Thing 12 First Part

I am using the idea of another blogger on Thing 12 - complete it in different parts. Although I take notes on each Thing, I really need to make comments while it is still fresh in my mind. I like the Ten Commandments of Being Polite and Don't be Condescending. I was raised that if you did not have anything nice to say, don't say anything. I actually cannot understand why someone would make Darth Vader comments on someones blog. I actually liked the Cool Cat recommendation of Criticize Kindly. If you do have to say something negative, criticize kindly.

I think the most important was to Write Meaningful Comments from Cool Cat which would include the Ten Commandments of Read Before You Write. We all know someone that feels the need to talk when they really have no idea what the topic is.

Have fun blogging!

Thing 11

This website is very easy to navigate. When I typed my favorite fiction author, many books can up but only one group that started June 26, 2008 - no topics posted yet. I think this would be helpful for me when I'm using technical books and want to discuss their usefulness on a topic.

Thing 10 Online Image Generator

This was a fun Thing. I don't have any digital photos saved on my computer so I used http://www.comicstripgenerator.com for Snoopy and http://happyfacegenerator.com for the happy face.

Thing 9 Useful Library Related Blogs and News Feeds

My problem is that when I start going through all these blogs, I find lots of interesting information - I just noticed I have sat here reading for three hours. I have always liked automic learning and have used it prior to starting this journey. I added these feeds to my google reader - topix.net (good news info), techlearning.com, edublogawards.com and automic learning. Good information. I really thought Technocrati ands syndo8.com were the most confusing. The other sites are user-friendly so I don't know that I will use Technocrati or syndo8.com in the future. I am just amazed at the quantity and quality of information out there - these RSS feeds make it easy to read at your fingertips.

Thing 8 RSS and Readers

This makes keeping current so much easier! From a personal standpoint, I normally minimize msnbc.com or some other news program during the teaching day just to keep aware of news events. The RSS will allow me to keep current on all the subscriptions I signed up for - 11 of them. This technology can assist school personnel and students to be able to log in quickly to keep up to date on current events. Since news happens so quickly this is a great tool that Librarians, Teachers. School Staff, and students can use daily.

Thing 7 Google

I have always found Google very user friendly. Therefore setting up calendars, alerts,picasa albums, etc was very easy. I have never used them before so I will be curious to see if I continue to use them. Since Flickr has been the software of choice, I don't know how much or if I will really use picasa albums. However, it is nice to know that option is available.

I have always liked GoogleEarth as it is fun to look at a satellite photo of your destination, home, etc.

Thing 6

Wow, I can't believe everything that you can do with Flickr. The one that really interested me was Pic Markr as I would use that one. Using that software you add customized text/comments on each picture. That software replaces the task of writing on the back of each printed picture so you remember names, locations and dates. I plan to try out that software.

Thing 5

The pictures are great although sometimes you think you are on vacation with people you do not know. I copied a picture of the sunset on the Big Island, Hawaii. This time last year four of us from high school and families celebrated our 50th birthday there. The sunsets are magnificant!

Thing 2

Out of the 7 1/2 habits, my strength is Setting Goals. Having worked in corporate America for 26 years, goal setting was a constant part of our daily work lives. My weakness is Play. For years when I started working with computers, there was no play and it was all about work. Taking this class is a big stretch for me. I want to learn about what the web has to offer, but I still think of this as playing. I like to learn new things on the computer and this has been very interesting. I hope after completing the 23 Things I will like to Play.

College Education Required?

Do we really need to have each high school student focused on getting a college degree when at least half of the open available positions do not require one? As a young child, I was raised that to "get ahead" you needed a college education. Of course I followed the path that was intended and received a bachelors degree and then a graduate degree paid by my employer. Now college degrees are very expensive. Unless your child receives a scholarship, you will be paying several tens of thousands of dollars to pay tuition, books, housing and other related costs. One of my family relatives has decided to drop out of college and work for a living. He does not want anyone paying college costs when he has no idea what he wants to do "when he grows up". At twenty he is trying to get some work experience to see what life is about. His previous work experience was as a summer lifeguard. This young man is now working in sales and making good money. His parents are hoping that he gets tired of working six days a week and returns to college. I think it is a good idea for this young man to work and experience the responsibility of paying for all his costs. Only then will he determine if acheiving a college degree will be his goal. Melle

Thing 3

Creating an Avatar was fun. It reminded me as a young child dressing Barbie with clothes. There were so many choices that my Avatar is simple. Exporting the HTML address was easy. Lets hope this blog looks like it should. Wish me luck!
Melle