Thing #5

            I feel as though my head is going to explode!  Let me briefly explain.  Just turned 25 this month, but I’m not at all old.  The school I went to from K-8 did not have very many computers.  Yes, I mean school, singular, as in kindergarten through eighth grade was in an “elementary” school and there was a separate school for the high school grades.  Only one teacher let us use her computer and that was for "educational" games.  The same teacher is the only one I recall using any form of PowerPoint type programs. In addition there was an accelerated reading program that involved computers, but the only interaction was pressing A, B, or C to answer questions.  Everything else was chalk boards, which eventually became dry erase boards shortly before we moved my eighth grade year, and books!  Occasionally we would get a video… tape.  We moved to Clarksville and it was completely different and I’ve had some difficult times evolving since. I graduated from Kenwood High School in 2006.  By then I had done some things on computers, but never quite got into it.
            In my everyday life, I use computers.  Just like I lack in my knowledge of cars, although I drive every day, I also am lacking technology knowledge.  This means that Web 2.0 and School 2.0 are odd concepts.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s awesome how technology is being use in the class rooms!  It is also a bit overwhelming to some degrees.  What does it mean to me?  It means I have a lot of catching up to do!  Really though, it amazing that students can interact with programs online that connect them to endless possibilities around the world!  For the time being students can’t interact with objects in outer space, but that is only a matter of time and some creative imaginations!  The only part that has me on my toes is the possibility of teachers becoming obsolete.

Thing #4

            After reading about blogging and commenting I have realized that I’m a LURKER!  Does that sound horribly discouraging or what?  Although I never thought about making a blog myself, I have read through some blogs of others.  There is not one particular time that I recall commenting on someone’s blog, but I often post comments to friends’ postings on social media sites.  This is perhaps due to the fact that I know my friends and feel comfortable with them.  I guess it is time to experiment.
            When it comes to making my own blog inviting to allow for others to want to comment, I’m not sure if that will be easy.  I understand that “commenting helps create a sense of community and interaction” (http://apsu23things.blogspot.com/2008/08/thing-4.html).  Finding that interesting factor that attracts others to comment which may lead to a conversation seems as though it would be difficult to accomplish on broad subject topics.  Now, if we were discussing something controversial or a relevant hot topic it would be easier.  I wonder if anyone else is like me, thinking way too much into this.  I completely understand when the Cool Cat Teacher blog says “Sometimes authors feel like they are posting to themselves" (http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-comment-like-king-or-queen.html). It feels like I’m rambling on to myself. Awkward.

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Seven blogs read & commented on:
Our group:
1. Shanai Jett
2. Brionna Rand
3. Jacklyn Graham
4. Amanda Blankenship
5. Stephanie Moran
Others:
1. Visual Arts
2. ProBlogger

Thing #3

            Blogs may be useful in both my current education program and for my future classrooms.  For the time being, blogging may prove beneficial to me in the teacher education program by providing me a place to post about things that I have learned, attempted whether or not they were successful, and changes that may make a difference in the future.  It can basically be an online source for all of my developments and interests.

            In the classroom, I could possibly see blogging being a way to interact with my students and their parents/guardians.  It would be a great way to show off student work and accomplishments.  The parents, I’m sure, would love to see their child’s work from class and specifications for the projects.  They would be able to check up at any point in time to see what the students are doing in class, what projects we will be doing, and any events they may be interested in.

Thing #2

This is the first time I have ever created a blog.  When deciding on a URL and the name of my blog, I typed some of the first random things that came to mind.  RainbowsAreLovely.BlogSpot.com was a better alternative to something else that I could have come up with; for instance, CheeseSmellsFunny.BlogSpot.com.  With what I chose, I can at least make the blog colorful and possibly interesting.  I’m honestly not sure where the title name of my blog came from.  I wanted to be a little silly and still add my name which left me with “Cambre’s Bloggedy Bloggy Blog”.  The creation of the blog has only just begun.  It is starting off slow, but I’m hoping to add and personalize more of it as I go. 

The avatar looks a little too happy, but I tried to make everything else look a little like me.  It's difficult to imagine anyone smiling that big and not being in some form of discomfort.  Why didn’t I make one that looked like someone else?  I would have if there were options to change the skin to various unnatural colors.  Maybe one day www.DoppelMe.com will add some more variety.

Thing #1

After watching the tutorial for 7 and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, I found two habits that are the easiest and two that are the hardest for me.  Let's start with the easiest.  #1 Begin with the end in mind.  That is easy for me because I am good with problem solving and one of the first things I do is consider what the possible outcomes might be.  #2 Accept responsibility for your own learning.  I am the kind of person who believes that you get what you put in.  I have no problems admitting when I need help or if I messed up.  Those are key to developing strengths and working through your goals. 
Now, I'll address the two that are the most difficult for me.  #5 Create your own learning toolbox.  I gather many of my "tools" from multiple places.  I keep rather detailed notes and a variety of resources on hand, or within reasonable reach.  It can be overwhelming and occasionally difficult to know where to begin.  #6 Use technology to your advantage.  With so many online resource possibilities, it is difficult at times to know what to choose or where to look.  That part of the process seems to eat up the majority of my time.