#4 Register your blog with GRMS Classroom Learning 2.0

If you’ve made it this far, you already have three items or “things” completed of the ’23 Things.’ We hope you are enjoying the adventure so far and having fun. Remember to share with colleagues knowledge or experience that may help them out if they get stuck or vice versa!

But how do you qualify for the special recognition? Good question! You need to do two things. You register your blog with the GRMS Classroom 2.0 Team, plus you record your progress on each of the ‘23 things’ on your blog. Reminder: Clearly identify each exercise (THING) in your entries. The 2.0 Team will track and verify your progress in a log that they will maintain. So, here’s Thing #4 -- Register your blog by sending an e-mail to GRMS Classroom 2.0.  In the e-mail be sure to give your team your blog URL.

Remember … your blog address is in the format http://insertname.blogspot.com/It’s really that easy and just think, now there’s only 19 more things to go. :)

Curriculum Connections

   1. Idea #1: A blog is an excellent device for home-school communications. Daily assignments/homework/special school announcements can be posted on your blog and then your students and/or their parents can “subscribe” to your blog.
   2. Idea #2: A blog is an excellent forum for discussion of issues. Create one for the next school, local, state, or national election and discuss the issues of the day.
   3. Idea #3: A book discussion blog is a  language arts favorite. Start one today and then branch out into other topics such as pro/con topics of interest, student opinion surveys, or campus activity discussions.

Take a look at some of these teacher blogs:
8th grade history teacher
6th grade language arts teacher

Take a look at some of these school librarian/administrator blogs:
Assistant Superintendent Blog in New York
High School Librarian in Pennsylvania

Take a look at some of these student blogs:
Abby, 7 years old in Colorado

#3 Create your own blog & avatar, then post about it

Now that you’ve done some exploring around this website and understand how this program will work, it’s time to set up your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries, and exercises. For this program, you may use any one of several free online blog hosting services including Blogger, Wordpress, or Typepad. (Although we are recommending Blogger, you may find that your school district may block websites with the name "blog" in them or your district may have a preferred blog service.)

Grab yourself a blog in 3 steps:
1. Create an account
Google asks you for an email address - this becomes your username.

Note:
->You do not need a Gmail account.
->Remember to write down your Username and Password.

2. Name your blog
Remember that the whole web world can see your blog title and blog address. You probably don’t want to use your real name. Consider creating a blog name that’s anonymous, yet uniquely you. The URL for your blog will look like these examples - http://librarywriting.blogspot.com/ or http://preilly.wordpress.com/ or http://librarianinblack.typepad.com/ (these are real blogs so of course you need to give your own blog its own unique name.) The format is name.blogspot.com when you use blogger.com software. Note: There are no www in the address when using Blogger.com software. Please remember your URL address and/or bookmark it.

3. Select your template.
Blogger has several templates - have fun choosing one for you! If you run into problems, check out Blogger's Help file and Tutorial or ask your GRMS 2.0 Team.

Discovery Exercise:
1. Set up a blog for yourself through Blogger.
2. Play around and add a test post or two.
3. You will create a discovery post for each of the ’23 Things.’
Please clearly label each entry in your blog in the following way: Thing #1, subject. Each of your posts should provide insights into what you’ve discovered and learned. Feel free to share what worked for you … and what didn’t … what surprised you … what frustrated you … what amazed you. For example: Your ‘Thing 2’ post will talk about which habit among the 7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits is easiest and which is hardest for you & why. TIP: This is a good time to "bookmark" your blog for easy access throughout the course.

4. Create an avatar -- a representation of yourself. Go to http://avatars.yahoo.com/ , design an avatar with a classroom background. (You will have to set up an account if you don't use Yahoo!) Save your avatar and export to your blog.

[HINT: Here's how to export your avatar to your blog. When you on your Avatars.Yahoo.com page, go to "home" tab and look to the right column. One of the options is: "EXPORT: Use your avatar in web pages and blogs and more." Click there. Then, in the Center of the page, 0ne option is your avatar's HTML code. Copy the code, go to your blog (Sign in. When you first sign in, there is an option to add a post OR manage posts, settings, or layout; Go to "LAYOUT." You will see "Add a Gadget".) Paste (Control V) the HTML code in the GADGET marked "HTML/Java Script." Then move that GADGET to wherever you want your avatar to appear on your blog.]

These exercises are all about discovery! Have fun … and happy blogging!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: How you choose to identity yourself on your blog is up to you. You can blog under a screen name, anonymously, or with your real name. Either way, in order to qualify for the special recognition, you will need to register your blog with the GRMS 2.0 Team. Send an email to us with your blog URL. 


