Thing 23!!! (YEA!)

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I loved making photostories and I loved making my own avatar! It was fun to change the avatar to match my mood, and I loved photostory so much that I made one to send to my sisters in Kentucky!

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
The program has made it easier for me to see myself continuing to learn, especially because I was able to do it all online. I have 3 small children at home, so not having to find a babysitter and go sit in a class to continue my learning is very important to me. It has also taught me that I do have the discipline to learn online, and given me the confidence to begin working on an online degree.

Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
Not really. I guess the most unexpected outcome for me would be the 'things' that gave me difficulty because I have always considered myself pretty computer savvy. I realized that there is still a lot that I can learn.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
Some of the explanations for the different 'things' were not very easy to understand the 1st time that I read them. I found myself rereading several times to gain a good understanding. Otherwise, I thought the program was excellent.

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
I would definitely complete another program. I saw part 2, but I am going to have to wait before I can complete it. I have a 1 week old child, so my time is pretty sparse.

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?
In one word, I would say enlightening. In one sentence, I would say This is the most valuable training that I participated in thus far.


I have commented on several different blogs and found some that I begun to follow! This has been a truly great experience!! Thanks!

Thing 22

OMG!!! I love nings! (hope nings is a word) This is the ultimate solution to my problem of how to create a class website. The forum is more specific. The web address is easier. It also seems to be easier for the students to know/monitor when someone else has commented or likes their posts. I think that the students would enjoy it. It is better than a wiki in that the students have individual access and cannot edit or manipulate other students posts or comments. It offers more security for the individual user. The one caution I do have is that the students can upload pictures of themselves and reveal too much of their identity. this could pose a serious safety risk.

Thing 21

I LOVE PHOTOSTORY!! I don't have access to a microphone, so Audacity is something that I will have to check out and play with later. Here is my photostory!

Thing 20

I really liked teacher tube. Some videos are much more intersting than others, but it will be useful. I can add clips to my flipcharts and discussion boards. The video that I watched is below.



I will have to find better videos before I use them in the classroom. Hopefully, videos that are much more engaging. But, at least I learned how to embed the video in my posts! Yea me!

Thing 17

I have created a search roll, but it is not working very well for me. I also cannot seem to link it. Maybe its the exhaustion of having just given birth to a child, but this "thing" is frustrating me to no end. Maybe my husband can explain it to me and I can try again later.

Thing 19

Well my personal favorite of the sites is facebook. I have found it very useful for reconnecting with people that I have lost touch with. It is also easier to communicate with friends that live in other cities, especially since I have 3 little ones at home that make it very difficult to talk on the phone for extended periods of time. However, I have not figured out a way to make it very useful in my classroom. I am not even sure that it is a site that the district allows us to visit. The application I can see myself using daily is PBwiki. I love the site and the freedom that it allows for the students to be able to interact and collaborate. It is very easy to set up, and easy to use.

Thing 18

I really like being able to work on Microsoft without having to open the office suite. It is very productive and convenient when you are working on a MAC. It lets you use the technology that you are familiar with (PC) while still being able to take advantage of all of the WONDERFUL things that a MAC has to offer. It is also convenient when you are somewhere where the Microsoft suite is not installed. For example, when i need to check something at my in-laws house, it is very helpful because they do not have the office suite installed on their computer.