Sunday, January 31, 2010

Hashtags and Snuggies for Geeks


so, i spent all last weekend blogging about the iPad...reading the #educon tweets and thinking about the unconference....thinking about hashtagging, falling in love with Sqworl and trying to empty out my DVR. (and missing the Pirate Feast my wimpy fears of driving in snow in DC!)


"Hashtags are fun for creating short-lived little memestorms..."


Nancy White is brilliant. i can't believe she's part of my PLN! her latest blog entry is amazing!

Tagging and face-to-face events
she writes and i also take the pledge:

"My days of passive participation are over and done with:

  • For me, the reason to go to a big conference is the small group conversations with people I already know somewhat or with whom I share a common interest
  • We have the tools to coordinate and connect before, during and after the event — to keep the conversation going (it starts before the conference and goes afterward as well)
"Using CPsquare’ssidecar” participation in the AoIR Conference (which coincided with the EPIC conference) as an example, here are some observations of how tagging can play a role in supporting a subgroup’s participation at a big conference."

WOW! great ideas, Nancy! and i think because ALA DC is happening at the same time as ISTE10 and that our Geek Squad will be divided between the two....we MUST look for ways to "sidecar" participation! double the pleasure! enthuise and inspire twin-style!
  • Second Life lunches or happy hours?
  • unconferences that are eluminating through Learning Central?
  • Skype?
Nancy goes on to say:
  • Propose a tag early. Announce it by email or by other means to get the word out.
  • Tag should be as intuitive and descriptive as it can be but as short as possible.
  • Weave tagging into group practice and tagged resources into the conversation. Mention what’s been tagged by you or what you’ve found in the tagstream that others should know about.
  • Think of the tagstream a community-building resource. A tagstream is the accumulation of tagged materials contributed by everyone, which is stored on a tagging platform such as delicious, and which retrieved or monitored via an RSS feed (but which can also be viewed as a web page).
  • Identify related or parallel tags (such as “ir9” that was used for the AoIR conference as a whole on Flickr, delicious, and Twitter).
  • Think of the tagstream as an ideal research tool, when you’re going back to figure out what happened or when.
WOW! again with the WOW! thought's i've had but never voiced so eloquently....that's why i love Nancy & my PLN! they give me geek chills!

In a related blog....Twitter and hashtags at conferences - organiser-user viewpoint

like the pics above? buffyjhamilton tweeted this and it gave me quite the giggle!

Introducing: Snuggies for geeks

"Introducing: Snuggies for geeks - Holy Kaw!" http://j.mp/bABl3X Too Funny! #educon
RT @lizbdavis

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Field Guide for Change Agents

From the Educon Twitter Feed:
benhazzard: We wrote a book today at Educon! The Field Guide for Change Agents http://bit.ly/chffPw (RT, take, read, share!)

....and since i couldn't be at Educon (i can't afford to go to EVERY conference....if only!)
i'm posting and loving the above creation.....just brilliant....!!

And all hail the power of technology, Twitter and the PLN this slideshow has in less than 24 hours the following stats on slideshare:

Sunday Afternoon: 1650 views
, 12 favs, 8 embeds
Monday Morning:
2647 views, 17 favs, 16 embeds
Tuesday Morning:
3617 views, 23 favs, 20 embeds more stats

WOW!.....that's pretty daggone amazing!

Apple iPad vs.the Lenovo U1 Hybrid


Anyone who knows me knows i'm a Mac grrl.... from way back. From my first apple classic, apple IIe, apple IIgs,my first Internet computer Apple LC3 with a 14.4k modem, to what i helped to furnish my first new school in 97 by ordering for every classroom the Mac5200 which featured the S-Video out to connect to the TV before the LCD projector was invented (and cheaper to run!)to my beloved MacBook...heck, i'm head over heels in geek love with Jonathan Ive! so when apple announced a new tablet i was so freakin STOKED!

but....i'm now a little let down.

"A list of the iPad non-features and let downs came to light and spread through the interweb community, "Apple shares reacted, dropping 3.5 per cent after gaining one per cent just prior to the launch. In contrast, Amazon - the manufacturer of the Kindle, iPad's main e-book competitior - gained one per cent."

i want a tablet that i can take to ISTE10 Denver!...lightweight to carry, able to do presos, tweet, check the web for related stuff during presos and take notes! - a combo between a netbook and a Kindle. a color Kindle! and a Kindle's battery lasts for 7 DAYS!

of course compares iPad battery life to Kindle's: 'You're not going to read for 10 hours'

so now.....even and all the apple fanboys or fangirls (like me!) are a little upset by the stats...and here they are:

The display - the iPad's backlit LCD screen is too bright for extended e-book reading.

