Thing #12

I love Google!  There are so many things that you can do with it.  I personally use Google Translate for my Spanish classes.  However, I don't use it to translate every sentence.  That's BAD!!!  I use it to figure out words, which is much faster than a dictionary, and to figure out short phrases or sayings.  When I teach, there is a very good possibility that I will have a Spanish speaking ELL student.  They may not yet know all the English to carry on a conversation, so I could use the translator to help me put directions into Spanish.  The other application that I chose was Picassa and the best part is it's free!  It gives you an incredible selection of choices for fixing an image.  I used it to tweak a picture I took of my dog.  I is a little confusing to use, but it is nothing that a little time can't fix.  As a prospective art teacher, I could used this if there happens to be money issues and I cannot afford to buy photoshop. However, it is a little simpler than Photoshop, so I would be able to use it with middleschool students in a photography project.

Thing #11

Google Blog Search and Technorati are so far my favorite search sites for blogs.  I like that google gave you a brief description of the site before you clicked on it.  Technorati caught my eye because of its easy to spot groups at the top of the page.  All that you need to do is click one broad topic and then you start refining your search.  I also found it amusing that they had a special tab for women and not for men.  I did not like how Topix would boot you off their site once you typed something in the search box.
Using Technorati, I stumbled across a "green" site called Clean Technia which deals with topics on how to live a green life to the newest technological advances in green energy.  Personallly, I am starting to get into the "green culture" and I feel that sustainable practices should be passed on to children.  I found this site a nice surprise.  I did find another search site for blogs called simply Blog Search Engine.  Although, after looking around, I found the layout annoying.  They do have a seach bar, but it sends you to google.  So, might as well just start there.  I think the better search sites I've seen are Google and Technorati.

Thing #10

This assignment was very informative for be because I have never heard of RSS or Google Reader. I subscribed to CoolcatTeacher, Pioneer Woman, BBC, Adelle, and Art Paper Scissors.  I found Google Reader fairly easy to use and I am excited to find a site that can combine all of my interests. I like that RSS and newsreaders keep my interests organized.  I do not have to go searching for the things I follow because they are all in one place.  For my personal life, it would make things convenient where all I need to do is log on to one site and look for updates for all of the sites I frequent.  If there is something that I want to show my students, I can quickly locate it.  Teachers would also be able to use Google Reader easily expand their knowledge with new sites and blogs.

Thing # 9



http://www.comicstripgenerator.com/creator.asp?title=CHANGE+THIS+TITLE%21&text=If+I+can+paint%2C+so+can+you%21&tag=October+4%2C+2011&fontsize=14&font=comic&color=black&move=&move2=&cartoon=african-elephant&time=0946&cartoons.x=110&cartoons.y=19

I had fun creating this image that would inspire children to create.  I found this generator easy to use with the instructions given.  I believe creating images would be easy enough for elementary school children to use.  Image generators can be a great way to add some interest to a classroom or blog.  These customizable images can be used many different ways.  Students could use them in a project that revolved around a given theme.  This would also be a fun way to involve technology.  As an example, a teacher could instruct them to design a comic strip based on the subject of biology.  As a teacher, I can see myself using them as inspirational images (like the one above) or as a light-hearted way to show rules.

Thing #8

         
   

Using mashups are addictive!  There are endless possibilities and many uses.  I could see myself using Mappr more in my classroom.  It would be useful to show students where art through the years were being made and where artists lived.  I could even show famous art museums such as the MET and Louvre.  I would also like for students to create something using mashups such as this word generator.  On the question on using personal photos online, I feel that children should not be posting photos of themselves until they are about 16.  They should also let their friends know whether or not it is alright to post photos of themselves.  For me this is just basic internet safety that every child should know.

Thing # 7

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluebeedesigns/4692488941/

I stumbled across this photo in my experience using Flickr.  This photo was uploaded by BlueBee~Karen.  This was my first time using Flickr and I found it very easy to use.  It is similar to Google images where you refine your search by changing the word choice you use.  By clicking on the groups category, you can easily find people who are devoted to the particular word you searched for.  I think this site is good for using images in Powerpoint and the visual elements will help students learn.  I chose this photo because it shows a child independently viewing art from their class.  It shows the appreciation this child has for her own work and that of her classmates.  

Thing #6

The web 2.0 tool I choose is www.youtube.com.  I have been using this site for many years.  Although it is known for its silly and senseless videos, there are actually many educational videos.  This site is very easy to navigate and once you sign up for free, you can actually save videos.  This will save time when you go to view a video in the classroom.  After you start viewing videos under a certain topic, youtube starts suggesting new videos related to that topic.  As an art teacher in training, I could use this site to show a video on an artist that gives a brief description on their life.  There are also many interesting videos on the different movements in art and art basics.  Some people make how to videos that show a project step by step.  I could use these for project directions and find ideas on new projects.  Youtube will be a great addition for a classroom.

Thing #5

After reading about School 2.0, I believe that it is a good thing that we are headed in that direction.  School 2.0 is about using technology to your advantage.  For me, the pros out weight the cons.  The students now have never know life without a computer and it seems the be way to grab their attention to encourage learning.  The modern world that we live in is so technologically based it is almost impossible, and unrealistic, to teach without the aid of so many amazing things.  Through the internet, information is more available and global.  They can learn about life, history, culture, ect. all through many view points.  I believe that eventually most of the students in the United Stateds will have their own personal computer or be loaned one.  Through scholorships and donors, this will be possible for even the most impoverished child an equal chance for success.  The computer is just another tool for learning that I believe that all teachers should use.

Thing #4

Commenting is basically the reason why blogging exists.  Without it, it feels like the author is out there on their own in cyber space.  Commenting shows that they are really reaching people and there is a reason for their blog.  A blogger should interact with their viewers and comments back.  This shows the readers that you care about their opinions.  As a commenter, it is better to leave comments that have meaning other than just "This is cool!".  Telling the author the reason you liked their blog lets them know what their viewers like and to keep posting about.

Amber Schmidt-  I like her post about how to use blogs as a teacher.  Specifically, how she wants combine technology with student interaction. 

Seirra Bruner- She also had good ideas of using blogs in the classroom. I agree that they are a great way to let parents know about important dates.

Ernyce Smith-  She had an amazing idea of using a blog for homework help.  It is good for students to get help at home and there is internet, they would see tutorials on how to do it.

Bridgette Elmore- I liked her post about web 2.0 and You-tube.  Many students, like me, are more visual learners and using videos are a great way to further student learning.

Hannah Shingler- She had good ideas about using a blog as a way to share ideas.  With technology, it has become so much easier for teachers to share thoughts.

Thing #3

I think using a blog as a teacher is a great idea!  It is a great way for teachers to share ideas with each other and connect with parents.  As a prospective art teacher, I would love to show parents what their children are doing in the classroom.  I would like to post pictures of students projects and tell about easy art projects that the family could do together at home.  I could also post about events in the community and near by towns that have kid friendly art exhibits and such.

Thing #2

I decided to name my blog simply Sarah's 23 Things because that is the main topic of this blog.  Since this is my first blog that I have ever written, it was a little difficult for me figuring everything out.  I had to learn what all of the tabs mean and how to post.  Now that I have been on blogger a few times, it's easier.  I really like the different ways that you can customize your blog.

I decided to use my picture for this blog.  I looked through a few avatar sites and did not find any that fit me.