Introduction
The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. A blog is a vehicle for a group of people with common interests to communicate, share, and learn in spite of barriers of time and distance.
While blogging starts with reading, commenting is what keeps the conversation going. In this Thing, you will learn why commenting is important, when commenting is appropriate and have a chance to leave some comments of your own.
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Discovery Exercise
Read 3-5 of the following blog posts about the importance of commenting:
How to Comment Like a King (or Queen!) from Cool Cat's blog.
10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog
Your comments?
Are you contributing to the general discussion?
Edublogger Etiquette: Responding to comments
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Learning Activity:
1. Make at least one comment on each of the blogs that you "adopted" in Thing #6.
2. Make at least one comment on some (more than one) of the blogs that you added to your RSS reader in Thing #6.
3. Write a reflective blog post about the importance of commenting and your experience making comments for this activity. Be sure to include Thing #7 in the title of your post.
4. Leave a comment on this post telling us how you are doing in the course so far or listing any questions that you have.
5. Continue to comment on your adopted blogs and others that you read throughout the class.
139 comments:
I have really enjoyed this class. I am just having a hard time with writing comments. It will probably get easier as I go, I just need to stop thinking so much and just let it flow.
Question: If we are missing part of an assignment will you let us know? I have this fear of not getting credit because I looked over an assignment.
I think that this class is wonderful. It is amazing how caught up I can get in reading posts and my reader.
I enjoy commenting and getting commenting although sometimes it can leave you feeling a little vulnerable.
I guess you will get a lot of comments on this post.
Thanks for the class. (I also wondered if you will let us know if we left out any steps so that we can make it up. You know if you skim read sometimes you miss things. I know that I do.)
@coolteach: absolutely! we will send you an email (using your gmail account) to let you know if there is anything missing that would prevent you from receiving credit.
@chargercougar; yes we will email your gmail account if you need to add to your posts. Your doing great!
Doing just fine and enjoying the experience. Lots of potential for our personal and professional lives.
I've been having a blast working with one of the other teachers taking this course. The problem we're having is getting lost in everything available. It seems there is something new everyday, and I get behind in my "haftas" because I'm playing with all the new toys.
I agree with andthenwhat?! I love this course. I am having so much fun just playing with all of the new things that I have learned.
The only thing that I am really strugglin with is commenting. I'm not very good at it. I would call myself a "newbie"!
I've learned a lot of new things. I find that I have to read and reread each thing to make sure I haven't missed anything.
Commenting is hard for me also.
I love this class!! I am amazed at the whole new world this opens up to each of us. I can't believe how addicting and fun it is. And I am constantly learning which makes it even more exciting. The technical stuff is a little intimidating..such as html links and tags..but I'm sure it'll all sink in eventually.
I'm going to agree with the consensus. This class is really fun! I'm going to encourage others to take it in the spring.
I still have a little bit of a hard time making comments even though I love reading comments on my own blog. I'm working on it.
I am beginning to feel that I am grasping the "things" that I am suppose to learn in this course. There are days that I have dreaded beginning a new "thing", but once I started I have enjoyed stretching my skills. I know I have messed up many times and I appreciate your help. Many thanks for you support.
So far in this course...well, once I've completely caught up I'll feel much better. I absolutely hate falling behind.
Perhaps the most challenging Thing for me up to this point is the commenting. I always feel silly responding to posts from people I don't know (see my Thing #7 post for more details).
My goal is to be up to the most current "thing." by this evening! I'm loving this!
I am really enjoying this class and learning all of the new "Things"! I have learned so much already about how to use the new technology that is available to experience different blogs and readers. There is so much available that it can be overwhelming too at times.
@andthenwhat: Cutting down "playtime" is hard to do, but a great way to learn.
@jayhawk65: We're all newbies together. Commenting seems to be everyone's thorn. Hang in there. you're doing great!
I have enjoyed this class. It is a little harder for me and I'm a little slower but I'm getting there. I try to think to much about each thing before I do them and then I get stuck so I need to stop thinking and just do.
I love this class. I was wondering about the Google Docs, it doesn't show all of the 'Things' that I have done. I just want to make sure im getting credit for this! This is hard work, but it sure is fun! :) Great class!
I am loving this class, once I got a computer! I really like that it is taking me through the steps nice and slow with lots of examples. No one likes feeling out of the loop, yet I can't help reflecting that this is what fractions must feel like to my students. I will keep forging ahead sounding very chic with my new technology lingo.