Battery life - At 10 hours, it's ahead of any netbook, but still a good 20 or 30 hours behind any e-book on the market.

Security - If your iPad gets stolen, there's apparently no way to remotely lock it.

Apps lock-out - The iPad only runs apps from Apple's App Store. Which is a lot of apps, admittedly, but not everyone's happy about Apple's inconsistency when it come to what apps it allows for sale.

Camera - There isn't one.

USB input - There isn't any. At least, not without an adapter.

No Flash - Without Flash, forget about displaying around the majority of internet content the way you could on a netbook or laptop. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?? No Flash? But, but...what about all my sites that use FLASH????

Multitasking - Is impossible on the iPad, which means you can only use one application at a time, reducing its functionality as a work computer to little more than a large iPhone.


No HDMI - So you won't be sitting back to watch any movies you download from iTunes on your TV....

No VGA --no way to show presos with an LCD projector! WTF!? (ahem....where's the fire?)

And funny, Steve Jobs apparently recanted his "people don't read anymore" statement to Amazon book publishers for the Kindle are unhappy due to price and that the iBook site will make them happy and that they will eventually flock to the site!

So....i gotta admit i'm intrigued by this U1 hybrid!
it's a tablet.....it's a laptop.....it's Both!

"The U1 is literally two separate devices, joined together and made to play nice. One is a multitouch tablet that runs Linux and has a speedily efficient Qualcomm ARM 1Ghz Snapdragon processor running the show. The other is a Windows 7 notebook with an Intel Core 2 Duo SU 4100 processor."

"Let's clarify two things right away: first, the Ideapad U1 hybrid notebook tablet is still in the very rough stages of development. Second, it's going to be awesome—if it can live up to its potential."

Oh and guess what? OMG ! in the 3 hours it took me to write this (and watch the Housewives of OC, make brekkie and shovel snow)

Breaking NEWS!

Macmillan books GONE from Amazon.com, Steve Jobs grins wryly from his throne of golden iPads


seriously.

like OMG!


so, what do you think?
Has iPad cost Steve Jobs his sparkle?
Will the next iPad have the USB and an hdmi or video out?
---
photo and info credits:
i so heart my fav gadget source: engaget



the amazing Walt Mossberg

and my buddy Carleton Woodell

Monday, January 25, 2010

TL Virtual Cafe: FREE Monthly Techie Klatch


I'm going to shamelessly steal from my guru & friend Joyce Valenza's NeverendingSearch blog here....cause YAY! and"Yippee! We are about to launch our monthly online get-togethers. Try to save the first Monday of each month for live, web-based chat.

For starters, join us Monday, February 1, at 8 PM Eastern for the first of our TL Virtual Cafe events.

Our first chat, What is in a Name will be hosted by Mike Eisenberg. Joining us also, will be AASL President Cassandra Barnett, ALA Presidential candidate and former AASL Pres, Sara Kelly Johns. Gwyneth Jones and I will facilitate. Look for many other library folks and many members of the AASL Geek Squad. Topic for the evening: AASL's official adoption of a professional title, as well as a general discussion of our professional vision.

Our gathering space is generously hosted by Steve Hargadon, who manages the The Future of Education as well as the Classroom 2.0 Nings. Steve is also a contributor to SLJ.

This chat space is not official. Think of it as unconference space. Certainly, we could use it to host formal speakers, experts, and authors. We could also plan casual discussions around issues. We could share our own examples of effective practice.

Who wants to play? What guests would you like to see? What would you like to talk about?

Join our community on Learn Central and visit our planning wiki to suggest ideas for upcoming unsessions. "

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Steampunk Field Trip: ISTE Goes to Caledon


Last month i blogged about Caledon Oxbridge University..i even made the below Go!Animate vid (which i'll shamelessly post again cause they have a super new widget! LOL) introducing it...well, if you'd like to learm more about the Steampunk aesthetic, the Steamlands of Second Life and take a genteel walking tour of the university pray come dear ladies & gents and join us!

Tuesday, January 26, 5-6 PM SL (8pm EST)
ISTE Speaker Series Event
Join ISTE Island for a Steampunk field trip touring the beautiful Victorian campus of Caledon Oxbridge University.

