Web 2.0, New Tools, New Schools -- Chapter 9

Learning via social network! That is what the digital native desires -- I'm not talking about social networks mySpace and Facebook (these are recreational), but social networks teachers establish for learning. Today, students want to participate in a social atmosphere while they learn -- they want to be creators and contributors, but also are open to the ideas and happenings of others. When teachers view classroom management strategies it is usually how to control students to be behave so they can have them engage in traditional learning exercises in the classroom. I think teachers need to review that viewpoint -- how can we get students to become part of the learning network (talking and creating with their peers). Solomon and Schrum hinted that teachers should rethink and re-look at how their teaching styles affect the learner of today.

The issue of access for all students is of great concern to me. To learn that 42% of U.S. households have either no computer or have a computer with no Internet access was mindboogling to me. (Solomon and Schrum, p. 187) I know that my school has 30% of its population with no computer or no Internet access and that concerns me. I do not read in information (books, online, magazines, etc) about how the divide between technology haves and have nots is being closed and that concerns me. It will mean that we will have students leave school without skills that they need, because not all schools have access to technology as well -- so these students are not being given access at home or at school. I have a personal experience with this issue -- I had a young man stop by my library this past school year with papers in hand. He looked uncomfortable so I approached him and asked how I might help him. He said he had to have his paper typed and he didn't have a computer at home and could he use one here at school. Of course, I offered him the use of one of the library's computers. He approached the computers and stared at it blankly -- I asked what the problem was and he said he was new to school and didn't know how to use the computer -- he had never (at the age of 16) used a computer, that his family did not have one at home. So, of course, I sat down with him, showed him how to access his account, how to organize his applications for easy use, and said okay let me know if you need any more help. The confused look on his faced continued as he said to me very quietly -- I've never typed anything on the computer -- I always write my papers by hand, but the teacher won't accept it unless it is typed this time. I had to teach him how to use the word processor and how to print it when he completed his paper (with hunt and peck typing). My point in telling this story is that we must not assume that all students have the technological capability to use Web 2.0 tools just because we do and most students do. We, as educators, need to be concerned with technological haves and have nots and help our students gain access so they can begin to use Web 2.0 tools for the coming School 2.0 of the future.

Web 2.0, New Tools, New Schools -- Chapter 7 (online safety and security)

Educators know the great responsibility we have to keep students safe -- there is lock down, fire drills, earthquake drills, how to handle fights between students, etc. -- but we also must be responsible for the safety of students when they go online! MySpace and Facebook are filters in our district for this very reason --they are networks for predators to use to identify possible victims. I do believe that most young adults are more savvy than they use to be when chats and social networks first appeared on a large scale, but still if we do not inform them of the possible dangers we will be remiss in our duties. We cannot assume that someone else has taught online safety -- we must engage students in it ourselves and reteach and refresh them of the knowledge frequently. A simple "Cyber Awareness Survey" (p. 141, Web 2.0, Solomon, Schrum) like the one in our text would open discussion for thought and serve as a reminder for students to be aware and be careful while going online.

Educators must also be aware of the responsibility to teach our youth about copyright and providing the information about the creator of original works when using them in presentations or written papers. Students who grow up documenting will always document. It is necessary to let them know there is a legal responsibility to follow the MLA or APA citation rules -- that credit is due to those who have created the work or information they find -- whether in a book or while surfing the net. I liked the idea of creating a Student and Teacher Information Code of Ethics that all students and teachers would following at a school site. Students need to learn about Creative Commons, about how to use web 2.0 tools responsively, and about what it means to be a true cyber citizen in today's world.

Cyberbullying needs to be eliminated, at the very least, reduced to a minimum. Through education students can learn that this is a crime with punishments given if caught. This is no different than bullying someone in the hallway or on the playground. It is no different that making inappropriate phone calls. It is harmful, hurtful, and illegal -- if we do not tell our students then they will not know that they shouldn't and think it is okay. Knowledge is power and it is our job as educators to empower our students to be safe and secure in their lives -- making sure we include the use of the Internet, online social networking, and emailing.

