More about Twitter (Thing #12)

I did some searching on Twitter, and found some conversations about knitting, just for a start. Some of the conversations took me to some new websites with project ideas, so that was interesting.

I must admit that I have found it disconcerting that people I do not know are following me on Twitter. I am not comfortable with posting tweets knowing that anyone can see them. I guess I don't understand why a stranger would want to follow me, since I haven't put any detailed profile up on my twitter page. But maybe they are following those who follow others that they are interested in? It's certainly something new.

I do see how those who want to "advertise" like libraries and other organizations could us twitter to their advantage.

Now, on to my next "thing"!

Thing #12: Explore Twitter

I have a Twitter account, and have signed up to follow a few people (a couple of library co-workers and a few famous people).

I have enjoyed getting to know what this is all about. As I have read, I can see that I will need some time to learn more about Twitter and tweets.

But I've made a start!

Thing # 11: Starting an account on Library Thing

I started a catalog of some of the books I have read and enjoyed recently. I like looking at other people's comments about them--it's like your own quick, online book discussion group.

I also like the fact that you can discover read-alikes this way.

My theme for a lot of my posts recently has been and continues to be: I will do more in-depth investigation of these resources later.

On to the next Thing!

Thing #9: Finding blogs

I have used Technorati so far to find some blogs relating to teaching math with the SMARTboard. I found one that looks good so far. (Again with the so far, because I am finding things that I want to investigate further, but I want to move on with the 23 things!)

I am excited to add this one blog (it features podcasts about using the SMARTboard) to my bloglines account.

I am feeling much more comfortable with RSS feeds and bloglines. I unsubscribed to some of my original feeds, so my list is more manageable!

My plan is to go back to this Thing and search for some library blogs!

Thing #8: RSS Feeds

I had a little trouble with the idea of adding 10 RSS feeds to my bloglines account. I felt overwhelmed at that much information coming in for me to look at. I generally like to check just a few websites to see updates.

So, even though I have too many posts to read right now because of our library assignment, I do see that if I select my RSS feeds wisely, it can be helpful to get the updates to sites I really want to follow.

I see that it is especially nice if you can't check your websites as often as you normally do. All the posts/stories you would have missed are waiting there for you.

Just like with any technology or anything really, if you make it work for you, then you've really got something. Luckily, these technologies are flexible enough to do this!

Thing #7--blog about technology

Our assignment for Thing #7 is to blog about any technology.



I will comment about my use of a Smart Board at the school where I teach 8th grade algebra. One of things I like to do is to introduce the students to some famous mathematicians--I never remember learning anything about the actual people involved with mathematics when I was in middle/high school.



So far, I have created two (what I like to think of as) neat pages that have pictures of the mathematicians from the web. I have added facts to the pictures in the form of "statements" from the subjects in speech bubbles. ("Hi, I'm...." "In the year 830 I wrote a book called.....") They are colorful and informative, I hope. In fact, I did have one other teacher comment that the one on Al-Khwarismi (the "father" of algebra) was interesting!



I display my creations on the Smart Board--these also can be called interactive white boards. I am only just beginning to use all their potential. I have created games for the students, and we will be using the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives for class this coming week.



It's really made a difference in the class, I think!



That's about it for now.



So long.

P.S. I have skipped Thing #6 for now. The things I have tried haven't worked out (one link was not working). I think I need to put a digital photo of my own on my work computer so I can work with the mashups.

Lego Beatle image from Flickr!

This combines my favorite Beatles, with my son's and husband's favorite Legos! Please note that since all Lego people do not wear shoes, all the Beatles are shoeless, not just Paul. :)