"Thing #24" Boo!

I have learned a lot of from the 23 things. I know that my bookmarks have increased as the course went on. I like it all, but in a five week course it's a big amount of stuff. The only real suggestion I have is that all the links work and when you click on something, that a different window opens up every time. I had to always open a window and go back to see what it was that I needed to comment on. Throughout my blogging I have unknowingly accomplished this "hidden thing 24" by stating what I have applied or what I will apply to my classes. I will check back on this blog to remind me of what I meant to apply to my classes and do it. All in all, I liked it. This was fun!

Thing #23

My CC example

Creative Commons is one of the things I remember learning about the most. I find it refreshing that there is now an option for people to create something and decide just how they would like to share it. It's very frustrating when you find the perfect picture for your presentation, but you can't use it because of the dreaded copyright sign, the R inside the circle. I think CC is the ultimate for artists who wish to share their work without having to pay someone to tell others how they may use it. A great way to cut out the middle man!

As a teacher, I will make sure that what I used is used properly. I'll also explain to my students how there is an entire movement out there that wants and encourages them to use their works. I'll definitely show them the CC PowerPoint that I made.

Thing #22

I don't like how the binder site is organized. I think that they could streamline this site a lot. There are too many things going on at once. They make it easy to find things, but making the binders is a bit tricky. It needs some work. For the life of me I could not figure this site out.

Thing #21

The video in Animoto was easy enough to make. I think this would be a good tool for showing off the projects of my students or a field trip or any number of things. I have had students use this for assignments before. They've done spectacular things with it.



Try our slideshow maker at Animoto.

Thing #20

Spanish hilariousness

I absolutely love this video! It's hilarious! I show this to my Spanish 2 students because they understand what he is saying and they also understand how it's a bunch of nonsense. When we are about half way through the semester, I show them the second semester of Spanish Spanish love song. They laugh and we have a good time watching these. They make reference to them throughout the semester as well. Learning another language can be stressful, so laughter is most definitely needed and a plus. I like using YouTube for references, but the site is blocked in my school system. However, I can post the link and my students can watch it at home. Thankfully, for the Spanish love songs, someone uploaded them to the county-approved teacher tube and I can show them from there.

Thing #19

Visit TeacherPop

I'm a member of IMDB and Flixster. It used to be that you had to go to the movies often and watch the previews or look in the paper or look at the movie posters. With Flixster, they tell me when a movie that I might like is coming out and what it's about. I like IMDB because I find myself trying to remember the name of that actor in that one movie that I saw that one time :) I just connect to my IMDB and I can look up almost any information I want to about a ton of movies. If I like a certain actor or actress, I can follow them and hear about a movie that they will be starring in.

I find playlist very interesting. My Spanish students wouldn't otherwise hear good music in Spanish if I didn't expose them to it. This site, along with others, allows me to do just that without having to buy every CD. I use this when my students are doing group work or working on a translation.

Thing #18

Social networking is very important for anyone. It is helpful for teachers because, if we stay connected, then we might never get stuck in a rut again, or at least we won't stay stuck for long. It allows you to think and see outside of the box. It can keep you current and fresh so that you don't get burnt out or feel like an island/classroom hermit. Twitter is a more concise way to stay current on other teachers or schools and it's very easy to locate quotes and links that they may put up. Facebook is great for obtaining more detailed information which could allow you to get more involved. Also, Facebook has email, messaging, and instant messaging options for a more personal, in-depth experience. I wouldn't say that I dislike either of the two. They both have their place. Twitter is more direct and to the point, while Facebook is, but Facebook can also be more in-depth. I think they're both very useful. I do think that Facebook has more useful features. Aside from words, you can view pictures, become friends with other people, plan events and send out invites, you can chat, and you are able to start both public and private groups. I would say that Facebook is at an advantage, but sometimes it can rob you of your time with all those features. Twitter is a quick, get in/get out sort of technology. My school already uses Facebook.