Thing #8

http://metaatem.net/words/

I was not sure how to copy the picture to my blog page, I thought I was going to have to ask for help.  At first I thought I needed to copy the hot mail addresses of each letter, that was a very long paragraph. Once copied, I hoped to click on it and the word would magically appear.  That did not happen.  Leaving Thing #8 and coming back to it, I was finally able to figure out what I needed to do.  Learning about these different tools is like finding out how special effects in movies are produced.  If you have access to a computer, you can use the applications and create pieces of art in your spare time.  Even if you lack inspiration or do not see yourself as especially creative, images can be manipulated in several ways in order to achieve the outcome you are looking for.  If I had more time, I admit I would play around with the computer mainly because I really enjoy looking at the photographs.  In the classroom, I would use pictures to help define words or concepts and expose the children to people, places and things that they would not normally encounter in the classroom or their own neighborhood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thing #7

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lydiarachel09/2381331192/
Picture taken by Lydia Ferriao, 2006.

This is the first time I have used Flickr.com, I could have browsed this site for hours.  I loved being able to use the tags, up to seventy-five.  I liked the tags idea because my categorization of a photo is not necessarily the same as the photographer.  Plus, by using more tags, I think I would be able to narrow down the choices to something that would fit exactly what I was looking for. The picture I chose was not my first choice, but I still love it.  I picked rocks because it relates to the power point I will be working on for this class.  I usually search for pictures through Google images. In the classroom, I would be able to use different images to define new vocabulary or concepts.  Sometimes, small children can only visualize a word or concept in one way, showing them other visuals will help them broaden their knowledge base. 

Thing #6

I chose Etsy.com because I like the idea of being able to purchase "handmade and vintage items, art and supplies".  There are six different categories of items and the site also offers online labs, event information and the opportunity to join teams of artisans.  It is free to join, but there is a fee to list an item for sale and the site also receives a percentage of the sale price.  There are twenty-five headings under the Terms of Use section, all of which should be read very carefully.  I am not familiar with other sites like this one, but basically it sounds like they are not responsible for anything.  There is a blog associated with this site, on which I found an article about homeschooling.  As far as using this site in a classroom or library setting, How-To videos are available for viewing and viewers are able to find local people who are selling items by typing in their zip code.http://www.etsy.com/

Thing #5

I have been working in different classrooms for the better part of the past ten years.  My own children are technologically savvy teenagers.  I had no idea what Web 2.0 meant.  I do understand how the computer has changed from a source used to retrieve information to a technology that allows people to share information and build upon it.  I am currently working with children who are more apt to work a keyboard and mouse than they are at manipulating a pencil.  As a teacher, I need to not only be aware of the technology but also understand how to use it and teach others to use it as well.  I should be aware of current web sites and applications that may interest my students and parents.  It is wonderful for classrooms to have computers available for students, but I feel it is the teacher's responsibility to know how to effectively incorporate technology in their lessons.  Young children come into classrooms having already experienced playing games or watching movies on a computer.  Once in school, they should learn how to use a computer to help them learn and reinforce new skills.  Learning how to use a computer should help students complete their assignments more efficiently and effectively.  Students should be exposed to how to use social media in a way that will enhance their learning.