Jing

Online Image Editing

Sliderocket

Sliderocket has many beneficial uses for the educational world. Many times, especially with the launch of Vista software, Powerpoint has run into many difficulties with opening on different operating systems. This website gives users of powerpoint an outlet to upload their powerpoints and share them with fellow educators around the world without having technical difficulties.

Collaborative Writing

By: Jennifer Menees and Stacy Averill

Problems:

Some problems can arise with the use of collaborative document development:

1. In the instance of several editors having extreme differences of opinions. The document can become a constant changing battle.
2. Tagging the document as an administrator writes it is not possible. It adds another step to the process of saving the document and creates the issue of what and how to name the tags.
   
3. Internet access is required for google docs to be acquired and edited
   
4. Google Docs works differently than other word processing documents and creates another program for uses to learn.
   
5. Due to the differences in formatting, companies that choose to use this type of collaborative writing would need to provide extra training for the editors. The training could present a problem if the editors are spread out around the world.
   
6. Users are required to sign up for google services, while these are free, it could create an issue with passwords and user names.
   
   

Promises:

As with many applications there are quite a few promises that go along with the program. For example:

1. You can have up to twelve people working on the same article at the same time.
   
2. It it convenient because it is very similar to Microsoft word.
   
3. Google docs allows people to edit and look at the document without downloading any other applications.
   
4. Quick access to your documents no matter where in the world you are.
   
5. Google docs is a free program for anyone to use.
   

Possible uses for administrators:

Administrator uses for google docs are plentiful.

1. Live polls with immediate results posted.
   
2. Links to chat rooms for discussion of topics relevant to administrators.
   
3. Allows administrators to ask a question and receive immediate feedback.
   
4. Home for documents/editors can create and collaborate on the document without having only one person keeping up with all the variations of the articles.

References:

Bylund, A. (2006). The pros and cons of central storage. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061107-8168.htm


Lynette. (2006). The Fun Times Guide. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from

http://thefuntimesguide.com/2006/10 /google_vs_yahoo.php


Teacher Tube. (2008). Google Docs. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaL9OKoPvPA

How can a leader of instructional technology use a blog?

A leader of instructional technology can use a blog to help teach and give tips to other educators on specific programs. This blog can have examples and technology ideas to help in development of the other teachers.

Flowgram Presentation

SUMMARY

* What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I really enjoyed creating the blog and working with animoto. What a great tool to use. I am using it with my computer club already.

* How has this program affected your lifelong learning goals?
I am a firm believer that we learn everyday. This program has given me many more tools to use and share with my colleagues and students. I will continue to explore and try new programs to advance my knowledge and abilities.

* Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I was reminded of my podcasts that I subscribed too. I have given myself time to listen and review them and share those I feel important with the class.

* What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
I enjoyed this concept. The directions are clear and forward. I am not sure of what to say. Maybe slow the pace down.

* How will what you have learned influence your practice as a teacher?
I have learned a variety of things. I love the flowgram and the ability to combine many tools under one document. There are many more web 2.0 tools available that I need to explore and utilize. I just wish I had 48 hours in a day!

* How do you plan to keep up with new developments in web 2.0? Recommend a way that you have found to be useful.
I will frequently check the web. I also subscribed to the RSS feed for web 2.0 tools. Both of these will enable me to keep on track with new tools.

2. Where do you go from here?
I continue my exploration and utilize the tools available to me. I enjoyed surfing the web and adding to my blog. My parents love my wiki and the google calendar that I have embedded into it with test dates. I plan to continue to use these and add any others I find to my bag of tricks along the way.