Table 1 Image Manipulation

I found several photos of frogs in Discovery Education and Flickr Creative Commons. I changed the size of them in Powerpoint and in InfanView. I made a trading card using one of the images. I changed the images that I used for the card because it wouldn't take the image I changed in IrfanView so I used the one I use in my Powerpoint.

Thing #23 Finished At Last

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I still tell people about Flickr. I think the color wheel is so cool. I also really think that now that I have worked with PhotoStory, I will enjoy doing that. It was fun and easy. I also enjoyed making the Trading Card and the Mosaic. I am so much more of a "Let's be creative and do something fun" kind of girl than all of that RSS or Rollyo stuff. That just seemed like a lot of work and I'd need a really good reason to use those. (I know, I know, I am supposed to use them to make life easier in the classroom and the library. I'll try, but they are still not as much fun.)

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I don't think, scratch that... I know I wouldn't have done all of these things on my own. I felt like I was a huge grump before starting all of this, but once I started, I looked forward to it (except for a few things). I am very excited about going back to my campus and sharing what I have learned. That is the easy part, that is what I do best.

Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? My overall attitude, my sense of empowerment and confidence level. Even though I growled and roared a good bit, I found that it was mainly because each Thing was new to me and I was frustrated. But in the long run, my confidence in myself as a user of technology grew. That was a big plus and a surprise.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? I got a little bogged down during the Podcasting Thing. There were so many different instructions, I wasn't exactly sure what I needed to do. That could be cleared up a bit. Other than that, if I could do this, anyone can.

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? You bet. I wouldn't hold back this time.

How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities? This computer chump feels like a champ!

Thing #22 Nings

I really liked the Teacher Librarian Ning best. I could have stayed there all day reading posts and thought about joining so that I could post my own responses. But then I would spend even more time there and when would I have time to read about Big Brother 10? Seriously, I even looked through to see who the members were and where they were from. They are from all over the world. How cool is that! I thought the post topics and questions were relevant to what my issues are and I will definitely check in with Teacher Librarian Ning periodically.
The other two were okay, but I just didn't think they were as well established and didn't meet my needs as well. I like the fact that there are so many groups available in the Teacher Librarian Ning whereas in the Texas School Librarian Ning there are only a few. Wider audience - wider range of interests. I get the benefit of all views and knowledge.

Thing #21 PhotoStory

This was the first time I have used PhotoStory. It was remarkably simple. My friend in Georgia has used it for several major events like birthdays and graduations and she said it was very easy. Of course, all of the librarians who have used it love it too. I have just been a big chicken. But this was fun. Hope you all enjoy a little overview of my trip to Stone Mountain Park. After I finished, I wished I had put more pictures in. I took about 75 pictures that day but only put 25 in. Notice that one of them is of a library. (It is near the end along the train route.) I would have liked to use the music Georgia on My Mind but know there are copyright problems there so I just used something they had that fit the theme.

I know now I won't be scared of PhotoStory or Audacity anymore. I feel like Rocky. Where are those stairs? I need to run up and shake my fists at the world today!

Thing #20

I enjoyed exploring all of the videos out there. You really can find just about anything you need or want. I stumbled upon a school library video contest and fell in love with some of the entries. This claymation one was my favorite.



It took me quite a while to get this video in place. I had to go through Zamzar but I finally worked it out.

Thing #19 Web 2.0 Awards List

This is a very useful list to have. I enjoyed looking through many of the tools available, some school related, some not. I checked out Lulu, Biblio and VuFind and can see myself using or recommending any of these.
I did check out Comiqs but wonder about its appropriateness in a school setting. I think there are other tools better suited for that. I think Frappr, Google Maps and Google Earth are all wonderful.
I also checked out Upcoming to find events, fairs and festivals across Texas, and Last for listening to and downloading music.
Great list!

Thing #18 Google Docs

I had no idea this kind of thing was out there. It makes sense to store docs on the Internet instead of individual computers so that they can be revised and shared from anywhere, saving so much time for companies and teams working on projects.
However, even after reading the Google Docs testimonials, I just wonder how many people actually use it? I guess I may just be thinking of me and if I would use it. Given the right cirmumstances and need, yes, I can see using Google Docs to manage my documents. I know I used to hate the constant stream of back and forth emails that filled my inbox when I was working on a writing project with my team. I would get so tired of reading and rereading new versions of the same document. That alone would have make it worth it. Okay, I'm good with this one. It doesn't really take much to make me happy, a little less paperwork, a little more time to watch reality TV!