Deb's Dialogue Zone

Thing 6 - Copyright in the Digital Age

2009-12-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

I was always told, and was under the assumption, that it was illegal to reproduce any part of something that had a copyright. And I know that many of my colleagues are under that same impression. This lesson has taught me to be less apprehensive when wanting to use a copyrighted resource for educational purposes.

It was very interesting to read what types of uses have been found to be fair and why. It is truly a broad topic and does allow for a lot of flexibility. Learning about fair use has really opened the door for using materials and resources in a creative way that were previously thought of as "off limits".

Thing 5 - Photo Mashup Fun

2009-12-03T10:08:00.001-08:00

Just kidding! Thought I'd add a little humor to my blog :) Thing 5 was really fun! I could spend hours looking through all of the mashup's and experimenting! So many intrigued me that it's hard to pick just one. The cool thing is that even if you don't think your creative, the mashup's make it look like you are! They seem to capture your attention and might even be used as discussion starters. Blogs and web sites can come alive! I think mashup's can make learning and sharing fun!

Thing 4 - Photo Sharing

2009-12-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

I can definitely see the benefit of photo sharing sites for our photography, journalism and yearbook classes just to name a few. From a technology standpoint, I'm wondering if this would free up space on our network by having students save their photos out on the web to use for school projects?? Seems like it would also be easier for them to save and organize the photos this way as well if they're not doing so already.

Overall, photo sharing seems like a great way to add a visual component to teaching and learning through slideshows and images. Teachers can have students comment on what they are seeing and use it as a tool for creative writing. Photo sharing can be used to tell a story or to add to a story and engage students in the learning process. I've seen photo sharing used on social networking sites such as Facebook, so many of our students are probably already familiar with it. Finding ways to use it educationally could truly motivate students and get them excited to learn!

Thing 3

2009-11-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I don't know that any of the 7 1/2 Habits are easiest for me. If I had to pick one, it would be # 7 1/2 Play. The only thing that doesn't make it easy for me is that I tend to be a little apprehensive about trying new things. But once I jump in, I have fun experimenting and exploring, and I learn better with a hands-on approach.

The hardest Habit for me would be #3 View problems as challenges. I have a tendancy of avoiding things that I'm not confident in or that are out of my comfort zone. I need to remember to view challenges as learning opportunities and not get frustrated or discouraged if glitches occur or I'm not understanding something. Keep my mind open to the possibilities and embrace the challenge.

Thing #2

2009-11-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

To me, a good blog has interesting content and meaningful ideas and thoughts that can generate a dialogue with readers who have similar interests. It has personality and a creative/appealing format. Visuals such as pictures, video clips and images, are also a fun touch to blogs.

Blogs can enhance our existing school web site by opening the lines of communication and creating dialogues that may not have existed before. It is an instant way for so many people to receive information, collaborate, and share ideas and thoughts with one another through postings and comments. It also adds more of a personal touch to our existing web site.

Yes, I believe blogs are an easier way for people to self-publish.

I still stand behind my initial thoughts on web 2.0 and it's role in the 21st century teaching and learning and an very excited to learn more about what they have to offer!

23 Things – The First Thing

2009-11-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

I hope to gain a better understanding of the online tools that are available to enhance learning in our district. There are so many tools that I have heard of but never used before, such as blogs and wikis, and I am looking forward to learning more about them and how they can be used to engage students, staff, and even those outside of our school district.