#18 Social Networks

I felt very uncomfortable with MySpace. This is the one that I hear elementary students talking about and having their own "space". I went to Facebook, www.facebook.com. To me this site seemed more in my comfort zone. We need to know about these spaces as the kids are already here, sometimes without supervision. Reading some of their "space" lets you know what is going on in their lives, what they are thinking and doing. Sometimes a whole new side of a child. I will limit the readers to my site; however, I did like looking for former classmates. I have lived several places, even Germany, and it is nice to connect with former high school friends. This would make it easier to possibly find someone instead of using switchboard for the entire US. At this time, I don't see a school or library application.

#17 Del.icio.us - Social bookmarking

Social bookmarking would be wonderful for research at home since it is not tied to one computer. Kids doing research projects, GREAT! The fact that anyone can bookmark could become a problem as elementary students do not always discriminate about sites. They think if it is out there it must be ok or true. I have gotten some unusual information from students and when I went to their site, I understood why. The site very plainly told you that some info (it had a red or yellow light) was suspect, but the kids did not pay attention. The report had to be redone. While I like sharing with others and having an organized storage for tags, it is just one more site to keep up with.

#16 Online Productivity Tools

I had already created a new homepage on iGoogle, so I did try Pageflakes. I really like Pageflakes better as it brought up info concerning the Dallas area. It also had a to do list, calendar, weather and tv listings. I could also set weather for Chicago as my youngest is working on his MA there. I'm thinking about making it my perm homepage. Calendar - I liked 30 Boxes, but be sure to read the email that they send after signing up before creating a calendar. Email was to confirm your email address. 30 Boxes could be used by teachers to coordinate withother on a project or trip or even with your children or among children. Especially good for children at college to remember their schedule. (Mine as several labs) A simple to do list like Ta Da would be easy to configure and use; but for me, Backpack with pictures, uploads and dividers, I think this would take up more time than necessary. TaDa will also send you an email. Maybe just a desk calendar for yourself, but when working with others, I suggest TaDa. All of these had the RSS icon. I really liked PageFlakes, 30Boxes and TaDa. I liked their simplicity and convience.

#15 Wikis

I did not know that wiki meant quick, but I can see why the name is appropriate. This would save time when trying to coordinate events or even planning lessons among a group of teachers. Students could also use this when coordinating information for a project. They could work at home then add what they have found. Wikis were not hard to use. It is / will be interesting to see how people use them in the future, this includes their information and sources. 

#14 Go With the Flow

I set up accounts in Bubbl.us and Flowchart.com. Bubbl works like Inspiration-Kidspiration. Once I figured out how to type in the bubble it was easy to create a map. I set up a map for instruments of the orchestra. I am waiting on my invitation for Flowchart.com and will then set up a flow chart for 23 Things.

#13 Online Applications

Using ZoHo Writer is just like Word and Appleworks and even our email system. Well, the emotion icons are a new addition. A favorite of course is the undo and redo buttons. Add a spreadsheet....no problem.

AppleWorks Mac 50% 30 users
Word PC & Mac 50% 30 users

Just like Excel, doesn't like to print the grid!

#12 Google Tools

I have looked at the several Google tools and have signed up for Google Alerts and Google calendar. Neither was hard, but had to always sign in. I have already started receiving alerts in my areas. So much easier that having to go looking. Plus, this saves time. I have done Picasa and did not feel like it was difficult, but I really don't want another photo location. My calendar address is:
http://www.google.com/calendar/render?gsessionid=-fZWAnTbLKl7HTLrW5sw_A