Thing #7a

In my blog reader, I read an article about how teachers are using sound in many different ways. One teacher had students create stories using sound and without text. They used FindSounds.com to locate sounds and Audacity, an audio editting program, to create soundscape stories. Another teacher is using Scratch write interative stories. Scratch allows students to record or import sounds to help tell their stories. The advanced features of Scratch are allowing some students to use their stories to create computer games. They are also using Flicker and Creative Commons to find pictures to include in their stories. Teachers are finding creative ways to use sound in their classroms. I would have never thought to use sound to create a story nor had knowledge of the different sound softwares available for classroom use. I am learning so much new information and can't believe I have been behind on technology. I think alot of teachers do not know the Web 2.0 tools that are available or ways they can use the Internet for communication. I think their needs to be more trainings for teachers. I think they would use these tools if they had more knowledge and experiences.

Thing 12"

I chose to create a templete from the Web 2.0 tool LetterPop. LetterPop allows you to create newsletters, scrapbooks, and flyers using templates. This is a newsletter where I have added pictures and information about myself. LetterPop is a great tool students can use to create newsletters about the class, school, or themselves. There are many templates to choose from that includes holidays and other things. I like that photos can be added to the templates. Students would love seeing themselves while adding text. This also helps improve their writing skills. LetterPop could be used in reading, language arts, and even social studies. Students could pretend they are a person from the past, include pictures, and use the template to write about their life and experiences. I really like LetterPop and could also use it in my personal life. I would use it to write invitations and create flyers besides using it for newsletters. LetterPop is a great tool for students as well as adults.

Thing #13

I created this image generator using Image Chef. I decided to use a wanted poster to add my picture. I also added text and chose "Wanted For Being A Thinker, Doer, Achiever. I chose this advertisement because it can be used for a student who has excelled the most in the classroom. It can be used similar to the student of the week. It is a motivator for students to do their best and for recognizing achievement. I would have a contest to recognize the most creative image generator. I also chose a cereal box from Image Chef. What a great way to spark interest in students. Almost everyone likes cereal. They could create images on the boxes to go along with a commerical. Image generators can spark creativity in students while helping them become thinkers.

Thing #12

This slideshow shows pictures of the weather and different types of clouds. I would use this slide in a lesson on different kinds of natural disasters, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. I would also use the slides as visual storytelling. The students would create stories from looking at the events surrounding the natural disaster. It could also be used with a lesson on clouds. The students could identify the type of cloud and compare the cloud to the natural disaster. They would also explain how the cloud contributed to weather that is being seen in the picture.

by Kevin Dooley

Thing #11

This is a picture showing large clouds over a city. The theme I chose is weather/clouds. I have used Google images to download and copy pictures, but this is my first experience using Flicker. It is a great tool for students to use to upoad their pictures and download pictures from other people for assignments. This has a great collection of images like a library. I conducted a search using diasters and a collection of pictures were displayed. I would use Flicker in all subject areas. I would use it to allow students to create visual stories using pictures instead of text to tell them. Other students could get in groups and try to develop a story from the pictures. Students could also use pictures that match words and the list goes on. I don't know if I would use Flicker in my personal life as much as I would in the classroom. I would probably stick with the old fashioned way of using photo albums. In the classroom, students would love searching in groups to locate photos for their assignments or projects. I would definitely utilize Flicker as a classroom teacher.

http://Stormy Weather

by Durotriges

Thing #10

I am learning so many new things about technology and the Internet. I had never heard of Creative Commons which allows users to use copyrighted material with some restrictions. The author's work is shared which allows for collaboration with other people. I have never seen this logo on websites. Creative Commons can be used by teachers and students without worrying whether copyright laws are broken when they use pictures, songs, written material, etc. for classroom use. Now students are free to be creative and borrow ideas from another person which sparks creativity. They are able to "use, learn, and become inspired" from the work of other people. Students can use pictures for powerpoint, digital stories, use songs, etc. freely. I would have never thought about copywriting a blog. I need to get on board with the digital age because I don't own a digital camara. I still use 35mm cameras. The only time I have shared content on the web is through my courses at APSU in blogs and discussion forums. I don't even subscribe to Facebook or other social networking sites. I don't see many negatives for using Creative Commons sense the rules have been set and permission has been granted for the material to be used. Other than a person not finding what they need on Creative Commons and wanting to use copyrighted material instead, this is a great way to motivate students to become creative artists.

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.