THING #15

I don't ever remember this Sandbox playing being as stressful. This was probably one of hardest aspects to grasp and I know I will be doing a lot of reteaching in this area. I spent many hours trying to figure out some of the formatting, being a secretary, I like to use tabs and I did not see that that was an option beside just the bullet format and when I inserted my photo it came it too large and ran off the page and was having a difficult time find the edit prompt. I also encountered a few problems when I droped in nd incorporating other aspects and widgets. I have truly done the bare minimum on this but have worked longer in the Sandbox. I know this is something that I will be working to try to perfect moving around in - I will conquer the "SANDBOX WIKI." This truly is out of my comfort zone. I am planning on doing my own wikispace and continue this "lifelong learning experience."

SUMMARY

What a great learning adventure this has been. I never realized how much is changing in technology. Wow, am I glad my grandkids are going to be a product of the 21st century and the truth is technology will change over and over and over. It is changing at such a rapid pace that I'm amazed how each of the instructors can stay up on these changes. I guess it's true when it is said that change is inevitable. Thank you for allowing me to get out of my comfort zone and self-pace my way to the finish line . The one area of this session that was frustrating for me was the "SANDBOX". (man have sandboxes changed from my day of Sand in a Box)... I know Google Reader will be a valuable asset to me as well as Google Docs and DELICIOUS the bookmarking tool is going to me my New best friend. I can truly understand the frustration of teachers knowing that the format of teaching must change to meet the needs of our students and it is apparent that technology is our Future. Thank you for taking me on this journey.

THING #7b

I was reading the blog on Michael Jackson and all the drama that is associated with the death of a public figure. It's sad to know that even in death, there is so much uncertainty for his children. One has to wonder what he was thinking if he would nominate Diana Ross to serve as the guardian of his children if Katherine could not serve as their guardian. His estate is said to be worth more than $500,000,000. I guess I'm in such "Tech" overload that I decided to read on the lighter side. This has been a sad week with the death of Michael and Farrah.

THING #23

I had never heard of these social networks and was excited to explore their capabilities. I enjoyed exploring the Discussions. It gives me insight into how these networks can be used in the classroom. It is hard to imagine some of this since my job isn't directly related to students and classroom so it helps to get perspective from the teacher . I do worry some about the networking in school because there is always that small percentage that will not adhere to the acceptable use policy and therefore makes it hard to manage. I can see where NING might be useful to a classroom teacher for certain units, and posting assignments as well as the discussion among the students. This is another way for the student to think outside the box and to express in writing what his/her mind is thinking. It is a great way to network and gather information. I can see that maybe NING would be a great social network for families too.

THING #22

I never thought I would be one to enjoy social networking, don't get me wrong...I love socializing and networking, but I have always been afraid of these sites. However, Facebook has become my families networking site. Our schedules are so busy that we do not have time to have long conversations but I can always see what's going on in their lifes. Who would have thought that your grandchildren would enjoy networking with their grandmother. This has been a wonderful communication tool. My grandson is 20 years old and he allows me to be his friend on Facebook. It is amazing how he will comment on photos I have posted or just drop a note to say hi and catch me up with his "social" life. I must say I was concerned with the security on these sites, but I am careful when I post photos or videos that I restrict the view to only friends. This makes me feel a little more comfortable. This aspect of still scares me.

THING #21

I am overwhelmed at everything technology has to offer. I had no idea that Google tools could be so useful not only in my job but in networking my family. The Google Notebook is a great resource tool that I didn't even know existed. This Google Engine is as powerful as the Little Engine that Could. I set up some web albums in Picasa and have shared these with my family. Now that I am getting use to tagging it is a great way to pull photos and share with appropriate family members. I also wanted to network with my kids and their activities, so I have set up a Google Calendar. With two granddaughters in sporting events this is the perfect way for all of us to share our activities and schedule around any activities the kids may have. I believe my family is going to get computer savy before this class is over.

THING #20

My mind is racing... I can really visualize where this application will be a great tool for my office. I am already using the Google Docs with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents to gather information into the Staff Meeting Agenda each month. The first few months, some of the individuals would prefer calling instead of going into google docs and inserting their agenda items, but after a few months, we are all trained and it is a great tool. The only think I do not like about it is the fact that it does not hold formatting regarding tabs and if it does, please share. I also did a spreadsheet for my husband's family and sent to a contact at each household and they inserted their relative information, i.e., demographics as well as birthdates and email addresses for other siblings. This is a great resourve for the entire family. I can see so much networking that will save time between individual departments that we try to gather. One important form is the telephone and contact list that personnel does. My brain is in overtime now.