A Never Ending Journey... (Thing 22)

Exploring the previous 21 things has been an exciting journey.

There are new tools that I will be using on a daily basis for productivity and just keeping current on the issues and news that matter to me. There are also tools that I believe can be used with teachers and students to extend learning beyond the school day and even within the school day in new and engaging ways.

Some ways that I have already made a Web 2.0 transformation include:

1. I have made bloglines one of my "home" pages when I log on to my computer at home. It is a centralized way of keeping up with my fellow bloggers and other personal interests.

2. I have integrated "Shelfari" into my school website. Students can now view the bookcovers of "New Arrivals" to the school library.

3. I have also integrated some RSS feeds / Podcasts into my school page. Students can listen to an always changing list of podcasts by Nancy Keane as she promotes a wide assortment of books.

4. Not to mention all the blogging and accompanied reflection that is taking place as I encounter new Web 2.0 tools and resources...

Some Web 2.0 tools that are at the top of my list for futher exploration and use in my personal and professional life include (in no particular order):

1. Mashups, Widgets, Flash Cards...FUN! I really see some great opportunities to create attention grabbing learning tools for students with with slide shows, online flash/study cards, and more. It is certainly more engaging to a generation of users with short attention spans and a high interest in technology...

2. I see lots of opportunities in collaborative learning with Wikis. It is often about finding the teacher who is open and adventurous enough to take the leap to new technologies. But, I think that it this is a worthwhile challenge.

3. Podcasts are definitely on this list as well. I hope to start the school year next year with orientation materials that can serve students and teachers "just in time." It doesn't always make sense to put through an orientation filled with applicable information that is totally off in its timing. Orientation materials "on demand" would serve staff and students would be wonderful!

So...Moving Forward...

Perusing the blogosphere, I really see the value in reading the comments, experiences, and reflections of my 23 things colleagues. I hope that this blog will continue (or I will be inspired to start something new). It is as simple as reflecting on the success or failure of trying something new on the web. Or, reflecting on the thoughts and ideas that fill my reading on the web, news, or professional readings. So, easy...right... So tune in for more!

I may just go through these 23 things one more time and find lots that I missed on the first journey through...