Saturday, July 7, 2007

http://www.bloglines.com/public/canadaberner

Not sure if this is right or not as there was no "share" tab.
I really can't see myself using this at all. If I want an update on the news I'll check the website. I can see how people would get obsessed about checking their blogline for updates and I have better things to do with my time.
If a school had any kind of device that was used to display up to date news this would be a valuable tool. Perhaps highschool teachers would use this to generate an area of acceptable links for research etc.

Tutorial 3

So I love the trading cards! They could be used with any subject, to present information in an interesting way (both by the student and the teacher), to test a skillset, to create a book (in a very cool format)...so many things! I can imagine how much the students would love to be using a feature like this. Taking the photos could be the first component of a project (on a specific theme) and then compiling them with information added on the cards to complete. Love it!
I didn't like the Mappr site as a user exploring but for social studies I can see the merits. Good way to associate geography with artifacts etc.
I thought the flickr colour pickr was cool but with any kind of photo popping up I'd be worried about inappropriate footage appearing. Regardless of the search parameters set in the potential for someone tagging a photo with anything they want is there.
So...after some exploring I would definitely use the trading card feature as a fun teaching tool/project with students.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Urban Nature

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toledo/532654961/

This was the easy quick route to post a picture - I'll explore Flickr more on the weekend when time is not so precious.
I chose this image because not only is it funny but on a more serious note it really speaks to the issue of urban sprawl and its effects on nature, wildlife and its habitats. People are always so shocked to see wildlife in their city but imagine the shock the animals feel when they no longer have a place to live or eat because of all the cement and human activity. Pretty depressing. I think a highschool group (or even juniour high) could easily research the isue of urban sprawl and its effect on one specific species. Using a classroom - based blog would be an easy way of sharing ideas and support through the research process.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Wow - if I knew creating a site like this was so easy I would have done it months ago! I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my career and anticipate that the role of a Teacher/Librarian will be one in which I find real enjoyment.