Blog, blogging, blogged.

At this precise moment in time, I’ve 10 blogs. Why, why do I have 10 blogs, is it really necessary?

No, it is not. For the past month I’ve been working to consolodate the many blogs I have down to one source. The quest for the right place, or tool is a long and twisty road though.

The break down

Tumblr: Great for mobile posting and hosting videos, audio, images, text, etc. The app for the iPhone is great and simple to use as is the web interface. For my line of work I am always on the move and so using Tumblr has been great for me to be able to post on the go

Posterous: Another simple and easy to use blogging tool. It’s number one reason for popularity: Email your post and it is automatically setup as a post. After setting up an account you are given an email address to send anything you want to post. You can use this to post video, audio, text, etc all by attaching it to an email. I’ve been using this as the primary method of sharing tech news specific to my building/district with the staff. I simply send the email to staff and cc my posterous and instantly create an archived post and share the information directly to the staff.

Wordpress: A powerful blogging tool that can take a bit of “getting used to” but once you’ve mastered it you have a very powerful tool in your hands. I rarely recommend this as a beginner tool but only because the first two I’ve listed are the easiest tools I’ve found. Wordpress offers many very creative looking themes and functions. The primary “great tool” I think is the Site Stats. You can get instant information on how many people are viewing your blog what they’ve clicked on your blog, how they came across your blog, and all in real time. A few of the dislikes: You can not host/post video on Wordpress without an upgraded (pay) account. Also you can not do to much to the theme without upgrading your account to a paid version.

Blogger: Google owned and one of the most commonly used “starter” blog tools, blogger offers easy setup, several basic themes (that with some knowledge you can customize) and site stats on your blog views. Though it has been some time since I’ve used blogger (first blog I ever made was with blogger) I am re-looking into it for the simple fact that I want a free tool for blogging that I can customize and alter the html of. Blogger also offers a local hosting of videos to your blog for free which is also a bonus.

Weebly: is more of a tool that allows you to create a whole entire site, but within the site you create you can “add a blog”. I’ve not much experience with weebly, but I have created one and have been using it for about a month now. I have found it to be very simple to setup and at the same time allows you to bring in many different and more advanced features using html and feeds from other sources. Once you’ve created you weebly, you can easily access “stats” on the site to let you know how many visitors you’ve had and what they’ve been looking at on your site.

I hope that this post helps those of you looking to get started with blogging a look at the a few of the various tools that are out there as well as helps you figure out which tool may be best for you.

A few of my blogs: Tumblr, Posterous, Weebly

3 Weeks after #METC_CSD

Here we are three weeks after the METC conference and I thought I’d like to share what has happened since.

The short list

1. Co-planned a 2 hour block of time offering 6 different PD sessions with multiple presenters


2. Presented 2 PD sessions the Friday after METC


3. Created a Weebly


4. Posted several blog posts


5. Used Blabberize.com and Voki


6. Shared information about fair use with a few staff members


7. Attended my first webinar


8. Provided multiple sessions of IT support via instant messaging


9. Setup accounts with Animoto, Edu Glogster, YouTube, and a few others


10. Found the positive, everyday.

my notes on: Copyright Clarity #METC_CSD

Copy Right Clarity -  @ReneeHobbs

The value of copy right

Using  copyright materials without paying

Written in the constitution, the purpose of copyright is:
“To promote creativity innovation and the spread of knowledge”

How teachers cope
“See no evil” Adopt that they do not want ot know, they choose
“Close the door” Anything I do in the context of helping the students do good, and I tell no one, who’s to know. The work is more important
“Hyper Compliant” Hold onto the rules, more rigid rules for their students but less for them selves. Maybe not fully understanding the rules

Replace old knowledge: You and your students are granted copyright at the moment they create their work.

1. the right to reproduce your own work


2. make a derivative work on your work


3. right to distribute


4. perform


5. display

Who’s responsible for the copyright: The copy right holder
EVERYTHING IS COPY RIGHTED
But…there are exemptions.

The Doctrine of fair use: You don’t have to ask permission to use  a copyrighted work if you are using for socially benefiting purposes such as teaching, news reporting, criticism, comment…

Strong protection for owners, and strong protection for users. Fair use is designed to promote copyrighted materials.
 