View! The beautiful campus of Oxbridge! See! The 6 Colleges of Learning with a guided tour!
Experience! The Interactive exercises! Ride! The self guided horse drawn sleigh!
Obtain! Free full avatars and prizes (free full avatars are for 30 days or less new to SL residents only)

The party of interested ladies and gentleman will kindly meet at ISTE island for a brief introdcution to the Steampunk aesthetic and the Steamlands of Second Life. Then we all shall be transported the beautiful Victorian campus of Oxbridge University for a genteel walking tour of the grounds led by entrepid Steampunk, Oxbridge Professor, ISTE educator, and former Pirate, Capt. Redgrrl Llewellyn of New Babbage.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Steamfish: Virtual Learning the Steampunk Way!


Mermaid Sculpt by super talented (and dishy!) Mr. Jasper Kiergarten

On-line Virtual Environment for Education

The Voyage of the Stella Maris


After nearly a year at sea, the research vessel Stella Maris has made a risky decision. What happens next depends on you.
from Rezzable:
"How to get – and especially, keep – modern, tech savvy kids interested in clinical trials and scurvy? Simple, just give them the opportunity to experience the disease for themselves. This quest leaves players stranded on a ship where they have to complete a set of challenges in order to rescue themselves. The young minds learn fast as they help the ship’s doctor cure the crew. Creating an educational game interesting and fun to keep kids playing, whilst still accurate and informational enough to teach them about clinical trial and scurvy was a very big challenge. Created for Rezzable Inc, in partnership with YTouring of London, Steamfish was designed for high school students and teaches the principles and history of clinical testing, via immersion in a game - a steampunk-shipwreck version of the Lind Scurvy Trials of 1748."

Read the rest of the article and see more awesome pictures from the co-developer Miss Viv Trafalgar, talented second life builder and gifted educator! This project also involved the brilliant minds of Miss Ordinal Malaprop (yes, she has fans! - see?)

and the talented Miss Ianthe Farshore.


Miss Viv Trafalgar also happens to be an incredibly talented Second Life seamstress!...i can't resist her gowns!

Created for Rezzable Inc, in partnership with YTouring of London, Steamfish was designed for high school students and teaches the principles and history of clinical testing, via immersion in a game - a steampunk-shipwreck version of the Lind Scurvy Trials of 1748.

See it for yourself, on Rezzable Alpha Grid - Starting in January.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: A True Servant Leader


As an educator I was touched today by this article from Mr. James Perry candidate for the Mayor of New Orleans:

"Among the most important lessons I've learned from Dr. King is the example of servant leadership. A servant leader is one who offers an inclusive vision; listens carefully to others; persuades through reason; and heals divisions while building community.

It is easy to spot servant leaders. In a room where others are jockeying for attention, they are the ones listening to someone others might consider unimportant. When faced with a problem, they look for solutions that benefit everyone. When something goes wrong, they take the blame. When things go well, they share the credit. They tell everyone the same story, even when it is inconvenient or difficult. They know that they don't have all the answers, so they seek advice from others. They work hard and inspire others to do the same.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example of a servant leader. His life shows the extraordinary power of servant leadership to radically transform a nation.

Our communities and our country need servant leadership more than ever. Deepening economic woes threaten the American dream for far too many working people. Racial divisions are embarrassingly persistent in too many aspects of our economic and social lives. Political despair is battering the uniquely American optimism that has made us a great nation.

There are precious few servant leaders in our current political environment. Many elected officials are more interested in personal power, individual legacy, and financial gain than in the sacrifice and commitment that servant leadership requires."

From the Huffington Post

WOW.....does that not say it all?

As educators, we have the honor to teach the next generation of servant leaders....it is our job and privilege to instill in them the passion to effect change and the empathy to think outside themselves. All educators....indeed, all school staff....must work together to teach teens that taking responsibility for our lives gives us total power in creating the kind of life we want for ourselves. Yup....taking personal responsibility and thinking of the community.....and you know what? After seeing my Murray Hill Middle School kids last week rally around raising funds for Haiti Relief?...I think we're doing pretty darn good! But we can always do better!

I wish I was more eloquent....here...but wait! These dudes are!

“Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will – his personal responsibility.”
Albert Einstein

“It is a painful thing to look at your own trouble and know that you yourself and no one else has made it.”
Sophocles

“A sign of wisdom and maturity is when you come to terms with the realization that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices you make.”
Denis Waitley

from 7 Timeless Thoughts on Taking Responsibility for Your Life

It's a Steamy Valentine: the Primgraph Proposes


That you proclaim your most heartfelt feelings in the premier Victorian & Steamlands publication on the Second Life grid!
From their advert:
"Valentine's Day is coming ... Do you want to shout your love from the rooftops? Do you want to share a secret? You can do both with the special Valentine's feature in The Primgraph!