[Note: Please remember to include the Thing# in your heading posts.]

#2 Lifelong Learning Habits

It makes sense that before we embark on this online learning and discovery journey that we review a few habits that can assist in creating lifelong learners. These habits, called the Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, will provide you with a refresher on what it means to be a lifelong learner. The Seven and ½ Habits tutorial is a great introduction to Helene Blowers, the person who put together the very first “23 Things.” [Please note that at the end, where she invited her staff to submit their comments and questions to the We Value Your Opinion! link, DO NOT use that link. Instead, send your comments to the 2.0 team from your organization if you are participating as a part of a group.

Discovery Exercise:
1. Make sure you have headphones or speakers attached to your computer.
2. Open up the 7 & 1/2 Habits online tutorial and view the online tutorial. The tutorial was developed by the training specialists at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
3. As you watch and listen, write down which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest. You will use your personal blog (which you will set up next) to post your thoughts about lifelong learning. Have fun! If you haven't jumped on board yet, it's never too late to become a lifelong learner. This is a great time to create a “learning contract” for yourself.

Next Up: Creating your  blog  so you can begin tracking your journey.

About

This Classroom Learning 2.0 blog has been set-up as part of the CSLA School Library Learning 2.0 program to encourage all of us to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today. The CSLA 2.0 Team modified The Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, Technology Director, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County and is loosely based upon Stephen Abram's article, 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - February 2006) and the website 43 Things (Hyperlink to: http://www.43things.com/). We also drew heavily from the jslibrarylearning2 program which was designed for the joint library at San Jose State University. Classroom Learning 2.0 contains direct links and offers suggestions for ways to incorporate these tools into your classroom and teacher collaborations. We offer ideas to "jump start" your thinking and hope you will share your ideas as you learn how to use web 2.0 tools. The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How does this online learning program work? This is a self-discovery program which encourages participants to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and play. Participants are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques, and "how to's" both in person and through their blogs. This course is web-based and not tied to any particular computer. In fact, you may want to work at home or at a public library if your school Internet filtering software blocks too many blog or multimedia sites.

2. Is this program open to everyone or just some? This program is open to all who want to learn and grow. Participate individually or as a group. The benefit to participating as a part of a group is that your cheer one another along. Participants tell us this is incredibly rewarding and also a way to learn from one another. Don’t we all like positive reinforcement?

3. How long do I have to complete the program? This is a 9-week program. The idea is that you work on a new “thing” or activity each week. However, you may work ahead or take a week off here and there. It is up to you how fast you decide to work!

4. How do I track my progress for the 23 Things? You will be asked to make a blog of your own to track your progress. Please use your blog to write your reactions to the lessons and add any ideas you may have on how to use web 2.0 tools for yourself and your school. This is YOUR time to experiment, have fun, and learn at your own pace. Web 2.0 is here....and now, so are we!

We recommend you to label your blog posts this way: Include THING # in the heading of each post. It will help you track your progress. It is also helpful when you want to refer back or add something new on a specific topic or tool.

5. What are "Curriculum connections"? Curriculum connections are the ideas that participants develop throughout the course. We are asking everyone to think of ways to use each of these 2.0 tools in their own library or classroom. We are especially looking for ways to create dynamic collaborations with teacher librarians and classroom teachers. We have created a curriculum wiki. At the end of the course, you will have a lot of ideas to use and share.

6. WEEK 7 is Wiki Week. We have created a Classroom Learning 2.0 Curriculum Connections wiki especially for you, so when you learn a new 2.0 application and use it in a special way for your classroom or school library, you can add and share that "2.0 Best Practice." Participants are welcome to contribute to the wiki as they move through the 9-week course, or can wait until WEEK 7. It is your choice. Just "copy and paste" your applications into the wiki. Another option is for 2.0 Partners to create their own wiki for their group.

7. Will there be any training classes offered to show participants how to do this? No, this is a self-directed learning program. We will provide helpful hints, encouraging words, and post comments from time to time. You are also encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Be sure to share your knowledge and expertise too! Some school districts, professional organizations, and fellow educators will be offering workshops on web 2.0 tools, so plan to attend them if you’d like to add some face-to-face (f2f) learning. The more ways to learn, the merrier.

8. Is there any tech support? What tech support do you have now? At work? At home? At your local coffee shop or library? If you run into difficulties, and have done some serious problem solving and still have a question, ask the 2.0 Team. We can assist you with the course, but not your computer or Internet connection. Also, check out our “Weekly Tips” page.

