Week #4/Thing#8 RSS Feeds

I have noticed the orange box with the wave design on webpages for some time now, even so far as knowing that the icon meant "RSS," which was a way to get web content updates quickly and easily. Now I am kicking myself for not having investigated this handy invention sooner.

I am what one might call "an occasional blog reader." I have a few favorites but have never mastered the art of checking up on them efficiently or even regularly. Though I read at least one daily print newspaper, I catch up on additional news headlines by having a news page as my home page when I access Internet Explorer. I sometimes grumble when my e-mail inbox is clogged with content to which I have subscribed because I should be reading my work e-mail. The result is that I waste time on things I don't want to read and I miss things I do want to read!

RSS feeds are the answer. I actually created both a Bloglines and a Google Reader account, adding 5-6 different feed subscriptions to each one (okay, I did duplicate one feed -- Shelf Talker, the blog of one of my favorite booksellers). I plan on reading each account regularly for a few weeks and then deciding which account's layout and features I like better. Once I make that choice, I will move over subscriptions that I like and actively search for a few more subscriptions to round out my collection.

I also need to give myself a "whoa baby" because I don't want to load up on more subscriptions than I can handle. Organizing the subscriptions in folders sounds like a good idea too -- Books, News, etc.

Week #3/Thing #7 Technology -- How to get others on board?

As I learn more and more about all the educational possibilities of web 2.0, I continue to ponder how to counter people's negative reaction to social networking. In my school district, it seems as though anything related to blogs and wikis is blocked. I have lost track of the number of times I have proposed uses of blogs and wikis as a way to engage students in standards-based content only to be met with less than enthusiastic responses.

Taking the "23 Things" tutorial is my way of delving deeper into web 2.0 so that I have the background to support new technologies from a comfortable knowledge base. I am also very open to suggestions on how to persuade others, especially administrators and IT people, that blogs and wikis are a prime opportunity not to be overlooked. Once I have the powers-that-be on board, I think I can persuade a few teachers to give web 2.0 a whirl.

Week #3/Thing #6 Mashups

I used this nighttime photo of of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC (credit for Flickr photo to Stan Pustylnik) to create several layouts on Montager. Though the dark sky did not provide as much contrast as I would have liked, the bright light streams made the montages intriguing. I have had Washington DC on the brain lately as I have been planning our family's July vacation -- now that I know about Flickr and some of its associated applications, I will have some great uses for my vacation photos. One of the friends with whom we will be traveling is a photo hobbyist, so I will just have to convince him to establish a Flickr account and share. I will also have to add a second digital camera to the budget so my 13-year-old will have her own set of photos to document the journey.

Week #3/Thing #5 -- Flickr Fun

Here is an image that I found on Flickr. The caption resonated with me because it said that these were the books that the photographer (Karin Elizabeth) had to read before she would allow herself to purchase any more books. I, too, have many, many books that are in my "waiting to be read" stack. However, as much as I think about waiting to finish reading some of my books before I acquire more, I don't have the willpower to stop buying books because I already have enough to keep me reading for a year (or more).

Week #2/Thing #4--Signing up

Now that I have officially signed up for the course, I feel committed to completing all 23 Things. Onward and upward!

Week #2/Thing #3--Create a blog and add an avatar.

Oh me, oh my! Wish it were as easy as building an avatar to slim down and look young and carefree. I am amazed at how simple it can be to create and customize web content using free tools and templates. The possibilities seem endless and empowering.

Week #1/Thing #2--Lifelong Learning

My philosophy, both professionally and personally, has always been to be a lifelong learner who encourages and assists others on their lifelong learning journeys. Thus, the lifelong learning habit that most characterizes me is to teach/mentor others. My years as a classroom teacher and as a parent of two have given me endless opportunities to practice this habit. On the flip side, the habit that I find the most difficult is to view problems as challenges. Though I always try to look for the silver lining within problem situations, I have had to work hard at using problems as an opportunity for active reflection, improvement, and learning.

Week #1/Thing #1

Ever since CSLA's School Library Learning 2.0 was launched I have wanted to participate so that I could continue to advance on the 2.0 learning curve. I watched the progress of others, never seeming to find the time to begin myself -- that is, until now. I am thrilled to begin this learning journey.