Recently, as in this week, a fellow educator and tech savvy Twitter colleague decided to pursue the creation of his very own Web 2.0 website. Jason Bedell, who not only was creating this site, but also organizing TeechMeet in Nashville, posted on his blog a beta version of a Social Signature Creator that people could create for their blogs or websites. This signature creator would contain the icons of social media sites that you would like visitors to your blog to see so that they could follow you in other places on the web.
The beta version was a great concept, and within a few days, this beta version with a few social media sites had grown into a Social Signature Creator with around 20 Social Media sites and its ver own URL and Domain. Social Sig For Me is a great concept considering the growth of Social Media. Also consider that other options out there are not as extensive or as easily customizable. Social Sig For Me is still a work in progress, and suggestions for other Social Signatures would be greatly appreciated so that the site can grow.
You can see a sample of the signature at the top of my blog.
I encourage you to use, share and help support the creation of this Web 2.0 website by a fellow educator.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wiki Wednesday #9 - THREE!!
Normally I try and stick to just one Wiki for my Wednesday post, but I have come across three really good ones that I thought I should share, and the great thing about them is that they all center around Web 2.0. Each of these will offer lessons, links, resources, etc. I am really impressed with all these.
Here is a Wiki dedicated to Digital Story Telling. There are links to free images and audio and information about copyright. There are also links to Story Starters, Lesson Plans, and Projects using Digital Story Telling Tools. I realized visiting this site that there are a lot more options out there than Photo Peach, Animoto, Flixtime, and Photo Story. There is also a section that offers links to examples of Digital Stories. Looking for articles discussing the use of Digital Stories? There are tons of those as well. Take some time to visit this site, especially if planning on creating a Digital Story. It is a great starting point and a great resource for teachers hesitant about creating a Digital Story.
A combination of Web 2.0 tools and 21st Century education. The front page of the wiki has all the resources linked by category in alphabetical order. There are direct links to tons of Web 2.0 tools and software as well as links to reviews that people have done on their blogs. A great idea to organize and promote your blog.. The author of the Wiki has also authored six volumes of digital books that contain information about the Web 2.0 tools and 21st Century Education. Definitely worth checking out and sharing with colleagues.
Another great Web 2.0 Wiki. What I like about this Wiki is the organization and images on the front page that organize Web 2.0 tools to Cognitive Level, Learning Style, Stage of Inquiry, and Categories. Resources are also organized by what you are wanting to do and then it links to possible resources. The contributors to this Wiki have done an excellent job. It has a lot of wonderful aspects of a Wiki. There is even a quiz and crossword puzzle to test your knowledge on using Web 2.0 Tools that could be very useful for teachers. In the end all of the resources are broken down by category. And the homepage is a Glog!
Take a minute to visit and contribute your own thoughts and resources. This is the greatest aspect of a Wiki. With the growth of the Internet and Web 2.0 tools, a Wiki is going to be the main way to obtain and organize information.
And don't forget to add ways that you have used Facebook in Education to the following Wiki
Here is a Wiki dedicated to Digital Story Telling. There are links to free images and audio and information about copyright. There are also links to Story Starters, Lesson Plans, and Projects using Digital Story Telling Tools. I realized visiting this site that there are a lot more options out there than Photo Peach, Animoto, Flixtime, and Photo Story. There is also a section that offers links to examples of Digital Stories. Looking for articles discussing the use of Digital Stories? There are tons of those as well. Take some time to visit this site, especially if planning on creating a Digital Story. It is a great starting point and a great resource for teachers hesitant about creating a Digital Story.
A combination of Web 2.0 tools and 21st Century education. The front page of the wiki has all the resources linked by category in alphabetical order. There are direct links to tons of Web 2.0 tools and software as well as links to reviews that people have done on their blogs. A great idea to organize and promote your blog.. The author of the Wiki has also authored six volumes of digital books that contain information about the Web 2.0 tools and 21st Century Education. Definitely worth checking out and sharing with colleagues.
Another great Web 2.0 Wiki. What I like about this Wiki is the organization and images on the front page that organize Web 2.0 tools to Cognitive Level, Learning Style, Stage of Inquiry, and Categories. Resources are also organized by what you are wanting to do and then it links to possible resources. The contributors to this Wiki have done an excellent job. It has a lot of wonderful aspects of a Wiki. There is even a quiz and crossword puzzle to test your knowledge on using Web 2.0 Tools that could be very useful for teachers. In the end all of the resources are broken down by category. And the homepage is a Glog!
Take a minute to visit and contribute your own thoughts and resources. This is the greatest aspect of a Wiki. With the growth of the Internet and Web 2.0 tools, a Wiki is going to be the main way to obtain and organize information.
And don't forget to add ways that you have used Facebook in Education to the following Wiki
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Must See Monday #11 - Avatara
Yes, I know it is Tuesday, and I know I normally do Twitter stuff, but I just found this site and was completely busy yesterday; first day really back at my home school in two weeks, so plenty of work to catch up on. A lot of people on Twitter that I follow talk about creating an avatar, or a computer image of yourself. Sites like Voki give you the ability to create a talking head that you can create an image of yourself. No offense, we have plenty of talking heads out there!
