Welcome to my colleagues in the SGCSD Library Media Department! Thanks for joining me today! Our agenda is ambitious, so let’s begin.
• Discuss SGCSD technology initiatives with Dave Versocki
• Brainstorm ideas for invigorating our local curricula with Web 2.0 applications; a quick overview from Tech Camp
• Review recent changes to the K-16 Research Initiative (Summer Curriculum Day on August 3, 2007)
• Continue discussions about our Department’s Web Page in light of Joyce Valenza’s doctoral research on her web page.
August 12, 2007
Technology Update - SGCSD Summer Curriculum 2007
del.icio.us
You might imagine that I’ve just returned from a trip to Jumpin’ Jacks when you see the de.licio.us title. Keeping to the topic of social networking, this website allows you to keep your favorite weblinks online for easy access AND also to share them with others and see the links that other users with similar interests found. In the spirit of collaboration and the us in de.licio.us, teachers working on similar topics can easily share weblinks related to the topic of interest.
Check out del.icio.us at http://del.icio.us/
Nings
Okay, onto nings. According to a Pew Study entitled Social Networking Websites and Teens: An Overview (January 2007), over half of online Americans ranging in age from 12 - 17 embrace and participate in social networking. Well, a ning is one tool that allows onliners of all ages to create an online social network. Usually, the nings emcompass a specific subject, such as art. Imagine the possibilities of engaging disaffected youth in an accepting online social network! Log onto Ning (http://www.ning.com), and click on ALL SOCIAL NETWORKS to see the range of topics covered by nings.
Again, we need to talk with the Technology Committee to determine the viability of introducing nings to students.
July 10, 2007
What’s a wiki?
No, you’re not in Hawaii. When using a wiki, all participants become equal writers and collaborators. Collaboration, such as sharing and creating projects, is the key use for the digital space. Wikipedia is perhaps the most reknowed wiki. Perhaps, once educators recognize the collaborative uses for wikis and teach students how to use this resource, wikis will become accepted as collaborative tools. Let’s check our technology policy, and determine if we can introduce this resource to teachers and students.
To see a wiki in use, click on Wikis in Education (http://www.wikiineducation.com/display/ikiw/Home).
To set up a wiki, try Wikispaces (http://www.wikispaces.com).
A blog … is it a web or wet log?
Hmm … it sounds like a soggy tool. A blog is written by a single person, but other people can contribute and respond to the blog through comments. The blog administrator owns the privilege of allowing the comments of others to appear in the blog or disappear! In Scotia-Glenville, we need to check our tech policies to determine the viability of creating and using blogs with students.
In the wonderful world of Library Media Center Land, Joyce Valenza’s blog is perhaps one of the most famous blogs. Check out the NeverEnding Search (http://joycevalenza.edublogs.org). If you are searching for a specific type of blog, limit your simple Google search using the MORE pull down menu.
To explore the creation of blogs such as the one that you are reading, click on WordPress (http://www.wordpress.com).
