Thing #12

Topic: additional Google uses, Picasa 3,

01/31/10
I discovered Picasa by mistake while I was click click clicking away at the "Stumble!" button on my toolbar. So far, I have figured out that it is important to carefully select which folders you want Picasa to view. It automatically uploaded images from all of my folders. While I like having some of my pictures shared with the world, I don't think it's necessary or desired to share ALL 5 billion of them. I am sure that oversights in that area could and have caused problems for people, depending on the content of the photos.

So far, I have used Picasa to edit photos, but I post them to my Flickr account. That's just the method that works for me.

02/08/10: I chose to make iGoogle my homepage. My toolbar is getting quite full, and iGoogle was an option for RSS feeds to be posted. This made sense considering I can view feeds, access Blogger, Google search, and make changes to my account all on the same page. This was a great way to declutter, organize, and access information.

10 Power Tools for Lifelong Learners | Open Culture

10 Power Tools for Lifelong Learners | Open Culture

Posted using ShareThis

This is a great site for FREE Lifelong Learning opportunities. There is too much information to write about in one blog, so I will probably reference this site multiple times. It offers sites for free movies, books, online courses, foreign language classes, smart You-tube channels, and so much more. I'm sure it would qualify for one of my "Things"...but it was too good to keep to myself while I searched for the corresponding "Thing-number". Feel free to comment about anything you find through Open Culture, as I will surely overlook many items.

Thing #4

Topic: commenting on blog posts, 5 in class, 2 non-classroom, not-so-short explanation of comments, and why comments were made.

23 Things- related comments:

1. dsmithapsu Thing 6
2. Desire to Teach Thing 4
   
3. Tim's Thoughts Thing 6
4. JerryTesch's 23 Things Thing 9
   
5. Peggy Matagrano Thing 6

Other Comments:

1. From 300lbs to Triathlete 02/06/10
2. (to be completed later in semester)
   

2/4/10: I commented on dsmithapsu's Thing 6. In speaking about a search engine, a reviewer had commented that a particular website "owns me." Debbie elaborated by stating she didn't fully understand the comment or the enthusiasm behind the website.

I felt that it was important to respond to this post because it made me think about my own views about technology. I made the comment that " ____ owns me" could indicate a certain level of dependence. Although I did not post this in my comment, another way to restate it would be "I can not live without ____." I also mentioned that it is hard to find a balance between having something own you and having something assist you.

The fear of becoming completely dependent upon technology has very much hindered my utilization of it. I never want to be the person who freaks out because she lost her IPOD (I don't even own one of those) or the type of person who gets carpal tunnel in her wrist because she's always clicking away at the mouse. I think there's so much lost in an email that could be found in a hand-written note. I suppose I'm afraid complete dependence...not co-dependence.

On a slightly related note...I would still be using VHS tapes had my husband not forced me to convert to DVD's years ago and my children hadn't stuffed Cheeze-It's in the tape slot. Now that I have, I see the value in (at that time) new technology. I just don't want it to own me in a way that causes me to loose myself or be wasteful.

Also, if anyone knows a way to get crackers out of a DVD/VHS player, please let me know. They are still in there...creating a little 5 star restaurant for bugs. Not sanitary.

02/04/10 and 03/04/10 I commented on Desire to Teach Thing #4 because first of all, I enjoy any conversation that I can repeat words (i.e. I commented on his comment about me commenting on Debbie's comment). It's confusing and redundant, but I think that's why I find it amusing. I also responded to his comment about me going to school while having children. I found it very unexpected and much appreciated.

I also...ugh, I can't think right now...I'm currently repeating the example "comment" sentence in my head...that coupled with Tie Your Mother Down, Live version is causing me to loose focus.....where was I? Ha, how ironic...the next song on my Playlist is I'm Going Slightly Mad--skip it because I don't like it...ooh Hammer To Fall....good one...I digress...back to my comments (and hit "Pause").

02/04/10 I commented on Tim's Thoughts Thing #6 because I thought the site he was talking about was interesting. My family is full of golfers, and they are always engaged in friendly competition.

02/06/10 I commented on 300 lbs to Triathlete's blog post because I found Monica's current triathalon goal to be very inspiring. I also wanted to let her know that I would ask my parents (both personal trainers) if they had any advice for her journey, since she asked if anyone had any tips.

03/03/10 I commented on Jerry Tesch's 23 Things post #9 because I had a random idea that somewhat related to his post. I had read this blog entry earlier, but I did not comment until I had an art project idea that was related to musical notation. I thought it would be an interesting class topic, project, or wall decoration.

03/03/10 I responded to Peggy Matagrano's Thing 6 because I LOVED the site she chose to wright about, Lulu. I have a friend that has been talking about getting a book published for years, and this site seems like a good solution to her "publisher" problems. I am also interested in the site as well, be it either for writing or art purposes. Neat find.

