DISQUS

Sean · 2 years ago

My favorite Web 2 software may seem old hat to some, but I am loving Blogger at the moment. My Science class is carrying out an extended investigation, which requires them to keep a journal of their research and experiments. In previous years this was a hand written journal that, by the time submission came around, was very definitely worse for wear. This year, as my school has finally got access to an ISP that provides reliable service, I decided to introduce blogging to my students. They have created their own blogs to record their progress through the assignment.

I have taught myself how to use Google Reader and now can easily keep track of which students are updating their blog regularly easily. It has made my job a lot easier in terms of monitoring their progress and the students are more willing to post to a blog, than to write in a paper journal.

As for how I keep myself juiced, it is through blogs like this. I started teaching about 6 years ago, when I started I was pretty conversant with Web design and what not, but I sort of missed the Web 2.0 revolution while I was trying to get my head around this whole teaching caper. I am now trying to catch up as fast as I can. I am slowly making way through a wide variety of education blogs and am amazed by what people are trying and succeeding with in the classroom.

Julie Lindsay · 2 years ago

HI Vicki
OK, for my Joost invite (will it work in Bangladesh??) the Web 2.0 tool MOST effective in my classroom right now is the wiki. All of my classes are wiki-centric. A wiki provides for communication, collaboration, discussion, sharing files, embedding files etc. A teacher also has FULL control over all facilities.
What is putting more 'juice' into my day? I love Twitter! 140 characters, not a whole paragraph!

Simon · 2 years ago

1) Skype Talk and Write is my thing right now. I am exploring its use in the Primary (Elementary) classroom. My kids have a ‘mentor’ from an Intermediate school whose job it is to review their writing and collaborate together to edit and refine the work.
2) One thing I do to stay motivated is spend some quality time with my toddler son. He helps me put all my care and worries into perspective as only a toddler can do.

Paul Wilkinson · 2 years ago

Hey Vicki that looks cool. I'll take you up on that offer.

My class is currently using interact as our main web/blog environment.

http://www.interact.ac.nz/

I guess this is not truly web2.0 but as opensource software it is well worth checking out.

We are also using wikispaces, podomatic, flickr, del.icio.us and have just started exploring thinkature and toondoo.

Interacting like this with others is what keeps me juiced. I have people all over the world who I am getting to know via their blogs. Fantastic.

At the end of a tough day seeing my 3 year old and my 7 year old and reading stories is what keeps me going.

Dean Shareski · 2 years ago

I'm honored to be the first to comment and looking forward to trying out Joost (really I know almost nothing about it but still can't resist)

1. Favourite web 2.0 tool? Google Reader. RSS is the glu that allows us to sort through and manage information.

2. What keeps me going on bad days? Faith and Family....in that order.

shareski at gmail.com

Langwitches · 2 years ago

1) Your favorite Web 2 tool in the classroom that you are using RIGHT NOW!
Right now I am using podcasts quiet a bit with my students. Our school podcast has grown to 14 episodes and students are getting very excited about recording and interviewing.

2) One thing you do to stay motivated when you have a tough day!
I go global in order to stay motivated. Reading about far away places and about projects that will bring people and cultures closer together gets me going.

Thanks Vicki!

Fred Delventhal · 2 years ago

Hi Vicki,

I'm a technology coordinator in Arlington, VA. I'm responsible for
instructional technology implementation in two elementary schools.

If I have to pick one tool that has had the biggest effect on the
community of our school as whole, I'd have to pick Blogger. We use
Blogger as our content management system for our web sites and
classroom pages.  We went from having a very static web site
that would see very few changes or teachers creating web pages to
practically every teacher having something up. Parents have made
comments that they not only know what is going on in their child's
classroom but also what is happening in the school as a whole. Parents have even requested a transfer to one of the schools because they saw all of the wonderful things our teachers were doing by reading some of the blogs.  Here are the web sites for the two schools: Ashlawn Elementary and Barrett
Elementary.

