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!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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. :)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Easiest and Hardest Habits (of Lifelong Learners)
The easiest habit for me is to accept responsibility for my own learning. I know that I've got to be the one to decide if I'm going to learn. No one else can do it for me, and no one can talk me into it.
The hardest habit for me is to view problems as challenges. In the abstract, I can say, "If a problem comes up, just take a deep breath, and view it as an opportunity to learn." Ha! If a real problem comes up, it's not good. I'll think "why did this have to happen?"
The hardest habit for me is to view problems as challenges. In the abstract, I can say, "If a problem comes up, just take a deep breath, and view it as an opportunity to learn." Ha! If a real problem comes up, it's not good. I'll think "why did this have to happen?"
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