Thing #6: Webtop & YouTube Video

I have this video on one of my WebQuests.  It was nice to practice embedding it in this post instead of putting a link to the video.  This may be a change I make on some of my websites.

Thing 21: Attend A Webinar #2

LINCS Summer 2012 Webinar Series:  Serving Youth in Adult Education. Twitter 101: Finding Purpose in a Tweet

Twitter is a social networking service that uses microblogging.  Users can type, or "tweet" 140 characters.  There was actually a two day conference in NYC this summer, The State of Now #140: Finding & Sharing Meaning, about using twitter.  It is a great tool for collaborating, expanding your personal learning network, and keeping current with new information.  Twitter crosses geographical boundaries, so you can access information from around the world.

The presenter, Deb Hargrove, shared how she uses Twitter to follow professional journals like eSchool News, Tech & Learning, and many others.  Her Twitter handle is @flatechgirl, and you can see she follows many educational leaders and associations.  I added many of her followings to mine.

Common uses for Twitter in the class include using like a bulletin board to send assignments and reminders for students if they miss class or for distance education students.  Twitter makes it easier to share links with students and to assist with vocabulary and grammar development.  Our adult education students come and go frequently, and Twitter is a great way to keep them in the loop.

Deb Hargrove's suggested accounts to follow:

Debra_Hargrove@flatechgirl                             AEChat@AEChat                   
Kathy_Schrock@kathyschrock                         TweetSmarter@TweetSmarter
USAToday_Education@USATeducation           eclassroom_news@eclassroomnews
ProLiteracy@ProLitWorld                                 Jerry_Blumengarten@cybraryman1
60-Second_Civics_@60SecondCivics               GCFLearnFree@GCFLearnFree
otan@otan                                                         NCL@NCLAdvocacy
Nell_Eckersley@LACNYCnell                          edutopia@edutopia

I attended the 2012 COABE Conference, and Nell Eckersley (see account above) presented on using twitter and other social media in the class.  Excellent sessions!



   

Thing #3: Twitter

Twitter is a new tool I am learning to use.  I mostly enjoy following my favorite HBO series, comedians, and political news.  I had a hard time wrapping my head around how to use it in the classroom, so I participated in the LINCS Summer Series on Serving Youth Webinar, Twitter 101:  Finding Purpose in a Tweet.  You can find the information I learned in my post Thing 21:  Attend A Webinar #2.  I also tweeted the link to #WVTIS, as pictured below.

Thing #2: Become A Blogger

I created my 23 Things Blog during the Tamarack training.  I don't have much experience with writing one, and I very rarely read blogs of others.  I am learning that this is a great way to stay updated about technology tools and something I should do regularly.

In an effort to learn how to incorporate blogs into my class, I signed up for the LINCS Summer 2012 Webinar Series on Serving Youth in Adult Education.  I'm interested in learning how to make this tool purposeful in class.

Thing #1: Terms of Use (And Google)

Google it!  That's usually my answer if I don't know the answer to a question.

I have had a gmail account for several years and have found it helpful for sharing documents and calendars with family members for scheduling.  I recently learned how to make a form/survey in Google, and I didn't even know this feature existed.  Google has so many features and resources.  I signed up for the Oct 2012 WV Learns Course so I can learn more about Google.  

Thing #5: Wordle

For this Wordle, I chose to use song lyrics.  Can anyone guess the name of the band and song?

Thing #4: Wallwisher

I really enjoyed using this tool.  It is simple for teachers and students to use.  The wallwisher I made asked students to reflect on a KISRA Strengthening Families Conference Session they enjoyed the best, while also sharing what they gained from the experience.  http://wallwisher.com/wall/kisraconf