Thing #11

I found google blog search to be the easiest method of finding feeds it was also the easiest to use. I found Technorati to be extremely confusing, the page layout was overwhelming and I found myself constantly having to read and scroll up and down the page to figure out how to begin searching. I found several useful feeds during my "travels." I plan on teaching English, History, Speech, and Family and Consumer Sciences. However, for the purposes of this search I focused on English, more specifically American and English Literature. I found feeds that covered lesson plans, activities, writing prompts, and media resources. I did however, find some unusual ones that contained content that was no appropriate for school; some feeds were more opinion based as opposed to educational. I found that lots of blogs referenced other blogs or newsfeeds and some even listed suggestions of websites, newsfeeds, and blogs to visit for additional information or for more in-depth information regarding certain topics.

Thing #12

Google is my go-to search engine and I've never even looked above the search bar, but there it is the "more" tab and a list of options drops down and of course I pick Google Books first... When you first click on "books" you're directed to a search page "Searching for a topic?" In the search bar I type The Iliad and I get 1,830,000 result..well okay how is this different then regular old Google? And then I see "My Library" on the left side bar and click. There in a neat little account any Google book I've purchased, any book available to "READ NOW," my favorites, what I'm reading now, what I plan on reading..and now I realize Google books is actually an interactive book club where you can see what other people or reading or read reviews and thoughts about any book and people can read yours. This would be a great way to show parents what we are currently reading in class and have planned to read for class; maybe they'll want to follow along and surprise their son or daughter with a little dinner time trivia! Google Translate was my next choice. Simply click on the "more" tab and select translate. I love how simple this tool because it will allow my students to translate any of the literary pieces we're working on. It is not uncommon to have French, Spanish, Latin, or German phrases in a classical piece of literature or poetry. Students can use Google Translate to better understand the literature being covered in class.

Thing #10

I found the RSS and newsreaders to be rather easy to use. I had no trouble finding topics that not only interested me but were relevant to education and more specifically teaching English/Language Arts. I wouldn't necessarily use this technology in my classroom for my students to use but I would use it to organize or find research to provide for my students. Teachers can take advantage of this technology by utilizing the mass amount of information that it can provide and by focusing on specific topis such as a teacher's content area(s).

Thing #9

This image was used using redkid.com http://www.redkid.net/generator/cubs/newsign.php?line1=We+are+not+as+cool&line2=as+Fenway%21&Go+Cubs=Go+Cubs If you're a baseball fan, it is obvious that I am a Red Sox fan ( there was not an  option to upload your own photo, otherwise I would have a photo of Fenway Park with "Yankee Cemetary" in a caption). Using generated images like these in presentations, handouts, PowerPoints, blogs, etc. are a great way to emphasize a point or enable students to remember important information. As an English teacher I could use an image of Hamlet on a study guide handout with his famous "To be, or not to be..." lines on a computer generated tshirt. The image would look out of place and using a sense of humor would help students to remember the joke but also answer correctly the question: Who spoke these famous lines? However, I think the best way to use web generated signs are as decoration in the classroom. "Turn in" boxes, bathroom passes, designated areas, and bulletin boards. While I understand the importance of generated images, I also know that students of all ages can get carried away with the "fun" part of a lesson and end up completely missing the educational reasons for an activity. I think that if in the end it does not enhance a lesson plan it should not be used.

Thing #8

SPELL WITH FLICKR Splashr I played with Spell and Splashr on Flickr. My only pet peeve was with Splashr. I loved that I could add and embedded Splashr presentation, however, because of the format of my blog and the inability to adjust the size of the embedded material my Splashr presentation is oversized and makes reading items on my blog difficult. That being said, it is a nice to way to collect images for students to view. When used in conjuction with a creative writing lesson I could search for several different "tags" in Splashr and allow each student to interact with the Splashr presentation and pick a photo to create a story from; or have them pick several photos that must all be included in their story. I LOVE Spell with Flickr. I have "Letter Art" throughout my house. I think its so creative of people to find Letters in uncommon objects, landscapes, and architecture. This app allows you to Spell any word. I used ENGLISH (my subject content). It then creates a mashup from flickr photos to spell the word you searched. I like that you can click on a letter in a word and change the image if you don't like it. Other than to make documents "look pretty" I don't think that I would be using this app as an instructional tool in my future classsroom. As far as posting photos on the web or Flickr; I think its a personal preference especially if and when minors are involved. If the minors are your own children then obviously the decision is yours, but if they are relatives or friends you should ask permission. I post a large amount of photos on Facebook of my family and our vacations and weekend trips; however I constantly check Facebook to make sure my privacy settings are set to Friends Only.