I am now getting teachers to explore other web applications because of how easy it is to inter-mix things into their blogs. I have teachers beginning to use Flickr to post pictures. Others are using TeacherTube or sites like it to embed videos into their blogs. I'm looking at sites like Quimble
so that the classrooms can post polls or Slideshare or Mixercast
for other ways to share projects.

On your second request for how keep going after a bad  day, I
 just remind myself how much I love my job. Teachers get a
real sense of accomplishment when they see that little light bulb come
on in the head of the student that's been struggling and that is the
feeling I get when a teacher posts a blog for the first time can't
believe it's that easy. They sometimes don't believe me that it is really up on the web. I know that bad days will come and go but I live for that next endorphin rush of doing workshops or one-to-one learning and then seeing teachers applying those new skills and concepts with their students.

One of the things I hope to do if you send me an invite is to turn around and invite my teachers  to try it.

Thanks for all the information you impart through the podcast and the
blog.

Fred Delventhal
fred_delventhal[at]apsva.us

Ken Pruitt · 2 years ago

My favorite web tool is the netvibes aggregator. My students do not use it directly, but I reference it often when I introduce ideas from my favorite blogs. My district is progressive, but we are still feeling out how social tools will be introduced in our classrooms.

What do I do to stay juiced?
Stretch. I used to be heavy into yoga and I still use some of the poses during my prep period. That and a brisk 10 minute walk before lunch keep me happy and healthy. I believe in unplugging often.

Ken <a href="mailto:Pruitt
kpruitt@dasd.k12.pa.us">Pruitt
kpruitt@dasd.k12.pa.us

Neil Winton · 2 years ago

Hi Vicki,

Thanks for the offer!

My favourite Web2.0 tool (Web2L?) is still WordpressMU. Since installing it for my school I have seen the number of blogs and bloggers grow rapidly, although we are still in our infancy.
The breakthrough came when some of the staff asked for help with their blogs and I got some of the more adept pupils to show them what to do.

As to keeping "juiced"... see the above! Pupils teaching teachers is a pretty good motivator!

PS: I am scottishteacher [at] gmail [dot] com

Reader · 2 years ago

I can't sing enough praises of James Farmer and learnerblogs. It's become the backbone of some of my classes and the kids love it. One girl said recently that the blogs help her know that her teacher cares more about what she thinks than getting grades in.

The other tool I'm hot on right now is del.icio.us. I've got my juniors using it to tag sources they're reading for a research project.

How do I stay motivated when no one seems to be on the same wagon? I'm doing my work not to please men . . . and I return to appreciating the kids I teach. They're so smart.

Geoff

Marsha · 2 years ago

Vicki,

I'm just starting a new position for next school year. Instead of being "just" the music teacher, I'm going to be doing that part time and I'm going to be helping the K-8 teachers integrate technology into their teaching and then plan "stuff" in the computer lab for the K-5 students to go along with the stuff in the classrooms. I'm pretty excited about this, but also, pretty scared! All suggestions will be welcomed! - PLEASE~

My favorite Web2 tool right now are wikis! My pre-service teachers are using a wiki each semester to create their own resource that will be available after they finish my course. I've also had them set up their own personal wiki, but so far, most of them aren't using it as much as the course wiki. In 3 semesters, there has only been 2 of my students who knew what a wiki was coming into my course.

Now, how do I keep myself juiced??? I LOVE RSS! I read and read and read blogs and listen to podcasts for my own personal development! I try to get to my reader every morning before I even get in the shower. That way, I have an exciting way to start the day - and....usually something new to share with my teachers!

Thanks for everything that you do and <a href="mailto:share!

Marsha
marskren@gmail.com">share!

Marsha
marskren@gmail.com

Mike Dionne · 2 years ago

To single one out now is very tough. I have integrated the use of podcasts, wikis, and blogmeister. They all go hand in hand. My students us the wiki as the center of the class, blog about current affairs of the media, and create podcasts.