Avatara is a little different. It is a full body, 3D avatar of yourself. You can easily link the 3D image to Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, and Wordpress among others on the list. Joining is as easy as an email address, password, and security code. You get the option to choose from a blank avatar, pre-made, or upload a photo of yourself, but photo specifications are very specific. Image must be 104800 Bytes in size, which I did not have handy, so I just used the blank options.
It is rather funny sorting through the different faces and features. You can easily organize by male, female, and ....creature, which is not for me. You can choose facial features, body features, and even an animation. I felt like I was making an avatar for Tiger Woods Golf when I used to play it. The one I created does not look exactly like me, but I think if I uploaded a proper picture it would be rather neat. Avatara has one of Barack Obama that is very close to the real thing.
Visit Avatara and make a 3D rendering of yourself. What about your students? Could you see them using this? Be a great way to create a virtual yearbook of students at a school. Maybe in the future this is what yearbooks will be. That is if they are not obsolete because of Facebook.
Here is mine...kind of funny!
Click here to view my Avatar!
Avatara is a little different. It is a full body, 3D avatar of yourself. You can easily link the 3D image to Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, and Wordpress among others on the list. Joining is as easy as an email address, password, and security code. You get the option to choose from a blank avatar, pre-made, or upload a photo of yourself, but photo specifications are very specific. Image must be 104800 Bytes in size, which I did not have handy, so I just used the blank options.
It is rather funny sorting through the different faces and features. You can easily organize by male, female, and ....creature, which is not for me. You can choose facial features, body features, and even an animation. I felt like I was making an avatar for Tiger Woods Golf when I used to play it. The one I created does not look exactly like me, but I think if I uploaded a proper picture it would be rather neat. Avatara has one of Barack Obama that is very close to the real thing.
Visit Avatara and make a 3D rendering of yourself. What about your students? Could you see them using this? Be a great way to create a virtual yearbook of students at a school. Maybe in the future this is what yearbooks will be. That is if they are not obsolete because of Facebook.
Here is mine...kind of funny!
Click here to view my Avatar!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Twitter Tuesday #9 - Top 20+ From the Weekend.
What a busy weekend. Not really for me, but on Twitter. I got a lot of great resources as well as articles about the "NCLB 2.0" as it is being called, or The Obama's Administration plan for Education.
1.) I am working on a Wiki for Facebook in Education and was shared a blog post by Tomorrow's Tech in Today's Schools about using a Facebook Template as part of a project in Power Point. I know we hate Power Point, but it completely changes how it is used. Check it out. Great idea!
2.) Education Reform Policy Articles and Links:
4.) From Shelly Terrell, a great video and resource for explaining the purpose of a PLN and Networking. Also the creation of a Wiki about Networking. Worth visiting if contemplating working to create your own PLN.
5.) From a YouTube search, a great list of Smart Notebook Video Tutorials
6.) A new craze are inforgraphics. Here is 35 Great Social Media Infographics and The State of the Internet video.
7.) Two Reasons for Teaching Facebook in Schools. I am contemplating a video of some kind with my students about value and safety of Facebook. This might come in handy.
8.) iPod Touch/iPhone Apps for students. Pretty nice list.
9.) Larry Ferlazzo wants to help a Blogger and Twitterer reach a larger Audience. Nominate a Blog or Twitterer HERE.
10.) ZuiTube - Great videos for kids.
11.) KySTE attendees who are on Twitter. Supporting my fellow Kentuckians on the Twitterverse and others.
12.) Educators Sharing Resources on Diigo - A GREAT group to join.
13.) Evaluating Websites - A great list of references.
14.) U.S. to Roll out Major Broadband Policy - From Yahoo! You can also visit Broadband.gov
15.) Google Earth in Education Resources
16.) TxtBlaster - Similiar to my post about texting students using your email. This is online.
17.) Amazing Web 2.0 Projects - A Book!! PDF
18.) In case you have not seen this, Teachers on Twitter - A Wiki. Browse by subject matter. Also a list of educators who share resources.
19.) ScribbleMaps - Draw on Google Maps - Interesting.
20.) 92 Videos That Will Make You Go: Huh, Whoa, Wow, Ahhh and Ha-Ha - Great list...must find time to look at them.
And finally, a picture is worth 1000 words. Here is how so many in education feel today with the changes to education policy. Where does responsibilty for failing schools REALLY fall??
1.) I am working on a Wiki for Facebook in Education and was shared a blog post by Tomorrow's Tech in Today's Schools about using a Facebook Template as part of a project in Power Point. I know we hate Power Point, but it completely changes how it is used. Check it out. Great idea!
