MySpace Page

Ok........believe it or not, I have never done a myspace page. I started one in the middle of the semester, but then didn't complete it because I got too busy with school and wanted to make it one of my emerging technologies.

I'm sure most of you know what a myspace page is all about, but it is basically a page where you can post your pictures, add music and its a great way to communicate with friends.

The myspace program is very easy to work with. It is just time consuming. Once you get started it is hard to stop. It is not a very hard program to learn. Once you start exploring it is not difficult to understand.

I really think the myspace page could be used in different ways. One way that would be useful in the classroom would be to communicate with parernts. You could put reminders of special events or of upcoming assignments. Since parents and teachers are very busy it would be a good way to keep communication open.

My only suggestion would be to explore the sight and to start this when you have no plans. Once you get started you don't want to quit.

http://www.myspace.com/dphillips1976

Good Teaching

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Emerging Technology- Scrapblogging!!

I had so much fun with this! Once I got started I didn't want to quit. It's called Scrapblogging. Scrapblogging is the same concept as scrapbooking, but much simpler. You don't have the mess of glue, scissors, paper etc. The first thing you want to do is download your pictures. Then you select to build your scrapblog. You can choose a specific theme or create your own. I started out with using one of their themes and then created my own backgrounds. If you select background it will give you nearly 1000 backgrounds to choose from. I know I have told you all before....I am not a creative person or a technology guru, but anyone can do this. It was simple once you got into the program and began playing around with it. After you have compiled your scrapblog you can download music to go along with the slideshow. You can open your scrapblog for anyone to view or keep it private.

The great thing with scrapblogging is that you can continue to change and add to your scrapblog. You can continue to add pictures as seasons change and your children grow older. I am not into scrapbooking because of the time and hassle, but I have now found a new solution. This was so much fun!

My suggestion to people just starting out with scrapblogger is to explore the site. Begin with downloading your pictures and then choose backgrounds. Play around, you can always change your sheet once you start.

Try it out....you'll love it!

My Experience with Podcasting

Podcasting was our first emerging technology we had to post. Podcasting is simply a recording. It is a very simple term, but can be used in many various ways. I have found that it can be very useful in the classroom. It can be used to help students who are struggling in certain subject areas. If they have a difficult time with reading then they can listen to the recording of the reading while following along in the book. This idea could be used in any subject a student my be struggling in. The way I used it was for parents or teachers. I had my nephew read a newsletter from his class. The parents could visit the podcast at a the beginning of each week to know what is to be expected for that week. It will inform them of any special changes or assignments. Another way it could be used it at the beginning of each school year. The teacher could do a pod casting of herself. She could tell about her self and let the parents get to know their child's new teacher. There are many different ways pod casting can be used. You can also use it as an incentive for your students. My nephews had so much fun with pod casting. Their ages are 12, 9 and 4. They each loved it so it can be used with any age group. I know I will use this in my classroom on a regular basis. Pod casting was the one assignment I was the most nervous about completing. I thought it was very intimidating. However, once I began it wasn't too difficult. The hardest part for me was downloading Audicity. After I got past and watched the tutorial it wasn't too difficult. If you don't watch the tutorial and just try to wing it then it can be difficult to understand. I did have a blast doing this and so did my nephews!! My biggest tip is to not be afraid of it. Once you understand it then you can see the value in this technology. Watch the tutorial and you will be on your way!

Yummy in my Tummy....Declicious!

I have never used delicious nor have I ever heard of it until this class. It wasn't too hard to figure it out. It was user friendly....which is good for beginners in technology. The delicious site will be something I will continue to build upon.

First Blog Posting

Hello All,
This is my first blog posting. I have never created a blog before. It was fun! I have to say when I first heard I had to create a blog for my class, I was a bit scared. I am not a big technology person so I thought this would be a very tough assignment. I can't believe how easy it was. The thing that helped me the most was just by exploring the site. Once I became somewhat familiar I began creating my blog. Once I got started it was really hard for me to stop. I admit it did take a lot of time and thought, but it was a very fun project.

Little bit about me......I have just started going back to school and it has been a challenge. I don't regret going back at all, but it has been difficult to get back into the swing of things. I think I am doing ok now. I am a single mother so trying to balance everything is hard at times. The one person that motivates me everyday is my son Blake. He is the driving force in my life.

Purpose of my blog.....I hope that my blog can help others who may be going through a difficult time in life. I was on the wrong path in life and was beginning to drown from all the bad decisions and mistakes I was making for myself. Once I found out that I was going to be a mother my entire world changed. I knew my life was not my own anymore. I had a little guy growing inside of me that was depending on me. He gave me a reason to turn my life around and to make some serious changes in my life. You may not be facing the same type of challenges I was, but you still may feel like you are in a dark place. The reason I say the sun will always shine is because it does. Even when it is raining outside the sun is still shining. We may not be able to see it because of the clouds, but it is still there. It is just like in life....you may be going through a difficult time now, but in time the rain will stop, the clouds will begin to move and you will see the sunshine again. Hang in there....and remember...The Sun Will Always Shine!!