Thing 23: Reflection on my the journey.

What an amazing journey this has been! I have learned so much about Web 2.0 tools. I had no idea that this was all available to me. I would encourage anyone to take this journey and learn about the exciting ways in which you can engage with a larger community by using the tools we have learned. Just had a thought, wouldn't this be an interesting doctoral thesis for someone: The impact of Web 2.0 for seniors who were not afraid of the technology. Their world would just open right up for them. But, I digress.

My thinking has really changed since I started the project. First, I know that I am less fearful about using the technology. That, in and of itself is significant. If a person can overcome the fear of getting lost in the technology, there are so many ways they can learn, engage in a learning community, and enlists us in being thinkers, co-creators, etc. One of the things that I discovered is that I would like to use blogs and wikis as a place to learn with my students, clients, the people who I am coaching, etc. Let me share a shift of thinking...I use to think that technology was impersonal, a sort of artificial social network, but it does not have to be. Now, I think my next task is to get a greater proficiency of the tools so that I can begin to incorporate them in my practice on a regular basis. My view of the internet has change in that it doesn't have to be this ominous black hole where someone is lurking. If one applies a modicum of caution, realizing that it is a social network, I believe things will be okay. A little common sense is what's called for.

At any rate, I just have to thank you for sponsoring this project. I have learned so much. I also want to send a hearty thank you to my fellow participants because they have been a part of our community of learners. What a fantastic voyage...now for the next leg of the journey...or as a faithful trekkie (Star Trek fan) would say...Let's continue to go where no man has gone before!

Thing 22: Creating a Wiki

Wow! I get it, now! By creating my own wiki, I have begun to see some of the possibilities. Here's the address to my wiki http://cultureiconoclast.wikispaces.com.

The purpose of my wiki is to invite guests to share ideas and strategies for building, shaping, and developing an effective school culture. I am really excited about this wiki. (;-o). I realized that I could really have some fun building this wikispace and interacting with participants. I think a blog is more interactive and personal becuase you can answer specific questions back and forth. A wiki space lends itself to collecting ideas and exchanging thinking. I think of it as a big "think tank". HMMMMMM....what an exciting possibility. I really have shifted my attitude about this WEB 2.0 tool. I am so glad I had an opportunity to try this out.

Thing 21: Learning About Wikis

I find the whole concept of wikis to be very interesting. I know that it would involve social networking around a topic. I read several wiki's. I loved the "WikiHow-to" Website. I looked at several of the videos like how to escape from a locked car trunk, how to be safe from nuclear attack, getting a total body workout in five minutes. They were very interesting and informational. I have to admit that I don't quite get the "big idea" behind "wikis". I went on the educational website as well. I enjoyed looking at the student wikis around "themes" or school projects.

One thing I realized was that I don't feel inspired in any way to start my own wiki. It doesn't quite make sense to me. If I chose a topic, how do I know that information people would be sharing with me is credible and viable. We could be swapping "error" or ignorance. Information reliability would be one hurdle for me to overcome. Please enlighten me as to the big idea behind wikis. I am feeling a little "dumb" on this one. Most of the Web 2.0 tools made a lot of sense to me so I could draw applications for my work from them...but not wikis...unfortunately! (;(. Oh well, I see the next thing is to create a wiki; perhaps in doing so, I will get a clearer understanding of the possibilities and potential of this tool. Here's hoping so...the verdict is out for now... I'll get back to you on this one!

Thing 20: Subscribing to Podcasts

While I enjoyed listening to a number of podcasts, I found it a bit tedious to find them. I subscribed to the "Things My Mom Told Me" podcasts on the following topics: How Jealousy Works, and How Office Politics Work. I found it a bit difficult navigating the Ipod website, but loved the Podcast Alley Website. For some reason, the Podcast Alley seemed more user friendly. I like the idea of podcast. What a great way to learn something new or have access to a variety of small module that are easily adapted.

One thing I am coming to realize is that Web 2.0 tools bring an entire world to you. It's very exciting.

NEVER, EVER JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER! OR NEVER TOO OLD TO DREAM!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Check out this video clip of Susan Boyle. It captures the spirit of our learning. The longer version's embedding mechanism was disabled so paste the URL above in your browser. Enjoy the full song! What an extraordinary gift!
This is an inspiring story that really illustrate the journey I have been taking in learning these Web 2.0 tools. This 47 year old charity worker, Susan Boyle, who by all outward appearances has experienced little in life and seemingly has a great deal to offer the world. The reaction of the judges and the audience shows just how shallow the world can be. They judged that she had nothing to offer until... she opened her mouth to sing. God does have a sense of humor, doesn't He! Take a look and a listen to this video...

It also illustrates the power of technology to get the message out. It has been verified that this video had millions and millions of hits on the internet. In so doing, Susan Boyle is now known around the world. Even if she doesn't go any farther in the Britain's Got Talent Competition...her life has been changed forever. Someone will snatch up that talented lady. There is a verse in the Bible that states, "A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men." [Proverbs 18:16]. This will probably play out in this woman's life. It will be fun to follow her progress and watch her dream unfold!

Is there any doubt that technology can be utilized as a tool to bring all people of the world together for the purpose of peace! What a powerful tool. I am so glad that I am participating in this project. I want to be able to use these tools to not only learn but also to connect. How very exciting!

Thing 19: Podcasting

Ma, che aqua nella moca? Si...Secura? apunto!. Wow! I love podcasting. I listened to a Italian Lesson for beginners. The phrase that I wrote at the beginning of this blog means... Is there water in the coffee pot? Yes. Are you sure? Then, after a mini-disaster! The responder sarcastically adds, "Sure there is!" I had no idea that podcasting held so many unique possibilities for learning. This is really exciting. I also watched a vodcast of one of my colleagues, Dave Bydolowski, who made a vodcast of a science teacher that has taught his 5th grade class to raise and maintain an aquarium of salmon. That vodcast is on MI-Streamnet. There are so many ways one can use podcasting to teach, learn new and exciting things. I would like to use podcasts in my work, but most of all, I would like to learn Italian using the podcasts that I have discovered. Since I am a professional singer, by avocation. [I sing with Michigan Opera Theatre.] This would be a great way for me to brush up on my languages. I had no idea of the possibilities. I will have to find the links for the podcasts that I discovered.I believe I used a site call "Podcast Alley". Off to Italy and onto new adventures with podcasting! Ciao, bella! LOVE IT! This is exciting!