Facebook

In setting up a Facebook page I did ponder lots of privacy issues. I really only want the people that I know to be able to read/network with me. Here I've listed my children and my address. I don't know...that makes me a little uncomfortable. I can certainly see how some of the information is really useful though. We are in the midst of planning our 30th class reunion, and I really liked being able to search by my class. That makes finding some people so much easier.

My husband, a marketing education teacher, has recently created a facebook page as well. He intends to use it as a way to keep up with his classes. I'm having a hard time deciding which would better serve a class: a blog or a facebook page. It seems to me a blog might work just as easily. He wants more interaction than a teacher webpage offers. I'm thinking facebook my offer more than is needed. I don't know...we'll see!

It will take me a little bit to get used to seeing how facebook will work for me. My daughters use MySpace. They check it quite often. I have trouble finding time to check my personal email account. Now I'll be adding a facebook page as well.

RSS

RSS can most likely be a very useful tool. I like the idea of having my favorites available in one spot. I am a little concerned at the amount of time it takes to "stay current". Having the time during the school day to read these blogs and favorites seems like a dream.

I think I must be a little old fashion. I still read the newsPAPER at home over breakfast before I leave for school in the morning. I've gone to watching the 9:00 p.m. news because I fall asleep during the 10:00 p.m. news, and that's only if we're home from high school evening events in time. I realize as an information speacialist I need to be aware of these technologies; I'm just trying to figure out how to have time to read it all.

I most definitely like the idea of getting updates from our subscription databases when new items are included. That will be really beneficial.

I can see where this tool could help students who have several teachers utilizing classroom blogs. Being able to access them all from one reader will save those students time and energy.

Blog Reader

I had used Google Documents once before, but I didn't notice the google reader tab across the top. I've set up and managed my google reader site. It should be easier than following each blog individually. I can see where a classroom teacher could have students create/respond to classroom blogs. Creating a folder for each classperiod would really help the instructor manage the blog for each class.

Imagechef

There are so many different images, one could get lost. It took me a couple of trys to import the code correctly. I like this tool. It is a good way to personalize images.

More Mashup fun

I really like making mosaics!

Here is one of a proud day in the life of our family...our daughter the valedictorian!

Mashup fun

This was a fun activity. See my mashup!

Flickr Experience

One could easily get lost in Flickr. I searched for several differnet things. I missed the bluebonnets this spring. I don't know if they didn't bloom well in my area or if I was just too busy and missed them.

Here is a Flickr link showing their beauty.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mothernature/454725222/

I'm going to try part two as well and upload my own pictures to Flickr. I worry about privacy though.

Library 2.0 and Web 2.0

After viewing the two videos and reading the two articles as part of the North Texas 23, I feel a little overwhelmed. I'm trying to understand how technology passed me by so quickly. I guess I've had my head in the stacks! Linking people with information and providing information links for people is my job. Using the various Web 2.0 tools like this blog will be a challenge for me; however, it is a challenge for which I'm now trying to equip myself.

I found the YouTube video to be quite interesting. It's a format which drew me in; no wonder my students like YouTube so much.

Greetings

Greetings! As part of the North Texas 23, I've created my first ever blog and post. My goal this summer is to complete all 23 tasks and go back to school ready to share wonderful Web 2.0 tools with my faculty and students. They say it is often difficult to teach an old dog new tricks; this is one of many new tricks I'm willing to try!