Blackle

I feel like someone blogged about this, but I was reminded of www.blackle.com. It is powered by google custom search, but the screen is primarily black so supposedly it saves energy. A student in my class says that it doesn't really save energy because of the new computer screens, but I think it's an interesting concept.

Technology Implication

I read an interesting article in the paper today about Twitter. I know we have talked often about its uses. People are now using it to find jobs. One woman put out a message to some people she had met at a conference that she was looking for a job. A week later she had an interview, and two weeks later she had a job.

It is also interesting because people are now recommending that those applying for jobs make information about themselves more accessible. They said to link personal web sites, blogs or profiles on professional networking sites, and one woman links her blog to her twitter profile and lists it on her resume for recruiters.

As I was reading this I was thinking about my father-in-law who is looking for a job. He has become discouraged because he cannot just pick up a paper anymore. He feels at a disadvantage because he knows most postings are on the internet, but not only does he not own a computer he does not know how to use one.

It also made me think about all the things people post on blogs and Facebook...etc. Not only are people looking at Facebook to check out potential hires, but they are not interviewing people based on what they post. At a time when jobs are so hard to come by, it seems that we have another responsibility to our students to make them aware of the implications for what they post and also try to help them be aware of how they can take advantage of new technologies in the job hunt. Of course, it would be great if I was aware and knew how to use them first. Thanks to MILI:)

Google Docs

Travis set up a google doc for our curriculum process, and I actually used it successfully!!

More Technology Frustrations

As a teacher, I have always looked up to those that use technology with ease and have such creative assignments. Now that I am trying to use more technology, I am continually frustrated by the school's limitations and wonder how other teachers worked with them.

A colleague of mine created a cool blogging assignment to go with Macbeth. However, the computers at our school only allow so many people to create google log-ons on each computer. (Something like that!) With a couple classes already using google accounts, and many more students creating them individually, the computers are already maxed out. So, if I want to use the assignment, students will have to do it at home. I know all my students do not have computers, and I also think the product would be of more quality and more students would actually do it if it was a class activity.

It is just frustrating that some of us are trying to be innovative and improve student learning, but we do not have the resources to allow us to do so. However, we are encouraged to use technology and criticized when we do not. I just wish people would give me what I need then.

No more gripes, I promise!!

Thing 8

I actually use databases quite a bit with my students. Like many of you, I also had extensive opportunities to use them in graduate school. I thought there was nothing else for me to learn about them, but I love the visual search. I am such a visual person, and sometimes databases are overwhelming for me. Knowing that I can search in a concept map-type format is very helpful!

Google Lit Trips

Another thank you to Travis!!

For those of you teaching literature, go to www.googlelittrips.com. There is a wide selection of novels. You need to download Google Earth, and then you can follow the characters on their journey. There are videos, historical info, discussion/journal questions, photos, and other goodies.

It is very cool, and a fun way to get students into a novel. I am going to use it with Grapes of Wrath tomorrow. We are watching a dust storm. FUN STUFF!!

Delicious Frustration

After touting about how much I LOVE delicious, I have found a bug. And no one wants bugs in their delicious items.

I actually think it is an issue with the blocking mechanisms at the high school (weird) and not delicious (because nothing could be wrong with delicious!)

When I bookmark things at school, they happily appear on my computer at home. However, when I bookmark items at home, they do not appear on my computer at school, and that seriously ruins the point!!

If anyone has found a way around this little glitch, let me know. It is not any fun if I can't delicious:(