The tips to remembering fair use:

“Trasnformativness, add value, re-purpose”

Fair use is contextual – No issue until it is taken to a judge.

There is no lawsuit to this day where a copyright holder sues and educational system.

Copying does not deserve the use of fair use

4 choices:

1. Pay a license fee.


2. Claim fair use, just use it.


3. Select public domain royalty free or creative commons licensed content.


4. DON’T USE IT

Citation is ethical, not legal.

Did I transform it or did I just copy it? – The question that students need to ask themselves.

“Get out of jail free card”- clause If you’re an educator and you make a fair use determination in using copyrighted materials and you are sued by the copyright holder, the law mandates that all statutory damages are remitted to 0.


Thanks to Renee Hobbs, teachers may unlock dvds that are protected with a content scrambling system when circumvention is for the purpose is socially benefiting purposes such as teaching, news reporting, criticism, comment…

my notes on: PD Live and on the Go #METC_CSD

PD Live session notes:

Using Adobe Connect to provide and create Webinars has been very beneficial to help create a bank of PD sessions that people can use when they need them. It also allows the user to host sessions where multiple people can view a live session and use a chat to ask questions as the session progresses.

Best method for providing PD was to disect the PD into small pieces. 20 minute max sessions.

Connecting beyond the classroom: Use free tools like SKYPE to connect to one another and other teachers

ADOBE CONNECT: One host license, annual license, packs of 5 for $600 unlimited amount of meetings and recordings. No server setup is required.


What to consider before starting an online PD program:

• Cost


• Training presenter and participants


• Bandwidth - depends on how much video you are running


• Technical hurdles - wireless issues if everyone is on the same access point. Do people know how to select their microphone?


• Accountability - do you want people to be tracked by how long they are logged in? More cost


• Scheduling - Getting people online at the same time.  Run webinars multiple times a day.

Looking at Microsoft Lync
Connect with the community and the experts.

Lesson learned
Train participants and get them comfortable with online PD
Keep session within 20-30 minutes
Change the mindset of trainingg
Compacted
Specific skill focus

Disqus added

My blog has now been setup to support disqus comments. Feel free to leave a comment on any post.

On the subject of Prezi's and Linked URL's

Start text with http:// and Prezi will transofrm the text into a link when Prezi is saved and run as a full Prezi…not in view mode while editing Prezi.

I owe my answers and thanks to @mgilb @JPPrezz @techiedork

my notes on: Cool Tool Duel at #METC_CSD

Cool Tool Duel – The presentation: tinyurl.com/4cth27h

The Notes:

Francis Howel - “QR Code Quick Response is basically a two-dimensional barcode  that is encoded with information such as text, URL or other data. It is readable by QR bar code readers and camera phones.”

Scanning methods: SMART phone free app QR scanner, QR reader connects to the a webcam. (free software available). You can use the QR code tag extension in Google Chrome to turn anything into a QR code.

Classroom application: QR codes on work sheets, use it as an enrichment tool, place the codes in the back of the book in a library . Create a calendar that uses the QR Code to link to videos posted on YouTube or teacher website

Wiffiti – Digital Public Brain storming tool. Use a text code to text in a message or answer to a question that is posted on Wiffiti. Texts then come in on a feed  in an animated way. Can use a laptop to send in the message with a Wiffiti account

Classroom application: Use the tool to have a continuous and on going dialogue about a chosen topic. Allows for a digital record of the online conversation and constantly flows in

Parkway – Google Art Project – Collection of museums from across the world. Hi res images of art work. Impressive Zoom function on many of the pieces of art.  Can create a collection of art work for your specific purpose, or you can use the tool to walk through many of the art museums with a function similar to using google street view. Select levels and rooms within museums to go directly to, or take a walk through the whole museum.

Search -  YoLink once you do a search, it puts a  button in your tool bar (extension) when you click on it you can refine your search further. Opens another box within the same window. Searches the links for new keywords. It has the ability export the link/search and create a google document with the content in it.

Rockwood – Voki – Creates an avatar like character that you can use to then speak to your class. Voki offers a bank of animated  historical figures and famous speeches. It also offers the user the ability to enter in text and have a computer generated voice read it aloud. The user can also use a microphone, or call in the dialogue you want the animated figure to read out loud.