This class has been phenomenal in teaching me effective classroom practices. There are so many experiences in this class that have allowed me to grow as teacher, but even more as a person.
So far, so good - becoming more and more addicted - though! Fun stuff. I do have one question - in my reader, will it show up as unread, when a new comment is posted? I like to read the comments, but if I don't know they are new or have been posted, and because of the reader we never go to the direct page, how will we know?
There are a couple of ways to monitor comments on your blog. The easiest is to go to your blog's Dashboard>Settings>Comments, then enter an e-mail address where you want comment notifications to be sent.
For comments to show up in your Reader, you can subscribe to the comments feed on each of your posts. There is a link to do that at the bottom of every post.
I love this class! I find myself "finding" excuses to need to get on the internet, or to blog about something. I wish I would have read the posts between you and Gator Girl before today, I just added my e-mail to my Dashboard today. I guess I need to read my updates MORE OFTEN! :)
This course has been an eye opener thus far. I am excited about what I've learned, but also overwhelmed for my Brain has been flooded with ideas and resources. One of the older comments mentions anxiety of not receiving credit for the course due to overlooking parts of assignments. I too have had that fear especially when on the spred sheet there are teachers that I have been working with and are at the same stage but they have more "X's". It makes me nervous that I have done something incorrect. Overall I LOVE THE COURSE! I recommend it to everyone!!
So far, so good! I was nervous at first, but my nerves were soon calmed by my confidence in tackling all of these assignments. Also, the directions and instructions provided for each thing are perfectly detailed which makes everything that much easier!
I'm enjoying playing with all the new "things" I have learned. It has inspired me to try blogging in my classroom. I hope to get better at commenting, I don't feel that I add to the conversation.
Reading, reading, reading. Wow. It's so easy to get "blogged down" in reading blogs and feeds. But the class is great. I love learning this way (at home in jeans on my couch!)
I do not want to seem like a one note Johnny but over the past three or for years I have dabbled with blogs on and off. Inevitably I get engrossed in a blog and spend a lot of time reading and commenting until it becomes to much. Then I quit cold turkey.
I think part of the problem is my writing skills. Those of your who know me know I struggle with writing. Between fixing misspelled words and proof reading for grammatical errors it takes me for ever to with the simplest post. It is very frustrating.
I wonder how the use of this type of technology will impact student who struggle with the written word and may be self-conscious about posting to the WWW so all can see.
I do not want to seem like a one note Johnny but over the past three or for years I have dabbled with blogs on and off. Inevitably I get engrossed in a blog and spend a lot of time reading and commenting until it becomes to much. Then I quit cold turkey.
I think part of the problem is my writing skills. Those of your who know me know I struggle with writing. Between fixing misspelled words and proof reading for grammatical errors it takes me for ever to with the simplest post. It is very frustrating.
I wonder how the use of this type of technology will impact student who struggle with the written word and may be self-conscious about posting to the WWW so all can see.
I am learning quite a bit. I get a little bit of everything from the class (knowledge, fun, frustration, experience, application, etc.) I am enjoying picking up on terms or slang that I pretended to understand in the past. I have learned so much after 7 things and we still have 16 more to go. Thanks for taking us on this walk of knowledge.
@iblog--You're not alone. The commenting gets easier as you go and read others comments.
I'm liking the class a lot...have always liked working on the computer and would literally be lost at home without it. Am amazed at the amount of information available with the click of a button...it's a big world we have instant access to out there. My one and only concern...the amount of time it takes AWAY from the human interaction between me and my family. It's so easy to get absorbed...it is something that will require a bit of willpower.
I love all the new learning I just wish the "things" were all open so you could keep going. :)
Wow! I am learning so much and am very excited about what I am learning. I've already found several things that I am using with my staff which was my key goal in taking this course. I want to model instructional use of new technology for my staff so that I can expect it of them with their students.
I think this is good for me. It is also, though, overwhelming. As I posted in my thoughts on Thing #6, I already don't have time to read the few things I wanted to. I feel that I really don't have time to keep up with blogs, commenting on them and following a bunch of them. There are just too many other things going on in my life to spend a lot of time doing that. We'll see as I begin to get better at the things if my speed picks up.
Overall, I am very glad that I am taking 23 Things.
I'm find the course exciting. I've had some familiarity with these tools, but I've better gaining new insights into their full productivity. I am especially liking the Google Reader. I've had a Google account for some time and have even used many of their tools. The Reader was new and I'm liking it!