This month we will be publishing a special classified section - for YOUR Valentine's Day messages. You can tell your love in twenty words or - at the far end of the scale - book a double page spread. There's a size - and a price - to suit all pockets.

And there will be all the fun of reading ... and guessing ... And wondering who on earth could Snookie of Babbage or Sweetlips of Caledon really be."

The deadline for ordering your Valentine Classified Ad is January 31, 2010.

To learn about pricing, ad sizes and to place your order, go to the form located at this link or click below:

For display ads or questions please email 'elegia dot underwood at gmail dot com' NO LATER THAN 31 JAN or contact Elegia Underwood in world.

Capt. Red is sitting in her garden dreaming about Steamy Valentines..... wearing the To a T Ladybird Domino gown ensemble that includes, 2 different kind of bustles, stockings, & hat. Also wearing the uber cute Uber Curliecue Cutea Grimm Bros shoes!

ps. LOVES the stockings! & the not shown polka dot bloomers & garters......

Sunday, January 17, 2010

The Snuggie Situation

It's Spoof Sunday!
we've got a situation here with the kids from the Jersey Shore spoofing themselves!

Want a Jersey Shore Nickname? Try the Generator!
my nickname?...The Tan-Tric Rack

Snuggie Worldwide!
and here....we got the snuggie going around the world....

Travel the world by Snuggie! All video was shot on location. No green screen was used for the filming.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Buffy the Filter Slayer! Tonight!


"Fight the Filter" ISTE Sigms 2nd Webinar!

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 8 pm E.S.T., 7 pm C.S.T., 6 pm M.S.T., 5 pm P.S.T Presenter: Buffy Hamilton

Want to start your new year off by making a positive difference in your library program? Join ISTE SIGMS for our second FREE webinar on January 13 at 8 pm E.S.T. when Buffy Hamilton, The Unquiet Librarian, will share her ideas on "fighting the filter."

Directions to join the SIGMS webinar event
1. Check that your computer is set up for Adobe Connect by visiting Adobe Connect Pro Connection Test
2. Use this URL to enter the webinar room 10 - 15 minutes before starting time: http://Montgomery.na4.acrobat.com/SIGMS
3. Enter as a guest and type your first and last name.
4. Here is a link to a Visual Quick Start guide (pdf) to help you if this is your first webinar event.
https://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/_a227210/vqs-participatemeeting/

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Anne Says: Lessons from Green Gables


“For we pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self-denial, anxiety and discouragement.”

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"


"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

"And people laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas you have to use big words to express them, haven't you?"


"There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting."


"Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds."

“Kindred Spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. Its splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”


"It's so easy to be wicked without knowing it, isn't it? "


"You'd find it easier to be bad than good if you had red hair," said Anne reproachfully. "People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is."

- Lucy Maud Montgomery Anne of Green Gables



photos from: Anne of Green Gables Collectors Edition

Monday, January 11, 2010

Social Networking & Internet Awareness

(click here or above for video - i had it embeded before but it was on auto-play and it drove me bonkers!)

i blogged on my library media school blog at the beginning of the school year about ethical social networking habits and i want to share a new resource with you so i'm going to re-post & update it!
...I've been saying it for years but it bears repeating - in regards to the Internet:
There is no safe, there is only AWARE
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature.... Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"
Helen Keller, The Open Door -1957

I've been teaching/preaching Internet safety awareness since 2000...i was first asked to do so by Maryland Public Television and then the Horizon Foundation...and through their patronage i created a website called Internet Safety for Parents & Teens that covered a lot of common sense information about how to be more AWARE of the pitfalls and dangers on the Intarwebs. Again, the subject i think that is foremost now is not Safety but Awareness. We have to encourage our kids to be aware of their own digital footprint. To be mindful of what they post and how they cultivate a good Internet profile so that when they apply to college, or a job, they know how they will be perceived by those people who will be digging for information ...and dig they will.

Kids need to know that embarrassing or inappropriate pictures posted are there online and can be found forever. Social networks are NOT inherently bad and they're not going away...it's more about using ethical & wise choices than being scared of the Bogey man out there - though they exist - it's more likely that teens will be harassed by other teens that they know than some stranger. Sad but true fact, teens who are at-risk in general will most likely be at-risk on the Internet.

