Themes

For every year or season, it seems to me like there's a theme.
In the past, I've written it out to remember it and think about it daily:

De aqui a poco...

Porque hecho esta.

As I'm starting a new school year, I was thinking, "What now, Lord?" And then, one day, God put in my heart and mind: New things. Nuevas cosas.

Aw! How awesome.
Confirmed? Yes, yesterday as I was walking out of my car in the mall's parking lot... How wild is that?
From little and basic things such as having new posters in my classroom, and throwing a whole bunch of stuff away that's not applicable to NOW, new things are coming my way... How exciting and awesome. Absolutely amazing.

With that, comes a learning process... But I'm sure that God will continue to make a way for me. Here I come, new school year!!! I'm reminded of those words in the Bible: "Do not fear." I might not be 100% ready as I'm always aiming for, but all things will work out because I love the Lord with all my heart. --Romans 8:28

PS: And no, I haven't quit facebook yet... Where's the "I'm outta here" button on that thing???

I quit facebook

I should be out in less than 48 hours ...

Awesome Videos

Mr. W... And not our American "W" - George W. Bush
This is one of the best!

What do you think?

Ya!!!

No better way to end my project... Than by listening to a song that happened to be on online radio... I used to hear it ten years ago all the time...

"Yo sere tu amigo... Como Cristo es en mi...
Trabajaremos juntos,
Trabajaremos juntos...
Trabajaremos por algo mejor."

I thanked my brother for answering this one important question, that if he had not been there I don't know what I would have done. I don't think I could have called my school friends at 11 pm! as we're getting close to starting school this Thursday. I think I could have been stuck.

But thank God, that wasn't the case. My brother was here. And, he answered the question.

Everything was OK. Thank you so much, God :)

11.5 - Thing #11.5 ~Reflection

11.5 Things Completed!

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
Wow... Where to begin... Screen capture, ScreenCast, SlideShare, loading videos to YouTube, joining Facebook! (I thought I would NEVER do that! Haha...) And, Second Life. EVERYTHING was great. A fun and meaningful way to learn!

2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? Ah! I look forward to it every summer from now on... Since I started last year. I have also kept up with my blog. I love learning new things, and I've discovered a great appreciation for technology I didn't know I really had in me! : )

3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
Some of the things were a little trickier than I thought. Some were easier... Nevertheless, in one of my postings, I recorded my thoughts about the one thing I really seemed confused about.

4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? The format and the program are both perfect! Always positive and fun. I love it! Thank you Lifeguards!!!!!! :) What a great way to end my summer.

We hope this is not the end of our learning journey together as a staff and a system, but the start of something amazing... Such as:
Maintain your blog as your educational journal
Add your blog URL to your e-mail signature line
Re-purpose it as your School Library blog
Share it with your colleagues and administrators

I'm on it. I'll continue to do my best to all of the above. Thank you again, for such a wonderful, interactive, powerful opportunity to continue learning.
In Library2Play - I played safely in the sandbox...
In Library2Play2 - I'm a BIG kid now! (Reminds me of this song... :) Swimming among ocean currents...

The main thing I got from this experience is that you'll find success in social networking. Creating and sharing is the key.

More and More Things here.... Can't wait to learn more about them and explore! : )

11.5 - Thing #11 - Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship

Awesome article here explain this new concept (at least, new for me). I had heard about it but wasn't really sure what it was. I particularly enjoyed reading Cool Cat Teacher's blog posting on the topic and I find myself agreeing with her.


These are the things I've learned:
Students need on-going lessons on Digital Citizenship. I can't expect them to remember this new stuff EVERY time. It needs reinforcement! : )

Students need to learn to ask themselves: Is this a trusting resource? Are my comments exuding good etiquette? Am I listing my resources as I post something? Is this a good piece of information for my project? Am I providing too much personal information??

We, as teachers, are responsible for teaching our students these things. Although they might be common sense for some of us, our kids don't know these things. That's why we are there to guide them! : )

I'm even thinking of creating posters that I can hang around my room.