Thing #3

Topic: register blog, classroom uses for blog, other uses

Register blog: Check
Complete Things 1 & 2: Check
Come up with uses: hmmmm.....

This is a hard one. I am finding that I really have no clue about certain elements of teaching, such as...well, the teaching part. My concentration is K-12 Art Education, although I really do not know which age group I would like to spend 8 hours of my day with for 25 years. I suppose that will be trial and error. Although the types of assignments and projects will vary depending on the grade level, I think there are still some valuable lessons to be learned through a blog. Listed below are a few ideas that I've come up with. How realistic they are really depends on the school, age, and resources.

1. I could create a scavenger hunt activity. Perhaps students would be required to search for x number of artworks from a particular period and blog about each one. They would be required to discuss elements of art, principles of design, brief description of artist, title, and historical context.
   
2. Students could use the blog to discuss aspects of their current project, upload images of their artwork, and provide feedback for other classmates' work.
3. Blogs could provide insight into current artist's methods and vision. Reading (teacher-approved) artist blogs could help them relate past works to current.
4. Students could use their blog to aid them in class critiques. Expanding on #2.
5. I'm really liking #1 the more I think about it. I could use student's responses to blog topics to assess student learning.
   
6. I could also use it as a tool for self assessment. If they are learning the material and standards, then there would be specific uses of vocabulary and visual description used. If these were not present, then I would know areas to focus on in the future.
7. Students would have a forum to display artwork to others. They could also be exposed to professional art networks.
8. I could work with area museums to see what programs they offer in regards to schools, education, technology, and current exhibits.

I think I'm going to stop there. I think I have a good starting point. Perhaps what would be next (other than getting an actual JOB as an Art Teacher), would be to determine how each of these uses would relate to the state standards, how I would monitor activity, what tools I would need, and appropriate content for ages.

The wheels are turnin'! That's very exciting.

Thing #2

Topic: Blog name selection, Avatar, and experiences with blogging so far.

I chose the name because it was practical and spur of the moment. If I hadn't chosen the obvious (last name, course number), I really think I would still be trying to pick out a name. I tend to over-think these types of things...it's a curse really.

As far as my Avatar is concerned, I think it's fairly representational. I am very laid back, I don't wear a lot of accessories, and I prefer solids instead of prints. I smile all the time. When I was in elementary school, I always had a difficult time convincing the nurse that I was sick. She would call my mom and say "yeah, Amanda just threw up, but she's still smiling...is this normal or should I be concerned?" I can't help it, but at least I'll have "happy wrinkles" instead of "mad angry wrinkles" when I'm older. Hopefully seeing a smiling face on the first day of school will help ease my students' nerves (and my own).

So far, I haven't blogged too much. I have a lot of drafts started. Once I come across something, I try to figure out which "thing" it belongs to. I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of editing throughout the semester. I'm still not sure about "Thing #4" though. Are we supposed to submit one post and edit it each time we comment; or are we supposed to have multiple posts titled "Thing #4", or save it until the very end? If anyone knows the answer, please share it with me. Otherwise, I'll probably just submit what I have and edit it as I go.

I think that's it for Thing #2. On to the next adventure.

Thing 1

Topic: Response to 7 1/2 Habits Slide Show, which habit is easiest, hardest, why, web 2.0 goals for learning, and blogging experiences so far

7 1/2 Habits for Life Long Learners:

1. Begin with the end in mind
2. Accept responsibility for your own learning
3. View problems as challenges
4. Have confidence as a competent effective learner
5. Create your own learning toolbox
6. Use technology to your advantage
7. Teach/mentor others....and Play (7 1/2)

Of the habits listed above, the easiest for me is Habit 2: accept responsibility for your own learning. It mentioned viewing learning as an investment, becoming an active participant in training and discussions, and reading material related to your subject/goal. This is something that has always come naturally to me. I seem to have an internal compass that's always pointed in the direction of "learning something." Granted, the learning going on may not always be relevant to the goal at hand...but that's more of an issue with management than desire/responsibility.

Using technology to my advantage is by far the hardest habit for me to master. Of the many reasons why I am "technologically challenged," ignorance is probably the biggest factor. Simply stated, I do not know how to use the web effectively or efficiently. Improving upon this lack of knowledge is a goal of mine while exploring Web 2.0 from this point forward.

As far as blogging is concerned...I am unfamiliar with this site, so that fact has caused some mild anxiety issues. I have some experience blogging through social networking sites, mainly about the craziness of my life and the humor it exudes. I am a little nervous about the tone of my blogs, especially later on as I become more comfortable with Blogger and the assignments. It will be challenging to stay on point...and not start rambling about cheerios fusing to carpet fibers or the architectural structure of toddler designed bridges.

Either way, I look forward to learning about Web 2.0 and hope I can pace myself accordingly.