Blogging Comment via Google Docs!

I really want to have a blog work in a school setting!  I truly think that this is one app. that we should be really encouraging with all of our students.  Whatever source we use to promote this skill is really not a relevant as the skills that will be developed as a result of what potential there is for learning within a blogging atmosphere.  I can see opportunities for literature reports, editorial practice, encouraging list making (favourite books ex.) commenting on the daily news, writing science reports, book reports, journal entries, comments about field trips, debating, etc.  The opportunities are endless.  Students love to share their work!  We need to encourage more sharing and collaborating within a more public domain so to equip our students with the skills of communication and etiquette that they will require in their future.  This is a global opportunity and our students are a part of this global community.  Let's open up discussion about the "how to" rather than the focus on the why we cannot.  

Google docs

I love Google Docs.  I think this has so much potential for everyone, teachers and students alike.  I like the transportability of this app.  The fact that you can access anywhere, anytime for most uploaded documents is just a great idea. For students CHATT is good for transporting files from home and back but most want to use their own hotmail etc. which is not encouraged.   I see this as a much preferred way for students to keep their assignments fluid between home and school or when working with friends on a collaborative project.  No mucking around with USBs or read only documents etc.  I found out however, it doesn't yet understand Appleworks documents.  Could be a minus for students at the moment in Halton.  I also like many of the templates.  It has everything from certificates to maps for carpooling!  Like also the aspect that you can work collaboratively with many people as long as permissions are granted to those individuals.  Would be great for cross building, board work.  A thumbs up for potential! Here is an Intermediate sheet that you might want to use for the Comprehension Strategy -inference.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhczrchb_6gc742ng8&hl=en

Flickr

I think Flickr would be handy to use for images-possibly an alternative to the go to Google Images.  Time would need to be spent on what part is "free" access and the permissions and restrictions piece.  This could be the basis to a good lesson tied into plagarism, copyright etc.   I also think it would be good for discussion points around social studies, science etc. when you need more authentic examples  to provide more background information for project work etc.  I happen to love different types of architecture.  I am particularly fascinated by bridge architecture, thus my choice of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco which so far I haven't been able to see for real!

Flickr

Facebook

Facebook is still not my thing! I guess I like a smaller circle of friends who's faces I recognize. OK, not being cute here but I just don't really like dealing with so many people. I prefer my chit chat face to face I guess. I think Facebook is one of the apps that I just have reservations about with younger students especially. I just wonder about the safety aspect. I am not doubting that lots can be learned through this type of contact but...even adults this week have been questionning what happens to their private info. once they decide to leave Facebook. Personally I have locked myself out of giving most anything personal on purpose because it doesn't interest me to do so. I think teachers might take more issue with this one but who knows?

Tagging

Hi all. Illness drives me mad! But... I digress! How do I feel about TAGS. I like the Del.icio.us idea. I thought after doing this in the summer that I would get busy and transfer all my favourites here but alas.. I didn't get time. I think it is a great idea for staff and for students if only for keeping their favourites off of their own computer and available 24-7. The networking part is so so. If I understand it right your tags would need to match up with others if you truly only wanted to see what others match up with yours. This could be hit and miss depending on the tags. I think it has potential for research perhaps or teachers looking for websites on a certain topic. I tried it with Reading Comprehension Strategies and I had quite a few pop up. Most I knew about already but some not. It has an upside.

Love the choices that people have found so far on You Tube.  I think You Tube and Teacher Tube have good possibilities for the teacher who takes the time to find something that compliments a theme, emphasizes a teaching point, stimulates discussion or serves an example of good technology technique. " Situations" happen most of the time with students and teachers when there has been lack of planning, previewing etc. on the part of the teacher. I see using You Tube as really no different in terms of being prepared and being clear about the purpose. We would expect the same with using DVD's etc. I enjoyed watching the following You Tube offering. Food for thought!  Enjoy!