Web 2.0, New Tools, New Schools -- Chapter 2 (students and learning)

Technology and its customization is important to the 21st century student. Educators needs to learn how to meet the needs of their students based on their student's expectations, not the teachers in regards to how the student learns. Everyone learns in their own unique way -- but today's students want technology included in their process for learning and in the teaching they receive from teachers. That is where these digital natives are most comfortable (and we know that environment plays a huge role in the learning process), but educators have not arrived at the same point that their students have. Perhaps the tipping point will arrive soon and I do believe the tipping point is on the way. Solomon and Schrum share in their book, Web 2.o, New Tools, New Schools, "Students come to school knowledgeable about the Web and its potential, are comfortable using it, and expect learning in school to be more like learning on their own." I feel today's students will embrace the concept of being lifelong learners as they mature, but do need to be provided with the tools to be a lifelong learner and that is where educators(and librarians) can have a hug impact on 21st century students and society as a whole. We have a huge responsibility to direct our youth in the proper direction for the greater good of society. In order to do so we must step up to the plate and be willing make changes in the way we educate students.

I found the revision to Bloom's Taxonomy extremely interesting and am glad that it has happened. I do hope that many educators will embrace these changes as positive and note how they fall in alignment with the use of Web 2.o tools and how students of the 21st century think. This revised taxonomy allows for the move to creating and sharing -- rather than clicking and linking when using technology. This new hierarchy of learning will assist students in preparing themselves for the job market that is yet to come and enable them to acquire the skills needed to adapt when necessary to new and different jobs (jobs we don't even know that exist as yet). We, as educators, must accept that the new revolution in society is connectivism -- just because it makes older educators uncomfortable doesn't mean it makes our students uncomfortable or some of our colleagues. Change is in the wind and we need to accept it. The challenge being thrust upon us is to learn to tell our stories in a different way and through a different media than we have ever done so before. I am excited about the challenge and plan to have fun learning along the way!

Web 2.0, New Tools, New Schools -- Chapter 1 (new world, new web, new skills)

Solomon and Schrum in their book, Web 2.o, New Tools, New Schools share the following ideas in Chapter 1:

"By the early 2000's, the notion of interactivity went from linking and clicking to creating and sharing. Now individuals not only find and read information but also create and share their own in real time. It is a new Web, known as Web. 2.0." Wow! This is the essence of how to describe the premise behind Web 2.0 tools and why digital natives love them. To create something of your own and share it with others to improve it, learn from it, or simply enjoy it is so powerful for not only the individual, but for connected groups as well. The clicking and linking concept is so singular whereas the new Web 2.0 is global in perspective.

"In the future, how we educate our children may prove to be more important than how much we educate them(Binder, cited in Friedman, 2005, p. 302)." Wow again! It will not be how much we educate our students because they will have embraced the concept of lifelong learners and not even realize it. The Web 2.o tools will draw them into learning as a natural extension of who they are, but for that to happen educators must embrace a way of teaching -- a new way of motivating students to what to learn -- instilling the desire to learn must be the paramount focus in this new age of Web. 2.0. Students who embrace the idea of self learning will do well and be employable -- if they embrace the concept of creating and sharing they will acquire the skills needed in job market, in essence they will be able to teach themselves to do any job they want.

"It is important to ask: Who will be prepared for the new world? Who will have the technological and thinking skills needed for the 21st century? And how can we help them prepare?" Those who embrace the ideas of sharing creating and understand the tools that can assist with these ideas will be ready for the 21st century. Many corporations are now expecting student to be ready with technological tools that enable them to create and share for the betterment of the company. Students will not be prepared for the 21st century workplace if educators do not begin to prepare them -- if educators do not embrace that they need to change the means by which they teach -- educators must step up and acknowledge that Web 2.0 is here and should be used to empower themselves as well as their students because education is remaining stagnant, but is changing and changing rapidly.

