Thing #6

I enjoyed this session, at times I had 7 or 8 websites open. In my job, I plan trips, airline, hotels, meals, and travel expenses for large groups. So, one of the posts that I chose was the Texas Monthly Restaurant and Travel Guide. I am always trying to find the best locations for hotels that are convenient to all of the convention events and find new and interesting restaurants that everyone would enjoy. http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed/http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Ftexasmonthly%2Finthepink I believe this site will be something that I can really be able to put to use.

I subscribed to two blogs - I really would prefer to just read all of the blogs and not comment or be able to pick up the phone and talk with instant response. But, I am learning the new way of the future.

Thing #5

Well, it has been a busy day and has taken me all day to get through #5. I do love getting to learn about setting up my Google Reader and selecting interesting feeds. I know it will be very useful to have everything in one spot on the RSS. I am in hopes that I will have the time to play and get more creative with this website. It seems alot like having my own website with my frequent user websites bookmarked. I guess once it becomes second-hand I will be able to cruise from one site to another with ease.

It is so very interesting to me how far we have come since I was in school some 30++ years ago, when we used landline phones, snail mail, shorthand, calulators, and the old standard typewriters, oh and don't forget the carbon paper. WOW, I thought I was doing pretty good with the Apple, the Mac, on-line banking, etc. that has made my life and job so much more productive. Still waiting to feel comfortable tweeting and blogging. So, here comes thing #6.

Thing #4

After reading several blogs I have realized that I am not the only one behind on technology. Most of the blogs were written by teachers who will be able implement the 23 things in their classrooms. I am excited about that for my children and grandchildren. We were at lunch at Sunday and all of the adults and two grandchildren were all using some sort of electronic equipment. So, this is the only way to future learning. My thoughts are how to use some or all of this in my office.

Thing #2

WOW! My initial thoughts reflecting on Web 2.0 and its role in 21st Century teaching and learning is absolutely mind-boggling. I know this technology is here as sure as I am sitting here, but all of the words like: podcasts, blogs, blog's - aggregates, RSS (Really Simple Syndication) - I like that, sites tagged, wiki, wiki sites, social bookmarks, tag the sites, web lots, writeboards, etc. etc. etc. I am just so excited to jump in and learn how in the world I can use all or some of them in my office and personal life.

Thing #1

I reviewed the video of the 7 1/2 Habits of Effective Lifelong Learners and noted each one of the habits. The most challenging of the habits will probably be two-fold #2 "accepting responsibility for my own learning" and #4 "having confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner" because I am a team playing and much more comfortable with just clicking and learning. With this new technology there will be a learning curve to take the time to read and understand all of the terminology and put it into play.

The habit that will be easiest, or is more resonent for me as a lifelong learner will be #1 "begin with the end in mind". I am excited to learn all the lingo that I hear my children and grandchildren use and they speak about. Now, after I have completed this course, I will be able to understand them a little better :)

The habit that will be the most important to me will be #6 "use technology to my advantage" and let the tools that are available help me through this process.