Parents: what you can do at home
  • have the Internet connected computer in a main room of your house...like the kitchen or living, or family room
  • if you have kids who have laptops and a wireless router, keep the router in your bedroom and disconnect the router (unplug & remove) the power cord at bedtime.
  • late night texting is also a concern - if this is a problem re-charge family cell phones in YOUR rooms overnight
  • know what usernames your kids use on facebook, twitter, myspace, etc. ask to see their page...then ask to see their REAL page!
  • make sure that ANY social network they belong to is set to private
  • know how to search the history of your kids computer
More things to think about:

"Hemanshu Nigam, the chief security officer at News Corp. provides advice about the compassionate and kind use of social networking:

  • Post with respect: photos are a great way to share wonderful experiences. If you're posting a photo of you and your friends, put yourself in your friends' shoes and ask would your friends want that photo to be public to everyone. If yes, then you're uploading photos with respect.
  • Comment with kindness: compliments are like smiles, they're contagious. When you comment on a profile, share a kind word, others will too.
  • Update with empathy: sharing updates lets us tell people what we think. When you give an opinion on your status updates, show empathy towards your friends and help them see the world with understanding eyes.
from: Back-to-school advice for safe & ethical social networking - CNET News


Play the Friend Finder Game! Interactive fun game testing your social networking skillz!

Talk to your kids about the risks.
  • Explain that online information and images can live forever. It can be very hard and sometimes impossible to take down information that is posted, and photos and information may already have been copied and posted elsewhere.
  • Tell your children not to post any identifying information online. This includes their cell phone number, address, hometown, school name, and anything else that a stranger could use to locate them.
  • Explain that anyone in the world can access what they post online. Tell your children that some college admissions boards and employers are checking social networking sites before they admit students or hire people.
  • Remind your children never to give out their passwords to anyone but you – not even their friends. Explain that if someone has their password, they could post embarrassing and unsafe information about them on their personal pages and even pose as your children to talk to other people.
  • Make sure that children understand that some people they meet online may not be who they say they are. Explain that on the Internet many people are not truthful about their identity and may even pretend to be someone else. It’s important to stress that young people should never meet people face-to-face that they met online.
from the Parents' Guide to Social Networking Websites

The Guidance dept. and i will be holding a parent information night about cyberbullying and Internet awareness later this year....stay tuned!

Other Resources:

Net Cetera
NetCetera - In Net Cetera: Chatting With Kids About Being Online, OnGuard Online gives adults practical tips to help kids navigate the online world. - created by the FTC -
For Parents, Teacher Librarians, & Technology Educators: AWESOME FREE Bulk Brochures & Bookmarks for home, schools & libraries!

Social Networking Sites: A Parent’s Guide
Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens
Blog Sites, Profile Sites, Diary Sites or Social-Networking Sites
Safe Teens: Texting, Dating, and Safety

The most effective & reliable Internet safety filter is an
involved, informed & aware parent
and an educated & ethical kid.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Fight the Filter: ISTE SIGMS Webinar with Buffy Hamilton!


"Fight the Filter" ISTE Sigms 2nd Webinar!

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 8 pm E.S.T., 7 pm C.S.T., 6 pm M.S.T., 5 pm P.S.T Presenter: Buffy Hamilton

Want to start your new year off by making a positive difference in your library program? Join ISTE SIGMS for our second FREE webinar on January 13 at 8 pm E.S.T. when Buffy Hamilton, The Unquiet Librarian, will share her ideas on "fighting the filter."

Directions to join the SIGMS webinar event
1. Check that your computer is set up for Adobe Connect by visiting Adobe Connect Pro Connection Test
2. Use this URL to enter the webinar room 10 - 15 minutes before starting time: http://Montgomery.na4.acrobat.com/SIGMS
3. Enter as a guest and type your first and last name.
4. Here is a link to a Visual Quick Start guide (pdf) to help you if this is your first webinar event.
https://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/_a227210/vqs-participatemeeting/

Graphics from Buffy Hamilton's Slideshare and from Adobe PhotoElements

if you don't know who Buffy Hamilton is....i invite you to read this AWEsome blog posting about her innovative Media Program in Georgia written by our beloved guru Joyce Valenza!

"If I had my way: More unquiet libraries!"


and yeah.... she both inspires & intimidates me! LOL

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Blabberize This Xtranormal That: Cheat Sheets


I created a couple of Comic Life At-A-Glance type cheat sheets for ya about Blabberize & Xtranormal! Snag & use all you like! They're here on the blog medium sized....and also full size (81/2 X11) on my Flickr also you can grab it from my wiki!





