Thing # 8

I definitely can using a wiki in my future.  I like that the wiki websites are informative and give a lot of information.  I like the Code Blue wikispace because it  general links so that the students can explore the body systems.  It even include a link to BrainPop so the students could watch a movie on the Urinary System.
The Primary Math Wikispace was set up a little differently than Code Blue. The Math website was not as informative as Code Blue.  It was set up to share their math learning.  I really liked the Kindergarten Counting Book.  It gave great ideas on how to visually demonstrate to elementary students on how to count to 100. The only thing I would have done was make more math problems to go with it.
In my classroom, I would use a wiki to post assignments, deadlines and also give a brief summary of the book we are reading in class. I can also use it to post extra credit assignments and use it as a tool to communicate with parents.

Thing # 7

I like to read the blogs, however, I am not comfortable with expressing my opinion on someone's blog. I can learn a lot of interesting information by reading them. If I come across one I don't particularly agree with, I will just one on to another one since their are so many  out there. If I do comment, I try to make sure that I am leaving meaningful comments.    

Thing #6

I have a better understanding of RSS feeds after doing this activity.  I enjoyed  searching for different bloggers and information. I found some that were interesting and I added them to my reader.

One particular post that I found that was interesting was http://www.dietriffic.com/2010/12/15/food-swaps/.
It gives information on making better choices at mealtimes so that people can get more of the important nutrients their  body needs to maintain good health and manage their weight. It is important to start the day with a good breakfast so that the rest of the day is balanced with the right food choices.

I am interested in School Administration so I looked for feeds that had to deal with this topic. An interesting blog that I subscribed to was School Administration News Update .   It goes into detail how there is a lot on administrators' shoulders.  There is the business of the school day, people at your door, phones ringing, angry parents, undisciplined students, and numerous emails that need to be open. In order to get through the day, administrators need to be proactive and task oriented so that nothing is left undone.

Thing 5

I found that using the RSS reader very informative. One particular blog I found that was interesting was from
http://www.techlearning.com/blogs/34962.       It addresses the need to find creatives ways to motivate our students.  Some students need intrinsic motivation while others may need extrinsic motivation.  It is unfortunate that there are many students in our classes that do not  seem to have any motivation or want to do work in school. Some ideas on motivating these students are based on rewards programs. The bottom line in this article is that we need to show students why they should try their best in school.
  

Thing # 4

The blogs I have read are:
  Why Can't We Do This?
Why I Don’t Assign Homework
The genre of blog writing seems to be more informal than formal and a faster way to give and receive feedback.  It is sort of like a chart room but a little more formal because the content is more serious.  Blog reading is different than other types of reading because I am reading someones comments, thoughts, and messages on a subject matter and different opinions all at once. They are similar to other types of reading because blogs can also give a wealth of information. I just have to sort through what is good and what is not.
    Blogs are different than other types of writing because they are  interactive. Blogs can be formal or informal.  Students can write blogs to help each other on homework.  A teacher can have a blog to help his/her students with homework on just keep parents updated about current  events going on in the class.
Most of the commenting I have read seem to be positive. Commenting contributes to the writing because it gives other view points the author may have not considered.  Blogging can be an awesome tool to facilitate learning because  it is a great way to communicate and share thoughts and ideas.

Thing 2

Web 2.0 is changing the way we should be teaching in the 21st century. Our students are so far ahead of what we do in the classroom.  They are familiar with blogging and texting.  They use facebook, wikis and other technology resources. As a teacher, we need to take advantage of this.  We need to incorporate blogs and wikis as part of our curriculum. Using these tools with today's digital learners will hopefully engage our students in the lessons.  I would want to use it to promote ownership of learning.  I would use these tools to creating engaging lessons for my students.

Thing # 1

1. The learning habit that may be most challenging to me is using technology to my advantage.  I am not familiar with a lot of the different technology resources but I am willing to learn.

2.  The easiest for me is teach or mentor others. I do not mind helping other teachers be successful, especially in my subject area. I also accept responsibility for my own learning by taking different Staff Development classes to help me in areas like incorporating technology.

3.  The most important habit for me as I take this course is to begin with the end in mind.  I need to set goals and sometimes I may need to modify these goals.