The End? Thing #24!

Please give us some feedback by reflecting on your learning journey in one more blog posting. Here are some questions to guide you:

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
My favorite discoveries included learning about various sites and tools that I could use in art education.  These include some of my favorite "Things": 7, 8, & 9.
2. How has this program affected your lifelong learning goals?
I feel less limited to the general searches I would have used before taking this class.  There is much more available to me than what I would have ever expected.
3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I didn't like having to make so many accounts that I may never use again.  I feel like my information has been spread out a little more than I'm comfortable with.
4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
I'm actually not sure.  Perhaps make more things optional as far as sharing of personal information (pictures, social networking accounts, etc.).
5. How will what you have learned influence your practice as a teacher?
Like I've mentioned in an earlier answer, there are more options available to me online now.  I feel as though my ability to search and acquire information related to my chosen subject matter is more available.
6. How do you plan to keep up with new developments in web 2.0?
Recommend a way that you have found to be useful.
7. I'm going to attempt to keep up with some of the accounts that I have created during the course.  We had plenty of recommendations throughout these exercises, that I'll probably just pursue those.

Thing #23

At the beginning of 23 Things we were informed that it was loosely modified from 43 Things.  43 Things is a search able site made up of millions of people who are sharing information and experiences with one another.  I believe this was the purpose of these exercises.  All of these exercises were based around the goal of us, as a class, sharing our experiences as we look through new sites and use new tools we may have not thought to have tried.
Now that I know about Creative Commons, I plan to use it in my own classroom and even on assignments while I'm still in college.  I can share information with others and they can have the opportunity to add to the work I've already begun.  I can also add to work that someone else has already started.  There are countless things that can be "borrowed" and modified through Creative Commons that are not limited to art, but other subjects as well.

Thing #22

I kept the titles of my binders pretty simple, but I added descriptions to each of them that goes along with their contents.  Their titles are Binder1, Binder2, and Binder3.
Here is Binder2.  It has various art museums that contain information which can be used in the classroom.  The students can search through them to view all kinds of work that they may not actually get to see in person, but it is still accessable to them in this format.  I could see using binders like these in the classroom for scavenger hunts or assignments where I want to limit searchable access.

Thing #21

(Finish Later)

Discovery Exercise:

1. Create an account on Animoto.
2. Create a 30 second clip or Animoto Short, by uploading at least ten pictures. Still got the Flickr account from Learning 2.0? Animoto can link directly to it.
3. Choose from one of the songs in Animoto's music library or upload your own music file to go with your clip.
4. Embed your new 30 second clip onto your blog. There is a special code just for Blogger that you can use.
5. Blog about your experience using Animoto.

Thing #20

I rather enjoy origami, because it is pretty relaxing.  Some people get annoyed with some that are too diffcult or take too many steps.  Below is a link to the above YouTube video of someone showing how to create Origami Fireworks.
http://youtu.be/p9xKxEV1FkY

I personally enjoy looking up a variety of videos on YouTube.  It is not only a fun way to spend some time, but it can also be a helpful tool in the classroom.  I have been in classrooms where teachers use YouTube videos to add to their instruction for the day.  Sometimes that was simply finding "How To" videos or videos relating to the subjects the class was going over at the time.  It is important to check the videos before showing them in the classroom.

Thing #19

My account on TeacherPop is currently waiting approval.

Are you a member of any online communities?  Yes.  I am a currently a member on some online pregnancy and parenting communities.
Are any of these social networks appealing to you?  The ones listed weren't very appealing, because I honestly have too much going on to keep up with them at this point.  I may, however, choose to look more into them at a later time.
What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later?  I may look into the hobby one, Crafts, at a later time.

Thing #18

I chose to create a separate FaceBook account for this exercise.  However, I do not plan to continue using or share it.  I believe that my personal accounts are just that, personal.  When I am in a position to create an account for "professional" reasons, I will do so and be fine with sharing it.  It is important that parents know who it teaching their child, but it is equally as important for someone to have a personal social life outside of the work place and their professional career. 

Why is it important that educators know how social networking works?  This way teachers are more knowledgeable of social sites and how they might be able to communicate with students.  It may also be a good idea to have a "professional" page set up so that teachers, groups, parents, and other situations related to your field can have another way to access and communicate with you.
What new insights did you gain about these popular sites?  I have always been careful about what I post online, and this just makes me want to further that.
What did you like or dislike about each of the sites you explored?  I dislike how easy it is for people to post anything about themselves or others even if the persons involved are not comfortable or even aware of it.
Which site had the most useful features?  I'm most comfortable with FaceBook or Twitter.
Can you see a classroom or school application for any of these sites?  Yes, but I don't feel that they are exactly necessary.