Classroom application: Interviews recorded can then be brought to life with a digital avatar. Another means for a student to present information.

Classroom 2.0 (classroom20.com) Social networking for your classroom. Questions and answers for technology integration,  A resource about using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom.

Ultimate referring site is the presentation itself

Twitter and #METC_CSD merged and The challenge

All of the twitter connections I can tell that are at METC this year are listed here. My personal challenge is to meet them all in person:

@kevcreutz

@gwynethjones check

@ghartman check

@meganmoncure

@jorech

@alexinman97

@cgoods

@msh3310

@chollingsworth

@greglawrence

@MrA47

@JPPrezz check

@usamimi74 check

@cyberteacher

@midschoolsci check

@LangLabCindy

@mbogart

@room214 check

@bizmark check

@rjacklin check

@kevinhoneycutt check

@nlogle

@andreablanco check

@Luke1946 check

@justintarte check

@techiedork check

@debbiefuco

@dianadell check

@alexinman97

@reneehobbs check


If you're looking to expand you PLN here’s a great list of people to get you started!

#METC_CSD Part deux

After a great first day at #METC_CSD it is time to gear up for the next and final day of the conference.

My picks for tomorrow include:

Tech Tool Duel

Gadget a GoGo

Copyright Clarity: Remix and Fair Use in Education

Paperless Classroom for under $100

Some much needed time in the exhibit hall

Tomorrow @Sk8rmom819 and @BettyeJoPrice will be joining in the fun as well as @MidSchoolSi

my notes from: #METC_CSD Motivational Technology Coaching and Professional Development

“Students – what are the needs of the students? Each student comes in with different needs.”

Goal - Getting students comfortable with 21st century skills,

Motivate – Tech Coaches need to motivate staff to want to make some sort of change. The keystone to bringing about a change are the administrators. Working with an administrator to infuse technology in their work and discussions with staff will help to model the use of technology and how it can play a roll in the classroom.

Coach = PR person.

The structure: Build trust – take baby steps

As a coach, whatever you can do to use the web tools more regularly the more exposure people will have an have a stronger interest in learning about them or actively use them. 

With the reluctant learners, start slow and small. The first steps: the coach does the work and the teacher infuses your work into the lessons until they become comfortable with it.

Find that staff member who loves to try everything, your success student. Share the tools you find with them, have them try new softwares and web tools. They will give you the sense of accomplishment and share what they liked and did not like, then find the reluctant learner to work with and to develop technology  into their everyday use.

Confidence is a key issue with “reluctant workers” giving them the sense of comfort or a zone of comfort is the key. Know your staff. Get the teachers to “take the risk” Give them the soft cushy place for them to land, no judgment, guide them and use patience with them. Remind your learners that tech issues happen to all of us. “No stress, no panic” becomes the mantra to follow when tech issues occur. 

The group then talked to one another about “coaching strategies that work for you” “Viral approach. Giving the teachers step by step directions that include pictures. 

Tools for creating visual rich instructional guides:Print screen, screen cast video, jing video.

“Braindump - share what ever you know about the topic.”

Light the fire ; Enthusiasm is the key. Steer away from the negative and guide into a solution. (documents on the metc session site)

Make a plan about the project/goal/etc

Connect with yourself as a coach. Carve out time for your learning within a week otherwise your plate turns into a platter and things begin to spill over. Stay connected – Conferences, list servs, portal, twitter,

onto PD 

Getting a structure in your district is crucial.

Differentiation is the key to successful professional development

Using a 2 tier approach to PD – 1st tier is for learning about the software, tool, or hardware. 2nd tier: creating and implementing a unit promoting the tool or software that was learned.

(break out time) “What infrastructure do you use for pd or what is missing?”

• Creating a centralized storage palace for training or lessons.

• Putting people together by similar interests and levels.

• Teach parents tech – use it to send home through group email various technolgoy tips. Allows user to choose a custom greeting and a video on various  tech support, or tidbits: http://www.teachparentstech.org/
  

Reffering sites: The prezi, Teach Parents Tech, jing video, screen cast video, the session on METC wiki

my notes on: Peripheral Learners at #METC_CSD

Empowering the students is the key. We must meet them on their digital playground and offer guidance and direction to help them form a positive digital legacy.