Week #9, Thing #23 -- Experience Summary

I enjoyed this experience and feel now that I understand what is meant by Web 2.o. Occaisonally there were links that did not work (I beleive only in Week #9) which was frustrating. The only other frustration I had was with figuring out a few of the tools initially, especially the RSS feeds. I feel I have learned a tremendous amount and now need time to synthesize the information for myself in order to share with my staff throughout the coming school year. I greatly appreciate the time and energy that it took Ann and Katie to organzie Raven About Web 2.0 and appreciate those who saw the worthiness of this venture and approved the grant that supports it.

The additional assignments for those of us taking this for university credit were worthwhile and helped to place the Web 2.0 concept in the school setting. I am looking forward to reading all the text, Web 2.0 New tools, New schools by Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum as I find it full of interesting ideas and thoughtful suggestions.

Week #9, Thing #22-- ebooks and audiobooks

Audiobooks are fabulous and in their own way so are ebooks. I enjoy listening to audiobooks as I commute to work each day and on my mp3 players around the house. I hosted an audiobook promotion at my library this past year where I simply talked up the audiobooks to convince students to check them out. Those who did, loved it. Also, during that month I collaborated with an ESL staff member -- I booktalked the audiobooks and gave each of the students the actually printed copy of the book and the audiobook to check out -- the students were expected to follow along in the printed book while listening to the audiobook. The students liked it and several came back for a second helping or more!

I visited the World Ebook Fair and found the books absolutely marvelous -- a real trip down memory lane as I can recall my grandparents having many of these books in their home. My grandfather would read to us from these books and it brought back the memory of his voice. I enjoyed reading a couple, but have never relished the idea of reading books off a computer screen so I don't feel it is something I would regularly engage in. Perhaps the digital natives would find this endeavor more pleasurable, but do feel it is vital to record as many books as possible online to preserve them. The Gutenberg Project should be treasured!

Then I visited Librivox -- wow! This is a marvelous resource and one that I hope will continue. I listened to the first chapter of Louisa May Alcott's Eight Cousins and loved it. It was like having an audiobooks right in my home office -- I filed paperwork and reorganized myself while listening. The selections from Librivox can be downloaded to ipods or mp3's and taken anywhere -- what fun and economically it provide audiobook access for free (again, perhaps equalizing the gap between having access to materials and not having access to materials).

I feel that the more audiobooks that are available the greater the chance that libraries (online libraries too) will have the possibility of getting reluctant readers to begin reading more -- being engaged digitally will provide an incentive for these readers -- especially if libraries select wisely and procure books that will be of interest to the reluctant readers.

I encourage everyone who has never listened to an audiobook to do so -- the world of reading will never be the same again.

Week #9, Thing #21 -- Podcasts

http://rss.cnn.com/services/podcasting/raceto08/rss

I found this experience to be extremely frustrating as many of the links from the Raven About Web 2.0 did not work (especially the Yahoo ones), but was able to find some podcasts of interest once I went searching on my own. I have selected America Votes 2008 to subscribe to since I enjoy listening to what presidential candidates have to say. I have include the RSS feed information for you if you wish to add it to your subscriptions. I had never listened to a podcast before and really didn't understand what they were -- but, I did the next best thing for myself -- I asked my teenager and she was able to explain about them in length and now I feel well versed. It reminded me that our students provide a wealth of knowledge for us that we often times failed to tap into! I enjoyed the first podcast of my subscription and am looking forward to listening to many more in the coming months. If I like this podcast I will consider sharing each morning at school so that students can be attuned to what is happening in the 2008 election. I'm thinking of billing it as "Library Moment -- come listen to news about the election". I certainly plan to share this podcast and hopefully others that I find on the election with my staff and allow students to access podcasts in the library. I am concerned that if I allow students to access podcasts in the school library will I run into access inappropriate materials -- perhaps a chance I may have to take (if the filters do not work well enough). I think podcasting is exciting and certainly something that students would enjoy using.

