Thing #14: Technorati

Technorati seems like a great way to find blogs of interest. Then again, I thought it was interesting to look at the Top 100 list of blogs. Definitely not my idea of interesting. However, as the woman on the video said, those on the Top 100 probably just post the most, not implying that they are the most interesting. I guess that makes sense.

On a side note, I claimed my blog, so we'll see if more people visit my blog.

Thing #13: Del.icio.us

I guess I still need a little time to get used to Del.icio.us. I like bookmarking sites and adding websites to my favorites list. I think I'm just comfortable with what I'm already used to using. However, I can definitely see how Del.icio.us could be very useful when researching. I use so many different websites for my classes, so Del.icio.us would be a good way for me to keep those sites organized. I'll keep practicing.

Thing #12: Creating Community Through Commenting

Before commenting:

I found the tips for commenting pretty helpful. Particularly, I agree that it's important to write a meaningful comment, not just "I agree" or "Cool." A meaningful comment actually matters, but some other comments seem pointless.

The other piece of advice that I found helpful is not to be afraid of commenting. I haven't left any comments yet, and I am somewhat nervous about writing on someone else's blog. Logically, this seems ridiculous. However, I can't help how I feel. I like receiving comments though, so I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed that others will like it as well.


After commenting:

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed commenting on other people's blogs. Hmmm...I guess I have a lot to say. ;) And besides that, I liked to read what's others were saying. Besides commenting on people's blogs in the Learn2Play community, I commented on two other blogs about Cinque Terre, Italy. I'm getting exciting about my upcoming trip, and it was fun to see what other people were saying. I guess it's pretty common to write a blog as you're traveling, and these blogs were posted within the past few days.

Thing #11: LibraryThing

I think Library Thing was created just for me! I'm in heaven--an entire website dedicated to book dorks like me. I love it!

I added 8 of my favorite books, all of which I gave perfect ratings. I had so much fun reading about what others thought about my favorite books. In fact, I always want to talk about what I'm reading, but I feel like most people are too busy for that. But now there is an entire website of people wanting to talk about books. Woo hoo!

I also thought it was really interesting to explore some of the different groups. I particularly liked the group 1001 Books To Read Before You Die. Again, I know I'm a dork, but I don't want to miss out on a good book. And I figure that with so many people sharing their opinions on the best books, this is my best shot at always finding something great to read.

I love it!!!

Thing #10: Image Generator

Made with free image tools @ TXT2PIC.com



Clearly, I've had way too much fun with Thing #10. I can't believe that there's so much I can do online (for free) that I didn't know existed. Exciting!!!

I can definitely see that this will be fun to use with my students. It would be a great addition to projects. In fact, an occasional image would be fun on any of their papers. I'll keep these creative resources in mind.

Thing #9: Blogs and News Feeds

Okay, I think I'm blogged out! A bit too much for me.

I found Google Blog Search approachable, easy, and very helpful. I've used Atomic Learning during the school year and I've also found that helpful. The other sites (Syndic8, Technorati, Topix) were too overwhelming.

I actually found some really great feeds that have helped in planning my trip to Italy. I've been looking for a hotel in Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre, Italy, and it's been really helpful getting reviews of the hotels. What a great resource in planning a trip!

Thing #8: RSS Feed

I really appreciate that RSS and newsreader will allow me to keep up with the news (and gossip) quickly. When I'm busy with school and my personal life, I don't always have time to stay as up-to-date as I'd like. Now I can keep up with the news in a hurry. I will definitely use this technology to stay posted on the news. I can also add blogs about books for young adults to stay current on the books for my students. Additionally, libraries can also subscribe to blogs about books for young adults. This way, libraries can keep up with the current, popular books to keep the students excited about going to the library.

Thing #7: Google

I set up a Google Alert to email news about USC Trojan football. What can I say? I'm a fan!!! I can see how Google Alert would be helpful in keeping up with the news. Whether I'm trying to follow the election coverage or football recruitment, this site can be tailored to fit my needs. Plus, I can use this site in the classroom when keeping up with current events (as we do in Reading Lab). This can cut down on my research time and it would be a great resource to teach my students to use.

I also used Google Calendar to keep my life in order. During the summer, I seem to lose all track of time. I'm not even 100% sure what day of the week it is, much less the date! By using a computer calendar, it makes organization a bit more fun. Plus, when school starts back up, I can even keep my lessons straight on Google Calendar. This would make sharing and collaborating so much easier!

Thing #6: Mashups

I had fun on this one! I played with a few different mashups, and got more comfortable with Flickr. My favorite part was creating a trading card. Although I practiced using Flickr, I created my favorite trading card using one of my own pictures. I know, it's cheesy, but I like it! :)

Thing #5: Flickr

Flickr is pretty cool! I will definitely use this site to find images I can use with my students. Great resource!

I found an awesome picture of a totem pole that I can use when we're reading Touching Spirit Bear. Since most of my students aren't familiar with totem poles, pictures help. Good find!

Thing #4: Registered

I sent in my email and I'm just waiting for confirmation that I'm registered. I guess I'll keep going...

Thing #3: Blog and Avatar

I can't believe it! I've started my own blog and I've created an Avatar. I'm proud!!!

Thing #3 took me quite a while to complete, but I'm actually a fan of my Avatar. I guess that's all it took to win me over. ;)

And, on the bright side, I think I'm getting the hang of blogging.

Thing #2: Life Long Learning

The easiest habit for me is setting goals. I generally think of the outcome as I approach any new task. Lucky me!

I definitely have a difficult time finding time to play. After all, we're all so busy and there's always so much to do. Finding time to play is certainly one of my many goals, and I'm already thinking about how to achieve my successful outcome.

Thing #1: Getting Started

Woo hoo! Success!

I read the blog and may move on to Thing #2. :)