Thing #9 (blogs and newsfeeds)

Which Search tool was the easiest for you?
Topix.net was the easiest because I could do key word searches by title, subject, zip code, or topic. It's user-friendly.

Which was more confusing?
Syndic8.com because its layout is not visually appealing and way toooooooo busy.

What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels? Or what kind of unusual ones did you find?
I previously subscribed to several feeds and blogs. This time, however, I added some new ones I learned about in my classes. I also found a couple that will come in handy now that the district is cutting funds for technology.

For example,

http://www.adlit.org/?theme=rss

http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/feeds/posts/default

http://readergirlz.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

http://feeds.feedburner.com/yalsa_blog

Thing #8 (rss feeds and readers)

RSS feeds and readers are both very user-friendly.
RSS feeds allow you to subscribe to blogs or podcasts quickly and easily, and readers are a good way to organize the blogs or podcasts to which you already subscribe.

I currently subscribe to several blogs related to my library science classes. I am sure that I will also be accessing these blogs once I become a librarian. The only non-education specific blogs to which I subscribe are those related to news or those to which I feel obligated to view (as they belong to friends).

Libraries/teachers/administrators can use readers or take advantage of this new technology to promote books or authors, school events, or host a place where students can organize their own blogs.

Thing #7 (Cool Google Tools)

I explored a lot of apps available through Google...GoogleEarth, Google Scholar, Google Docs, and apps under "the even more stuff" tab... alerts, dictionary, transliteration, etc...

I figure that one application I could use as a school librarian is Google calendar. I could create a calendar for the library schedule and events, so that teachers or any other interested party could access it from anywhere.

http://docs.google.com/
http://www.google.com/alerts/
http://scholar.google.com/
http://www.google.com/transliterate/
http://www.google.com/calendar/render/

Thing #6 (Mashups)

I created a Wordle for words identified with Havighurst's Adolescent Developmental Tasks.
It was a great way to review important terms and have fun at the same time.

I would promote the use of this program with all teachers. Students can create Wordles for books they've read instead of writing summary after summary. Additionally, content area teachers can introduce important unit vocabulary, tap into students' schema, and review concepts through Wordles.

Thing #5 (Exploring Flickr)

I found a photo of a campground in Mt. Everest. It will be a great visual for the book Peak by Roland Smith. I'm using it with a student I tutor, and he has expressed interest in viewing some of the camps mentioned in the book.

photo taken by ilker ender

Thing #3 (reflections on blogging & avatars)

I’m not very impressed with this feature, and quite possibly it’s because I’m not fully aware of what can be done with avatars.

Also, I’m not much into playing with dolls, real or virtual, so it could just be my idiosyncrasy. In any case, I have to admit that I didn't spend too much time creating my avatar.

Thing 2 (Lifelong Learning)

This is my second experience with 23 Things and blogging. I've viewed the video on the 71/2 habits, and the habit I still think is most challenging for me is #1---Begin with the end in mind. I find that I am not as deliberate about setting goals for myself. I have a general idea of what I want, but nothing specific. I think my goals evolve as I delve into whatever it is I do. The least challenging for me are #7 (Teach/Mentor) and #71/2 (Play). I naturally like to share what I learn with others, and I prefer to share through play or at least a playful attitude.