9. Why Do This? Web 2.0 is a phrase that was coined in 2004. It refers to the fact that the Internet is now an interactive medium rather than a ‘place’ to go to get information. Since it is the young who are flocking to these Web 2.0 sites, it is important that those of us who work in schools should be up-to-date with the latest trends in education and technology and learn how they can be utilized in or with our classrooms and school libraries.

In April 2007, at the Computers in Libraries Conference the keynote speaker was Lee Rainie, Founding Director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project The title of his keynote was: “Web 2.0 and What it Means to Libraries.” In this presentation, he spoke about six “hallmarks” of the Web 2.0 world that matter to schools. These hallmarks outline the important fact that more and more Internet users are using the Internet to make connections, contributing their ‘know-how’ and customizing their experiences on the web.

* Hallmark #1: The Internet has become the computer;

* Hallmark #2: Tens of millions of Americans, especially the young, are creating and sharing content online;

* Hallmark #3: Even more Internet users are accessing the content created by others;

* Hallmark #4: Many are sharing what they know and what they feel online and that is building conversations and communities;

* Hallmark #5: Tens of thousands are contributing their know-how and/or their processing power to the online commons;

* Hallmark #6: Online Americans are customizing their online experiences thanks to Web 2.0 tools.

It is because of these “hallmarks” that the CSLA 2.0 Team offers this fun professional development tutorial for you!

11. Who are members of the CSLA 2.0 Team? CSLA 2.0 Team leaders are Connie Williams, Jackie Siminitus, Jamie Boston, Rob Darrow, and a number of additional core team members including Liz Dodds, Tom Kahn, and others. Initially, a small number of California School Library Association members were invited to join the CSLA 2.0 Team, in order to "test drive" the program and recommend relevant web 2.0 sites and activities. Special thanks go to JoEllen Misakian who recommended offering academic credit through Fresno Pacific University. Many thanks go to Robert Skapura who made registration easy through the CSLA website. A larger team of "test drivers" were then invited to work through the full Classroom Learning 2.0 program in order to provide feedback on ease-of-use and additional links. All participants who successfully complete Classroom Learning 2.0 essentially become members of the 2.0 Team.

Welcome to the 21 Things

Welcome to Classroom Learning 2.0. This professional development tutorial is brought to you by the LCMS Classroom Learning 2.0 Team. It is designed for you to do on your own or as a part of a group. On the following pages, you will learn the tools of the new Internet: Web 2.0 tools that are bringing our kids in touch with the entire world through social networking, wikis, video, podcasting, and gaming sites. Take time to explore and enjoy. Read on! Registration occurs after you have completed the first three "Things."

Tutorial Format:

There are 21 "Things" for you to complete. Each Thing will show you one more web tool. There are many places for you to explore, experiment with, and think about creative ways to use 2.0 tools in your classroom. Each section begins with a brief explanation of a new web 2.0 topic, followed by Discovery Exercises and an activity to complete. After each Thing you write about the experience on the blog you will create. In other words, you will comment or "post" to your online log (Blog). You will learn how to set up a blog. A blog is a tool to communicate your thoughts, new found skills, ideas, questions, and favorite websites. You'll receive feedback and encouragement from other participants. In turn, you will provide feedback and encouragement to others.

The links below will take you to each specific lesson.

To begin:

1. Please begin by reading this blog & find out about the program.

2. Discover a few pointers from life-long learners and learn how to nurture your own learning process.

 Blogging

3. Set up your own blog , add your first post, add an avatar.

4. Register your blog and begin your Learning 2.0 journey.

 Photos & Images

5. Explore Flickr and learn about this popular image hosting site.

6. Have some Flickr fun and discover some Flickr mashups & 3rd party sites.

7. Create a blog post about anything technology related that interests you this week.

 RSS & Newsreaders

8. Learn about RSS feeds and set up your own Bloglines newsreader account.

9. Locate a few useful school classroom and library related blogs and/or news feeds.

 Play Week

10. Play around with with an online image generator.

11. Explore any site from the Web 2.0 awards list, play with it and write a blog post about your findings.

 Tagging, Folksonomies & Copyright

12. Learn about tagging and discover Del.icio.us (a social bookmarking site)

13. Copyright, Creative Commons, and What's Coming Down the Road with Web 2.0.

 Wikis

14. Learn about wikis and discover some innovative ways that educators are using them.

15. Add an entry to the Learning 2.0 SandBox wiki.

 Online Applications & Tools

16. Take a look at some online productivity (word processing, spreadsheet) tools.

17. Take a look at LibraryThing and catalog some of your favorite books.

 Podcasts, Video & Downloadable Audio

18. Discover YouTube and a few sites that allow users to upload and share videos.

19. Podcasts - no iPod! needed!

20. eBooks and Audio eBooks

21. Summarize your thoughts about this program.