Thing #23 Summarize Your Thoughts about This Program

Well, it's nearly the deadline and I'm finally finishing! I do make deadlines...I had done so well working regularly at the beginning...and then life took over. This was probably one of the most enjoyable trainings I've done...especially since I could do it when I wanted and could spend as much time as I needed (or repeat and watch those videos over and over and over!) I am definitely going to try this again and see how much deeper I can get into some of these things...and then I'll click to more links and see where it takes me. I have enjoyed sharing with my staff and I think many of them will partake in the summer version. Thanks for offering this!

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I just loved learning it all....it was great learning things that I could immediately put to use at school (trading cards have taken over my school!).
How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? This program has encouraged me to continue to learn...I've always wanted to keep going...but having the "lessons" ready to go made it easier than me seeking out information. This also made me look at how much I wanted to take on at a time.....I've learned to pick and choose a little bit better
Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? I found out that I had already stepped out into Web 2.0 with my readings in journals and other classes that I had taken. I also learned that even an "old" person can learn new tricks!
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? It was fun as it was...however a few times for face to face discussion would be good too....some of us did that on our own!
If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? DEFINETLY
How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities? Fun!

Thing #22: Nings

I like the idea of the Ning...however I need to think carefully on which one I'd want to participate in.....as I've tried all of these things...I see that I need a "second life" to keep up with it all. I could see spending a lot of time reading the Ning's ....I know now why my daughter dropped trying to keep up both facebook and myspace! After using it completely for a while, she now rarely signs in...it took over her life. I can see how a Ning would be a great way to keep up with people that you meet at trainings or staff development that are not from the school district...but again...how much time do I have to give?!? I can also see that it would be another way to keep learning...if each person in a group shared one new thing...the mutiplication of knowledge would be outstanding....hence...needing the "second life"! I spent some time looking at some of the sites and am considering trying one, however I need to spend a little time deciding which groups to join...

Thing #21: Podcasts and Audio Books

I am really excited about podcasting and videopodcasting. I have been working with my students to produce a podcast going along with our battle of the books. The students have enjoyed using Audacity to produce their podcasts. One of the highlights was being selected to make the podcast. I am now ready to try video. A project that I can't wait to try....I just need a little uninterupted time and more information.
Check out our podcast - War of the Words (Otherwise known as Battle of the Books.) The students even created the beginning in audacity.

Thing #20: YouTube, TeacherTube and Zamzar

I always enjoy playing around with teacher tube and youtube. I forget about the time as I watch the various videos. Even the high school students I work with will send me links to videos I need to watch. I have just purchased some cameras that I hope will enable me to create some videos easily that can be sent to either teacher tube or youtube. I have forwarded several on to teachers, epecially some of the ones about integrating powerpoint into their lessons...then they understand some of the reasons I give students such guidance on how many bullets, how many photos, etc. In digging around I found this powerpoint teachertube that I thought would be interesting for a project for one of my classes...the kids would enjoy producing one. Only I may switch it into Photostory...who knows.

Thing #18: Online Productivity Tools

I spent quite a bit of time exploring the Open office tools when experimenting with the lap top design for SBISD. I found that it was very simple to use, a little different than the commercial office suite, but not too hard to figure out the changes. One of the only problems I had was the Open office powerpoint, I tried to insert a downloaded clip like I do with Powerpoint (a project I do with my students) and was unsuccesful. Other than that I didn't have any problems with the Open Source. I was so glad to see that you could save a document in different formats, one of my concerns was that if we moved to Open source, our parents would not be able to open documents ...no problem with the Open Source! I also investigated Google Docs when working on the lap top project...I do believe that Google will over take the world. With Wiki's, Google Docs, and other sources, I think I can begin to cut down on e-mails and editing! Hallelujah!

Thing #17: Learning 2.0 Sandbox Wiki

After playing with PBwiki, I kind of like the sandbox better...but I'll stick with the other while I learn. It was simple to add a comment. I've designed a Wiki on PBwiki, but I have tried to edit yet....just need a few more hours in the day! I really do think that my students would enjoy this, especially my small interest groups.