Thing # 10 Working with Photos

Working with photos was the thing I was most looking forward to learning. Being a wannabe photographer I am so excited to get to the nitty gritty of digital photos. I have used Flikr with it's companion Picnick. Using only one change at a time, I was most intrigued by the "temperature" of a picture. I give you what I have learned about color change.The 'shopping results' used auto color and a cold -28; 'sweatshirt 3' has moved the temperature to a balmy 78; 'sweatshirt triplets' is the original. 'Shopping results' is the closest to the true color of the glacier, although I don't think that color can ever be truely recreated. And so I present - me, my sister and our sister in law at Mendnhall Glacier - June 2007. Superb shoppers, in this case like minds and exact taste.

Thing #10 shopping results

shopping results, originally uploaded by Ms Linda!.

Thing #10 sweatshirts 3

sweatshirts 3, originally uploaded by Ms Linda!.

Thing # 10 sweatshirt triplets

sweatshirt triplets, originally uploaded by Ms Linda!.

Thing #9 Technology

The most useful new piece of technology in use at SHS is Synchroneyes software. http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SynchronEyes+Classroom+Management+Software/ Ah yes, I sing the praises of Synchroneyes! When the software is installed on a “teacher station” this computer is connected to all the student computers in a lab. One of the best features is the ability to send a web site to every computer at the same time. For instance; Mr. Government Teacher has his class researching the Presidential candidates, their platform, their stance on the issues etc. He has chosen a site that provides a non-partisan look at all these requirements. The class arrives, each student logs on and the teacher “sends” the site to all student computers. Time is saved by not having the student’s type in the URL or Google for information. If during the class the student finds it desirable to have a look at their My Space page the teacher can ‘lock’ the computer, a message appears on the blackened screen “computers are for academic use”. Upon unlocking the computer, a message may be sent to the student suggesting that they stick to the project. If they continue to stray the teacher has the capability to log them off and shut down the computer. During the last part of the class the teacher wishes to test the students. He has created a test and saved it to Synchroneyes, with a few clicks the test appears on all screens. Multiple choice, ordering and essay questions may be used in the test mode. As the students finished the test and click finish, the tests are automatically marked and sent to the teacher station. If a student has found a site containing inappropriate content, a picture of the screen can be captured listing the student name, computer number, date, time and content. This information may be saved to the teacher station and used as verifiable evidence if there are consequences for the offense. Synchroneyes has so many practical features; it is my choice for the most helpful new technology for computer lab use and classroom management.

Thing #8 Library Thing

I am a huge fan of Library Thing; I have used it to catalog books for quite some time. I have not used it to its full potential and wish for more time to explore all the options available. I like being able to rate books and write a descriptive entry. This is especially useful when asked to do a book talk. I pull up my library and search for titles I want to share with the students. As a voracious reader I have just scratched the surface of my bookshelf. I may become a life member so that I can have an unlimited number of additions. For a teacher with an extensive classroom library, this could be an invaluable tool for both cataloging and sharing with students. Click the “social data” icon and you will find a “library thing recommends” section listing other books you may wish to read in that genre. Take a trip to my library by clicking on the Library Thing “chicklet”.

Thing # 7 Tagging & Social Bookmarking

This is such a great idea, I like having all my sites available on any computer. Like Kim, I am not at all sure that I want to be social and have everyone see my list. I have not added that many to del.icio.us as yet but see the potential as I become a greater user of the web. In a library setting it would be a tool for students to use in cataloging sites they have used for research.Teachers who use the web for research could also have a list of credible sites for their student's use rather than turning them loose on Google.

Thing #6 Image Generators

Take a tour of my garden. I like the image generators, only wish I had more time to really explore all the options in each one. I can see students using these in reports, brochures, power points and just for fun. Enjoyed this lesson. I used slide.com for this slide show. There are many different configurations for shows.