This learning adventure is amazing. Once again, I am the struggling student who wants to know the correct response, but some how has a few gaps in my learning. Does anyone need to go back to check out how to do some of Things from earlier lessons? What I do know is that is adventure goes much better when I practice and apply on a daily basis.
So far so good. I am enjoying this class even though I don't like writing comments. Hopefully, I'll become more comfortable with it
My favorite thing so far is the reader.
I am nervous about wikis!!
I am learning so very much through this course and the possibilities for implementation are dizzying! Since I work with teachers, I see many ways to open up conversations and improve communications.I do have to keep going back to check on things since it is mostly new learning for me. But as we continue through the things, I find myself not nearly as terrified as when I started. Onward and upward!
I am really enjoying this class. I am having fun keeping up on my interest feeds on my Google reader. Although I'm trying not to get behind in my required things.
Commenting is very hard for me. I'm not very comfortable doing so but hopefully with more practice I will become more at ease with it.
Anytime I can spend playing on the computer makes me jump for joy. I enjoy the self pace learning environment set up via this class. It truly benefits the "I can't believe I'm this busy" schedule that I have in place currently. I also believe this class benefits the apprehensive educator who passionately wants to become technologically savvy, but doesn't necessarily know what is out there. Kudos to the 23 Thingster Queens for facilitating such a great opportunity to continue our life-long learning.
Anytime I can spend playing on the computer makes me jump for joy. I enjoy the self pace learning environment set up via this class. It truly benefits the "I can't believe I'm this busy" schedule that I have in place currently. I also believe this class benefits the apprehensive educator who passionately wants to become technologically savvy, but doesn't necessarily know what is out there. Kudos to the 23 Thingster Queens for facilitating such a great opportunity to continue our life-long learning.
Now that I have dug in and got started, I am really enjoying this class. Being able to learn new things has thrilled me. I have found a new love for blogging. I hope to see some comments on my site soon.
Everything is going good! I have enjoyed creating a blog and becoming a blogger! I had too much fun creating an avatar :-) I am really not so sure about the whole reader thing...I guess maybe I just don't have anything on my reader that I just "love". I will look into adding more blogs that I find informational and fun.
I am very thankful for the exact instructions every week. I am a list person and the instructions are formatted clearly and in order. I also appreciate the spreadsheet and knowing where I stand. Thanks for those!
Fun!!! The potential of blogging is enormous and I am enjoying the discovery. I am slowly staying in there, with a few holes I need to fix :)
Was on a roll and then I hit a snag with being able to make comment on the blogs. Sometimes this seem very easy and other times hard. I guess I am not real sure of myself and so when something does not work the right way I get frustrated and impatient. I just hope and pray that I can get all of this done.
I have really enjoyed this so far. I still have a time issue....
Firfox has been on my computer for some time, but I never even tried to use it, so this class has really forced to me step out of my comfort zone and learn more things that just what is assigned. I am trying to keep up over the weekend because schhol days are too full of SCHOOL!!!
Well, I see I have Joel's problem with typing. A couple errors but I hope I got my point accross.
Like many of the participants I am enjoying this class. It is helping stretch. What I struggle with is commenting. I believe it has to do with many years of using technology as a consumer. I do expect it to get better as I practice.
I still a little trouble when I am posting and trying to link to another blog or site. I figure it out eventually but it takes me a while.
After looking over the information for commenting I didn't realize it was such an art. I am of the opinion that I blog as a reflection of what I am learning. It almost seems that the reason for blogging is to get readers and comments. Possibly this may become a goal once I become more comfortable with blogging.
As with anything I think it is easier to leave a comment on a blog that you really connect with so when I was scrolling through my reader I realized I needed to delete some of the blogs I added and look for some additional ones.
Question: I'm still having problems adding techlearning to my reader. I really like this blog and would love to add it so I don't have to keep going back to the site. What am I doing wrong?
This course is totally awesome. I am learning so much, and it has really made my tech-savvy husband happy that I'm stepping into the next century, so to speak. I don't really have any questions right now. I think it's been hardest for me to blog, though it's getting easier. Commenting has also been challenging. Any activity where my ideas are out there open to critique...That's why I'm glad there is some blogger etiquette.
