Thing #7: Google Tools

The two Google tools I chose to try were Google Docs and Google alerts.

After browsing the Google forms section, I realized that I've participated in online surveys for other online courses in the past. At the time, I remember thinking, "Hey, this is neat. I wonder how long it took my instructor to make this." Now I know, first hand, that creating such forms does not require sweat, blood, and tears.

Here's the link to a quick sample survey/form I created:http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dDVLT1oyS19OTG9kenBhdHVyVWl0ckE6MA..

I can foresee myself sending out such a survey to teachers and/or students and/or parents to get feedback/opinions regarding our library program. I love that Google can then compile your results data.

The second tool I used was Google alerts. At first, I envisioned my email box being bombarded with a plethora of notifications. But after reading the help FAQs, I learned that you control how much and how often you receive such alerts. I can see myself signing up for alerts regarding important ALA issues/policies. It is important that we stay informed about events occuring outside of our home campus - this tool can help alert me to worthy newspostings that I may otherwise overlook or disregard until sometime in the future.

I can also use it to be notified of the latest award winners and nominees in regards to chidren's literature.

Thing #6: Mashups

There are so many mashups out there...I felt a bit overwhelmed before I even started playing. However, after a few clicks I found that most applications are quite user friendly. I can see myself using Mappr with students during an investigation/exploration of folklore/folktales' origins. The mashup that allows you to locate and combine images of the same color could also be used by students as an engaging interpretation activity...i.e. How do you think that character felt when... I see many possibilities ahead. I feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Thing #5: Flickr

I found that it is very easy to navigate away from your original intentions (get distracted) as you conduct your image search on Flickr. I really loved all the historical images provided by the Library of Congress. I can see myself coming back to this site to download more images to share with my students.

Thing #3: Set up & Avatar

Setting up the Blog was pretty easy. Keeping up with it...another story all together =)

Creating an Avatar was fun. The posting of the Avatar could have been easier, if the code would only work properly. However, with just a few extra steps, (save, open paint, save as jpg file) it all seems to have come together quite nicely.

Thing #2

As I went through the 7 1/2 Habits' tutorial, I identified most with "Habit 1: Begin with the End in Mind." I am a firm believer in setting goals. Once I've set my mind on something, the next step is figuring out how to get there.

"Habit 7 1/2: Play" is probably the hardest for me. However, I foresee many more opportunities to play in the near future given my recently acquired Mommy status. My daughters have taught me to slow down and appreciate many of life's little offerings.