Thing 5

I now know how to use RSS feeds properly! I was able to set up my google reader with teacher resources and a few personal fun resources that I can enjoy.

I think this is a neat way to stay connected with the news. I can stay informed about local music news and be able to share that with my music students and perhaps even use some of that information in my own blog. This will save me a lot of time searching the internet to get the content that I need. It will all be right there waiting for me on my google reader.

This is easy to use. I always saw the symbol for the RSS feeds, but didn't know that I needed a google reader to see the feeds. I found that I already had signed up for a few feeds, but never went to the right location to view them! Now I know!

Thing 4

RSS feeds are a great way to get the information you want in a quick manner. You also do not need to scroll through a bunch of advertising! I am using a google reader and it is very efficient. I can stay connected to blogs from fellow teachers or others in music education right through my RSS feed. Students and teachers can use this technology to stay connected with one another all at one site. 

I also use this in my personal life to stay connected with my favorite sport, figure skating! I like to read skater blogs and commentator blogs and can keep them all organized in my google reader.

Thing 3

After listening to the 7.5 things recording, I believe that the easiest one for me to do is to accept responsibility for your my own learning. I have just started my Master's Degree and I am learning so many new things that I can apply to my teaching. I know that learning is a life-long responsibility and I am just scratching the surface!

The hardest thing for me to has been to use technology! I am making steps in the right direction. I have been using my ipod to compile my songs that I am using with k-5 classes. This makes it easier to have the songs that we are using right at my fingertips instead of going through countless c.d.s. I just bought a "dummies" book about Garage Band as well. There is a lot for me to learn in this category!

Thing 2

I think that a good blog is one that is insightful, entertaining and enlightening. I like to read blogs that keep me informed about subjects that I enjoy. I think it is important that blogs stay updated frequently. If a blog is only updated once a month, readers will lose interest quickly. Blogs must be updated daily, or at least every other day. A good blog must also be free of errors so that it is easy to read. Facts must be accurate and revisions should be made to mistakes that occur in a post.

I think a blog could enhance our school website because it would draw more of our younger generation of students and parents. Administrators and teachers could easily keep the community informed on upcoming events, charities, school schedules and so forth. Relevant issues could be addressed to the community and people who prefer the internet as their main news source would stay connected. 

Blogs are also a very easy way for people to self-publish their thoughts, opinions or reporting on subjects or news. Many blogs are free and can be sent as links in emails, facebook and twitter. Blogs are easy to access and update as well. You wouldn't necessarily need a lot of time to sit down and update your blog from your computer.

I think that Web 2.0 is something that will definitely enhance the connection that teachers have with students and parents. It seems that most students (even many elementary students) have cell phones, computer, ipads, or an ipod touch. These are all mediums that students use to access the internet. They are on these devices all the time, so it makes sense that teachers should use these tools to reach the students! Anything that helps to peak students interest and help them to reach their learning goals should be something that staff considering using here and now.

The First Thing

I hope that I can learn more about integrating technology into my classroom. I want to learn how to make a better connection with my students by using forms of technology that are a part of their everyday lives.  I would like to learn how to use a blog to keep students informed on the upcoming events in music class, upcoming music performances that are happening in the community.