This class has given me the opportunity to learn more for myself as well as my students. I have begun incorporating blogs in my classes as a way for students to journal without worry of losing points for spelling or grammar. My thoughts are that I want them to experience as many new pieces of technology possible as long as they are in my classroom.
Like many of you I have hit some snags that I still don't understand but I am hoping that when we finish the "23 Things" they will be cleared up. I really enjoy learning new ways to use technology.
This class is really different. I am learning things that I never knew existed. It really is an eye-opener to what is "out there" just waiting for us to find it.
I am enjoying this class and learning about all the new technology that I've been missing out on. I must admit that the commenting is a little intimidating - once you hit "publish" it's out there for anyone to read. It's just amazing how much material is on the web! I'm looking forward to learning more!
I love this class! I am learning SOOOOO much and I can absolutely see ways to benefit from this in the classroom. I will admit that I am way behind on the "Things" but hey, it's spring break...perfect time for catching up. I like that each of the things are giving ways to use this in everyday life and not just the world of education. While that is the focus here, it is good to know this stuff for use outside of the classroom, too.
I've really enjoyed this class learning new stuff about what's available to me, but I've struggled with time to get "things" done. Hopefully, I'll get ahead during Spring Break.
I love this class but I will admit, that time is a major factor for me. As you can see, I am behind. I may need an extension!! However, I am learning more than I ever thought possible and cannot wait to use my new found knowledge in the classroom.
I noticed that several others are nervous about making sure they do all of the projects. I, too, have that same fear, but I think it's because I'm not used to pacing myself with school work. I work better with due dates. I'm developing that strategy by working slowly, but surely, every week or two. It's kind of fun commenting on eachother's blogs.
I agree totally. Time is such a factor. I was gone spring break and did not get done what was needed. so now I really feel behind.
I completely love the fact that Mesquite's Library Services is so technology oriented and cutting edge. It is nice to be a part of a team that not only allows us to try new and innovative things, but encourages us to do so and trains us for it!
I need to make myself a folder to make note of all the cool and new things that I can use in my monthly newsletters next year. I love to pass on neat technology to the staff at my school. This class has refreshed my memory on the things that I forgot about.
I also agree that it can be a little overwhelming thinking that in all the different paths and tangents that I am going to miss something critical, so hopefully my facilitator will keep track of all that I turn in to make sure all my ducks stay in a row. That's why they pay her the big bucks :)
I'm doing ok - but to be honest this is quite a stretch for me and is taking a lot of time! (of course I knew that going into it). I'm very determined to complete it though and have already learned SO MUCH!
I am doing well so far. It is taking a lot of time, but I am enjoying learning. It is getting me to trying new things and that is always good.
I tend to think things I say will not make sense, but I am having to write and hope for the best!
I am going to agree with everyone in saying that commenting is pretty difficult. As gwm says, " I am afraid that I won't make sense." I feel the same way!
As far as the class is concerned, I am CONSUMED!! I can't believe that I have learned as much as I have and I have found myself lost in my work. I look at the time and hours have passed that I have been "looking around!" I think that my husband is already tired of me telling him about everything that I have learned- but I think that I might, just might be getting him hooked! We will see! I do know that I am so glad that I took this in the summer- I would have been very overwhelmed during the school year! I am going to encourage others to take the class though! Its great!
I'm having fun with the technology side of things. But I'm not sure that any of this has convinced me that I have to have it to make the classroom (with or without the room) work. It might be nice to have, but not a need to have. I've always been an early adopter of technology. But I’ve been burned enough times to know that just because a technology exists is not a reason enough to blindly put it to use, especially if you are using it cookbook style. You know…a cup of this and a tablespoon of that and you have a magically effective classroom! If a teacher is to be truly effective with the use of technology, he or she must become like a musician…an artist with the instrument he or she plays. Most of us will be able to play one or two instruments passably, but will really botch the music if we go beyond our very limited repertoire.
I'm doing great! My only problem is that I get very sidetracked from the assigned task that it is taking me much longer to complete the tasks than it should. :)
I love to explore new techno stuff and now I have the perfect excuse to do it...I'm doing homework!! It is a little consuming to try to keep up with everything new that is coming at us faster and faster. I'm keeping a notebook so that I can try to pick and choose technologies I want to use and teach to others.
I'm doing fine in the class, but I want things to work instantly. When will I learn that technology doesn't always work that way and maybe sometimes doesn't work at all.
I like this online class. I have tried others in the past and was not happy. I like working at my own pace.
