twitter is a different story.  I have never been a fan.  How about you?  I just don't have time to sit and post what I'm doing every five minutes and no one would care anyways!  I really don't want to know that right this second you are in the bathroom because "nature" called.  And I certainly don't want to know that five minutes later you are clipping your toenails.  Seriously....these tweets I saw when I viewed Twitter.  Yep...that's not a site I'm interested in!

 

I do believe that FB could be used within my classroom as a tool for students to post questions regarding assignments that they need clarification for.  It can also be used to post pics and notes from me for the parents to see and read.  I will most definitely be setting up a FB account when I have my own classroom. 

 

I also think its important for educators to be knowledgeable about these sites because they are part of the growing technologies field.  Whether I like them or not, the likelihood of them being a part of my classroom is extremely great.  So......this "Thing" was easy!!  Let's check out # 18.....Hurry!!!!!  We are almost finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Thing # 17

Ok...Ok...I KNOW the Delicious website has NOTHING to do with food.....but....I just couldn't resist.  :)  You gotta admit...looks pretty good, huh?

Well.....to get to the actual "Thing" I am supposed to be blogging about........

 

I had never heard of the Delicious website.  Had you?  But this is a tool that I want to stay on my toolbar for future use.  It makes social bookmarking so easy and it's very simple to use!

I will admit to sitting and hearing Dr. Wall talk about social bookmarking sites, but never really thought it would be anything that would benefit me in my classroom.  But, after watching the tutorial, I realize the reason I thought that was because I truly didn't understand what the social bookmarking jargon meant!  But....now I do! 

I looked at my "bookmark" list on my personal computer and realized I had done exactly what they discussed in the tutorial.  I had lists and lists of sites that needed to be classified under one tag for easier use!  So...I have every intention of organizing them onto the Delicious account I created.  When I graduate and have a class of my own, this will be a fabulous tool.  Teachers supplement their curriculum by items found online.  It can be so frustrating to organize hundreds of bookmarks.  But since learning about Delicious.com, it will be painless!!!

Anybody hungry?????? LOL   Chocolate cake sounds really good right now! :P

Thing #16

Love it! Love it! LOVE IT!!! Can ya tell I like this "Thing" ?   LOL I had lots of fun sitting here experimenting with all the links and gadgets. I actually spent much more time than I had planned on! I kept asking my husband, "Did you know you can do this?" "Did you already know how to do that?" LOL He finally told me he'd be glad when this semester was over so I would stop asking him so many questions. So, I'll bug YOU!

Did you know how to fix your own home page with all the neat things you like? I didn't....but I sure went to town on it when I realized how wonderful it would be to be able to access all my main websites from my log in page! Now the things I check daily are all on my home page! LOVE IT!!! I chose IGoogle because their background themes are very pretty and cover a range of different things. After taking all that time to add the gadgets I like, of course I made it my homepage

Like I have told you before...if you've been reading my blogs...that online calendars are something I use quite frequently.  My husband pastors a church (which you would also know if you've read my previous blogs) and I create a monthly calendar with all our church events.  Otherwise, I would forget...and it would not look very good for the pastor's wife to "forget" the day I'm supposed to be feeding the shut-ins! :)

 

 

The online to do lists are just too much work for me!  I'd rather jot myself a note on a piece of paper and keep it in my purse for easy access when I'm out.  But, otherwise...I'd definitely recommend using the calendars for both personal and educational use.  Such an easy way to remember important dates! 

Welp....told you this one was a long one!  Whew!  I'm ready for a break!  Check back with me later and we'll see what's in store for us with "Thing 17."  Nite ya'll....................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

Thing #15

Wow!  Is it snowing outside!  Huge flakes!!!  Someone needs to tell the weatherman that it is SPRING!!!  Ok..sorry...I'm over it! :)

Now...on to Thing #15.  Wiki's!!!!  I think Wiki's are FANTABULOUS!  (That's a word my 6 year old nephew uses!)  I can think of several ways that Wiki's in my classroom will be an asset.  First of all, my students can create an online study guide for an upcoming test.  They can add the information such as vocabulary words, geographical information, etc. for all the students' to have access.  Then other students' can come in and edit this information by adding additional facts, or possible updating or correcting a fact that was entered incorrectly by a previous student.  Great tool!

Other examples would be:
 * A mock-debate in wiki form
 * Detailed and illustrated descriptions of governmental processes: how a bill becomes a law, etc.
 * An “everything I needed to know I learned in Ms.Teachername’s class” wiki where students add   their own observations of ways the class knowledge has spilled over into the “real world.”

