Delightfully Del.icio.us

I looked at this site very skeptically to begin with. Did I really want to get onto another site with random people and their bookmarks? How was this much different than using another search engine? And how could this possibly help me in a library? Turns out, I found some good information on a number of novels that I am prepping to use in my reading classes next year. So my first experience was positive. Perhaps this could be used to collaborate with people across the country. I can see some narrower uses among people within a class doing research or preparing an extensive project.I like the idea of the tags organizing my bookmarks -- it is difficult to keep it all organized sometimes. I also tend to forget what my organizing system is, so this will be helpful. I am having a hard time seeing much use for it for the average middle school student. Overall, I will definitely use it for my personal searches.I'm not sure I see many applications for my students.

Technorati

This site is primarily a directory for popular blogs, posts, and tweets. It sorts the top 100 blogs, etc. by topic. You can also search for photos. Controversial issues and topics are extensively covered. Popular media and celebrities are also covered thoroughly. Technology (as you might expect) has an enormous presence in blogs (go figure). I tried a few searches through blogs and posts. In general, there were more blogs than posts, blogs seem to (again generally) be a little calmer -- posts are more hysterical. I am not a big fan of blogs, however, after attending a literary conference in February I have some better ideas. One of the presenters, Kelly Gallagher, mentioned a way to have students do an in class discussion through a blog. I thought that would be a great way to have students 100% engaged and writing a lot.

Image Generator

It is so fun to play with these images.  Look at my baby reading to herself at 3 months.  I can see using this to generate signs for each teacher reading their favorite books. Then as students are influenced even more by their peers, it would be great to go through each of the organizations and clubs within the school.

Roll, roll, rollyo

Since I am a little bit of a control freak, I like the idea of setting this up when I take my students to the computer lab -- it would keep them focused in the areas I wanted them to be. I really liked the Mr. Fix-it search roll. My husband always tells me that "people" can't fix whatever -- you have to hire someone. I take the view of let's try it first. I did make a reference roll.

Library Thing is quite fun and I can see a lot of uses for a library. I would probably add it into my library wiki to advertise new books, special collections, student favorites, teacher favorite, tie-ins to core curriculum. Any time a student can add a comment or recommendations give them a greater connection to a book and time to reflect on what they remember. Personally, I already using Good Reads which gives me many of the same functions.

sign generators

Why does it still take me forever to add to this blog?! I can usually figure out the 2.0 task, but posting it, is always a big chore. Oh well, lots of great choices to make cool things.

Skyping away

I LOVE Skype. We added it last year in December 2008 when we had A new computer and a grandbaby who lives way too far away. I just can't believe it's still free! I talk to my daughter about 3 - 5 times a week and it's so natural. My beautiful baby goes about doing her thing and interacts with the screen a lot. She brings toys to show me, talks, and generally shows off. She has a tan from the glowing computer screen. Sometimes I just sit and watch her. I also chatted with my daughter on the instant messaging feature last week. As far as a use for a library? Maybe an author talking to the students? They do it on Oprah.