One question. I have not received the spread sheet through my gmail. Another classmate sent it to me. I know I am on there. How often is it updated and sent out?
It is great to get confirmation that others are also spending time with this. The explanations are quite straight forward, but I do tend to wander around during my processing of the assignment. It is good for me that this is during the summer so that I actually do have the time to spend without staying up later! There are so many wonderful things that I want to use after this is all done, and we're only on Thing 7. Just think, one more thing and we'll be a little more than a third of the way through all 23. :)
I'm really enjoying this class. I agree with everyone else that you can easily get sidetracked. I don't think my husband is liking it as much since I'm spending so much time on the computer. I actually waved him off to go and find his own dinner so that I could keep working.
I am really loving this class! I am a little slow at getting things done, but at least I am not giving up. Since I am a little slow, I am spending a lot of extra time trying to figure things out. I am very excited about next school year. I am going to incorporate some of my new technology innovations into my classroom instuction. I have found that commenting about blogs is hard to do because of the amount of time that it takes, but I do understand the importance. One blog comment that I read made me "tear up" because it was made by an elementary age girl who was very excited about learning through the use of technology. It is neat to see how excited kids get when technology is used in their learning process.
I'm learning a lot but it is a lot to get through in a short period of time. I have to keep flipping back and forth between the assignment tab and what I am working on. I'm always afraid I am missing part of the assignment. Someone asked me today if I had gotten my avatar to work and I hadn't even see that part of the assignment.
I think comments are really important, especially when the blogger writes in a way to invite them. If someone asked me a question verbally, I would never turn my back and walk away without speaking. That is what it feels like to me when I see someone posting questions and no one answers. Also, it can be a pretty easy way to give someone a boost. Other than those reasons, I prefer to comment only when I have something different to add to the conversation.
So far so good! The activities aren't difficult it is finding the time to complete them. I feel things will get better for me as soon as I'm out of the Intel Essentials Online class next week. I have had to devote so much time to the assignment for that class.
I know it's not my time management skills or the fact that I get carried away trying all the new "things" I'm learning.
I have enjoyed learning all this new "stuff" so far. And I am very happy to be on "Thing 7" on schedule. Actually I feel that commenting is one of my strong points. I like to leave comments because then I am getting to "talk" to the writer...something you can't really do with printed books and magazines. So far in this class I have been able to keep up, but it has been a challenge. Hopefully, I'll be able to maintain this as the things get harder. I have to admit I'm nervous about that. I don't want to get halfway through and then not be able to finish.
Reading these posts, I feel so much better. I thought I was the only one who got sidetracked and had to shoo my family away to fend for themselves for dinner. My thoughts on commenting on blogs is that if you have something to add to the conversation, don't be afraid to speak up. Everyone has something to say!
I find this course very useful and informational. It is always great to learn new things.
I am enjoying this class. It is taking me a lot more time to complete each "Thing" than I thought it would. I am not giving up and maybe it will start to become a little easier for me. I have not used any of the things we have done before this course, so I am learning a lot. I can't wait to learn more.
I've never blogged/read other's blogs/commented on blogs before this experience. Not unless you count Facebook! I have to say I'm enjoying it. Who knew there were so many out there??
I'd never heard of an RSS, either. Genius! I'm loving it!
I am learning alot in this class. I was hoping to build my confidence but when I found out my blog did not work, that kind of worked against me! But, I will rally and figure that out and maybe my confidence will improve. I found a new mentor today as well, so maybe that will help, too!
I am learning so much in this class. I did not realize that it would take so much time for each exercise...so much reading! I've been able to do each new thing so far, but looking ahead I'm a little nervous!
I'm really enjoying this class to the point that I'm not getting other things done. The biggest problem I'm having is I get so caught up in some the the things in my reader I forget that I need to keep working on the other 23 Things. I'm a little worried that I'm falling behind so I'm working on trying to get caught back up.
I like this class but thought it would be easier bc I know many of the technologies that are being taught. I thought I was going to breeze through the class but have really been stretched! Thanks!
As those before me have stated, I agree that 23 Things is a fabulous course. I've already learned so much and I've only gotten through the first 7 things!
I also find time a problem. It's a problem in there isn't enough time to do all I want to of the 23 Things. It's quite easy to spend most of the day working on Things and getting nothing done of my other responsibilities.
