Thing #8

I noticed that the wikis' organization were basically the same. The wikis I viewed had a home page with navigation tools on the left that had topics pertaining to the wiki. They had a discussion page or forum where threads could be posted. Each wiki included pictures and feeds to subscribe to their blog. Most wikis had websites that would provide further information on the subject, some did not. One wiki, Code Blue, helped others learn about the human body through an online medical clinic. These wiki had a wealth of information with websites and patient data. Another wiki, Lets Go West, includes maps and subjects pertaining to the Oregon Trail. The last wiki, Primary Math, shared what the students were learning in math with other students around the world. This wiki was missing websites to find additional information on the topic. All of these wikis were organized in the same manner.

I could use wikis in my personal life to organize lists of information, when I go on a trip and want to list items to take. I could also use them if I was planning an event, at home or work, and wanted other people to suggest activities or things needed. In the classroom, there are all kinds of uses for wikis. The students could let other students know what they are learning in other places. Students could help people learn and gather more information on a topic of interest. A wiki could be used for planning field trips and events like field day or a carnival. The students could suggest want they want at these events. There are many uses for wikis in the classroom and one's personal and professional life.

Criteria for moderating a viral video

This article proves how valuable commenting or responding to a blog can be for the author and other viewers. Sarah posted a 2 minute video response, on You Tube, to President Obama's Speech in September. She received thousands of comments which were positive, negative, supportive, and critical. Her mother set personal critieria for moderating the comments. She wanted to remove all comments that were disparaging to Sarah or the Preseident, but chose not to do so. I believe she was right to leave some of the critical comments that didn't use profanity. It is important to see both sides view on a subject. This helps the author and other readers gain insight and knowledge. It leaves them open to decide their view on the subject matter at hand. People found Sarah's response so enlightening that they felt compelled to post their response whether positive or negative. It got people to talking, thinking, and communicating. We can see the Internet has become a powerful tool. Alot can be said in a few seconds or minutes that can change the world. When people exchange dialogue in a positive manner, things happen and learning takes place. Blogs provide a valuable medium for people to express their ideas and opinions to others while receiving feedback.

Thing #7

The ability of the reader to leave a post for a blog is important because it allows the author and reader to share ideas. The reader may give their opinion of the blog and this can be eye opening experience for the author. The author may change his or her view on the subject. It also allows the author to see what other people are saying about their blog. People may agree or disagree with the subject which is perfectly fine. The reader can share their reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with the author. Commenting also tells the author how many people are viewing their blog. The reader can also share their blog with the author. Commenting is a valuable tool and a way for the reader and author to connect and share feelings and ideas.

My experiences commenting on posts has been good, and I view them now as useful tools. This is my first time ever making a post to a blog. I am learning new things everything. I had no idea what a blog or RSS reader was. I am pretty good at writing and expressing myself, so I have no problems writing comments. It gives me more experiences with writing than I would normally have. I can become a better writer by posting my comments on blogs. It also makes me think and examine what other people have stated. My critical thinking skills are improving at the same time. Therefore, my experiences with making posts and commenting are positive, and I will continue to read blogs in the future.

Cool Cat Teacher Blog - 5 Steps to Online Safety

This is a great topic that we have to teach ourselves as well as students. Who would have known there would be people out there wreaking havoc on the users of the Internet. I was surprised to learn about Trojans, viruses, and cyperbullying. Why are these people causing so many problems for others who are using the Internet to learn, communicate, and innocently. I liked the idea of taking a screenshot of anything that is inappropriate. I had not thought of this idead and just learned how to take a screenshot last week. So it will definitely be put to good use. Before we let children use the Internet, we have to take time to teach lessons on safety rules. What a great idea I had not considered.

Comments on Just A Passing Glance Thing #1

The habits I liked for a successful learner where to have goals in mind, use technology to your advantage, and look at problems as challenges. These are important habits if a person wants to achieve success in this world. You didn't like these habits the author chose and listed habits you thought were important for success. We all have our own lists and can pull from the authors, yours, and our own. I agree with your habits that one should be curious. Curiousity causes us to question things, search, and think. I always tell people that people who ask alot of questions, like myself, are smart. If you don't ask, then you will always wonder and never know. I also liked your habit of being open minded. Never let preconceived notions guide your way of thinking or you will fail. Go out and seek to find the answers for yourself. Everything should think about and have their own habits for being a successful, life-long learner.

Comments on 23 Things and Thoughts

One of the easiest habits for you to accomplish was using technology to your advantage. I can see why this is an important habit since it is all around us today. This is one of the hardest habits that I am trying to learn and accomplish. I am trying to remember all the new ways to use the internet to communicate, Skype, social networking, and WEb 2.0 tools, RSS reader, blogging, etc. My brain is trying to store all of this information that is new to me. I am learning so much information I would have ignored in the past because I was afraid of computers. I am going to have to work on this habit. I want using technology to my advantage to be one of the easiest habits for me. If not, I will get left behind in a world that is technology savy.

Thing #5

Teachers are really beginning to see Web 2.0 as a valuable tool. Lucie deLaBruere had some really good ideas involving teachers using these tools to communicate. Teachers are really isolated from one another and not able to exchange ideas. Now they are reaching out to others to generate new ideas. In this article, a teacher used Twitter to send a tweet asking for ideas to use the first day of school. She also asked for ideas in her blog. Afterwards, another teacher compiled a list by subjects in Wiki. What great ways Web 2.0 tools were used to help teachers communicate from all over the world and learn from one another. Three great tools were used for one purpose. I can now see how valuable these web tools are and would use them in similar ways to reach out to others and break away from the isolated classroom.

Thing #4

Blogging s a type of genre called literary fiction. It is this type of fiction because it is thought provoking and leaves a deep impression on the reader. It is different from other types of reading because the plot is hidden and not readily seen. It is different from other types of writing because it evokes feelings in the reader and motivates them to write in response. It is similar to reading and writing because it should be grammatically correct, relevant, and meaningful for others.
Commenting contributes to the meaning and writing because it helps others get a feel of what the author is writing about and how others are feeling. It allows others to give their opinion and share their experiences. Vickie Davis had some eye opening ideas in her ariticle that caused me to think about cell phone use in school. Blogging definitely facilitates learning because it activates higher order thinking skills. It leaves room for interpretation causing people to think critically; therefore, it facilitates learning.

Thing #2

I had to search the Internet to learn more about blogs and wikis. I had heard about them, but I had no idea what they were. I think Web 2.0 tools are very useful in the classroom. Students would be motivated to learn while using the computer which they love. It is an interactive mode of learning rather than traditional learning. I would use blogs and wikis to share and collaborate with other people. I would also use these tools with students to write and communicate interatively. I think they would enjoy corresponding with their classmates and sharing their thoughts and feelings through Web based tools. I would want to use these relevant tools to motivate students to learn while introducing them to technology that is used in the real world.

Thing #1

I think Habit #3 would be most challenging for me to employ in life. Viewing problems as challenges can be difficult. Most people don't want problems because they are difficult to overcome. Therefore, viewing a problem as a challenges is not the way most people look at them.

Habit #1 would be the easiest for me as a lifelong learner. When I decided to complete my masters at Austin Peay State University, I began with the end in mind. I set a goal that I wanted to accomplish. I did everything it took to accomplish this goal. I have other goals and I will do what is needed to achieve success.

Habit #2 is most important as I work through this course at APSU. I have to accept responsibility for my own learning. If I fail, it is by my own doing. I have to complete assignments, participate, read, and ask questions. My goal is to do all these things to pass this course.