Thing #4

After playing with the features of Blogger, and finally making myself stop so I could post and move on, I have come up with a few ideas on how I might use a blog within the library program. Creating and maintaining a blog is something I would have loved to try in the classroom. The scale might be different in the library setting, but it is definitly possible!

Teachers are always asking for read aloud suggestions but when they come asking on Monday mornings, my mind goes blank. Creating a blog used for read aloud suggestions would give teachers a place to go find titles and much more. Each post could include the book title, interest and reading levels, a short summary, and how it can be used within the curricuclum. After reading the post, teachers would be able to comment on the suggestion by giving feedback on the actual story or by telling how they used the book.

Another blog idea with teachers is an Online Book Club. Many times teachers can't find the time to get together to plan research, much less chat about a book. Each post could pose a question or thought from the book and teachers would be able to respond. This online book club would allow discussion all times of the day and if a reader fell behind on the reading, that's ok, the posts remain and can be commeneted on at any time.

I feel like using blogs with students would be a little harder than using them with teachers. Since computer and Internet access is essential, you would need to make sure all students have the tools necessary. If students do not have the tools they need at home, time during the school day would have to be devoted to working on the blogs.

Students could create and use blogs for research units. Starting a blog and keeping it updated, by adding what is learned during the research study, could be the final research product. If you didn't want each student to create their own blog, they could comment on teacher created posts that relate to that days study.

Another idea is for students to give feedback on books that they have read. The librarian could post several book titles and summaries each week and advertise those books. If a student checks out and READS that book, they would be able to make comments and rate the book.

Madelyn's First Halloween

Thing #3

Creating an Avatar was the highlight of my day! I wish it was always that easy to change clothes and look good in everything! Adding an Avatar is such a fun way to add a touch of personality to your blog. I'm looking forward to seeing all the Avatars and seeing the resemblence between the virtual person and the actual person. This is going to be addictive!

Thing #2

Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners

I was able to quickly pick out just one of the habits that will be the easiest for me but I am still having trouble narrowing down the hardest habit.

"Beginning with the end in mind" is something that I have always done. When starting something new, it makes me feel at ease and comfortable with the upcoming work if I know what I am working towards. Coming up with a plan and reaching small goals in an attempt to reach the BIG goal allows me to feel successful throughout and not just at the end.

The two habits that I am trying to decide on as being the hardest for me are "have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner" and " view problems as challenges." It takes me a while to feel confident about something when doing it for the first time. I am not nervous about learning the new Web 2.0 information but it makes me nervous to think that I will be using the new tools with students and teaching them the information; especially when many of the students know more than I do. Viewing problems as challenges is another habit that is going to be difficult for me. Many times I get bogged down with the day to day problems and have a hard time moving forward. If I can change my attitude and turn the problems into challenges and opportunities, I will be less stressed and able to get more done.

Thing #1

What do I want to learn? Well...hopefully I will learn how quick and easy it is to use all the tools with Web 2.0! (Actually, I'm not expecting quick; that's just wishful thinking!) Easy on the otherhand is something that I need. I am really hoping these tools will be user friendly since I do not consider myself tech savy! The easier it is for me to learn about the tools, the easier it will be for me to share what I have learned and teach others.

So far, the "things" have been easy to complete. Since I am a stickler for following directions and , I was able to successfully create a blog and start posting. I just hope everything else is as easy to follow. I am not completely satisfied with the way my blog looks but I plan on spending lots of time playing around and customizing the page.