Simple and practical methods to assist students succeed include: filming yourself teaching everyday and posting it on your website or YouTube channel. This simple no frill filming and posting approach allows a student to go back and watch processes and perhaps find answers to questions they have without having to announce that they do not understand something or would like something revisited. 

Creating a place in the class where the students could easily share their thoughts and feelings so that, the teacher, could easily see what is on their students minds each day helps both the teachers and students in many ways. Giving the students space in their classroom creates a stronger sense of community and ownership. They feel more comfortable in the space where they are trying to learn.

“What are some ways we could or should do to help kids make good decisions while using their devices”

Students today are carrying around, in their pockets, mobile devices that they can use to do research, film and edit a video, write essays, connect with peers and students; guiding them to use it appropriately and effectively is our responsibility.

Take time to discuss how they can use their mobile devices in their classwork, how to use it socially, share the impact that they can make both positively and negatively with their instant and constant connection to the internet, each other, and everyone in between.

Referring sites: http://kevinhoneycutt.org

2nd verse same as the 1st

Today is the second day that a student brought in their own personal laptop in because they needed tech support.

We cleaned up about 200 + malwares that were hidden and taught the student how to use the software we installed to scan for malicious software on her computer in the future.

This is new and uncharted territory for the team, but it was handled with finesse and accuracy.

Pregaming #METC_CSD 2011

Tomorrow I will be attending the METC conference in St. Charles, Missouri. I look forward to this conference every year. It is a time to connect with peers, collaborate with people in my field, explore new possibilities, unlock new resources and meet people that share the same passion for technology and education.

This Tuesday I am hoping to attend the following sessions and share them via twitter, ,Facebook, and my blog

Peripheral Learners

Changing Middle Schools Online Professional Learning Communities

Motivational Technology Coaching and Professional Development

PD 2.0 - Live‚ Online‚ and on the Go

What tools do I need in my differentiation toolbox

Tomorrow my fellow colleagues, @BookLadyJCW and @Midschoolsci will be joining me at the conference. I look forward to sharing, collaborating, and learning more tomorrow.

Trivial Trivia

Tonight our school is putting on a trivia night. We’ve assembled our team, studied constantly for the past two months. We neglected all work, family, and personal commitments.

A victory shall be ours…or 90% of that was fabricated.

Fun will be had by all.

Need Music?

Take a look at these two great sites for royalty free music:

http://www.soundzabound.com/

http://freeplaymusic.com/

Room Design Tools

Just wanted quickly share this article I found about digital tools (mostly free) for designing rooms. 

Enjoy: http://lifehacker.com/5510056/

Web Based Inspiration

A great tool shared with me in my search for free Inspiration like web based software: http://www.bubbl.us/

No user name or email required to use the mind-mapping software.

Kudos to @usamimi74 for sharing.

Where has the monthly maintenance gone?

In order to get in this months maintenance routine, there will be no formal calendar demonstrating when we will be arriving. When the opportunity arrives we will come to your class and collect a few student laptops from the cart to install two new programs, VLC and Open Office. Once the programs are installed we will return them to your cart, and repeat the process until all the student laptops have the software installed.

VLC is a media player that plays a HUGE variety of media file types. 

Open Office has many potentials for use in your classrooms, primarily it will open MANY version of “Word” file types and versions.

Lastly, I will be getting around to every projector to clean them out.

Moodle

I have decided to attend a Moodle class, as it has been mention many times in the building. I have researched Moodles and have found a lot of technical work and systems that must be put in to place before even creating one.

I hope to learn more information form this basics class to get a bas level of understadning. From my research I have found Moodles to be a very powerful tool that has high potential for many various facets of education with in our Middle School world. A door I do not yet wish to open till we have a bigger and better idea of what a Moodle could do for us.

Here we go then…

METC

Tomorrow is the Missouri Educators Technology Conference. How exciting. Unfortunately there seems to be some sort of snowy curse associated with it. Last year just about every school in the St. Louis area was called off, thus creating very few visitors to METC. I myself missed it last year, and I do not wish to miss it again this year. I am rather excited to get there and take it all in. Let’s hope the roads are cleared by tomorrow morning.