A Virtual Exit

A Virtual Exit
This site offers social network tech tips. With my increased use
of Web 2.0 tools, this appears to be a good resource site that includes
easy to understand directions along with screen shots.

Social Networking

I broke down the reserve and created a MySpace account for my niece and I to communicate and stay in touch with each other. I also created a Twitter account recently. I was not aware of Twitter until a couple of weeks ago. I've learned more from the comments of others and in checking links from their 'microblogs' than I can by reading a tech journal.

The Web 2.0 tools are all about people- collaboration, social networking, and sharing info and ideas.

Read something in the newspaper yesterday, yes, I still read the printed word! It said it is okay to be satisfied with doing something 90% of the way. At times we can't aim for that perfect 100%. The reference was to organizing one's life, but it can also be used in relation to technology. I am in a Prek-5 school as Tech Specialist, yet I am always reminding staff and students that I do not know everything. It's okay. The important thing is to keep moving forward.

Teachable Moment

When working with the Internet, help kids learn to do the right thing. Teach kids about fact and opinion, that you can't believe everything you read online. Teach kids to process and evaluate.

Networking

FETC was about more than sessions and exhibits. It was all about networking/social networking. So much value in people coming together who share the same interests. Met some great folks, renewed state contacts from summer institutes, and made some new friends.

Bir Sur

Had a great dinner at Jeffery's Piano Bar restaurant on Wednesday, January 23 with Big Sur folks, Novell, and XioTech. Thanks, Roger (roger@bigsurtech.com), for the invite.

PBS TeacherLine

Met with Tim Lum, tdlum@pbs.org, and the folks from PBS on Wednesday at 2:30 at the
Rosen Centre in Orlando. Good things happening with online staff development. Kate Kemker, Shannon White, and Ana McMoran were speakers.

FETC

I am in Orlando attending the FETC conference. I've connected with a lot of folks from
around the state. So good to see people and to hear what is going on in their neck of the woods. I am surprised at the size of the conference, and so much walking. I'd forgotten how spread out the session rooms are. I have information to bring back to my school and to research further. I saw several people from the summer institutes. One individual was sharing her care and concern for copyright images for student projects.
Another was happy to report the integration of technology into their daily routine. People have been very nice and supportive. I am very interested in the use of the Smart Board technology. Must explore mimeo and interwrite as cost affective alternatives.