The End... or is it just the beginning?

Wow! What an incredible journey with Web 2.0! There is so much out there that I didn't know about! Some of it I already use, some of it I will definitely use again, and some of it, only time will tell how if it becomes part of my life or not. Technology is constantly evolving and changing which can be a tad daunting at times, especially with the heaped plates we tend to carry, but it is all part of the excitement of the journey! I think the main thing is to keep and open mind and an open ear out for what is happening around us and keep trying new things. I really appreciate the guidance that the Web 2.0 online course has provided into the newer territories for me and the light it has shone onto new possibilities.  I'm looking forward to continuing my journey armed with loads more tools than when I started. Thanks a bunch! :)

Audio/ E Books - Task 22

Hmmm... again, I'm feeling some resistance to this one... I love my book collection. I love the feeling of a book in your hand and even how it looks on the shelf, I love the smell of books and love scouring second hand bookstores for a 'find'. I must say I do also love audio books for the classroom for shared reading experiences, comprehension and listening activities but E books on the other had haven't quite reached me... yet??? I've said before I don't feel like an N generation-er and I think this also sets me apart from my younger acquaintances. I tutor a girl whose school is now all on i pads and where all their text books and research materials are on the i pad. Surely it makes the school bag lighter, but at what cost? I was helping her research for an assignment and found my brain really struggled with having to 'flip' back and forth from each 'ebook'. I remember, back in my day... sprawling all my books out and going from one to the next to find notes and quotes and while it made a heck more mess, it seemed to make more sense to me. Another downfall for the e book is that you are reading from a screen and for me, after a day of trying to sort through and read my many unread emails and RSS feeds, checking out whats new on You Tube, collaboratively planning using a google doc, 'catching up' on Facebook with friends and placing my online shopping order, the last thing I want to do in my 'down time' is look at a computer screen again. :)

You Tube/ Teacher Tube - Task 21

You tube is fantastic! It is a never ending source of fun, facts, entertainment, blasts from the pasts, and educational tools. My teaching partners and I use it to make teaching and learning more fun and bring the outside world into the classroom. I was amazed at just what was on offer once I started looking and now it is a source of inspiration and one of my first go to places whenever i am 'stuck'. Here is one of my all time favourite bands who use You Tube to launch their music videos and here is a fun nouns song that my class just love!

Podcasts - Activity 20

Hmmm, podcasts are not something I generally use. Don't get me wrong, I think they can be great. I just don't tend to use them. I listen to the radio on the way to and from work everyday and know that you can get the podcasts of those shows along with heaps of others online, but if I've missed the show, when else am I going to listen to them? Maybe while I'm cleaning out my inbox??? I just don't seem to have the time! :) In class we use flip cameras to record students' presentations and screen microphones for recording working at the board and reading. I can see the uses and advantages of using pod casts in the wider world, but I have been able to use alternate means to achieve the same outcomes. This one doesn't have me sold... yet.

Rollyo - Task 19

Wow! Where has Rollyo been all my life! :) This is a fantastic research tool that sets boundaries for younger students. We currently do a research task on how to look after a pet in Term 4. We have been searching for a good and child friendly search engine - Rollyo will allow us to send the students in the right direction for their research task, without us having to worry about inappropriate or word heavy web sites. I have had a little play around and started adding some sites to the 'Year 2 Pets' Rollyo:
http://www.rollyo.com/search.html?prevsid=709178&q=birds&sid=709178
Fantastic! Love it! :)

Wiki's - Task 18

What's a wiki?  I like the definition that a wiki is a "cross between a word document and a webpage". I also liken it's properties to google docs where you can have multiple authors who share and collaborate on the page except that it is out in cyberspace as opposed to being sent via email. My teaching partner had a wiki with her class last year where she uploaded copies of the students homework (no excuses for losing it now!) :), interesting and educational links to online games, photos, students' work samples and newsletters. I loved the look and interactivity of it and vowed to get myself sorted with one this year as last year my focus was on developing my interactive whiteboard skills - alas, I still have not made one - Term 3 is my goal - no reports, no Web 2.0 and hopefully more time will see me stick to it! Wish me luck! :)

Delicious - Task 17

I already have an account  with delicious as my 'favourites' at work were constantly being deleted due to network upgrades. I really enjoy delicious and use it for personal and professional purposes. I think it is a fantastic tool that allows you to share websites and information with colleagues and friends based on interests. It's also wonderful that you can access your account from anywhere on any computer making it very versatile.