Podcasting is the web 2.o tool I like the best though. Going into the studio to record a show or 2 is how I get going. We have so much fun it's like therapy, especially when I am with my group of 6th graders.

Mike <a href="mailto:Dionne
mdionne@sidneycsd.org">Dionne
mdionne@sidneycsd.org

Jane Perzyk · 2 years ago

Not sure wha happened to my previous posting because when I hit "Preview" the page got flaky! At any rate, my hands-down fave is Protopage, a personal start page which is really appropriate for elementary kids as well as their parents, for teachers to use as a communication tool with parents, and or personal use such as the one I set up for the Boston Marathon at www.protopage.com/boston2007.

As far as how I keep myself juiced -- very easy! I read the blogs in my RSS feed, and when I'm tired of reading, I watch one of the videos from TED Talks at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks.

Jane <a href="mailto:Perzyk
japerzyk@mi-life.org">Perzyk
japerzyk@mi-life.org

Teaching Sagittarian · 2 years ago

Hi Vicki
I just can't decide my favourite Web2.0 tool! It's narrowed down to Wikispaces, YackPack and VoiceThread.
They are just as motivating using only with your class or for going beyond your classroom walls to connected globally with other classes.
What keeps me "juiced"? ..... my 3 beautiful children and Google Reader that connects me with awesome educators and their awesome sharing of ideas!

Dennis · 2 years ago

Hi Vicki!

1.
I teach computer science and my favorite web2 tool is google reader. I live in Finland and i just love getting news during the day so i can keep myself updated of what´s happening around the world.

2.

So, how do i stay motivated... When it get´s rough i think of all the good things in life. My wife, my new house and my beatiful ferret Elvis.

Looking forward to an invitation so i can watch some better tv. For the moment here in Finland we don´t get that good tv.

Dennis

Daniel · 2 years ago

I work at a teen afterschool multimedia production program in Brooklyn, NY. In order to teach my music production class (and I know this is dangerous territory), I use Youtube a lot, as does another educator who teaches a hip-hop education series. The incredibly easy and vast access to important historic speeches, as well as up-to-the-minute interviews and news segments, allows educators to connect the dots from history to present in a way that has never been as easy to grasp I think.

I am even thinking of starting a Youtube class where teens shoot, cut, and post a video in 2 hours or less on a weekly basis. The appeal of immediate satisfaction is well-suited to a lot of young peoples' low (and lowering) attention spans. If they see what they can do easily in 2 hours, it opens the door for longer term projects.

Of course the downside is a) relying on a site that can often be slow, and there's nothing worse than watching a video get stuck halfway thru in the middle of class, knowing how our young peoples' capacity for patience is pretty weak and b) having to hover over students shoulders when THEY go on Youtube to watch some pretty foul things.

As for something to stay motivated on a tough day? Short music-listening break.

Can I please have my Joost invite? Thanks!

Oh, and check our website:

http://www.crownheightslive.com

Vicki A. Davis · 2 years ago

Hello everyone! I've issued most of the invites! If you don't allow people to view your blogger profile, then you'll need to send your e-mail to me directly at coolcatteacher at gmail.com -- I have grades due for the academic banquet tomorrow at 3 so as soon as I get all of these grades entered in -- I'll do more joost invitations which will probably be tomorrow. I know the last 5-6 of you that I haven't invited yet are probably "chomping at the bit" as we say here in south Georgia -- bear with me another day and we'll get those invitations out! Thanks!

Peter · 2 years ago

1) Your favorite Web 2 tool in the classroom that you are using RIGHT NOW!
Because I teach in a woide variety of situations (ESL/ESP), I would have to podcasts.They are only limited by your and your students imaginations. (Mine is more limited than that of the students LOL)
It is a great tool to encourage speaking particularly in a EFL environment that is often treated as ESL.