As I am a person who likes affirmation, I am hoping the comments pick up on my blog. :)
The organization and presentation of the course are workable and user friendly. That helps keep me going. I like being able to see my progress and fellow classmates' progress on the spreadsheet.
Overall, all's well.
The class is going well for me. It does definitely take time, but that will hopefully become less of a problem now that I am officially finished working (we've been doing overtime). I loved making an avatar - lots of fun - like shopping!
I love this class so far! I think this is one of the best staff developments I have ever taken. This is also the first online class I have ever taken, and I like it because it allows so much flexibility. I am truly excited to use what I'm learning with my kids next year.
I am learning so much about how to find information and resources! I am really amazed at the tools that are available to us through google, blogspot, and such. I appreciate the constant (and positive) feedback we get from our blog posts and emails.
I never realized how important commenting is. It closes the loop between the reader and the blogger, and widens the circle of knowledge all at the same time. I'm guilty of "lurking" into blogs without leaving a trace of my real self there. Will do better now that I have read about commenting etiquete.
This class has been so informational and I am really enjoying learning how to blog and the importance of commenting on blog comments. I really like being able to read other participants blogs and see what they are discovering. Thanks for all your work making this course work.
I have really enjoyed this class so far! I am excited to be able to take the things that I am learning and apply them in my classroom next year. My biggest struggle with the class so far has just been trying to stay on schedule. I am behind, but am working to catch up!
This class was a great idea to offer to teachers. In order to be effective educators, we MUST utilize technology. I have enjoyed this class so far! There are many aspects of this class that I will directly apply to my classroom and my daily life.
I am really enjoying this class and am learning many of the basic things I usually just skip over! It is interesting to learn the basics of what I have usually muddled through!
I am sooooo behind. I moved into my new house the first week of the class so I started a week late. I am enjoying learning about so many things to do on the internet! I am working this whole week on catching up.
I love this class, but spend hours every night working on it. I am losing sleep and still very far behind. But, the knowledge is priceless!!! I can't wait to find ways to put these tools to use next year!
Like so many others, I am really outside my comfort zone in technology. I think partly due to the fact that some much of this information we are processing is relative to classroom teaching and I am having to rethink from classroom to my job specific needs.
I do appreciate the willingness of the instructors to provide such precise and detail information in "lay" term. Thanks for all you do.
At first I was a little aggravated that the blog was in date order and I had to read all those posts...but then I realized that everyone is in the same boat that I am. We are all struggling to find time to get it all done. My poor kids are wanting to know when it will be there turn on the computer.
I have learned several new terms that I like. I used to call myself a stalker for reading blogs and not commenting. Now I know that I am a troller. It sounds so much nicer than a stalker! =)
I am finding myself behind in the class. I was thinking that I could do several Things in a day but I have worked several hours on 7 and it is the only one I will complete today. It is very time consuming, but it has taught me some things that I didn't know. I can't wait to get a blog going for my classroom this coming year.
The class has been a real learning curve for me, yet one of the most beneficial. I must stay focused so I can catch up on my "things"! I am vowing to be better at commenting.
I am really enjoying this class and not only learning alot, but getting much more comfortable and confident. This class has not been nearly as stressful or difficult as I had thought. For the most part, there have minimal problems that were relatively easy to fix. I'm not sure if this is because of the instructions, steps and resources provided or because I started the Intel class simultaneously and that took priority in the stress department. I have had a few questions I needed help with and at first didn't even really understand the answers. Now I'm noticing that I can figure it out on my own without asking or I do so right after. I didn't realize, for example, that adopting someone's blog was not the same thing as just adding them to my reader until I read the instructions for Thing #7. I have since figured out (please tell me if I am mistaken) that "adopted" means to become a follower.
I did send aa list of questions to Tracy via gmail but have not checked for a response yet. At this point, my biggest concern is being behind and whether someone will let me know if I inadvertantly miss something (or need to fix it) while there is still time to correct it.
It has been hard to communicate, but as I get into the course I find it a little bet easier each time. I have found that it just take me thinking about what the speaker is talking about and what the feeling that I feel when I read them.
It has been a fun challenge posting comments to blogs, I think if I keep doing it, I will get to a point where I feel comfortable doing it.
Reading posts on your own blog is very rewarding. It makes you feel that your blog actually exists on the abstract and sometimes cold world wide web.
I have been working hard to catch up in this class. I have learn so much in the short time I have been working on it. I am really getting into the link part of the blog. I can see how the tings I have learned thus far can be used in the classroom. I am also looking forward to using it.
