Thing 5

Web 2.0 describes people learning to use the internet and technology in a way that enhances everyday life. The internet can be used for learning new things, making things easier, or just for pure enjoyment. To schools, this means using technology to enhance lessons and get children excited to learn. It also means using technology to enhance school lessons and to get things done more quickly so that more things can be done in one day.

Thing 4

I think commenting creates a sense of community because it is like a continuing conversation. You can also learn things from a blog that you may not otherwise learn because blogs are open to so many people in so many different places. If people comment back and forth, it can be a learning experience for all who are involved. In the readings about commenting, I read that one important reason to blog is to let the blogger know you read their blog. If nobody comments, the blogger feels like they are writing to themselves. That's not fun for anyone. If you really enjoy someones blog, you can let them know by commenting. I also read that when you make a comment, it isn't supportive to just say "good job" or "I like what you said." Instead you should say why you liked it and what specifically you agreed with. I chose to comment on and follow the Cool Cat Teacher Blog at http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2012/01/spoon-chucking-our-life-and-learning.html#disqus_thread and Creating Lifelong Learners blog at http://creatinglifelonglearners.com/?p=989#comments. I commented on them because I especially enjoyed reading those blogs. In our class, I commented on Cortne Hunt's "Thing 3", Ashton Kearns' "Thing 1", and Rachel Jones' "Thing 4."

Thing #3

I would love to use blogging in the future for my students! I would use blogging to let parents know what is being discussed in class, what events are coming up, and what they can do to help their children at home. I would also use blogging to continue class discussions outside of the classroom. I could post questions and allow the children to debate and discuss things. It would also be nice to use blogs to tell other teachers what has worked for me and what has not. I could tell other teachers tips I have picked up along the way. A blog would also be great for personal reasons. I could look back on past years and remember projects that were successful, or learn from projects that weren't. I could also remember special memories with my students. I never really knew what a great resource blogging could be!!

Thing #2

I really enjoyed creating my blog. I liked making it reflect my personality with the templae and avatar. I titled my blog "Elizabeth Thomas' 23 Things" because it is simple and will let my professor know which blog is mine. I chose my URL to be "rolltidemama" because I am a big Alabama fan and a mother of one and soon to be a mother of one more. I wanted it to be "rolltideteacher" but that was already taken! My avatar looks like me.. or it looks about as close as I could get. Creating the blog was fairly easy. I was overwhelmed when I saw all the steps, but they turned out to be much easier than I thought. The avatar was simple as well.  I am quite picky, though, so that part took a little more time. I am really proud of my avatar and my blog. I feel that they reflect my personality.

Thing #1

The lifelong learning habit that is probably hardest for me is number 1, setting goals. I often don't think far enough into the future to set goals. I live too much in the present. I know that's bad, because that is a very important part of life. My problem is that when I set long term goals, I give up easily when they aren't accomplished as soon as I want them to be. I am very impatient and I want things to happen immediately and life doesn't work that way. The lifelong learning habit that is easiest for me is to play. I used to forget to do this, but when my daughter was born, that changed. She is three years old now and she is always asking me, "Mama, will you play with me?" I almost never turn her down. She loves to play pretend. She reminds me not to take myself so seriously.

I hope to learn many things by doing these 23 things. I hope to learn many tools that will help me with my students in the future. I have two computers in my home and I use them regularly, but not usually for educational purposes. I am so happy to learn about new tools that I can use and have fun with!!

Setting up the blog was not difficult. It was actually fun once I knew what to do. I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but the directions were very clear and I was amazed at how easy it was. I am proud of my blog!