Thing 7: Podcasting and Screencasting

This is the last Cool Tool for me. 

Audioboo is the easiest podcasting tool I've ever used.  You just download the app on your Smartphone and record.  I love the feature that provides you with a countdown (of 3) before it begins recording.  You then have the option to preview and re-record your message.   You can personalize your account an add a photo, notifications, location, etc.  to your profile.   It is a very handy tool for people who enjoy podcasting.   Also, you can search other people's "Boos" (podcasts), and surf podcast channels.  Your podcasts are all listed in the "My Boos" section and you can include contacts and receive messages.  All in all Audioboo is a cool tool indeed.

I left it purposely for the end because I don't particularly like to hear myself talk.  However, through Cool Tools I found the awesomest, if this can be counted as a word, app for podcasting. 

Listen to my podcast at

http://audioboo.fm/boos/1333152

Thing 10: Productivity Tools

Just as our rooster friend is being productive by pouring a hot cup of coffee as a wake up call, so are all of the tools we've used so far.   As I finish this project I am left wondering how to integrate all of these great Web 2.0 tools into my lessons.  We don't have access to iPads, iPods, tablets or hand held devices in my library as learning devices, but I would still like for my students to be aware of the versatility of these devices.

Our Smartphones can be much more than just texting and gaming devices.  We can use apps that help us to safe guard our devices and information.  One such app is Lookout.  This is one of the apps I am using for my phone.  It backs up important data and protects my device form security breaches and loss.  I like the screaming feature that allows your device to scream if lost.  I also like the back up of my contacts.  One time our computer crashed and my daughter and I lost everything from our phones.  (We did not have any other form of back up for our mobile devices).  It was horrible for me trying to remember all of my contacts.  LOL

Another great tool is Dropbox.  I use it on my Smartphone to keep my documents and photos neatly tucked away.  It's free just like Lookout and provides you with 2 GBs of free storage.  I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to download a PDF and did not have a place to store it.   So awesome.
A handy tool for people who don't want walk around with external drives or don't have them.

The only complain I have is not being able to download any of these tools onto my district laptop.  (The school district won't allow it).  Such a shame, because many of these tools help keep me sane online.   Happy online travels :)

Thing 9: Databases & Searches

Teaching students how to properly use search engines can be challenging.   Most people have become so used to Google, that it is difficult to use anything else.  However, for young students it is vital that they learn to properly use search engines.  The addition of "kid friendly" search engines is a great way of teaching searching skills without accidentaly accessing inappropriate material. 

One of the search engines I selected to explore was KidRex .   This search engine while geared to younger children is an excellent choice for kids of all ages.  I am going to begin using it with my students. 

Thing 8: Collaborating, Connecting, Sharing



The Internet provides many opportunities for collaborating, connecting and sharing.  Things that were not possible online a few years ago are available for us today. 
One of my favorite ways of collaborating and sharing is Google Docs.  (It now goes by the name Google Drive)

I have been using Google Docs for some years now and it helped me proof read my sister's college papers.  She has dyslexia and has always needed someone to look over her papers.   The way is works for us is that my sister sends me her completed writing and I read it and highlight letters and sentences that need to be corrected.  It is awesome to be able to edit while she corrects at the same time.   Using this tool has worked wonders for my sister's writing.  She has been able to write her college papers while gaining experience on using online technology tools.  Google Docs is an invaluable tool to assist my sister in working with her disability.   I have also used Google Docs for group projects in graduate school.  And it makes connecting and working with your fellow students, so easy.

In keeping with the themes of connecting and sharing, Diigo is one of my go-to tools.   I save important websites and research tools here while learning about new websites from other colleagues. 
These cool tools make collaborating, connecting, and sharing so much easier.

Thing: 6 Curation Tools

Curation tools were the one tools I didn't know fell into the category of Curation.   During my graduate studies I used Diigo all the time.  (I remember hearing about Delicious and thinking what the heck is that?).  Diigo is still my go-to for organizing references and great websites.

Diigo is a great resource for students because they can bookmark their research sources and "carry" them from computer to computer.  (Great for kids who tend to forget their flash drives).

For thing 6 I got hooked on Flipboard.  I downloaded it on my iPhone and the iPad.  What a cool tool!  Love how you can customize your own personal magazine.  I've added so many topics and I'm enjoying all of the things you can do on it.  It is simple to use and can help students and professionals who are "new" to tech tools.  Try it you will love it.

Thing 5: Digital Storytelling & Presentation Tools

Wow!  I cannot believe it is almost the end of February.  The school year is just brezzing by.
For thing 5, I used Storybird.  My personal experience with digital storytelling and presentation tools goes back to a graduate education course I took on teaching technology to ESOL students.  Our class used VoiceThread as an online communications tool to "discuss" our topics.  I really enjoyed using it because it was like being in a classroom.  All of the students could "see" each other and leave video, audio or written comments for others to view, listen or read.    I am thinking of using VoiceThread for a small group that will be reading Flat Stanley.

Now back to Storybird.   I really enjoyed this digital storytelling tool.  And one of the best deals was that the story could be easily created on the iPad.  (Some of the other tools from thing 5 were not so great on the Apple device).  However, this tool could work great with students who love to use the iPad.   There is such a cozy feel to creating stories on Storybird, that I can easily see students sitting on a rug or pillow creating awesome stories.  I will definitely try this one with some of my techie second graders. 

Here is my digital story.  Enjoy!
Becky's Library Adventure

Look closely at Becky during her adventures.   The secret is the reason she giggles at the end of the story.  :)

Thing 4: Photo Sharing, Editing and Fun

Photo sharing is a favorite hobby of ours at home.  My kids and I love to make musical slideshows of the family's "growing cousins".  It's one thing to share home photos, but school photos are another thing.  Due to the privacy issues with students, we must be careful when using photo sharing apps.  However, witihin the school setting, there are many ways to benefit from photo sharing apps and websites.  We can create slideshows for presentations, assemblies, moving up ceremonies, etc.  I am currently working on a "Senior" slideshow for my daughter's class. 

On my Ipad I tried working with Aviary but didn't have the results that I wanted.  (I wanted to be able to do slideshows such as the ones you can do on Windows).  I am still playing with it as an App, but I like Muzy much better.

For my library students I am currently assembling photos for our "Get caught Reading" photo showcase.  Here are some of our photos I "pinned" on a corkboard using Muzy. 

Muzy  is great for making collages, posters, photo designs, etc.  It is fairly easy to use and can be shared on most social networks. 
Happy photo sharing!  :)