Week #9, Thing #20 -- Videos

What a fun experience! I enjoyed looking at so many videos -- but I had to make a choices eventually or I would still be looking at them. I selected two to share -- the first one is Julie Andrews promoting the use of the public library (Palin should make one for Alaska's Libraries). The other one I chose was "A Library As Big As Texas . . . ." which made me think that we should make one that says "A Library As Big As Alaska" (perhaps it should really read, A Library Bigger Than Texas); but this one promotes the use of databases -- we could promote our Digital Pipeline. I think that video like these and especially tutorial based videos could certain peak the interest of students to learn more about how a library functions and how to conduct research at a library. I am starting to collect videos that will be helpful for lessons I plan to share this coming school year. Wow -- to me this is powerful -- teachers could assign the viewing of these tutorials and students would certainly respond favorably -- it is the Web 2.0 teaching strategy.

Week #8, Thing #19.1 Alaska's Digital Pipeline

I've used this resources for several years now, but never knew I could have my own personal account where I could save search results. In the past I had notice the email option, but did know that I could actually email articles to myself for future use (how powerfully wonderful). Lastly, I never knew how to use the folders for temporary collection of searches -- so I wouldn't have to remember how to get back to an articles while I found others. The tutorial provided on Digital Pipeline is wonderful -- particularly the part that includes the narrowing of a search terms in the advance search option. Students who will take the time to learn how to use this database will see the benefits it could provide for them. I find many students who do not want to learn how to use databases because it is easier to "just search the web". For the coming school year I hope I will be able to present this tutorial to my staff -- to make them more attuned to the concept of doing good research -- I've heard teachers say to students, "oh, just Google it"! Also, I will propose to staff that this tutorial be presented to all freshman and sophomores at our school. I include the sophomores because I think it will take more than once for them to truly understand how databases work and are organized. After all, the sophomore's program can be a refresher program and the freshman's program the introductory program. Convincing students to use databases for research will be a big challenge during the coming school year. (Hiker taken from the Alaska Digital Pipeline Tutorial Page).

Week #8, Thing #19 -- LibraryThing

I enjoyed using this online 2.0 tool. It will enable me to organize my books -- what I've read, what I want to read, separate professional reading from pleasure reading. I also noted that it is a social network where I could contact other readers and share discussions about books and other topics. Also, I noted there was a Librarian's group which I think would be fun to join -- to find out what they are doing with LibraryThing. It is a fabulous source!

Week #8, Thing #18 -- Zoho Writer

Zoho Writer is fantastic! It would allow so many possibilities for schools and students. Rather than having to own MS powerpoint on each computer at school students could simply access the option through Zoho Writer. Also, it would mean no more having to save on jump drives or CD's which would make doing presentations easier for everyone (students and teachers). I am energized by Zoho Writer -- it was no more difficult than a normal word processor to use. Transferring this small powerpoint I made was so easy to do. WOW! This is totally awesome! Best of all, students who do not have access to technology at home (at my school 30 % of students do not have home connectivity and some without a computer at all) would be able to continue to work on projects outside of school by simply visiting the Public Library as their projects would easily be accessible through the Internet at the Public Library. It certainly would level the playing field for students -- equal access capability via the library -- I like the sound of that!!

Week #7, Thing #17 Sandbox of ideas

Fun with the wiki! I visited our own class wiki at Raven About Web 2.0 Curriculum Wiki and had a blast. I left ideas on 5 of the topic areas: Blogging and Avatars, Online Learning, Image Generators, Links Articles and Other Time Busters, and Wikis. How easy this experience was -- you click the edit button, add your idea, and save. It is that easy to do. I did have a few problems with the fonts at first, but figured those out. Also, adding an image was so easy -- easier than adding it to my blog. I liked the term sandbox because it made me think of playing in a sandbox as a child and sharing thoughts and ideas in the relaxed, natural way that children do; now we can too!