I could just say ditto, ditto, ditto, except I didn't just move into a new house. I thought the summer would be easier but not if you are still working. Ugh! I agree with all the comments. It is great learning all the new things but overwhelming at the same time. I keep making notes so I can go back and really look at things. I realized how techno savvy I am NOT. I keep closing the whole Firefox instead of just that tab and I can't figure out how to go back and edit a posting when I realize I have missed spelled a word. I'm really good huh?
This is an amazing class. I have learned so much when I thought I already knew so much! HA! The hardest battle for me is not going off onto tangents with the things that I am learning. I know that is not necessarily a bad thing, but there is just not enough time for that. I am glad my blog will be beneficial to me when going back to dig deeper with a few things. I highly recommend this class for everyone in our district.
There is so much out there that I didn't know. I thought I knew a lot, but I am mistaken.
In completing the first 6 Things, I have already learned skills that will help me in my classroom. I can't wait to see what is down the road in the course. Thanks for putting this class together. It's great.
I really like this class. I think that everyone that uses a computer needs these skills. It has opened many conversations with my children and my husband.
This class is time consuming but well worth the effort.
Mesquite ISD has the best teacher training.
I agree with schoolchatter. I think that everyone needs to look into this class. It's interesting and makes me want more.
I am so..... behind! I took vacation, traveled, and just let my studies go for two weeks!
I'm still going to try and finish by Friday! I may pull an all-nighter! I don't have any questions at this time.
I am with you doubledare, I am so behind... I am really enjoying this class though. I like the exploration and discovery. I often find that I have spent more time than I intended exploring new things. I am hoping to finish. If I am not able to finish it can I enroll in the fall and pick up where I left off?
Links REALLY need to open in new tabs. This can be done by your website administrators.
Question 1: When will more blogs be up in the sidebar?
Question 2: Where is the spreadsheet to which you refer located?
I love the idea of commenting, and now I have left so many, it is hard to keep up with all the threads.
No questions at this point; just trying to stay on top of everything.
I was really looking forward to this class, but I feel a little overwhelmed. Here are my concerns:
1. Are we going to get any type of feedback as far if things are right or wrong?
2. Is my blog suppose to be up on the sidebar?
3. Where is the google spreadsheet that is mention?
I want to make sure I have completed my assignment so that I don't have to come back to it.
@emmy - here are the answers to your questions/comments:
1. All links were created to open in a new window. You can get them to open in a new tab by adjusting the settings on your browser. From the Firefox menu, choose Preferences. Click Tabs and put a check mark next to "Open new windows in a new tab instead."
2. All blogs that have been submitted have now been posted on the sidebar.
3. The link to the tracking spreadsheet was sent to your Gmail account on September 22 at 6:46pm.
I am doing well so far. Some of the stuff is new, some is a refresher.
I've enjoyed the course so far, especially reading and commenting on my peers' blogs. It just makes me realize how smart the people I work with are. Plus, I've gained a little security in leaving comments and appreciate/value the freedom to be tactful yet honest. It's nice to be able to be me.
The reader is a nice tool. I just need more time to sift through all of the information.
I have enjoyed the class more than I anticipated. I do like the Google Reader as it streamlines my searching and reading. Commenting is a good tool; it gives insight into how people are interpreting your words.
I'm finding it frustrating that I can never finish a single post in one sitting. I'm having to squish writing into the brief moments of free time I have, leaving my posts disjointed and lacking adequate closure.
Also, the nebulousness of each Thing makes me worry I have missed something. Combined with the fact that my spreadsheet has never been updated since Thing 0 has me wondering where I stand.
Once again, my time is cut short. Bye.
I'm definitely a slow learner. I've gotten the hang of linking finally. I don't do it more than once per blog because I'm not sure how to get two windows open at the same time.
I wish I were more confident about my computer skills. That may be my goal this summer. To take more SD using my computer.
It's cool to see so many people enjoying learning all about these "things." They are not all new to me, but I am very excited that it will become increasingly easier to converse about some of these amazing tools with my co-workers and other MISD peers. We MUST keep up, if not stay one step ahead, of our students with regard to technology, or they may not ever trust that what we are teaching them is relevant to their world!
The sense of community has always been important to me. I am happy to belong to a community of lifelong learners.
Getting input from others is so important because it helps us to grow as persons and as professionals. That is why it is so important to give as well as to receive feedback.