2) One thing you do to stay motivated when you have a tough day!
lift weights, martial arts, work on an imovie (or make one with my kids)

Thanks for your offer

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Hi Vicki

I have to say I am enjoying creating and modifying our group wiki (for a teacher professional development/ Web 2.0 team that is just starting) - it is amazing to me how much you can do in, and hang off a wiki!

And as to how I stay juiced - RSS and my beautiful family.

I'll email you my email address, thanks again ... Melinda from Sydney, Australia.

Mason · 2 years ago

Hey Vicki,
My fav web2.0 tool is RSS. It's such a great utility to stay current and share ideas with others - for me it's like having a telephone or indoor plumbing.

Staying juiced? that's easy: ride my bike while listening to podcasts of Science Friday.

Tampico · 2 years ago

I'm working with Google Reader - and working toward getting my feet wet in the whole Web 2 software. As a tech coordinator, sometimes, I spend so much time fixing broken things, it is hardtospend much time on new stuff.

I stay juiced - by surrounding myself with positive can-do people.

tcoffey · 2 years ago

Vicki,
Don't know if you have anymore invites left, but I'm happy to share my favorite web2.0 stuff just the same.

I love delicious...I use it constantly. My colleagues have their own accounts so we can tag things for one another. It has cut down on sending emails about websites tremendously (and then losing them before you have a chance to look at them)! I love the firefox add-in for it!

I use iGoogle (Google homepage)...with Google Reader feeds for my favorite subjects and modules to pull in delicious sites, google calendar, g-mail, and such.

And I love edublogs...for myself and for my schools. I've been pulling in slide shows and short audio files recently for two book review blogs (one for each school) and am very excited about it.

And what keeps me motivated after a hard day? Reading and talking about new ideas...

Simon · 2 years ago

Hi Vicki,

My fav Web 2 tool is definitely the wiki! The ease of use and the communicative nature of Web 2 is what keeps me "juiced"!

Getting on the floor and rolling around with my four year old and my two year old. You have to keep playing!

Simon O'Carroll

mayatfish · 2 years ago

Hey Vicki - don't know if you can invite any more people. I've been an avid blurker of your blog for some time now. My favorite web 2.0 has to be rss (and netvibes). as a technology director it's the only way i can stay on top of the latest and greatest. it also puts me in touch with so many people who share my job description and experiences. so great.

when i have days like i had yesterday with a down server and endless meetings, i just look forward to getting home and playing with my 2 sons - 4 y.o. and 2 y.o. i get a smile on my face as soon as i drive in the driveway.

thanks for writing,
page

Sudhir Pattalil · 2 years ago

1)Wiki is my favourite Web 2 tool
2)I read magazine, which is unrelated to my job like National geographic or New Yorker. Then probably America's Funniest Video.

I would appreciate if you could send me an invitation for joost.
My e-mail ID is spattalil@yahoo.com

Sue · 2 years ago

Hi

Vicki
I do hope the JOOST invite will work in Canada.

1) My favourite web 2.0 software is www.tappedin. TI allowed me to collaborate with colleagues, participate in prof dev. ... and and create friendships that break the barriers of isolation that an educator can experience. It was my first opportunity to collaborate wih educators and gave me the opportunity and confidence to experience and explore such collaborative communities as edtechtalk.com, use Skype, participate in WOW2 sessions and of course master the 3D world of Secondlife.

2) What juices me up after a challenging day in the classroom .. dancing, listening to fine jazz from all over the world and socializing in Jade's Jazz Lounge at SecondLife. Playing to learn!! Taking classes in SecondLife!

Ramsey · 2 years ago

I am a consultant in a small firm, and I do a lot of education and promotion for professionals to help them be more energy efficient in their businesses.

My favorite Web 2.0 tools are communication tools. We use Skype regularly to chat and video conference. I also have set up a bulletin board where energy managers can post their favorite best practices, and service providers can describe their businesses (www.reduce-energy-use.com). We recently held a workshop where 50 people came out in person, after I'd been in touch with many of them for a year or more entirely via email.

