Thing17

I did a google search for online productivity tools and found one called schoolog.com. I thought it looked educational, but after I signed up, it appeared to be more geared to students rather than teachers. I then signed up for Knowtes, but it kept timing out on me. Too bad, flashcards could be very beneficial to students (and even to me when I review what I have learned in the 23 things:). When I had done the google search before, a website called zamzar.com came up. I wasn't aware this was an "online productivity tool", but I have used it before and it was wonderful at converting my Publisher files to pdf files to be more easily viewed by others. Sign up was easy, it was free, and they e-mail you the file quickly (small ones within minutes, larger ones within a half hour). I really liked it and will be using it in the future. As I was thinking about this, I went to go convert my Presswriter file of my weekly class newsletter to a pdf and the file type wasn't supported. Too bad - that would have been a whole lot easier than redoing my newsletter into Publisher! Maybe there is another online tool that could do that!

This tool would be so awesome if it accepted Publisher. I did a brochure earlier this year on an organization I belong to and sent it to others for help proofreading/clarification. I think we had the brochure bouncing back and forth at least 10 times. And each time I had to go to zamzar.com to have it converted to a pdf file so those people could view it. I also do the school newsletter, and have to wait for articles and get help proofreading/checking on dates. It would be SO much easier if google docs could support that file so all the other could collaborate online!

Besides that, I do my lesson plans on the computer using a table with times in the first column and the lesson plans in the second column for each day. I think other teachers could benefit from this and I could share that on google. I compiled my lesson plans per topic and cut and paste from that into my lesson plans. Teachers using the same series could benefit from that (although it may cause them to not put as much planning into their own plans). I also make up A LOT of my own worksheets and wouldn't mind sharing them (although I know I could probably get paid for that on various websites).

I teach lower elementary, and I don't think students at that age level could do this, but parents could use it. They could sign up for party supplies using spreadsheet like we did in the 23 things or could download a lost assignment if it was one I had created.

Thing 15

I thought I had RSS down, but when I went to subscribe to Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, I couldn't get it to work. I just picked another website (Reuters). I also realized that I had deleted my "Sub with Bloglines" from my bookmark bar and had to redo it. That was a good learning experience anyway. I had forgotten what it was and how easy it was to use! I understand the benefits of using this too, but have not gotten into the habit of doing it yet. I need to make it part of my daily computer routine!

Thing 14

My Delicious username is polgarck. Delicious is a great tool. I wish I would have begun using it as soon as I got my new laptop in the spring. I went to import my bookmarks - where did I get over 75 of them:). I had to go through all of them and ended up deleting at least 20 of them after viewing all them. I had a whole bunch I didn't even remember looking at. Then I had to go through the ones that I had left and retag them (not quite done with that yet). A small time investment now, but oh-so-helpful in the future for all those websites with teaching strategies, interactive games and lesson plans. I am trying a new way of teaching reading this year (Daily 5) and I knew I had bookmarked a page that had a link to sub plans. Could I find it in the mess of my computer when I needed it - no. Now I can just do a tag search for Daily 5 and find choices for it right away. When I have time, I plan on going through and adding some descriptions. I also like the idea of saving others time with my tags. I plan on telling everyone about this!

Thing 13

Why couldn't I have taken this course years ago:) I have way too many bookmarks on my computer and unless I go to each one, have really no idea what is on there, despite my attempt at folders. There are so many that if I saw some of them, I wouldn't even remember them in the first place! Tags would make it SO much easier. I can't wait to try it. I was told about delicious a couple of years ago, but wasn't told about the tags. If I had, I'm sure I would have used it. The disadvantages are few. One would be appropriate tagging. It may be challenging to come up with some. Another thing I'm not sure if I would like is the social aspect of these tasks. I don't know if I want any stranger accessing some of my stuff. I'm ok with the bookmarks, because they could find them on their own. The pictures from Flickr being tagged worry me a little. How private is "private" there?

Thing 12

I like both my widgets - I actually wanted to keep adding! Not sure of the purpose of them and/or how they would be different than a hot link.

Embedding code seems to me just copying and pasting, so it was very easy. I belong to FaceBook, several coupon forums and proteacher.net. The relationships do not take the place of my close friends, but I know that I have gained valuable information from these connections. The coupon websites link me to people who I may not have anything at all in common with except saving money, while from proteacher I have a huge part of my life in common - my career.

I think these social networking websites feed the need that kids have to belong. Of course adults want to belong to, but with maturity, one realizes that some things are not as important. I guess for kids too it may be a kind of popularity contest to see who has the most posts and most friends.

Widget 2

This one would be more useful for the classroom.



I use this site a lot.