Thing #21

Let me just start by saying thank you to my son who helped me with the audio.  I found the background music I wanted to add but could not figure out how to actually upload it.  The Music is from the Index of Native American Music Resources on the Internet and the photos are from a series from the Smithsonian which were free to use.  I could not figure out how to navigate Creative Commons, do not ask me why.  This Animoto Short was created with my class of four years old students in mind.  The teacher talks about Native American Pow-Wows during the Thanksgiving Unit.  I have noticed, in general, the students have no idea what the teacher is talking about.  This 30 second introduction, which could be made longer, would help the children understand what she was referring to.  The only part of the process I was hung up on was the audio, the Web site itself was down so I was not able to utilize their support.  I like the idea of short video clips, especially with young children.

Thing #20

5th grader Dalton Sherman inspires Dallas teachers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe_rPBDFjxMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe_rPBDFjxM

This is the video I chose.  I loved the idea that it was a student making this speech and not an administrator.  I think it is very important to remember we teach because we want to make a positive impact or change in a student.  This site is blocked from the school district I work in, blocked on the computers within the school.  A teacher could upload an appropriate video on a flash drive and then bring it into the classroom.  I am not sure about the copy rights or if permission would be needed by the principal.  I am not a member of YouTube and do not wish to become one.  My oldest son enjoys looking at and listening to different videos he finds on the website.  

Thing #19

So, now I have a membership, but have not idea how to add the badge to my blog.  As you may have predicted, I am not a member of any online community.  I really can not see myself sitting in front of this screen for hours at a time reading, updating or searching on really any site.  I do not have the patience for it and to be honest I would rather be sitting outside with my dogs or talking to my husband.  If I was not in school I would have more time and a need to connect to other professionals besides the teachers in my immediate area.

I needed to leave a comment to finish up this Thing and of course forgot my password to sign in.  I have looked at other social networking sites and I guess I am not that social.  I think it boils down to how much time I would have to play on the computer.  I am only on it for homework, and since my husband came home I rarely check my email.  Sad.  Not sure.

Thing #18

I am not comfortable with joining either of these.  But since a Twitter account was required in Livetext, that is the link that I will provide.  Everyone should be aware of how these sites work because everyone either uses them or talks about them or both.  Schools and classrooms could probably set up a Facebook page that would inform the community of what is happening in their school or classroom.  I am still not convinced that I need to join either of these sites.

michelle parsons (@michelleparson4)  my twitter account