So, here's my lesson outline:
Actually creating the opportunity/scenario for students to research using the internet.

Then, prompting a series of questions that they can find the answers to by working with a partner on their research.

I will show them Cool Cat's blog on this, have my posters ready, and show them different articles where people have had bad experiences due to having poor Digital Citizenship.

Thank God for ActivBoards... So, all the kids in class, as they've used laptops for this day, can view all this great information.

11.5 - Thing #10 - Virtual Worlds

Second Life

Gaming

Wow!!!!
For this one, I am linking the Library2Play2 instructions here because they are VERY important.

This is something else.

What would my students learn from the virtual world?
My students would learn to explore within a safe community "other" places and interact with people from all over the world. It's another world within our world!
As my students apply their learning of geography (I teach 6th grade Social Studies), they can navigate through this new world... hoping to make the best choices in everything.

Students are able to get very involved since it all requires thinking. I can't wait to explore this one even more! For now, I know that it would be interesting to my students given the opportunity to explore.

11.5 - Thing #9 - Sharing

Slideshare

This article was very helpful in better understanding Slideshare.

I think that it's a great way for students to learn more about from the community. It's social networking in a creative way. Even if we were doing a project in class where the student needed pictures, video, etc. I would definitely support the student in going to these sites because they are finding the information.

Also, it could be useful for teachers (me!) because what if I don't have access to PowerPoint? Or, I'm unable to make one??? I can go here and find one!! Aha! Solutions.

11.5 - Thing #8 - Screencast

This is awesome!!!
I went to this website to get my free screencast and completed my assignment there. I'm also interested in reading some more articles from our Lib2Play2 website on Thing #8, in addition to finding other informative sites about the many uses for this.

The potential that this has in every day life is AMAZING. You can actually show someone something without being there! You can email it, post it on a website, share it with others... How cool is that??!

The same concept is applicable in student life and school. Kids can share with each other how to do something on the computer using this tool. They can also share creative tools, websites, steps in completing a project... The opportunities are endless. This is great.

Although my screencast is not the best thing ever, it's actually a good reminder of things you can do that you thought you never could!

11.5 - Thing #7 Video Resources

TV Sources

From YouTube, I can show from Biography, short clips on a historical figure. In this case, I chose the biography of a show I grew up watching, The Wonder Years.



I definitely enjoyed visiting other channels @ Hulu.
My other source of videos is the one from Discovery Education Streaming. Excellent source for school videos!!

The kids are always asking me questions about the Arctic Ocean. Now, I could show them a great National Geographic video I just found here! Also, PBS has a great video on another "Band of Brothers" here. For those of us that have been blown away by Band of Brothers, I think we'll be blown away by actual footage of back in the day.

In other related notes:
What a site. Check out the Creative Commons licensing website. It helps to understand if what you're doing is legal or not.

Main Idea: It's all about Best Practices.

Wow, this cool video tops it all!!! I just learned to make a lava lamp here!!!!

Other great, historical videos on the NARA channel from YouTube here.

In class, I already use PBS.

Cool kiddie videos here. I'm glad little ones also get to watch something fun at their level! :)

An interesting collection/list of video search engines found here.

11.5 - Thing #6 (2 in 1)

Getting my feet wet in Web 3.0 (through mobile devices)

iTouch Apps

1. I have played with educational apps such as WorldWiki, World Factbook, arts apps, history apps, games, and others. They are VERY helpful. Quick information at your fingertips.

2. List of ways to use the iTouch in the Library by multiple students (that is different than an iTouch being assigned to students)

• Perfect for presentations (just connect it to the screen)
• You can use it as a way for students to have easy access and retrieval of information
• An iTouch can be used in an array of ways: From video, music, internet, email, google, calculator... to social networking sites like Facebook app, twitter, myspace, RSS feed, etc.
• You can have each student take their picture for a project or contribute to it a class discussion by putting in their two cents in a Wiki, Ning, or Today's Meet.
• The options are endless. Now, you can be anywhere and be connected to everyone at any time! : )

Additional info. on iTouches
A good video to watch is here on Cloud Computing, and a good article on what you can start doing with an iTouch, if you haven't had the chance to explore one already. You will get used to it in no time!

