Thing #5 - RSS feeds

I can see why RSS feeds can be extremely addicting. Some people may spend half their day just perusing the RSS feeds on their Reader. I have already found some aspects of it enjoyable and other parts a little taxing. One part I found taxing was looking through all the Podcasts for one of relevance. However, I was rewarded after all my scanning to find an enjoyable Podcast on Food. I like the fact that is is fairly short, yet full of info. None of the Podcasts that I listened to were more than 4 minutes long. There are lots of good ideas and general info about food. This can be useful for any and all cooks.

Here is a Podcast on who has the better chicken recipe. Listening to this makes me want to try both recipes and judge for myself :-)

Thing #4 - Blogging Begins with Reading

Wow! What a variety of writings! I found many interesting and some ... not so much :-)

I guess I would classify the genre of blogging as honesty. It is a world of its own. I find it intriguing, yet intimidating at the same time. I love how you can connect people and ideas around the world. Writing a blog is like taking a breath. One well-worded post or comment leads to another and another and before you know it, you have a living breathing thing. It is quite amazing. Reading a blog, especially one that is well-written, can be very captivating. As you read, you begin to gain aspect and get the urge to add your thoughts. Maybe because the option is there...? I am not sure. You can't comment on a textbook or a PowerPoint and share those comments with the world. Kids today need immediate feedback. Blogs definitely provide this and allow them to be themselves at the same time. As a teacher, you don't need to be an expert, you just need to be a learning facilitator.

Happy blogging!

Thing #2 - Thoughts about Web 2.0

Where to begin...

I feel like my brain is in overload thinking of all the ways I could utilize all the technology tools out there. I can hardly wait for school to start just so I can try it out! Then I think I should slow down a LOT and figure out where best to begin. I want to teach my students that most of what they may already be familiar with can actually be used in the classroom to make learning more fun and engaging. I also want to refrain from overwhelming their brains by throwing too much at them at once. Picking the most effective yet simple things to introduce first would be to my benefit.

If I were able to get students engaged on a higher technological level, more learning would occur. I know it would! Having a blog or wiki to communicate with students and parents would allow more interaction and ownership in the education process.

Having these tools available to me will help to better my learning. Sharing ideas with friends and colleagues will open a world of collaboration.

Thing #1 - Reflections on Lifelong Learning

I feel that the most challenging habit will be to diversify my use of tools. With so many from which to choose, I know it may be easy to overlook or forget about a few of them. The learner in me wants to use as much as possible, but spending the time to become an "expert" on each is just not a luxury I may have.

The easiest habit for me will definitely be viewing problems as challenges. I have done this my entire life and feel comfortable, even excited, when a problem comes along. I know it will bring new experiences to me from which I can learn.

By far, the most important habit will be using technology to my advantage. I teach my students that knowledge is power. Having and using technology to my advantage will not only benefit me, but my students, parents, campus, and co-workers as well. This is knowledge I will build upon as I grow technologically!

I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me!