Monday, February 28, 2011

Web 2.0 'N it !


I have been using a Web 2.0 application for a long virtual while now… I mean I think about all the changes in tech savvy world today and figure those 3 years has to be a long time in the world of programming. It seems that every day we are getting updates, plug ins and web flashing banners that advertise “new” web 2.0 applications. Looking further into Web 2.0 and my relationship I have to say I was a bit naive in using these applications. I really had no clue what Web 2.0 application were and what classified Web 2.0 applications until I started my Masters program here at UCM. I had been using Ning, Facebook, and Twitter well before I started my studies. I just had no clue that they were in fact Web 2.0 applications. I think it was in my first semester here at UCM that I had “the talk”…haha. When I say “the talk” I had two wonderful group partners that taught me what Web 2.0 actually meant in laymen terms. I am extremely thankful to have had such wonderful partners!

As funny as it sounds I find myself thinking back to that summer term and think “boy, was I in the dark”. I have to say so many times I feel this way when it comes to technology. I think I am on top of my “knowledge base” and then something else comes along and befuddles my brain. I have been playing with all of the applications that my lovely cohorts have conquered up from the world wide web and have found a new love for creative expression. I am amazed sometimes how fun life and learning can be. I just loved making my own personal Voki. I have been highlighting like a pro thanks to the Awesome Highlighter. I have planned on using Web Poster in another class I am currently taking. I find myself always amused at the creative thinking behind the simple, yet complex programming language in these Web 2.0 applications.

Every day I find myself browsing the internet looking for a Web 2.0 application to satisfy some weird craving for creative gobbledygook to jazzy up something I am doing. I have to tell the truth and that I feel a little naked if I do not have some kind of Web 2.0 “toy” to flash at a meeting. I think most of my attendees expect to see something fun! I am extremely thankful for all the information and incite this class has given me. I feel very blessed.

I have ventured into the unknown lately and explored the programming language of Web 2.0. I cannot say I really know a lot but, it does seem as if it is something I would like to learn more about. I find myself daydreaming of applications I can create and publish to help educators throughout the world. I think the creative side gets the best of me at times but, “Under the Hood of Web 2.0” is extremely interesting. I would like to “OPP” up something or perhaps “AJAX” it. There is an array of informational websites to choose from when it comes to learning a new programming language. I just really think it is fun to know what is behind my beloved “Classtools.net” application.

Each day I study and learn new Web 2.0 applications is another day I find “glory” in technology.  I wonder if NASA has a Web 2.0 application that it has created? Humm… let me check! (Ok, this is not what we are really talking about but, I thought it was interesting.) Wow! I am amazed that I did not find anything about Web 2.0 and NASA. I actually found an article that talks about how NASA needs to “get with Web 2.0”. That is surprising… but at least they have now adapted to the social networking platform that we find so handy…even in our class!
Until next time…up…up…and away!


Thursday, February 17, 2011

Let's Highlight a web document

Unable to display content. Adobe Flash is required.

I originally had another application I was going to use for my Jing project but, I only had one student so I was unable to get the overview recorded in time. I have selected the Awesome Highlighter to speak about on my Jing “cast”. I really liked the application because there are numerous times when I am giving a presentation on a new policy and need to highlight something that comes directly from a web document. Previously, I would have had to copy and paste the entire document into word and highlight it in word but, now I can do it directly on the page. I can even email the highlights to myself or a group of people if need be…awesome!
I discovered Jing at the beginning of the semester and I have been using it for various projects that I have been working on for my classes and work. I am a talker…so the 5 minute limit gets me every time. I think I might have to break down and purchase the Pro version but, besides that it is number one in my book!

http://awesomehighlighter.com/


This is the cool application that I was going to do ....
http://poster.4teachers.org/

You can read my blog "Please be my Student" the direct links and directions for accessing the information is there. This application offers an opportunity to create "posters" that are basically web pages under a worksheet.The teacher manages the created web pages. I find it exciting as you could have a themed project and ask each student to submit a page. You can really see the process working. What if you did a worksheet on WWII? You could have have student give facts about that time in history, jobs, housing, music, and the war its self. fun...fun..fun

Here is another application I will be using in the near future...
http://www.blender.org/

Sculptpaint looks fun!

_________This one is a dream come true_____________ Font Generator

My new Web 2.0 Find!!! Please be my student!

I found a great web 2.0 tool that I will be using to teach an online crafting class. Do you think it would be possible for some of you to go on and create posters to add? I just really would like to see the total package at work. I will be doing my Jing project on this application as well. It is so fun I have been playing with it all day!

Here are the instructions...

Log on to Web poster

Use the following information when creating your poster. Type values exactly as shown.
Class Name: What is Rockabilly?
Teacher's name: Ms. Cobian
Class code: 215546

-----Please create some 1950's themed poster-----anything you want just 50's Please :-)

Student Guide

You can use this tool to locate and view your teacher’s worksheets or to create your own Posters to complete a teacher-assigned project.

Locating Your Teacher’s Worksheets

* You will need a Worksheet ID number, Class Code, or last name to retrieve your teacher’s Worksheets.
* To retrieve a Worksheet, go to the Web Poster Wizard home page. In the bottom right-hand corner there is a Search for Posters and Worksheets section. Use the drop-down menu to select how you would like to search. Then enter the corresponding information in the text field. Click the Search button to retrieve the results.

search poster



* Click the correct Worksheet on the results page to view it.

Creating Your Teacher-Assigned Poster

* On the home page of Web Poster Wizard, go to the Student Login section and click the Create a New Poster link.
* Read the directions and click the Next button.
* Enter your name, your teacher’s name and your class code.

create poster

* Next, select the background you would like to use. You may select either plain or color. If you select a color background, you will have several choices.

layout and color

* Click the Next button.
* Enter a Project Title, Subtitle, and Project Text.
* Click the Next button.
* You may enter up to 10 links. Be sure to enter both a Label and URL. We have already provided the http://.

links

* You may also upload a picture for your poster by clicking the Browse button and selecting the picture on your computer that you would like to upload.


image

* Enter an image title and the source of the image in the text fields.
* Click the Next button.
* Click the Finish button.
* The resulting page will list your Poster ID number, the URL of your Poster, and a link to view it. You will want to print this page or copy the ID number for future use.



Editing Your Poster

* To edit your Poster, go to the home page of Web Poster Wizard.
* In the Student Login box, enter your Poster ID number and your Password.
* Click the Log In button.

password

* On the following page, there are many options to help you edit your Poster.
* You can use the various links on the left side of the page to update your user information, update the layout of your Poster, update the content of your Poster, and update your links and image.

* The links under the thumbnail of your Poster allow you to either view your Poster or delete it.

Locating Your Poster

* To retrieve a Poster, go to the Web Poster Wizard home page. In the bottom right-hand corner there is a Search for Posters and Worksheets section. Use the drop-down menu to select by which item you would like to search. Then enter the corresponding information in the text field. Click the Search button to retrieve the results.
* If you have forgotten your Poster ID and need it to edit your Poster, youcan search by your teacher’s last name or by the Class Code.

search
* On the results page you can find your Poster and its ID number.

search result