At the end of the year, I had the chance to work with iTouches in my class. Check out my posting here about that... :)

I am interested in exploring Feedbooks more later on my new, Moment phone. It's supposed to work just like the iPhone... We'll see.

I don't think I understand the part about: Using Google as a *free* MobileMe alternative (with push contacts & calendar) Beau Giles

Also, to be considered later on my phone is How to get ebooks downloaded to your iPod.
http://audiobooker.booklistonline.com/2009/06/23/download-free-audiobooks-to-your-ipod/

Wikipedia

Check out Stephen's Lighthouse for various articles on Library Trends. I was not able to find the article of "The Battle Continues" which gave information about the "history and accuracy of Wikipedia." -- Library2Play2

An article that was accessible is the one about Wikipedia ruling over Britannica, here.

The following are links having to do with Wikipedia.
Wikipedia Community Portal
What Wikipedia Is Not

I did not edit an article on Wikipedia at the moment. Maybe one day...

11.5 - cont. of Thing #5

Thing #5: Reflection

Describe your experiences with Facebook and Twitter. I joined Facebook rather than Twitter. So far, so good... However, I think I'll give Facebook a one-month try before closing my account. It's just one more thing I have to take care of and I don't have time for that right now... : (

Give suggestions as to how these resouces could aid students in and out of the classroom. These resources allow for socialization between peers through discussion of educational topics. Learning could take place, students could share links, products, and tips that could help other students with their learning. It could also create a greater sense of "team unity"through our discussions, etc...

Give ideas for using back-channeling at school. This would be perfect when listening to a podcast. The kids could post their questions, thoughts, opinions on a concept and be seen/read by everyone in the class immediately! It's great and I think I will try it this coming year!! : )

Find me on Facebook under the name:
Ica Carr

11.5 - Thing #5: Microblogging

I love it!!!

The whole idea of

Microblogging

between BLOGS and EMAILS is great! in theory. For me, I don't think it would work out. I am a very busy person and find myself barely able to keep up with this blog. Therefore, how can I add something else to my plate??! But, I want to give it a try and see what happens before I sound like a "Debbie-downer."

twitter

Although when I think of twitter I think of the overated, Hollywood people... And yes, including some of those stars. I find their constant information on twitter... Well, annoying. Too much information. Then, they complain about lack of privacy. Of course, some, not all.

Here's a great video explaining the trend that now is twitter. Twitter in Plain English from leelefever on Vimeo. Also, I appreciate the common sense etiquette that this blogger posted. It's good to keep in mind that it is not all about you or "self" importance/validation... It's about becoming part of a community where you show interest in others; give credit to others (reminds me of when I learned about plagiarism! LOL :) and always say "please" and "thank you." I don't think I'll have trouble with those... Last, add VARIETY. Yep, sometimes I feel that I'm guilty of that... because I "choose" what thoughts I want to have. Here is another article about twitter.

As to educational reasons to twitter, here is a good article. I can see how it would be great if all students could go Mobile and "follow my class" with updates. If that were the case, I would definitely make the effort of twitting because I do have updates throughout the day about whatever it is that we're learning, discussing, issues that a student brings up, or even things that happen (news) as the day goes on.

For more information on twitter, follow the Library2Play2 website here. Scroll down and you'll find more available links to other articles about twitter and its relationship with education and people.

Backchanneling

I recently used Today's Meet during a training I went to. I actually liked the experience and think that my students could benefit from something like this. I like it!
My quiet students would get a chance to express themselves non-verbally as everyone would think before typing away their thoughts... In other words, better quality work. I think.
Interesting article on this, here.

11.5 - Thing #4 - YouTube

Did you know that YouTube has an Education channel and a U.S. Government channel ??? Check them out! They are very interesting. One of my favorite videos is here.