Keeping up with our computer skills is the least we can do for our students, because it is our duty to provide them with resources that support their learning.
The class is starting to go really well. I am getting the hang of things and learning a lot. I am looking forward to more "things" and the challenges that go with it.
I'm definitely having a good time with this; I'm struggling to keep up, though, because even as I type this I have a 13-month-old pawing at me.
I am feeling quite overwhelmed and I am often disoriented. I don't know what to do about it except to take it one "thing" at a time. I actually enjoy commenting on the blogs of others, and I feel heard when others comment on my blog.
This is moving fast. I work hard to cram in my "homework" for this class before I have to go home after school. I feel that after commenting on several different blogs, I have become more comfortable with it.
I am having fun and that is a good sign. I admit I'm feeling pushed for time, I'll have to pick up the pace some. I think this class does a good job modeling what the educational system may look like in the not too distant future.
I am having a great time in this course! I have learned so much already! I'm loving the google reader and I'm also loving seeing how learning about technology affects other people... :)
I am really enjoying learning about all of the new uses for technology in my classroom. It is still a struggle for me to blog, but I am becoming more comfortable with it.
I don't comment on blogs very often, but this exercise has helped me realize how important it can be. Plus, I got a new browser gadget called CoComment which will help me track my comments and replies to them.
I got a late start but I am finally catching up. This is all new to me but I am enjoying it. I love the Google Reader and leaving comments has been fun as well. We will see what the rest of this brings.
Blogging is a whole new world to me and I am really enjoying myself thourougly. I guess also the prospect of discovering new applications for web 2.0 technologies is something I find to be very exciting!
So far I have really enjoyed all the new technological lessons. I now get why everyone is so into Facebook and some of the other websites devoted to bringing people together.
Question: How do we post video on our blog sites?
Jason's Video Question. I think you can post it on a video hosting site, the popular one of course being youtube. The site will generate an embedding link which you can post on your blog. Others here may have different ideas.
@Jason: Copying the embed code is one way to add video from a site such as You Tube. If you have a video(Quicktime, WMF or Flash) on your computer you can also upload it. You will see a button on your editing toolbar when writing a post called "add video". It will direct you to locate the video to upload. We'll learn more about embedding as we go!
This class has really provided some great information and useful sites to visit. I have never used or even visited a blog before until this class and am amazed at how easy they are to use.
I am really looking forward to the upcoming lessons. I definitely feel like I am learning something new every week in this class, if not, EVERYDAY!!!
So far so GOOD! I am enjoying this class and learning a lot too. Some things I have already been introduced to but it is nice to be able to go back and review them. I have told many of my fellow teachers to take this in the future and even set up a class blog that my principal has commented on. I look forward to many "things" to come.
This class is going well so far..There is so much to do and I feel like I do not have enough time in the day for everything! I am learning a lot of valuable information that can help me a great deal in my teaching career!
I'm enjoying the class, particularly reading the blog posts of others in the class. My biggest issue is finding time to complete the assignments and then blog about it. I haven't run into any technology that I couldn't make work, but I tend to play a little too much. Which "thing" teaches discipline???
Hopefully now that I have finished my online ILD Certification Class, I can devote my time to the 23 Things! I'm a little behind, but I'm pretty sure that I'm technology savvy enough to catch up!!!
I am "starting" to enjoy this class a little more with each lesson. I got so caught up in posting the "right" answers I was feeling a little stressed. Since I am not a teacher, I felt like I had little to contribute. But as we move forward, I can really see how many of the steps can help me at work but also in my personal life.
I totally agree with the time issues! I get so caught up in reading blogs and worrying about an appropriate comment that I don't have time to do what I really have to do...like grade papers =)
Even though I have enjoyed this class so far, it also makes me realize how much I don't know about all the new technology that is available to us. I learn in all three modalities (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.) So at times, I feel really dumb when I have to ask for help and don't understand something.
Several other classmates have asked the same question that I have of making sure I have completed everything in the assignment. Lately, it seems like I have been having problems with getting answers to questions that I have emailed. I am not even sure that whomever I am writing to, is even getting the emails.
I am doing okay so far in completing my 23 Things, however, I am over a month behind so that is not good. I have less than two weeks to finish 16 things so needless to say I am a little overwhelmed!! I should have probably waited until next year when I will have a better idea of the grade level I am teaching but oh well, I am enjoying what I am learning.
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