Monday, January 4, 2010

It's Xtranormal to Blabberize and GoAnimate-Part the Third


I'm once again proud to say that today's blog is being posted on the front page of ISTEconnects! It's part 3 of a 3 part series. Click here for the link to the full posting! Also, you may want to watch the video on the left of the main page....for a full page of the animations I've done and links to my animation channels you can visit my wiki page! It's been a great honor to have been asked to write this series and a whole heck of a lot of fun, too! Thank you for your readership!

Bonus: Xtranormal in the classroom an awesome posting from the fantastic & edublog nominated site Box of Tricks!

Any other ideas for classroom or media center connections using animation products?
I would love to see your comments, ideas and thoughts!


Saturday, January 2, 2010

8 Things Every Geek Should Do Twice a Year


Ok, so this great posting says things to do before 2010 but after reading these very good tips i think it's the kinda stuff we need to keep on top of at least twice a year!
and though it's not as geeky as:
"Compile your own Linux kernel"
"Install LAMP on your phone and turn it into a web server!"
or
"Build a cluster of 100 discarded ten year old computers" - Buck Mojo

Really!? 1oo discarded 10 year old computers? Buwaaa!

But the stuff mentioned in that posting are things that may be obvious to some but maybe not most or maybe we're doing half and need to step it up....

i would also add....these ideas for technology educators:

  • look at the "look" of your blog....update your banner graphic once a year at least so that you don't look stale. don't go too crazy in re-design or people may not feel comfy or not recognize your style but spruce it up! combing iPhoto with Comic Life for Mac users will give a lot of style without having to master Photoshop
  • add more graphics to your blog postings! i'm a real visual kinda gal and i love to see screenshots and examples. or even use creative commons flickr pics (with attribution) to add or illustrate what you're talking about.
  • consider going transparent - if you haven't done that it's a big leap for an educator or anyone on the intarweb. i just went last summer after being inspired at NECC-DC. it's a little scary but worth it if you're building a PLN and wanting to make a "name" for yourself out there. so now i'm gwyneth jones here and on twitter in addition to my electronic portfolio and my wikis.
  • consider branding yourself: though i already have an unusual name, i wish i had thought of a catchy "brand" name like my friend Buffy Hamilton the "Unquiet Librarian" or the amazing Selena Ward the "Tech Tiger" ....is it too late? any suggestions? the Taffy Tech? Gah! LOL
  • create a FREE K-12 Wikispaces. if you haven't already consider doing so. and when you sign up for the first time use your name or a variation thereof!... i made the mistake back in 06 when i joined wikispaces of making it under my school name cause my intention was for it to be a prof dev wiki... so mhmsmedia is my wiki...but what if i change schools? i'll have created about 100+ wikipages that are tied to my old school..Gah!
  • GIVE, give, and give some more! whatever you create think of your other educators out there who might benefit from it. add it to your blog, wiki or slideshare! no one likes to re-create the wheel...give your greatest works to our profession - it's good tech karma!
  • always give attribution! professional teacher thieving is par for the course.. i do it all the time as much as i give...but i ask permission whenever possible and link back and give attribution when that's not possible.
  • build your PLN! a Personal Learning Network is essential to stay in tune with the trends and what's going on. so whether you join a Ning or Twitter talk to other excited educators about new ideas...crowdsource! got a question? pose it to the PLN and you'll be amazed at the answers you get! remember the WE is always better than the ME!
Finally!
keep your appetite large but your plate small! challenge yourself to try new things every day, week, month, or year. whatever feels right and too overwhelming to you! give yourself a challenge! push yourself but don't pressure yourself. so many times we go to conferences and see things and get EXCITED and ENERGIZED and then feel DEFEATED thinking "OMG! how can i do all of that??!" well, you don't need to do ALL of that just try to do some of that! you'll be amazed and proud of yourself at what you can accomplish when you stretch your tech muscles and jump! most of all....HAVE FUN! Cheers!

~gwyneth


Friday, January 1, 2010

It's Xtranormal to Blabberize and GoAnimate! - Part Deux


I'm again proud to say that today's blog is being posted on the front page of ISTEconnects! It's part 2 of a 3 part series. Click here for the link to the full posting! Also, you may want to watch the video on the left of the main page....for a full page of the animations I've done and links to my animation channels you can visit my wiki page!

Cheers & Happy New Year!

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