Now I will keep in mind that there's more to YouTube than meets the eye. TeacherTube, SchoolTube, and the various topics on YouTube Blog can provide anyone with a wide variety of options for their next project.

In Thing #4, I'm learning how to upload a video to YouTube. Thanks to the videos (before and after) and this set of instructions, I think I'm ready.

Questions to consider:
What would be some advantages of having teaching/learning videos available on online at sites like these? For teachers and students to have easy access to learning materials (i.e. educational videos) is one of the best things ever. It enhances the learning process of the kids... And less time for teachers to talk as we become even more like facilitators...

What about student created work -- would there be advantages to having it uploaded? Absolutely! It's easy, the kids don't have to worry about dragging their project to school, and the kids would LOVE to learn through these online visual aids. Plus, I think it makes it easier on the teachers to grade and observe if the student mastered the objectives.

Here's my uploaded video to YouTube :) What do you think?

11.5 - Thing #3 - Skype...

And all things Skype.

I loved this article perfect for teachers: Short, sweet, and to the point. 50 ways to use it in the classroom.

My assignment question: How might Skype be used in the Library or classroom? I love answer #4 out of the 50... Going on a field trip is a problem? Why not bring the field trip into your classroom!!! LOVE IT!!! :) I can see myself doing that because I already use a lot of video streaming in class.

Instructions for Thing #3 found here.

Animoto

Just another example of an animoto short:

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

My First Voicethread!

http://voicethread.com/share/1267400/

Ha...!

Check out my GLOG !!

11.5 - Thing #2 - Exploring it ALL is the key!

IMAGE GENERATORS 2
Student Products for the 21st Century

Image found here.

Nope, it's not TERMINATOR 2 ... But it certainly sounds like it!
Is it only me, but "Part 2" of something is pretty exciting.

Wordle or WordSift, Glogster/edu or VoiceThread, Animoto or Voki, and Bookr

How could a student use Worldle or WordSift in their learning and creating?
Worldle: With word "clouds," a student can identify the main idea in an easier manner... Worlde identifies the word used most often in an article, and highlights it by making it bigger than the rest. It stands out and it's easier to identify what the article is mostly about by looking at the rest of the words in the cloud...

WordSift: Interesting concept. It also dissects texts by choosing the words used most often, providing a "delicious-like" cloud of words, and providing hyperlinks for these words. Meaning, by clicking on each word, it can take you to websites that provide information about that specific word. This would be great when students are doing research projects and don't know where to begin after reading an article.

As Glogster is used, would there be any different thinking a student would have to do to turn in a poster online as opposed to a cardboard poster? If there is different thinking, is it better or worse, more or less, or how is it different? The thinking process doesn't change in content... only in application. The student doesn't have to think about going to the store and getting new Crayola markers, colored pencils, glitter, etc... for their poster. Now, the student still thinks about the content and color choices, design etc... but instead of using tangible design tools, the student is using Glogster with all the tools available in the click of a mouse. Since I grew up and am a product of the "old school" era, with paper, pencil, pen, and cardboard poster presentations, I still believe in some of those old ways. They weren't ALL wrong :) Check out my Glog here.

Voicethread: What situations might this be the most appropriate tool for students? Not sure... Maybe because of the late hours that I'm attempting to finish this... But, I will say that it seemed a little more "complicated" than the rest of the other applications. When I clicked on something that I thought I wanted, it would take me somewhere else that I wasn't expecting. Maybe I need more practice because as of now, I don't think I could do a good job.

Animoto: How can students and/or educators use this? I think it's perfect for those short "introductions" or closure moments. I use it in class as an anticipatory set. In other words, it is my opening ot my lesson or the closure/main idea to a concept. For instance, I posted in my blog an animoto I used to help explain "globalization."
You can also use it as something fun. In one of the postings following this one you'll find an example of a fun one I did for the kids at the end of the year as they were asking me if I was going to go on vacation on my yacht...?!! Now, what made them think I had a yacht!! I can barely afford a house! :)

Voki: I think it's a fun and interactive way to send a message. However, I had the HARDEST time getting mine to work so I gave up on it. I tried mine four different times and I kept getting the same message: "Need to add new audio" I did!!! Like 20 times and it still wouldn't work.

