Thing 10

This video is too cute. I left a comment that it was "Amazing". I would have loved to see the work as it was being made and observe the lessons learned. I wonder if they journaled their work. Both the School Tube and Teacher Tube sites are far more "fruitful" - pardon the pun - and I hope schools can access them. I found them both to be worth spending time in, looking for PD for teachers, samples of lessons and classroom projects, samples of student work like the fruit bowl. This was a good use of my time. Thanks, as always, for listening. Leslie

Thing 9

So call me lazy - rather than think up an answer here is a great quote about YouTube from Alex Iskold: Great Blog - here's the URL: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/is_youtube_the_next_google.php

"Like any search engine, YouTube is not perfect. In general, short queries on generic topics, like Astrophysics, do not work very well. Somewhat surprisingly, George Washington and Chicken Noodle Soup do not yield good results either. But some searches do work very well. Ian said that his son frequently searches for episodes of Bakugan, which come up perfectly. Another likely search for a 9-year-old, Lance Wataru (a Pokemon character), works well, too. More specific searches, such as Donkey from Shrek, work even better. Anything that can be a video will be a video
I walked away with the impression that we are not quite there yet, but was intrigued. Clearly a lot of things lend themselves to video, not just movies and music clips, but educational videos, tourism and a lot of other things. If video content continues to grow, could video eventually replace text?
Most likely not. The main reason that text rules the web today is because of hyperlinks. Linking pages via text links is what makes the web possible. Hyperlinking videos would be a harder thing to do. Not impossible, of course, because you can link objects and insert text in videos, but it's just not as elegant as text. Besides the linking issue, not everything would be an effective video. For example, a research paper could be made into a video but would not be as easy to follow as the text."

All that said - YouTube has its uses but how do you know what you're getting. For a site "leaning towards entertainment" I'm not ready to say open the floodgates and let YouTube in the classroom. As always thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 8

Montage - What a fascinating idea - still thinking on application - hmmmm...

Also created a new HPSI (High Priority Schools Initiative) logo from the letter blocks - don't think Kate will have to worry about any logo creating competition.

Tried the color site... love the quote "To those that question the utility of this little application, let me point out that it is a toy -- like all the stuff on my website. Its purpose is simply to provide wonder and delight. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn't that enough? -- jbum

Memory game - great fun - All these are would add novelty to the right content - kids would love it - I love it. Thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 7

I searched the RESA23 photos and was pleasantly suprised at the variety of topics and interests. I happen to love butterflies so I created a set with pictures I already had on my computer and some new ones from Flickr. I immediately thought about the challenges our students face with writing -what a great way to encourage journaling around topics of choice or an assigned topic. Of course copyright issues, appropriate content issues, as well as filter/firewall blocks abound but you have to start somewhere. Even if you download the photos to your computer or flashdrive and have students work from there. Where there is a will there is a way! As always - Thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 6

Ha, Ha, Ha. I searched the Library of Congress photos (great link) and found this picture. I was all set to upload and comment in Thing 6 about how far we've come in Home Computers since the projections of 1954. Turns out the photo is a fake and the computer is actually a nuclear submarine missle console picture that was edited (turned to black and white, old TV inserted as well as the 1950's gentleman. I am impressed nonetheless and humbled by how our thoughts, opinions, "knowledge" can be easily manipulated if we are not alert and careful. Let the surfer (internet surfer :) beware!! Thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 5

I recall a statement in the 23 Things introduction that warned not to be suprised at changes and differences that might be encountered. Got it - I did struggle with subscribing -not only because of instruction changes but apparently the Vista operating system does things differently too. I was able to subscribe two out of the three ways -like the bookmarklet the best. Lot's of stuff to read but like my Ipod its what I chose and want to read. That increases the likelihood I'll actually read it. I think that would work well for a principal - initial set up might be intense but once you get it going you can stay informed about your favorite topics and ideas quickly. Thanks for listening.

Thing 4

I could sit for hours and click that NEXT BLOG link and randomly read each one - If I had time! As much as I'd like to do that, I can't. So-o-o-o-0 I have to pick some favorites (which is another challenge), and then I can stay up at night :) and up to date on the latest posts.
I liked the folder aspect of Bloglines and being able to organize them by topics. It's kind of like having new book chapters sent to - you get to watch the story unfold. I also like the fact that I don't have to go check but that info is sent to me. Lee LeFever's explanation was too funny!! Love that low tech explanation of high tech information.
Still struggling with thinking about how a school principal might use this. Communicating with staff comes immediately to mind, things like weekly notes, calendars of events etc. It seems especially helpful for times when there is a need to notify and update frequently. It would also be wonderful to engage teachers in dialogue around instruction - I just worry about the time. Thanks for listening...Leslie