Thing # 7: Flickr

Sunset

http://www.flickr.com/photos/margall69/6363770939/

 

By Margall photography

 I really enjoyed exploring Flickr. It is a great way to view other photographers work. Flickr was very easy to access and the images were amazing to look at. I decided not to create an account with Flickr because I would never us it, but maybe in the future I will.

When I began exploring Flickr, I wanted to find an image that would stand out and represented beauty. I immediately chose nature. There were so many options to choose from, so I chose "sunset". I chose "sunset" because every evening I like to sit outside and watch the sun set. I think that it is the most beautiful thing to watch. I feel like that no matter if I am having a bad day that by watching the sunset it will make me forget all about it. It is a stress reliever and a time where I feel like I can escape from my chaotic world for just a moment.What a coincidence that this photo is also the theme for my home. I have artwork and furniture throughout my home that mimic this very photo. I wonder if I could purchase this photo and have it as my center art piece. How cool would that be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    

 

Thing # 6: Google/ iTunes

The Web 2.0 Award nominees winner is..............There is a tie between Google and iTunes. The reason for the tie is because I use both of them often and there is no way that I can choose. As a future teacher, I will use them in my classroom a lot.

GOOGLE:
 I chose Google because it is a great way to search for anything and get results quickly. Google is the most commonly used search engine. Google features include pictures, videos, blogs, news, maps, and other options. I will definitely use Google inside my classroom because it will allow to access any subject matter that I will be teaching my students. I can use Google to show my students animations and videos of any subject matter in history, geography, and much more. It will be a great way to step away from the textbook and allow students to get a better visual of the subject.

 www.google.com/help/features.html



iTunes:                    
Music is an art of sound that expresses emotions and ideas. Children enjoy listening to music. I chose iTunes because I definitely want to incorporate music in my Social Studies classroom. When teaching about World History, I want my students to listen to the music of each era. During the lecture about culture, using iTunes would be a great way for my students to hear a variety of selections of music from the past and the present. iTunes offers cool features such as browsing so that you can search for the music that you are looking for. iTunes is easy to access and purchase if necessary. iTunes is very easy to import to a Cd, computer, or an mp3 player. iTunes is a great way to hear any genre of music whenever you want. 

www.apple.com/itunes/features/

Thing #5 Web 2.0

I think that "School 2.0" is a good thing. "School 2.0" to me means using technology to teach inside of the classroom vs. always using a textbook, pencil, and paper. Technology is being used in the classroom daily (K-5) with "educational games" on the computer that students can access during group time as a method of learning. In the article "Web 2.0: A Guide for Educators", it states that children ages 12- 17 use social networking sites for communicating about everything from school-related issues to where the next party is taking place. I believe that at this age children are very familiar with using computers and it interests them, so "School 2.0" is a great way to incorporate learning.

In the future, "School 2.0" will enhance teaching and the curriculum. It is important that teachers know how to use the technology, so that it can be incorporated into the classroom. "School 2.0" will be a great way to teach students with different methods. It will also be a great way to help our students complete projects such as using PowerPoint's vs. poster boards. I plan on teaching 6th grade Social Studies, so "School 2.0" will way for me to use visuals such as animations and videos to teach history vs. teaching straight from the textbook.

Thing # 4: Commenting

I believe that commenting helps creates a sense of community and interactions because it allows someone to get involved. Commenting gives someone the opportunity to express their opinions about the subject matter. 

I commented on JRichardson explores 23 things, 23 things with Ms. Davis, Shaffer's Blog, Moore to Learn, and C. Barlow's 23 things.

I commented on JRichardson explores 23 things because she had some great points on how blogging can bridge the gap between teachers, parents, and students.

I commented on 23 things with Ms. Davis because she had some great points and tips on why it is important to use a blog in the classroom.

I commented on Shaffer's blog because she was very open about how technology is constantly growing and she doesn't use the new technology to her advantage.

I commented on Moore to Learn blog because she was very creative and used her personal future goals and incorporated it into her avatar.

I commented on C. Barlow's 23 things because she enjoyed the idea of using two different types of technology and being able to teach the same subject matter with both methods.