Bookr: Students could use Bookr instead of what other tools to create products for what assignments? Bookr seems interesting and fun. I did not create one because of time... It required me to go to Flickr and after spending so much time trying to create a Voki, I think I'll explore Bookr more later. This is a great alternative to a book report!

I'm not the kind to give up. But since I'm running out of time and I'm barely on Thing #2, I have to move on... Plus, those error messages were annoying me!! AAAH!!!

11.5 - Thing #1

The Networked Student

I watched a video found here: http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=64972&title=The_Networked_Student___The_Movie
These are the kinds of videos our students are supposed to be making (or at least have the knowledge to do them) for the 21st century. THIS is the future.

My thoughts about the student: A self-motivated student has the drive to learn! WANTS to learn. Therefore, has the drive to be independent and search for what he/she is looking for. The student also understands the importance of socially interacting with others as part of his education. Social networking can definitely be a positive!

My thoughts about the video? Excellent. It makes me think about how this is applicable to even away from classroom instruction. The real world, regardless of the career field, requires employees that are capable in finding solutions amongst a group of people in various manners... i.e. skype, teleconferencing, file sharing, etc...

The teacher and her role: I love it! The teacher is almost like a coach or a facilitator... There to assist when needed... But at a higher level of bloom's taxonomy as well. The teacher is no longer just a "presenter of information" but a "synthesizer...." Someone that can "clean up" and organize the info as part of the student's learning process.

Can a Librarian play the role depicted in the video? Absolutely!! In my school, our wonderful librarian does this on a daily basis. She not only assists the students with their own learning, but also provides guidance to teacher (as needed) when researching something... and shows "the way" to find the right solution in today's world.

Hooray!!! 11.5 NEW Things!!!

This summer, I'm doing (learning)

11.5 Things

from Library2Play2. I'm excited!!!!!

Let's see if I can get done in time... Because it's all due Monday the 9th! Better get going...

Notes that Warm a Heart

Forget Hallmark.

Last week, I received a thank you note from one of my friends and colleagues. Her little boy, Trip, just turned 1 !!! How awesome is that?! He's sooo precious. Gorgeous, little guy. He shares his food with everyone (including his dog), and was feeding me his yogurt treats when I went to give him his bday gift. :)

No, Trip is not related AT ALL to the Sarah Palin clan.

I loved the note so much, it's the one thing on my fridge right now... Aw, thank you, Trip! I love ya too, buddy! :)

15 seconds of fame from Lookville.com

About a week ago, I received an email that read exactly like this:

Hi there blogger! Just visited your "Just in time!" blog and I was super impressed by its design and content. We started our site Lookville.com not too long ago. It's a place for people to have discussions, share tips, and ask questions about fashion. It's been going great so far and I would love to have you on it! check it out if you're interested: http://lookville.com/signup?e=emailcarranza@gmail.com&c=gen&ref=fb_us
And we would love to hear your feedbacks. Ciao!- Daphne G.

For 15 seconds, my mind went wild! I thought, "Wow! Someone out there really read my blog!!! They're inviting me to their magazine site... how coool is that??!" My mind went a hundred miles per hour, up unto, "Who knows, next thing I'll be doing is writing a book!!! Watch out Matt Lauer and back off Meredith Vieira, I'm coming to the Today Show to get interviewed and promote my New York's best-selling book!"

Ha!!! Then, reality sunk in. I googled the website, the email, etc... and came up with Lookville.com being an invitation-only website. Ok, so at least I felt a little better on that one :) But the point is, the comments made in the general email go to EVERYONE. I admit it, I can be gullible during the summer...