Well....enough of this!  Let's see what Thing #16 holds.....come on!  Hurry!!!  Time is almost up! :)

Thing #14

Hi ya'll!  Been awhile since I blogged so I figured I better get busy!  The end is near!!!!  Hallalujah! :)  Anyways...let's talk about Thing #14.  Mindmaps and Flowcharts...hmmm......
To be completely honest, I didn't know much about them until this assignment.  How about you?  I've seen them used, of course, but just didn't really take the time to stop and contemplate their usefulness.

I believe I like Flowcharts much more than Mindmaps.  I experiemented with Gliffy and Mindmeister.  I found Gliffy to be very user friendly.  I could see myself using this site to create flowcharts for use within my lesson plans.  For example, my Unit Plan is written for 6th Grade / Social Studies.  It is based upon William Penn and the founding of Pennsylvania.  Using a flowchart would be a great way to show the progression of the immigrantion process from start to finish!  I also like the Venn Diagrams that are used as flowcharts.

However, I didn't like Mindmaps!  Did you find them confusing?  I do not believe they would be as effective as flowcharts.  Mindmaps just seemed to combine an awful lot of information...almost to the point of overload!  For my students, I want something simple and pleasing to the eyes. 

Well...this Thing #14 was kinda boring! LOL  Let's move on and hope the next one is better! 

Thing # 13

Ok everyone.....fasten your seatbelts!  Don't be scared...are you ready?

I TRIED SOMETHING NEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    :P

I composed my Thing #13 blog as a PowerPoint using Google Doc.  So, if the link works....check it out!  Just copy and paste it in your browser.............Come on!  You can do it!!!!  LOL

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FtJvgfET5-XT6NgPjGTFvwYRGskP-xAC1AyJoHApmGo/edit?usp=sharing


Wonder what I can come up with for Thing # 14???  :)  See ya!

Thing # 12

     Good morning everyone!  Unless it's not morning...then I should say something else! LOL  But, it's morning time for me so, "Good morning, everyone!"  :)  Well, after being somewhat disappointed with Thing 11, I was glad to move on.  Unfortunately, when I read Thing 12, I didn't expect to really like it either.  But, I was wrong!

     The Picasa Web Album is awesome.  Don't you think so?  I mean...what a neat way to post current pictures of your class activities for parents and faculty to peruse.  Kids absolutely love seeing their pictures on screen, so I know this will be something I will use in my classroom.  Below you will find a link to the album I created.  Just a short journey with my family....Check it out and tell me what you think.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117331216562664202450/albums/5848787637191887857

Cool, huh?  My kids are pretty awesome and I have the BEST husband ever.  :) 

     Now, let's talk about Google Calendar.  This is something I have been using for awhile now.  As most of you know, if you've read my previous blogs, my husband pastors a church.  We pass out a monthly calendar with all the activities for the month listed.  I went in and made a short version of my February calendar.  Trust me....it has no where near the activities on it that my actual calendar has.  But...you'll get the point.  Check it out:

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=mcneilyapsu%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago

     I don't know about you, but there are so many ways I can think of to use Google Calendar in my classroom.  I can actually create different calendars for different events.  For example, I can have a calendar for important faculty related dates; another for my students birthdays; another for parent/teacher conferences.  There are so many ways to utilize this tool.  It already simplifies my life.  Without it, I would forget where I am supposed to be each day and what I'm supposed to be doing!

     Time to move on to Thing # 13!  Want to go with me?????

Thing # 11

 

 

 

Sniff....Sniff.....Ok ya'll......I am not so excited about Thing # 11.  I'm actually pretty bummed....sigh.  I was REALLY looking forward to learning something new again, but this didn't excite me in the least.  I actually found it quite boring!  Come on, admit it.  You did too, right?  Yeah, I know...you just don't want to admit it in case Dr. Wall actually reads our blogs!  LOL 

I will say that the Technorati site was probably the easiest to navigate.  The tutorial helped tremendously.  And I think that site would be fairly easy to find the information a teacher might be looking for.  But the most confusing site was the Edublog's Award Winners.  There is just SO much information on that site that it's a little overwhelming for those of us who are still somewhat intimidated by all this technology!    

I am actually somewhat familiar with the topix.net site.  However, my personal opinion on this site is the only good use for it is to find out the local gossip!  Not my cup of tea!

