Finally, one last thing! :]

By completing this activity of APSU 23 Things, I must say that I'm surprised how much more I learned. I never knew some of the resources that are out there just wanting to be used. Although the activity took some time to do, I feel like it really helped me become better aware and advanced with all the cool gadgets online. There is so much I could name that I enjoyed doing. I loved making the image art, the photo clip video, listening to podcasts, and gosh just about everything else! Now, for the future in my classroom where I plan to use all of the interesting tools and ideas I have came across in this activity. Really, there isn't anything out there that can't be done using a computer or the resources available. Use technology when ever you can, and however you can. Technology to some is scary at first, but I and many others have learned that there is so much out there you never knew existed. Just explore, and try new things! Technology is growing more and more everyday, so use what you can today before it changes tomorrow. <3

Thing #23

Towards the end of APSU 23 Things, credit it given to the website "43 Things." This website allows you to set and keep track of your personal goals. Also, the project is somewhat based on the article "43 Things I (or You) Might Want to do This Year." The author of the article being Stephen Abram, is also credited and named. This is a great example of using someone's idea, but still giving them the credit they deserve. During the semester we have learned more and more about Creative Commons and what it is all about. If you use something that you never created, then the credit is due and needs to be included where ever you decide to use the material. If you are ever unsure whether to cite a source or not, cite it. It is better to be safe, than sorry. Learning the details about copyright materials is a subject us as teachers need to be familiar with. Creative Commons is a great site to use when looking for material that has already been approved for the use of others, and the credit is included. This is a safe way to cover your work at all times.

Thing #22

I chose to listen to the podcast "Collaborative Teachings For Children." It was filled with different lessons and activities for future teachers to use in their classrooms. I thought that the Educational Podcast Directory was the easiest to use, mainly because it took me straight to what I was looking for. I wanted to engage in something that would be useful in my future teaching career. I believe that using podcasts when I become a teacher is a great idea. The students would love being able to record new interesting things they learned in class. Then I could publish them online, or just keep them handy to use as study guides or extra help for the students. Subscribing to a certain podcast is something I'm definitely going to look into after completing this activity. There is so much out there to learn, you just have to go find it! :]

Thing #21

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

I loved using animoto.com to create this quick, but cute, video. I added some pictures of myself, along with my family, and of course my dog Drake! This site was full of cool themes you could use and you can even add your own music to the video. This site is a fun and creative way to make videos that you can post just about anywhere!

Thing #20

It seems like you can find just about anything on YouTube. From music videos, to pranks, to even how-to videos. The site has definitely came a long way from when it first started out. I mainly use YouTube to listen to music videos in my spare time. Some of the videos even have the lyrics onscreen so you can know the words as you sing. Call me a loser if you want, but sometimes you just have to know what a song is really saying and it will drive you up the wall until you figure it out. Or at least I come across that problem a time or two. You name it, you can probably find it on YouTube. I mean the site has it all, new celebrities are being found using this site everyday. My younger sister is in love with Justin Bieber, the latest teen heartthrob. He actually was recognized by his YouTube videos by his now manager. Usher even came across his videos and now produces some of his songs. YouTube has the advantage of being able to put out certain information for you to share with others. Who knows, you might become famous one day by uploading a video. As far as using YouTube as a tool in the classroom, you can find tons of how-to lessons to show your students if they seem to be having a problem with a certain topic.

Thing #19

TeacherPop was a site I was introduced to my freshmen year at Austin Peay in my APSU 2100 class. We actually made one and used the neat features which made this activity more of a refresher. Social networks have become so popular because people love to know what other people are doing. All the time, all day and everyday. As much as we do not want to admit that to ourselves, it is true. I know for sure I'm nosey and I have to keep up with what is going on so I do not feel left out. I have had a myspace since middle school, but I hardly use it anymore. I normally stay on facebook, which seems to be where most college students interact. Overall, social networks are a good thing due to the connection one person has with so many others.

Thing #18

Social networks have taken over the Internet for sure. With all of buzz about myspace, then came facebook, and now twitter is becoming more and more popular. I would have to say my favorite of the three would have to be facebook. Myspace used to be new and exciting, but these days it seems like facebook is where everyone is interacting. I have a myspace account, but I'm hardly ever on it. My facebook page is linked at the end of this blog. Feel free to explore my page, send me a friend request, or just look at my pictures. I love getting to know people, and using a social network like facebook makes that easy and fun! Just be careful with who you trust or give certain information out to. You do not want just anyone to be your friend! :]

My Facebook Profile <3