As for staying juiced, I try to make sure that when I take breaks I read, watch, and listen to things that have positive, wholesome messages. I try not to litter my brain with negative images or messages any more than I need to. God is my ultimate inspiration, through prayer and worship, and I also find inspiration in many forms of art that people have created.

Thanks for asking the questions, and thanks for a great blog. I'll try to keep my Joost watching to getting me juiced instead of spending all my time there!

Ramsey <a href="mailto:Zimmerman
ramseyzimmerman@hotmail.com">Zimmerman
ramseyzimmerman@hotmail.com

Bernardo · 2 years ago

HI all,

Well about my favorite web tool, lets say that it is wikipedia. It is amazing. Even when the info there is not 100% reliable, it is a useful way of having info asap.
About what keeping myself juiced, it depends how tired I get home. Watching tv is always a good alternative. By the way, I 'll be waiting for your joost invite,

Bernie

chetan · 2 years ago

1) wiki and Skype, cant live without them. Its great for getting in touch with colleagues around the world and info at wiki is usually spot on
2) gettin a laugh after looooong day juices me up completely.

chetan · 2 years ago

1. fav web2 software is skype and wiki. Great tolls for collaborating with colleagues the world over.
2. Having a great laugh after a loooong day really helps. comdedy gets me juiced.

Andrew · 2 years ago

I have my class use zotero-- an excellent resource to provide bibliographic information. It works well with firefox 2.0 and wiki's.

2) To get juiced I only need to turn on the TV for a few minutes and I'll be back to reading and research and writing in a matter of seconds..

Andrew · 2 years ago

I have my class use zotero-- an excellent resource to provide bibliographic information. It works well with firefox 2.0 and wiki's.

2) To get juiced I only need to turn on the TV for a few minutes and I'll be back to reading and research and writing in a matter of seconds..

Sallie · 2 years ago

I use mojiti with my students to comment on the shorts that they create! They love having thier feedback this way :)

Hugo · 2 years ago

HI all,

About my favorite web2, it is probably wikipedia. As it has been said we can discuss reliability, but we find information on every subjects.

To keep myself juiced, i practice basketball with my son (better than me of course), thanks in advance for your joost <a href="mailto:invite.

Hugo
cursusman@hotmail.com">invite.

Hugo
cursusman@hotmail.com

Vicki A. Davis · 2 years ago

Oh, I am overwhelmed with the responses (literally) -- I went in to give these out tonight and was notified that there is a new version of Joost for friends. Well, I downloaded it and installed it and every time I run it I get a crash! I don't know what to do but will see if they release a patch in the next few days. Meanwhile, hold on and I'll keep your e-mail address in a folder. Make sure you've sent in your e-mail address or that your blogger profile is public and you share your e-mail. We'll get you Joost up soon!

Vicki

Ben · 2 years ago

Hi, I am a elementary school teacher.
My favorite tool right now is Google earth. I don't no how to live without it right now. The kids just love it and geography has now become a fun subject at school.
To stay juiced is easy for me. I exercise and practice yoga. Meditation is understated. Give it a try! Please send me a joost invite to the following email address: ben_aw@hotmail.com
or to my Google account.
Thanking you in advance. Ben

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Hi
I have read about "JOOST" and I am really keen to try it. Could someone pls send me an invite.

THANKS

Matt (matths.mail@googlemail.com)

Anonymous · 2 years ago

hi:1) My favorite web 2 software is Skype..i mean thats the only way i can keep in touch with lots of friends and my family.
2) Now how do i get motivated? I try to read as much as i can and practice sports such as swimming and soccer.I´ll wait my joost invitation to see hows good <a href="mailto:tv.
Uriel
uriel_arias@hotmail.com">tv.
Uriel
uriel_arias@hotmail.com