Thing 10

I really like the fact that I can set up RSS feeds so that updates on my favorite sites are all sent to one place.  I really can't wait to show my husband, as he goes from one website to another to read the latest news.  Maybe if I save him some time, he can help me a little more with our "to do" list.= )  Anyway, I think using RSS feeds will benefit me.  I don't have a lot of time to "surf the net" right now, so I'm more likely to keep up with my favorite blogs and sites if they are all in one location.  As a teacher, the RSS technology will keep valuable educational information coming to me, and when I need a new idea or want to see what someone else is trying, I'll  just check my google reader.  As I find new sites to follow, I'll subscribe.....easy as pie!

Thing 9

http://www.images-graphics-pics.com/signs/sign-generator/?allow=976&text=Science+is+cool%21%21&font=chalk&color=azure&fontsize=18&move2=159&move=39&rot=0&pic=Einstein&height=&width=&offx=5&offy=5&spacing=30&gradient=&tag=&bubble=&bubH=&bubW=&watermark=&background=&border=&picURL=&shade=no&shadecolor=black&x=159&y=40

I had a blast with this assignment!  I played around with the image generators with the idea of making posters for the classroom.  I found it easiest to save the creations to my computer and then post on my blog.  The opportunities for using these in the classroom are many, but I think it would be useful for labeling centers and different items in the classroom, creating posters, and for large group activities on a smart board. 

Thing 8

I enjoyed exploring flickr tools and mashups, and I will use these in my classroom.
Spell with flickr would be a fun way for students to practice their spelling words independently at the computer.

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                               

Alphalearnr is a flickr mashup that could be beneficial for ELL students.  This mashup helps children learn the English alphabet through photos.  There is also sound, and the students can hear the letter spoken as they look at pictures for each word.  I've posted the link, and a sample picture of the word nest. 

http://www.rapidmonkey.com/alphalearnr/#/N

Thing 7

Flickr is awesome!  The great thing about this assignment is that I am exploring internet sites and tools that I have heard about, but just haven't gotten around to trying out for myself.  I decided to post a picture of a drawing my son did recently.  What a cool way to keep his art and share it with others!  My other "picture posting" is random.  I love reproductions of old tins, so I took a picture of one hanging in my kitchen that is a favorite of mine. 

I will definitely use Flickr for my  personal photos.  Flickr could also be used in the classroom to manage class photos of parties, field trips, activities, etc., since the photos can be marked as private.  I could organize photos to keep and turn in for the school yearbook, or create a classroom end-of-year slide show. 

This was my first time using a photo hosting service.  I think it's neat to share photos that I choose with others, and I like the ability to keep other photos private, as well.  Flickr is easy to use and navigate, and I'll be adding more photos very soon!