Thing 17

Questions I asked while exploring the various tools included: Do I need a tool like this? Do I currently have a tool that does something similiar? Is this version better than what I currently use? Should I consider switching or use both? For four of the tools listed I do already have a tool and from what I can see I'll stick with what I have. Inspiration and Kidspiration software work fine for generation of concept maps, org charts etc. I'm pretty stuck on PowerPoint but would certainly consider uploading and sharing a presentation online. Milk and 30 boxes might have more appeal if we didn't use Groupwise - I'll remember them if I'm ever not in the Groupwise environment anymore. As for LibraryThing and Trailfire I don't have a current tool and I'm not sure I have a current need.
Of all the tools explored Knowtes has the most potential for both personal and professional use for me. Excellent for vocabulary development, helping cement in memory the steps of a process, memorization of Scripture, review points for a test etc. You might be suprised at how many K-5 teachers still give out spelling words in isolated lists - I imagine that even the most stalwart of teachers would consider producing flashcards with words and definitions or sentences. I even know a teacher or two I'm going to try it on. I'll let you know if it works :). As always, thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 16

I was unable to locate the 23 Things spreadsheet but I did upload a document of my own and explore the possibilities of sharing. I did discover that Word 07 docs won't load you must save in the compatability mode. I wonder about having multiple editors on one document - do they all have the same rights? I'd like to try that out with a group. I've been listening to conversations in IS about the google doc they use to track the work liaisons do in districts do I've seen an example of how that can work. Look forward to trying it. As always, thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 15

When I subscribed to 2¢ Worth I had no ideas how many articles were going to show up. I did discover the clippings link which allows me to save any part of the post I choose in a file. It gives me the option of reading them later, keeping it for future reference and sharing them with others. I don't feel so bad now when I "Mark them read" and they disappear. I'm not so worried that I missed something or eliminated something of importance. As always, Thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 14

Roughly 3 hours ago I started working in Delicious. I had asked a question about the bookmarks I had on my computer - well it imports them for you in no time. There is a catch - they had no tags so now I must organize all 289. I'm thinking that since I'll be able to access them anywhere I won't complain. It's just going to take me a while to get all 28 pages done. I'm up to page 6 and the bundle feature seems to be working the best. I am shellie161. Back to Delicious! As always, thanks for listening, Leslie

Thing 13

Just in time!! I have folders in my favorites on my home computer and recently started grouping sets of web sites together so I could easily have them all open in tabs for easy access. Well, bless my soul I was having to put websites in multiple folders AND my home computer is all organized but have to do it all over on my work computer. Just like Thing 13 said! I'm convinced - now all I have to decide is whether to try to move those 150+ favorites into delicious. Is there a quick way to do that? As always, thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 12

Time to blog!



Some blogs are so busy I have a hard time locating the main content. (I find the same to be true on lots of web pages). This stuff is truly addictive but how much is too much? Perhaps today's multi-taskers aren't as bothered by all that stuff - maybe it's just me. What are your thoughts? As always, thanks for listening.

Thing 11

Now that I have clicked on every Blog participant in the 23 Things list I'm left with mixed feelings. First, I did not leave any comments, the things I read were interesting, some very well done but as lifehacker says, "Don't comment for the sake of commenting. " Second, several times I really wanted to know who people were, maybe not a name but at least a few ideas about the author. Most of the links on view my profile contained little or no information. I'm going to work harder on my own. Privacy is important and security is worthy of all the attention we give it. I guess I still want some kind of personal touch to help me connect with the writing. Third and last to refer back to lifehacker's thought on commenting for the sake of commenting so it is with blogging for the sake of blogging. I am reminded of why I chose the title for this blog. For the purposes of K-12 education, curriculum drives technology - not the other way around. Where time is limited and resources dwindling I repeat - choose wisely and go deep. As always, thanks for listening. Leslie