Inspirations

This web was created by a program called Inspiration. It allows for people to create maps and webs of any topic they like. For my assignment I created a web for the characters in the book Charlotte's Web. I came across a few difficulties. In the program, I added a footer, but the footer does not show up on the page. Also, I could not figure out how to change the name of the note.The program automatically named my note for me and would not let me change the name by clicking or left clicking on the note or the name of the note. I clicked edit note on the little note symbol, but it still would not let me change the name. Besides this, this program was pretty easy to use, and I would recommend it for teachers of all grades. The inspiration website has many great ideas for creating maps and webs.

Uploading Digital Images

This is the first slide I have ever put on Blogger! This process was fairly easy and painless. During this process, I had to resize my photos using iPhoto. This was probably the most challenging part of the process. Once you successfully resize the first photo, the rest are so easy! The easiest way to upload a slide show is do use Google Documents. 1. Sign into your gmail account and then click the "more" tab at the top of the page.
2. Click "Documents"
3. Once in Google Docs, click "Presentation" under the "Create New" tab.
4. Next, just add your pictures to each slide by clicking the button that looks like a picture and the browsing your computer for the desired images.
5. Once the presentation is complete, save the presentation
6. Next click the "share" tab, and click "Publish/embed"
7. Choose the desired settings.
8. Copy the code that Google Docs give you at the bottom the page.
9. Next, open your blog and paste that code into a new post.
10. Bam! once you save and publish, your slideshow is there!

This seems like a long process, but really it was very short. This is a wonderful and easy way to share slide shows. This was a good process, because I was able to understand more possibilities I have with Google Docs and Blogger.

So...I have a Question

I took a computer class last semester, in which I learned that using Wikipedia in the classroom is generally considered a huge "no no." I have never understood this. I do understand that Wikipedia should not be used directly in a paper. I also understand that Wikipedia can wrong. I still think that Wikipedia offers so many valuable lessons. FIrst, it is a great way to gain general knowledge about unknown topics. As a teacher, I always want to encourage my students seek new knowledge. If they seek knowledge through Wikipedia, I do not have a problem with this. I could also use this as a lesson. Students already need to know that you can not believe everything you read. Wikipedia usually gives sources that were used in the entries. Students could use those sources to judge the accuracy of the Wikipedia entries. This process of research, critical thinking, and analyzing sounds like a great idea to me! Wikipedia can be misused, but can also serve as a wonderful learning tool. I just do not understand why Wikipedia, in the educational world, is generally seen as a bad resource.

Social Network Manager....for the President?

Over spring break, I found something that was very interesting. I reading "SKY" magazine which is the the air line Delta's magazine they put in planes. In the magazine there was an article about a man named Jesse Lee, whose job title is "Director of Online Programs." The first picture on this blog is a picture of the article. Jesse Lee's entire job is to maintain the President's reputation on sites such as Facebook or twitter. The second picture on the top of the blog is a close up on his quote on a normal day of work.
I think this mans job is significant, because it shows how mainstream and influential social networking sites are. For teachers, this should be a sign. The president has a man whose entire job is to manage the president's online reputation. Teachers should be aware of the importance of online reputation. Teachers who have blogs and twitters that are professionally related can come across as more professional and involved as another teacher who has no online activity. Also, teachers need to know that what is posted online about themselves can affect their reputation in a negative way. Teachers need to make sure that all their social network avenues are appropriate and contain appropriate material.
The moral of the story is that using technology in the class is important, but how technology is used outside of the classroom is equally important.