Web 2.0

New and improved. This is what comes to mind when I think of Web 2.0. It's about expanding more and improving upon what is offered on the web. It's not a site, but a description of the new worldwide web as a whole. Having explored a site, and seeing how the others were listed helped me to come to this conclusion. Don't know if that's right, but I'm going with that. It's always interesting to see the different sites on the web, but even more how they come up with ways to change them to make them better, more user friendly, and geared to more of what the user wants.

Eliminating Excuses

"Miss/Sir, I forgot it at home." How many times have we heard this when we ask students for assignments? Google docs can help eliminate this excuse. Requiring students to prepare assignments using this site would ensure that they are submitted on time since the site is accessible at school. Allowing students a way to easily retrieve a document or presentation without needing to remember a flash drive would also be good. Teaching kids the various uses of google docs helps them to practice using technology and encourages student collaboration which would bring cohesiveness to the class. This is definitely a great tool for both students and teachers to use.

Using technology in the classroom

The possibilities of using technology are endless. There is so much that is being created, and most are user friendly that there really is no reason why one can't incorporate it into the classroom. Here I want to focus on pod casting. After doing the podcast exercise for class, I recognized a valuable way to use it. This past school year I saw about a third of all my students in the ESL program. When giving a test it's always difficult to cover all the modifications that these students need. My vision is to use the podcast to be able to keep all students together when taking a test without singling out any who need modifications. Being able to present both an oral and visual version of the test would be beneficial. It would allow students to easily follow and not move ahead before anyone else. Also, since it would be prerecorded, it would enable me to easily monitor the class. I see pod casting as a great tool that I could use immediately in my classroom.

Staying updated

The Bloglines assignment was quite simple. After completing the "to do" list, I took the time to explore around the site. I enjoyed being able to select the feeds that are of interest to me, and clicking on them to see what's the latest. It's always nice to stay up-to-date with news and events that are happening around the world. This site makes it easy to do that, and helps to keep all the links organized. Again, another quick and easy way to stay informed.

What a WONDERFUL World

What a WONDERFUL world
Originally uploaded by joyjames

I think to myself... What a Wonderful World. Listening to this young lady sing that song was amazing. I remember it well. It was a night filled with beautiful music, and her lovely voice. It truly is a gift to be able to touch lives with song, and this lady definitely has that gift. I'm just so happy I could sit back and enJOY it. Thankfully, her voice doesn't ever end for me. What more can I say... she's my littlle sister.

Double Reef

Double Reef
Originally uploaded by Jazzi10

One of my favorite places on Guam is a place called Double Reef. On a typical "Double Reef day," the family and I pack up and head out on our boat. It's about a 30 minute boat ride from the Hagatna Boat Basin before we touch ground on this beautiful beach. Once there, we are guaranteed a day filled with fun and relaxation. It's so refreshing to be able to get away, be together with family, and just enjoy the simple things in life.

Podcasting - Listen to me

What is a podcast? How does it work? How do we use it in education? These are some of the questions answered in the article "Using Podcasts as Audio Learning Objects." I have to say that some of the information went right over my head, but some I was able to absorb. Something that stood out was the idea that podcasts allow for learning through listening. It's obvious that there are students who would rather listen to information than read about it. Podcasting gives these students this opportunity. Also, most of the school population walks around with a device that can access a podcast, so that isn't forseen as a problem. Podcasts, however, shouldn't take the place of classroom instruction. Rather they should be used as an extension of a lesson or a way to make up for lost instruction.

Quick and Easy - "Micro-blogging"

The more I learn about microblogging, the more I like the idea. Then again anything that doesn't take much thought and is easy is more my style--speaking about technology of course. Not that I'm against anything modern, I'd just rather be up doing something than sitting in front of the computer. All that aside, microblogging can be something that I'd like to incorporate in my class to help me communicate with parents. Trying to figure out how to involve those who don't have internet access is going to be a hurdle that I will encounter. Again, I'll just have try it and see how it works for me.

Enlightenment

Reading "Social Networking" really opened my eyes. It was nice to get information on some of the very popular sites that everyone is talking about. Through the work that I've had to do for the class this week, I have a better understanding of what's out there and where it came from. More often my views about these sites have been negative, but I now realize that it was because I never really took the time to research them. There's both positive and negative aspects to these sites, but it's all in the way that you use them. Education is key... learning, knowing and understanding.

Technology--friend or foe?

As I am submerging myself into the wonderful world of technology, I shutter with fear. I can't believe just how far behind I am when it comes to all these new tools out there for me to use. I'm wondering will I ever catch up? I'm hoping that with the three P's, practice, PATIENCE, and prayer I'll enjoy this process of learning. I'm optimistic since I've got people around me who can help me along.

Another Haircut

Tuesday marked another day for my 2-year-old son to get his haircut. What an experience! I can't think of anyone else who has to have their barber come to their house just to get a trim. I don't understand why my son fights, kicks, and screams when we try to cut his hair. It just baffles my mind. I have to laugh though at the way my husband and I have to work together as a team in order to get it done. Hopefully one day soon we'll be able to sit him down and get his haircut without all the drama. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.