Week #7, Thing #16 -- wikis

Wikis are wikitastic! I found so many fabulous ideas about wikis while looking at the suggested list. I want to make my own wiki for my library -- mmmm! What should it include? I would place a link to our OPAC, databases we subscribe to, classroom assignments that are researched in the library with links to websites to help students with their research, bibliographic formatting information, and much more. I would also have a separate wiki just for book reviews or book suggestions that students can add to. I do think that there needs to be a manager of the wiki when tied to a library to always check for appropriate materials and to remove items that are no longer valid over time. There are so many good things that could be placed on wiki. What fun wiki are -- what a wonderful was to social connect patrons to their library and vice verso! I liked how wikis could be adapted for many uses -- conferences, classroom assignment, libraries, general information, professional standards information, career information. I also liked how wikis can be global, local, or site based. They are simply wikitastic!

Week #6, Thing 15 -- Library 2.0

I found the NextSpace articles interesting reading. My favorite two were "Into a new world of librarianship" by Michael Stephens and "Away from the "icebergs"" by Rick Anderson. These two articles spoke more about what school libraries should be thinking about and doing than the other articles. The Horizon Report could also assist school librarians by informing them as to what is over the next hill. A prior Horizon Report indicated the emergence of social networking and now what are students asking for at school -- time to social network with their Myspace or Facebook accounts. Young adults are more talented than we notice -- check out a few social network accounts and you'll see what I mean -- they think differently about connections today than we did at their age. When I went to college the big decision wasn't what computer to buy, but what typewriter (yes, I know this dates me, but it also shows that we can accept change and we must).

The overwhelming, most important idea I gathered from reading all the articles was that libraries must include input from their patrons (for academic libraries this must include both staff patrons and student patrons). How should this be accomplished? At the district level or the site level, or perhaps both? It is, I have decided, past the time to begin these conversations.

Another idea that struck me while reading was the necessity to include Web 2.0 in libraries, even if only we provide access to VoiceThread or Technorati or that we provide a list of beneficial sites on a del.icio.us account for all patrons to use. Again, the time has past -- what are we as librarians going to do to catch up with these realities. Realities that will serve our patrons more fully, without these realities we will begin to under serve our patrons.

Teaching our patrons about Library 2.o and Web 2.0 was the other idea that seemed infused in all the articles. We must step up to the plate -- we must provide learning to our patrons in ways that serve them -- not the traditional way -- bring the class to the library and the librarian teaches a lesson (please don't misunderstand me -- this must continue to happen), but we must also begin to create teaching tools that serve the young Web 2.0 student. Perhaps it is an online video linked on the school web page about how to use databases or simply telling what services the library has to offer or perhaps it is a linked website with a MLA generator that enables today's students to work faster, smarter, and with more integrity.

Reading these articles can certainly be a start for discussing what Library 2.0 and Web 2.0 can do for us and our patrons. Library 2.o means for me; that I should be exploring ways to help my students learn about the Web 2.0 tools; that I should be holding discussions with staff and students about what they want the library to do for them; that I should begin now to redesign the library I serve; and it means provides as much connectivity and resources as I can possibly acquire for the library I serve.

Week #6, Thing #14 -- Technorati

Technorati was interesting and has fabulous potential, but for me I was overwhelmed by it. There was a definite difference when using the blog posts option, the tags option, and the blog directory option. I found the blog directory the best was to go as the posts were too numerous to determine what was really of interest to me. Sometimes the tagging worked well, but only if what I defined the tag as was the same as those who used the tag to mean the same thing as I did. I don't think I will use Technorati very much, but think that it could be useful when researching information that is very recent, particularly if the need for opinions is required.
An item of interest that I found was an article about the certification of school librarians and how that relates to No Child Left Behind requirements -- this article was about possibilities for the future. I didn't think to bookmark it, so I searched again and wasn't able to find it a second time. The article also spoke about a program for school libraries called SKILL (can't remember what it stands for, but it sounded interesting and was used to help with the teaching of library skills for all ages. I have left this assignment feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Week #6, Thing #13 -- Del.icio.us