It wasn't from someone actually interested in reading my life thoughts! :) My blog is still simple, no fancy design, and no sugar-coating the content either. They're just thoughts... I don't keep up with photo albums anymore, given up on pictures too, and I don't take pictures often either because I'm always so busy. So, the way I look at it, this is for posterity reasons. This is my "scrapbook."

So, next time you get an email from Lookville.com, know that it is a legit website about fashion. You create your own looks and post them there... creating a social website with discussion, pictures, questions, etc. Although I appreciate clothes, color, and even fabrics, my world and thoughts do not revolve around fashion. I don't even have time to keep up with my blog! So, why would I enter the world of creating "looks." Nope, I think I'll pass on this cup of tea.

As to the personal email... It is not personal. Hate to burst your bubble like mine. I might not have a reader out there, but it doesn't discourage me from building my blog. :)

World Cup 2010 in Review...

They are not just pretty faces, athletic bodies, shorts and sweat. They are not just smellly men, either. Some, if not many, are probably awesome, dreamer guys, with one goal in mind since they were probably 2 years of age. (I remember being 16... That was a good year... And, I've always liked the Netherlands. You know? I even like the color orange. My favorite combination!! BLUUUE and orange.) ^-^

Lifetime Objective: To go, do their best, represent their country, and WINning!!!

For some, it becomes a reality. For others, it remains a frustrating mirage in their life. Some come from humble upbringings, some are more affluent, others with a very privileged background, and some... as I've discovered this summer through some brief research, do not have any college education.

Hmmm.... It makes me think.

In school, we're always pushing the kids to think higher and strive for college. But in reality, they look up to these "role models" who sometimes have a hard time putting sentences together to speak. I don't know... I just wish that education was pushed even more within athletics. It's great to be an athlete, but it is also good to exercise your mind and not just your body. Don't take me wrong, physical fitness IS important... but a good education is priceless. You open doors wherever you go...

I say: Good job to those who value a good education within the sports world!!! Oh, and those that also don't have kids all over the place with various people, spreading a bit of themselves all over the place. (I'm not talking about Christiano Ronaldo, Rafa Marquez, wait your turn, please!!)

The End to a FANTASTIC! School Year with Donna Lewis & the Globe Trekker Crew

I even worded it that way on my end-of-the-year evaluation because I meant it. :)

In my years of teaching, (I sound like I have 35 years experience, hahaa..) I can honestly say that this was a great batch of kids. I knew I was going to miss them, so I created a Photostory for them. My kids loved it!!! And, I'm so glad because I wanted them to remember this year as a GREAT one!

You'll see pictures of our classroom, colleagues of mine, and some personal moments, since the kids are always asking personal Q's...

As for me, every teacher knows that having the freedom to teach and explore... and reach new heights with your kids, is the best thing that could happen in your job as an educator. That's how it was for me. I felt the freedom (thanks to our principal this year) to reach the stars and I reached the sky.

In Case You're Wondering

I'm playing catch-up here...

Spring Semester School Projects

The power of interactive learning.

It was second semester... The month of May to be exact. The kids were tired (so was I), in need of something different, but still willing to learn which is not very often that we as teachers see this at the end of the year.

Thanks to my wonderful friend and school librarian, we ended up making a corner of the library a U-shaped classroom as the kids explored iTouches through a project I ended up creating. It was the perfect opportunity for my students to explore all the applications in them, especially World Wiki (applicable to my subject area), and get a good sense of technology nowadays. After all, this is how the future looks like... Working together as a group, too. Meaning, everyone in the group was to be responsible for everyone because all would get a "group" grade.

So, how did my students do at the end of the year, after so much standarized testing, and things to do? Check the picture below. The engagement level even as the pictures were taken describes it best. To say the least, I was proud of my students for "getting into it" and displaying excellent behavior as we shared the library with 3 or 4 noisy and different classes...

What do you think? :)

Little Miss Busy

They don't call me Miss Busy for no reason. By "They" I mean my friend...
I've decided to embrace this great trait of mine... So, starting here, I'll use that as my response to everything.

Why haven't I been updating my blog? My new "title" says it all.