Thing #16 -- Learning a language

Learning another language would be interesting. We're heading to Mexico for spring break and it would be nice to get there and know what they're saying. BUT a wise taxi driver once told us you need to live it to speak it. We have a Spanish teacher here that spends her summers in Mexico brushing up on their culture.

Thing #17 -- Explore Web 2.0 Award-Winning Apps

I am simply amazed at how in-depth you can go into this. There's some really cool sites. What I'm finally realizing is that everything Myra has taught us is all tying together. I'm just getting that.

Thing #15 -- Audio Books

I can honestly say I have never listened to one before. I always have good intentions when we go on road trips but I never have gotten into listening to them. I always recommend them to my farmer friends who spend countless hours in their tractors. They mention how tired they get of hearing the same songs over and over! I've even suggested foreign language tapes. They could actually be learning another language while they're working. As for pulling a book up on the computer and reading it I think I would rather have the copy. I don't do well sitting at the computer reading for very long periods of time but now a good book I could sit there all day.
Erie has a brand new library and I'm hearing very good things about their books on tape section. I'm thinking this summer might be a good time to visit the library, check out a good audio tape and pick up a paint brush.

Thing #14 -- Podcasting

I have tried in vain to get a Voki on here but I just end up with either a bunch of mumbo jumbo or nothing. The directions say anyone can do it.....except for me. I'm still trying to work on getting some links on here as well. Trying to master some of this technology has proven me to be very techno illiterate. One thing I was quite impressed with is a teacher here is going through the masters program and had to do a blog. Image that!! It does make me feel better knowing it might be a little more challenging then I thought.

Thing #13 -- Google Apps

Okay now this is great! iGoogle is a lot of fun to play with. In fact I'm playing around with the calendar but again I'm thinking the change from the old fashioned signup book could be a bit difficult with the teachers. They're so use to emailing me for just about everything. So many of them don't get on their computers much for lack of time so it would force them to learn something different. I'm willing to try it though and see how well it does.

Thing #12 -- Open Source applications

I had a hard time getting into this "thing". I didn't quite understand some of it but I did get the fact that Microsoft office if not the thing to use and is almost obsolete?? I just learned how and have been playing with publisher which I really like. But with most things "change" is hard and eventually we'll adapt to it.

Thing #11 -- Wikis

The wiki we're doing for the clerks is kind of fun. Makes you have to sit and think about all the things you do on your topic. I need to write down all the things I do in one day. Of course, like everyone else somedays are busier then others. Our labs are what keep the teachers sane.