So...this "thing" was disappointing.  Why don't you follow me to "Thing # 12"  and let's see if it gets any better.  Come on........let's go!!!!

                                                          

Thing # 10

I LOVE it when I learn something new!  I'm sure those of you who are "tech savvy" probably use RSS feeds all the time.  It's old school for you, right?  Well, for me...it's brand new! 

As I've said before...I am not a computer "geek" and I'm definitely not technologically gifted, so I'm learning what RSS is and what it does for the very first time.  Yes...unbelievable, I know.  But, it's true!

Now don't get me wrong.  I've seen that little orange icon on my husbands ipad many times.  But, I never asked what it was...and to be honest...I really didn't care.  But, I care now!  This is a great tool!  I mean, I can now keep up with so many pages that interest me without having to type in each URL.  How convenient is that?????

This tool will be a tremendous help to me when I have my own classroom.  Just thinking of all the educational sites that I can visit and pull data from to enhance my lessons is amazing!  What's even better than the enormous amount of material is the convenience of accessing it!

Now, in my personal life...I suppose I could use it to keep up with any personal blogs that I like to read or any updated news links.  But, for me, the greatest benefit will be in the area of my classroom.  I'm sure many teachers already use this site for updated educational clips, games and lesson plans. 

I have definitely learned something today that I will use over and over again!  Thanks for the tip!!

Thing # 9

     Well...here we are again.  I'm still playing around with all these great Web 2.0 tools.  I put myself on the magazine cover to the left by going to http://www.fakemagazinecover.com/.  It was easy to do!  Go ahead...try it!  You can really make some crazy things on that site!

     Since Thing #9 is supposed to be all about having fun....Let's see what I can come up with...hmm????  How about these?


                                            

http://www.happyfacegenerator.com/

 
         
                                        
                                     

http://mashable.com/2009/08/22/image-generators/

 


I think I would use these generators solely for the purpose of adding some "fun" images to my class blogs...or even my PowerPoints for instructions!  It would definately keep the kids interested!! 


   Well.......time to move on!  Let's see what the next "Thing" is all about........Come on...Go with me!!!!!!!

Thing #8

   

That is so cool!  LOL  Hi everybody!  I love this Mashup tool!  I've been sitting here for over an hour playing with my pics.  :)  If you haven't tried this one...give it a whirl.  It's extremely easy...and I'm all about things that aren't complicated.  :) 
     I don't know about you, but I would definitely want to use this tool in my classroom blog.  I believe the students would love to see class pics on the blog in this manner.  It's so simple, that it would take no time at all to update.  What a great way for parents to see what activities have been going on inside the classroom!
   

  I share alot of my personal photos online on my FB account.  However, I do make them private so only my closest friends and family can see them.  I think people are way too free with their personal information on the web.  I mean, come on....do we really need to know that you're trimming your toe nails in the bathtub?  I mean...PLEASE! 

      And another thing.......

when posting those personal pics.......just remember.  If you allow anyone access to them, they can be copied and photo shopped and end up on who knows what type of website.  So, I think you should guard your personal family photos like a soldier at Fort Knox.  The last thing I want is for some pervert to take my daughters pic, photo shop it and ruin her image and her reputation.  So...post wisely guys!!!!!

Thing #7

    

Hey guys!  Well, I must admit to learning something new today.  I have heard all my friends talk about Flickr, but I just never thought I'd use it!  So, learning this step in our 23 Things was a challenge.  But, I believe I figured it out.  :)  I chose the above picture for my Thing #7 because in a small way, it's sort of personal.
     You see, I lived in Sylcauga, Alabama for 12 years.  My daughter did a history report in 5th grade for her school on child labor in Alabama.  (She won first place, by the way.  Proud Momma moment here!!!! )  Anyways, we began to research child labor laws and were amazed to discover that the Avondale Mills plant in our town was one of the largest factories in our portion of the state to employ child labor.  The picture listed above, which you can view for yourself at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/167337060/ was taken at the Avondale Mills plant in Birmingham by  Lewis Hine for the National Child Labor Committee, November 1910. 
     My daughter and I stood outside this plant and took many pictures of what it looks like today.  As we stood there, we discussed what it would have been like back then to have to allow your children to go to work in factories that were dangerous to adults, long enough to children.  Kids as young as 4 picked up yarn from the floor of this plant.  Others were hired to sweep the floors and to keep coal in the furnace.  Most days these children were forced to work 16 hours with little or no food.  And of course, an education was out of the question.
     I don't know about you.  But I am very thankful that economic times do not require my children to leave school and get a job in order for my family to have food on the table.  As we walked through this factory, which had been shut down due to a fire a few years earlier, you could almost hear the voices of the children......lives lost, childhood's taken away.  Child labor in America should make us hang our heads today as we look at the past.  You may be asking yourselves, "How could society have allowed this?"  That's a question I can not answer......................