2.) Education Reform Policy Articles and Links:
- A Blueprint for Reform - Official Publication
- Education Week - Administration Unveils ESEA Renewal Blueprint
- The Big Idea - It's Bad Education Policy - L.A.Times
- From the Christian Science Monitor - 5 Key Changes to NCLB proposed by Obama
- Reform of NCLB Starts in Iowa
4.) From Shelly Terrell, a great video and resource for explaining the purpose of a PLN and Networking. Also the creation of a Wiki about Networking. Worth visiting if contemplating working to create your own PLN.
5.) From a YouTube search, a great list of Smart Notebook Video Tutorials
6.) A new craze are inforgraphics. Here is 35 Great Social Media Infographics and The State of the Internet video.
7.) Two Reasons for Teaching Facebook in Schools. I am contemplating a video of some kind with my students about value and safety of Facebook. This might come in handy.
8.) iPod Touch/iPhone Apps for students. Pretty nice list.
9.) Larry Ferlazzo wants to help a Blogger and Twitterer reach a larger Audience. Nominate a Blog or Twitterer HERE.
10.) ZuiTube - Great videos for kids.
11.) KySTE attendees who are on Twitter. Supporting my fellow Kentuckians on the Twitterverse and others.
12.) Educators Sharing Resources on Diigo - A GREAT group to join.
13.) Evaluating Websites - A great list of references.
14.) U.S. to Roll out Major Broadband Policy - From Yahoo! You can also visit Broadband.gov
15.) Google Earth in Education Resources
16.) TxtBlaster - Similiar to my post about texting students using your email. This is online.
17.) Amazing Web 2.0 Projects - A Book!! PDF
18.) In case you have not seen this, Teachers on Twitter - A Wiki. Browse by subject matter. Also a list of educators who share resources.
19.) ScribbleMaps - Draw on Google Maps - Interesting.
20.) 92 Videos That Will Make You Go: Huh, Whoa, Wow, Ahhh and Ha-Ha - Great list...must find time to look at them.
And finally, a picture is worth 1000 words. Here is how so many in education feel today with the changes to education policy. Where does responsibilty for failing schools REALLY fall??
Monday, March 15, 2010
Must See Monday #10 - TypeWith.Me
At the KySTE conference I attended last week I was introduced to TypeWithMe by Jeremy Renner during his session on his 10 Favorite Web Tools. During the conference we used TypeWithMe to introduce ourselves to him and each other. I had not seen this website before. It reminded me of TodaysMeet, only better options.
What I like about TypeWithMe is that the typing is real time. As you type in the text, it will appear on the screen...from anyone. Currently it is limited to 16 participants in the room at the same time, but for AP classes, this would be a useful tool. If necessary you could have two rooms for larger classes. Every person in the room can also choose a color (8 choices) that will be the background of their text. It is really useful in seeing who is typing and when.
Here is a sample page so you can see it in action.
You can easily pre-enter text for people when they come in the room (Questions, Links, Quotes, etc) that will help get the typing started. There is also a chat window to the bottom right where you could have a whole other conversation. It allows you to import a Word, PDF, or RTF file as well. You can also export what you are typing to Word, PDF, HTML, Plain Text, and others. would be great for posting to the web so students could view the conversation later. The final option is a Time Slider which will allow you to scan through the conversation at the time it was occurring. A great way to log your conversation as well, especially if you are looking for something that was said at a certain time.
So how could you use this in your classroom?
1.) Provided to me by Russ Goerend - Have students type one sentence at a time to create a story.
2.) Use as a supplment to lecture for students to ask questions
3.) Have students use during a movie to ask questions or share their thoughts about it
4.) While reading novels/books in class let students type questions or discuss the book live while reading so they don't forget as they read
5.) Use during a guest speaker to remember responses as well as questions and students thoughts.
What ideas do you have?
What I like about TypeWithMe is that the typing is real time. As you type in the text, it will appear on the screen...from anyone. Currently it is limited to 16 participants in the room at the same time, but for AP classes, this would be a useful tool. If necessary you could have two rooms for larger classes. Every person in the room can also choose a color (8 choices) that will be the background of their text. It is really useful in seeing who is typing and when.
Here is a sample page so you can see it in action.
You can easily pre-enter text for people when they come in the room (Questions, Links, Quotes, etc) that will help get the typing started. There is also a chat window to the bottom right where you could have a whole other conversation. It allows you to import a Word, PDF, or RTF file as well. You can also export what you are typing to Word, PDF, HTML, Plain Text, and others. would be great for posting to the web so students could view the conversation later. The final option is a Time Slider which will allow you to scan through the conversation at the time it was occurring. A great way to log your conversation as well, especially if you are looking for something that was said at a certain time.
So how could you use this in your classroom?
1.) Provided to me by Russ Goerend - Have students type one sentence at a time to create a story.
2.) Use as a supplment to lecture for students to ask questions
3.) Have students use during a movie to ask questions or share their thoughts about it
4.) While reading novels/books in class let students type questions or discuss the book live while reading so they don't forget as they read
5.) Use during a guest speaker to remember responses as well as questions and students thoughts.
What ideas do you have?
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