Last Class...

This class caused me so much frustration throughout the semester because I never seemed to fully understand each web tool. As I sit here in my last class, I now see the big picture...and I am so excited about all the new technologies that I have learned about in this course. It has been a truly rewarding and beneficial experience. I will certainly take the tools I have learned here and incorporate them into my teaching pedagogy. I never thought I would be this excited about technolgy!

Chapter 3-Weblogs

Ask students if they read or write outside the classroom. They will say no and roll their eyes at you. Then ask them if they ever browse the Web or maintain a blog. Watch the reaction on thier faces; they becaome interested. In Will Richardson's, "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom," he provides a blueprint for merging students' needs to express themselves with thier love for technology. As a teacher, blogger and writer, Richardson sets out to help teachers understand the impact of these technologies in the classroom and in society, as well as providing teachers with information about how to get started using these tools. He hopes to challenge teachers to think about how these technologies will impact what and how we teach. Today's learners are immersed in technology and Richardson suggests we integrate web tools into our teaching which will allow students to reach audiences far beyond our classroom walls. He explains, however, that we must start small. Additionally, teachers should blog to show students that it is something of value and model appropriate ways of doing it. Richardson states that blogs can be used in a variety of ways; a cheaper alternative to course management software, a class portal where the syllabus and assignments are posted and can be accessed by students and parents, and as an online portfolio and place to store and organzie homeowrk. He discusses how blogging can improve reading and writing skills and can be used across the curriculum. Blogs enage readers with ideas and questions, therefore, asking the readers to think and respond. Blogs demand interaction in the form of collaborating with others online which will be beneficial to students. Further, blogs enhance and deepen the learning process because students are learning to read more critically, think more analytically, and write more clearly. Through the use of blogs in the classroom, students are building relationships with peers, teachers and other professionals within the web environment. As a future teacher, it will be important to integrate these technologies into my teaching pedagogy and Richardson has provided me with the blueprint to do this!!

Twitter in Plain English

Hilarious Video of 7-year-old David's trip home from the Dentist (after having teeth pulled)

Slideshow of Abstractions

Abstractions on PhotoPeach

Designs that make you smile!

Now that I have made the switch from coffee to tea, this seemed like a really neat indea! Enjoy all you tea drinkers. Say goodbye to tea bags...

Gems Teastick
The Teastick GEMS bring new light to your cup of tea. Now with two brilliant colors so sparkling clear you can see the steeping tea bloom. With classic "scoop it, slide it, steep it" functionality The Teastick GEMS are as useful as they are beautiful in your cup. With The Teastick GEMS, a fine stainless mesh enables the steeping of herbal teas that often have smaller particles than traditional teas—all while continuing to be convenient and easy for one-cup brewing. Constructed of the highest standard FDA-approved polycarbonate. Designed for use in a 10-14 oz cup.



http://www.gamilacompany.com/catalog/beverage/TST002.html

Become a Green Eco-Consultant

http://www.beagreenirene.com/?gclid=CJmUp53iw5gCFQFvGgodSVoB1g