Thing #6

     It so amazing the things that are at my fingertips these days!  The subjects you can research and the places you can see are absolutely endless.  I don't know about you, but I could spend hours surfing all the Web 2.0 links out there.  I actually spent a couple hours viewing all the different ones just for this blog alone!  How long did you spend looking for your tool?  Did you let time get away from you too?
     I found a site that really excited me.  I can see so many uses for it within my future classroom.  Not all students are visual learners, like me.  But even those who aren't still could learn a great deal from what I discovered today.  My tool can be found at www.visualthesaurus.com.  VisualThesaurus is an online interactive thesaurus designed for visual learners. 
     Type in any word you want to know more about, and instead of just reading a boring definition, VisualThesaurus defines the word by visual interactive pictures.  This program then expands on the basic definition and ties it to supporting facts.  Try it!  Go ahead....I dare you.  :)  I promise you won't be able to stop at one word.  Kinda like that Lays Potato Chip commercial...."you can't eat just one." Well, you can't "read just one!"  LOL  Go to the website at the above link and type in the words "solar system."  It's amazing!
     Educators could really take advantage of this tool when teaching on a subject that has alot of detail.  If it's broken down and the students can "see" all the layers of the term and how they connect to other things, they will love learning!  Go ahead....try it!  Bet you can't "read just one!"  :)

Thing #5

     What does "School 2.0" mean to you?  Hmm....As I was reading some articles today about "School 2.0", all I could seem to do was ask myself, "Why didn't you consider this?"  :(  You see, I have a son, David, who is one of the joys of my life.  He's top in his class academically and his IQ is amazingly high (I know this because the school asked to test him).  So, I'm a proud momma...in case you couldn't tell!  LOL  But, I could have really used this knowledge a few years ago to benefit him.  David was bullied in school severely.  We had to pull him from the public school system and home school him for 3rd thru 5th grade.  What I would have given to have thought about the options available, such as "School 2.0!"  I mean, a virtual school with an actual teacher that he could have "Skyped" would have been such an amazing thing!
     As a future educator, when I think about the possibilities for my classroom using today's technological advances, it excites me!  What?  It intimidates you?  Aaahhh...come on!  We can do this!  :)  Most students today absolutely LOVE any type of gadget.  When I think about blogs, IMovies, Skype,  Interactive game sites, Talking avatars...this list of what we will have available to engage our students is endless.  Some teachers want to shy away from new technology and stick to teaching "inside the box."  Why not use what engages kids?
     For example, while home schooling, when I told my son it was time to study his vocab for his test, he ALWAYS moaned.  I mean, you have to admit...a booklet, paper and pencils are not very exciting study tools!  LOL  But now, he comes to me and asks if it's time to study!  Why?  Because his teacher uses interactive games that she invents and places on the computer for the students to use.  He thinks he just playing a game.  But, we know he's learning!
     I truly believe there will come a day in the future, where going to an actual school building for school will be rare.  I can see the pathway leading to more students enrolling in online schools and working from home.  For those students, like my son, who suffer from bullying...think of how that could change their lives!  Instead of not wanting to work or go to school for fear of being harassed, they wake up excited to log on from the comfort of their home and learn in a safe and loving environment. 
     I have given much thought to working as an online teacher/tutor after graduation.  Have you considered the possibility of teaching from home using things such as an online academy?  Maybe you should give it some thought.  Technology is here and it's advancing every day.  Don't run from it!!  Embrace it and use it to your advantage......See ya next time!

