Thing 16

I thought the information on Wikis was clearly presented and easy to understand. The fact that anyone can edit and add to a Wiki makes it a great tool. I can see application here for my math classes. It seems like an easy way to involve students and their ideas and comments as they progress through a challenge problem or a project. The PB Wiki video was particularly helpful. I loved his example of a wiki with his syllabus attached as well as a shared calendar. This is something I really want to use with my classes this year. The idea of having students blogging and updating information and sharing discoveries and knowledge on my Wiki is exciting. I've learned so much this summer and have so many ideas. What great ways to keep the kids engaged and plugged in to class!

Thing 15

With every new "thing" I explore, I realize again how massive the information is that is available to us on Web 2.0. Accordingly, I think libraries must change in order to be relevant. The video on TeacherTube was eye-opening, but not really. I think all of us as high school teachers realize how hooked and technology savvy our students are. I found the accompanying article by Michael Wesch fascinating . I, too, have had the experience of thinking my students were "engaged" in class and then later found out they were, but not with me and my topic. Back to Libraries 2.0 . . . definitely a realization that it no longer makes sense to have only printed materials in a library. With the seemingly endless information available on the web, users/students/instructors do need access to digital collections. Librarians seem to be developing more into the role of facilitators and guides on how to find and access needed information on the web. Additionally, that access needs to be available from multiple locations such as homes, coffee shops, bookstores, as well as libraries. I also found it interesting that libraries are considered as conversations and collaberations. The more I explore Web 2.0, the more I learn.

Thing 14

Technorati - I liked it. I explored for quite some time. Matter of fact, this is my second experience with it in 23 Things. I thought the YouTube video was informative. It says it all, they "connect people to people" through blogs. Also liked what they said about the fact that blogs enable us to read what people really think/feel on any given topic rather than our being limited to reading what someone is paid to write about. I had never thought to search the blogs for a music or book review; now I will. My only disappointment is that I have tried to claim my blog on multiple occasions, only to have Technorati give me an error message. I have reported it as they say, but nothing happens. Guess I will keep trying.

Again, I have also seen the advantages of tags to organize my interests, and reading. Plus they enable me to read from those with similar interests. Overall, this was a time well-spent.

Thing 13

This was an interesting discovery exercise for me on bookmarking and tagging. I really think an English or History teacher might find this more useful in the classroom than I would as a Math teacher. That being said though, I, too, could have my students research and create a shared reading list using a unique tag as mentioned on the Delicious podcast. It would be easy for all to post to that tag. I investigated Digg and found it kind of different - not what I expected. I do not anticipate using tags in the near future, but am glad to know of the Delicious site and have "bookmarked" it as one of my Favorites. I can see that it could be a very useful site.

Thing 12

I truly have been so busy and intent on working through my "23 Things" that I lost sight of commenting on other blogs. I must admit that I am definitely a "lurker." That term does not have a positive connotation to me. I simply enjoy viewing other 23 Thingers Blogs and reading to compare their experiences with the 2.0 with mine. I never really thought anyone would be interested in my thoughts about their Blog . . . it is kind of a diary to me. I have definitely made it a goal to comment and to respond timely with my comments. I know I must be challenged . . . but I am having difficulty responding to comments without going to personal email. Oh well, I guess I will figure it out.

As I read all of the prelimenary info about comments, I noted the following: invite comments, ask questions that warrant a response, and be polite. Also, interact with your commentors. I have made a concentrated effort to comment and respond to my commentors. Again, I have been so immersed in the tasks that I have lost sight of all of this.

I have visited the following Blogs (to name a few) and commented on many: Laptoplearner, MHS Broadcasting, April Musings, Pinkie Blogger, Sue's News, and Trout's 23 Things. I always learn and laugh at their comments and observations.

I searched many topics again on Blog Search, among them photography, books, sports, travel, etc. I am now following Stef's Sketches. Stef is an Art Director at Walt Disney Co. in LA - such a fun Blog! Also, I am following Avignon in Photography and several others. I continue to say how vast all of this information is on the web and Blogs. And to think . . . I didn't even really know what a Blog was until this summer.

Thing 11

I was surprised that I found Library Thing so interesting. I really did not anticipate that I would use this, but as an avid summer reader, I will use it. It really is a giant book club. I joined, explored and added some books to my list. It's nice to be able to find books so easily by author or title, to see the recent activity, and to see what type books people are reading.

Thing 10

OK, I got carried away with this "thing." I loved the comic strip generator and Dumpr is incredible. I will use these image generators and play and play and play.