del.icio.us is delicious! I think libraries could use this web 2.o tool to assist patrons with frequently asked requests, with subjects area reference, and just plain fun. What do I find? I need information on? I have a paper to write about? These questions are often heard in school libraries. Del.icio.us could help to organize the answers to these questions with links to the library catalog, to useful databases and websites, and subject matter information. This would be a marvelous collaboration project for school librarians to do with classroom teachers -- the coordination of a research assignment between librarian and classroom teacher is what I call librarian's heaven! I have started a del.icio.us account for myself to practice with at home and find it easy to use and ultimately will have me better organized.

Week #5, Thing #12 -- Voice Thread/Ning

I joined the Teacher Librarian Ning and find it a great avenue for information. I also browsed through Voicethread and find it fascinating. This will be the next step in self produced documentaries -- would be great to use for video contests. What a wonderful way to tell a personal story -- kids will love it.

Week #5, Thing #11 -- Web 2.0 Award winner, Biblio.com

I selected the Web 2.0 Award winner Biblio.com. This consists of over 50,000,000 used, new, and rare books to purchase from community businesses throughout the United States -- does include some from Canada and Australia as well. I like that it had an easy to use search tool which included a separate subject search tool. It also had a separate textbook search option and a rare book section. Some book reviews were included, but not for all titles. I would suggest Biblio.com for personal use rather than for library use as it deals in used books, but also because it simply is not geared for public school libraries. One useful features to the site was the advance search option. If you were looking to replace something old it is probably one of the best search tools around for locating it. I like how it gave details for contacting the bookstore the items is located at. It was easy to use. I also learned that Biblio.com is a global thinking company which works to build libraries in other countries. I would recommend it to others. When you have a moment try it out at http://www.biblio.com/!

Week#5, Thing #10

I used the Badge Maker at http://www.bighugelabs.com/flickr/badge.php and found it fun and easy to do. I also used Magazine Cover at http://www.bighugelabs.com/flickr/magazine.php. I chose family for my examples. Both of these could easily be created by students -- then they could write about their mom or the family member they placed on the magazine cover. The woman on the badge is my mother and the woman on the magazine cover is my grandmother -- I know I could write an interesting story about both women -- just as I'm certain students could write interesting things about their family.

Both options could be used to make creative reading posters for any library and at minimal cost, but be more personal. I would need to check to see if the picture could be enlarged without loosing any quality. Both generators were quick and easy to use.

Week#4, Thing 9 -- Favorite Feed

Too much, too many, of everything! I found this particular assignment overwhelming and mentally draining. There is so much information out there that I cannot seem to assimilate it. Obviously I am an immigrant and not a native to technology like today's student -- they seem to thrive on having so many options or they know how to pick and choose what they want more easily. I did find one particular link that I really liked: http://scienceroll.com/feed/, which contains information in video format about several web 2.o technology, but also contain information about Medicine 2.0 tools that I think would help students studying biology or human anatomy. I watched all the video on the initial page and found them to be short, easy to understanding, and would help anyone with understanding the basics of a wiki, twitter, podcasting, blogs, etc. I think that finding feeds is a marvelous tool, but feel each person should limit themselves to the feeds that meet their needs and not attempt to keep up with too many. It is like the world of blogging is a game and everybody wants to outdo others -- I much prefer a bit of quiet and less competition in my life.

Week #4, Thing 8 -- RSS feeds

I was delighted to be able to locate some blogs and websites that I hope will be useful to me during the coming school year. I am considering creating a Bartlett Blog and placing blogs list, websites, and other information that will be truly helpful to my students and staff. What other tools could easily create such a collection? I would appreciate all suggestions.

I like having everything at my fingertips. I could create a blog of ideas just for myself -- a personal lifelong learning log that would allow me to include items for awhile and take them out as needed. I like that the blog is somewhat fluid - easy to include and easy to remove items. I like the RSS feed because it brings everything I want to me -- what fun! RSS feeds can truly save time in this too busy world.

