Thing 14

This thing is the most complicated so far for me. I can see how it can be useful. In fact, I think it would be interesting to use it instead of the Wiki we are currently using to have the kids make comments on a story we are using for a read aloud. The time consuming factor is setting each of the kids up with a user name and non-descript picture identity, but once that is done, I think the actual process of comment via a voice thread would be quicker (and maybe more interesting) than having them type their comments. I also like the idea about putting a picture to start a story and having the kids add a sentence to continue it. That would be a creative project they could do. The reason I think it is complicated is that I am not quite seeing how you make the connection with people from all around the globe for this application. The site wasn't as easy to navigate and I didn't think the different threads available to view were organized in a helpful way. Maybe I am missing something???
I did sign up for the threads and say hello from Michigan, although it was in text, since I don't have a microphone! :-)

Thing 13

Thing 13

I am always amazed at what you can find on YouTube! My children are constantly sharing different wacky things that they have found and I don't even know how you would even think to search for some of these things! I was surprised at the number of educational type videos you can find. I recently used a YouTube site when I was trying to help one of my kids with their math homework and we were disagreeing on how to apply a formula. We found a demonstration of the formula on YouTube that solved our dilemma. In my own classroom, I use YouTube every year to show part of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech.
There are some very cute videos that I can watch over and over. A lot of people know about Charlie bit my finger and I like that one. I had never seen the Evolution of Dance until 23 Things and that was pretty funny! I also enjoy the wedding dance down the aisle (JK Wedding Entrance Dance). My favorite YouTube video has to be 99 Goalie Diving Save...with my son as the goalie. Brendan has wanted to post a video forever and he finally got his chance when he made an incredible save in overtime during the International Silversticks Tournament in Sarnia in January. The video quality isn't superb, but I am grateful that someone actually captured that save on tape! You'll see he makes the first stop and then dives across the net for the second stop. Their team ended up winning the game and the biggest tournament in North America! Not many moment like these, so we are pretty proud of him and his entire team :-)

Thing 12

The Ta-da List immediately caught my attention because I am a big fan of making lists. I signed up for the site and made my first list. I don't think I would find much use in making these lists public...at least not that I can think of right now. I really just like the ease of use this site to make quick lists and to check them off as I complete the tasks. The downfall seems to be having to keep the website up all of the time in order to stay on task. I tried to have the list e-mailed to my account, but for some reason, it did not work.
I also visited Quizlet. This is a neat site not only to make your own flash cards, but to search for and use ones that are already made. I found these pre-made cards had both fun (I can now say that I definitely know the names and mascots of all 30 NHL teams!)and educational uses. I can picture the Lower School students using these as another way to practice their math facts. The cards are easy to click through and even a second grader could use this site to quiz him/herself. :-)

Thing 11

I think I saw a presenter use a social bookmarking site at a workshop last year, but I didn't understand what she was using until now. I have signed up for delicious and started building my language arts sites. I have three that I found so far, two of which that are games that will be good practice for the second graders. I haven't even begun to search for math yet...I am excited to see what is out there!

Thing 10

I thought the Flickr mashups, such as Spell with Flickr and the Color with Flickr were fun to play with. I am not sure when I would use them, but they I could see their use in creative situations. I was amazed at the other types of mashups. The crime and health sites are interesting and good information, but also a little frightening! I actually found out that my next door neighbor's house is for sale on the housing mashup, even though they don't have a sign out front! It must be a secret! SHHH!!! :-)

Thing 9

2nd Grade - Spring 2010
Originally uploaded by gailgmi

Well after signing up for what seems like a ton of different accounts lately (Google, Yahoo, Flickr, etc.), I am not sure what is connected to what anymore! I sure hope this blog connects to my picture and ends up on my 23 Things site!!! I am interested in flickr for the organizational value. We take so many digital pictures in our family and I think this would be a neat way to "file" them and retrieve them quickly later. I really don't think I like having personal pictures available for public viewing and commenting, however....some of the comments I was reading on others' pictures were a little creepy! :