Thing #4

     Hi everybody!  I'm back again!  I don't know about you, but I have discovered through this blogging experience that commenting on anothers blog is a great way to become friends!  Blogging is a very personal experience for the author.  But for it to become a personal experience for those reading the blog, one must interact with the author.  I have found that I sit in class with my classmates and do not know the majority of their names!  But, since we have begun this blogging experience, I am getting to know them by reading their posts.  It truly does make the classroom of students feel more like a small community.     I also learned that to be an effective blogger, I need to respond to my readers comments.  I will admit to not doing a good job of that so far.  But...I'll get there!  What about you?  Do you try to respond to everyone's comments?  I am also thinking about posting a controversial blog, just to see if the comments on that type of blog are greater than the comments on my regular blogs.  Have you ever thought about taking it up a notch?  I'm going to having to give that one some more thought.
     I selected these first five blogs of my classmates because I either recognized the names and could put a face to the avatar, or because they were ahead of me and I was curious.  The classmates I responded to were:  Mary Ann Swaney - Thing 1
                                                             Shammontree's 23 Things
                                                             Valeta Winn - Thing 1
                                                             Jessica Baggett - Thing 3
                                                             Christen Lancaster - Thing 3
The two outside blogs I posted on were two of my friends blogs.  I thought it would be interesting to actually post on someones blog that I recognized.  They are:
                                                             Shelly Deason.com
                                                             Barnabasblog
On both of these blogs I commented that I enjoyed their post and would return for future visits!  The first blog is of a friend of mine who blogs about overcoming abuse as a child.  The second blog is written by a pastor friend who enjoys blogging about various scriptures.
                                              
Would you rather post on someone's blog you know or a stranger's?  Hmm.....something to think about..........

Thing #3

     Hi!  I sure hope your blogging experience is as exciting as mine!  I'm really getting into this posting my opinions thing.  LOL This week's "Thing 3" led me to some exciting ideas! 
     I had never truly thought about using a blog in my classroom.  But after researching its usage, the possibilities are endless!  I don't know about you, but students these days are so much smarter than I was at their age.  I actually asked my eleven year old if his class used blogs.  He looked at me as if he couldn't believe what a stupid question I had just asked him!  He said, "Well, yeah!  All my classes use 'em."  So.....needless to say after that statement, I decided it must be the "in thing" and I had better do some research. 
     Some of the great ways I found to use blogs are:
1.  Post weekly challenges such as a riddle or brainteaser that requires the students to think creatively and critically. Ask students to post their answers on the blog then discuss the solutions with the whole class at the end of the week. This will tremendously improve their problem-solving skills.
2.  Use a section in my blog for classroom news. Work with students to identify the kinds of information they would like to share with their parents, then engage them in writing and posting daily or weekly news updates.
3.  Use blogs for classroom projects where students can include videos, clips, audio, text and images.
4.  Use blogs for peer learning. Get students to read their colleagues writings and underline spelling and grammatical mistakes.
5.  Use my blog as a communicative tool both with my students and their parents.    
     What do you think?  I'm sure you have your own ideas about how to use a blog in your classroom.  I would love to hear it!  Post away...............

Thing #2

     Well, here we are again!  Whew!  I don't know about anyone else, but I am EXTREMELY technically challenged.   So, posting for this blog was a nightmare for me.  I am fully expecting to get better as time goes along though.  So, if you see a typo or a grammatical error......be patient!  Ok????
     I have friends who are regular "bloggers."  But, to be honest, I just never really got into the craze.  I could say it is because I really don't have the time to post my thoughts and read everyone else's.  But truthfully, it's because I have a hard time doing anything on a computer but checking my email and facebook.
     I took the easy way out and elected to attach my subject matter, "23 Things" to my blog address.  I figure if anyone out there decides to actually look up these points for a future class discussion, they may actually come read my ramblings!
     I actually tried to design my avatar to look a little bit like me! I wonder what the percentage is of those who actually try and make a "mini-me?"  That would be interesting to google, wouldn't it?  If anyone actually does...post and let me know!  Talk with you soon............

Thing #1

        I enjoyed reading 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners!  I love learning new things.  I am the type of person who will try over and over again until I get a new concept correct.  My husband tells me I'm "ocd"...and he may be right.  :)
       I have always said you are never too old to learn.  When I first thought about re-entering college after so many years, I will admit to having more than a few reservations.  But those reservations did not include my ability to learn something new.  They mostly centered around time constraints.  But, I have found the old adage, "Where there is a will, there is a way" to be true.
       I believe the hardest for me of the 7 1/2 habits is #6, "Using technology to your advantage."  I am not a technological person.  Up to this point, my computer skills have been limited to email and Facebook.  LOL  So, while this class intimidates me, it also is very exciting to be learning skills that will make my career as a teacher more successful. 
      The easiest of the 7 1/2 habits or me is # 7.  I have been a pastors wife for the last 15 years.  Mentoring and teaching is a large part of that responsibility.  So, I have no qualms instructing and mentoring others.  I am a people person. I believe you must be if you are going to be a successful teacher/mentor to others.