I received my copy of our text, Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools by Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum today. I've determined my school is a Web 1.0 school and it is now time to move toward becoming a 2.0 school. I'm anxious to read further into the book -- I just know it will have marvelous ideas for creating a 2.0 school.

Week #3, Thing 7 -- Smart Boards

When presented with the idea of talking about anything technological I could not think of anything that hadn't been discussed before -- so I chose something new to me and that would benefit me this coming school year.

My school is due to receive 40 new smart boards -- WOW! Since we had not had smart boards previously this is a big deal -- well I knew nothing. During my research this evening I found several internet sites that could be useful to teachers or librarians working with smart boards. I would have preferred that they had been called interactive boards because that is how I see their use -- they are not just a white board (found in most classrooms today) -- they are boards that can be connected to computers to make it easier for teachers to share resources and activities with students. Below are the sites that I found:

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/smartboard.htm

http://www.kenton.k12.ky.us/SmartBoard/smartboardindex.htm

http://www.ecarter.k12.mo.us/dept/elementary/fourthgrade/ccrites/etipslesson1.html

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/smart_board.htm

One of my summer projects is to gather information that may be useful to the various departments at my school as they implement the use of the new smart boards. I would appreciate your sharing any information you happen across during the course of this class.

Week #3, Thing 6 -- Flickr Extras

I really like the variety of options found at http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/!! I made a badge, but am having difficulty transferring it into this blog. What a wonderful way to make special badge for students who need to come to the library during class or at lunch, but must have permission to do so. I thought about making them for the players in a checkers tournament I hold during the spring of the year -- instead of having to provide passes when the games run long.

So, I made a trading card instead -- what fun these would be for kids to introduce themselves at the beginning of the school year. Also, a special message could be place on the cards telling staff about library services and then placed in all mailboxes in the school office.

Week #3, Thing 5 -- Flickr

Flickr is awesome! What a great personal management tool this will be. I need to organize my digital photos and now I have the tool to do it. The picture I've included with this post is my husband when he was leaving for a trip to Dawson, Canada via the GS1200 in the picture with three good friends of his. They ventured to Skagway, Alaska first and at the writing of the posting are having a marvelous time and truly enjoying themselves. Yes, this is why I have completed three weeks of work in just a few days.

Week #2: Things 3 and 4 -- Blog Thoughts

What fun!! I found the avatar creation fun, but overwhelming at first! I understand now why my students love to create their own avatars -- they can be someone different every day and show their moods and wants!

I am now officially a blogger. Initially I was opposed to blogging as I felt it could lead students down a path of exposure (there are always the predators lurking out there). I think that blogging with students at school should have guidelines attached to it. First off, the students will need to be told that the blog is public, must contain only items related to the purpose of the blog (science class, history class, etc.), must always contain appropriate content (keep it clean), and students will need to know that this is the format in which they will be graded -- it is just a new kind of paper and pencil method. Also, teachers and librarians who use blogging with their students should inform parents of this learning venue and acquire signed permission for students to participate.

Week#1: Things 1 and 2 -- Getting Started

At last I have begun a component of my "lifelong learning experience"!! I was please to see that many others have joined in the fun -- I'm looking forward to reading their blogs.

Lifelong learner is so vital in today's world. As I watch young adults struggle with traditional learning I have often thought they we could instill the idea of being a lifelong learner in them if we were just able to tap into what motivates them. This was my motivation for taking the Raven at Web 2.o program. I enjoyed the slide show about lifelong learning; particularly the step of lifelong learning.

For me personally, the hardest steps will be setting a goal and then maintaining the confidence to complete the goal. There always seems to be so many distractions in life. The easiest step for me is accepting that it is my responsibility to continue my learning. As the years pass by and the time for retirement if lurking in the distance I know that even then I will want to learn more -- just that the goal of my learning will be different; perhaps more personal than the goals I set now which tend to be very career oriented.