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.

RSS Feeds - Task 15

Ok, so here goes. I have been using RSS feeds since I signed up to one about technology and students with specific learning needs earlier this year. I was using it (receiving a whole gamut of information) without really knowing what it was or how it was working. I now understand that RSS feeds bring the information you want to you, rather than you having to spend time searching for it. I have enjoyed receiving the RSS feeds, but must admit that I don't always have the time to read them. I find I receive so many emails a day that I tend to pick and choose which ones i have time to open and leave the others for 'later' (whenever that may be). I have two email accounts, a work one and a personal one and my friends are always amazed at the amount of unread emails I have. For me right now, until i can sort out my email dilemmas, RSS might just be another clogger for my inbox. I can see how RSS would benefit students with research projects with up to date information.

Myspace and Facebook - Task 13 and 14

After watching the you tube link to the Generation N video, I was surprised that I fell into this category being born in 1980, as I don't really FEEL part of that generation. I have never had a Myspace page and only know a few of my peers, who were budding musicians, who did. I signed up for facebook when living overseas as it was an easy way to keep informed and keep others informed without too much time commitment. Prior to facebook, I used to send home long and detailed recounts of my escapades and adventures, which I took great joy in writing - kind of like a blog/ diary of sorts. Facebook became the easy way to keep in touch while freeing up more time to find and enjoy new adventures. My concern with facebook now lies in how the privacy settings have changed and the increasingly young age of users.  

Flickr - Task 12

http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/3551599565/?f=hp

This is a picture I have seen before. It is so emotive. I'm amazed by how many pictures you can view on Flickr. In saying that, it is not a program I use or have signed up for. I can see the benefits for sharing photos with others; however, I tend to use facebook to share photos with my friends and my brother in Japan and I send each other burnt disks of photos in the mail - 'old fashioned' I know, but it's still always nice when you receive something in the post that isn't a bill or junk mail! :)