This week I did my tool time presentation on Padlet, an interactive virtual wall that allows multiple people to edit and add material.  It is basically a blank canvas where you can free type, upload documents or videos, and gather information.  It is ideal for brainstorming or pulling information together on a common topic and each padlet has an associated web link for users to access it.  I found it to be a very versatile and easy to use tool, great for all ages and work fields. 

I think this might be a more organized place to jot my reminders rather than the plethora of post-it notes I have around my workspace!

3 weeks to go!

There are only 3 more weeks of class until the end of the semester!  I feel relief as I type that, fortunately not panic!  I am at a good place right now with work completion for both of my classes so while it all seemed overwhelming in the beginning, I think it was because I was overloading myself to get the projects done but I had a little more time than I thought.  Well now I can say I am glad I managed my time the way I did and took everyone's advice to not procrastinate!  Ahhh- we are almost there classmates, keep up the good work and let's finish this semester strong!

This past week I spent some time making an online video for one of my IT21wildcard activities, creating a digital story.  I have had zero experience with video making but have heard sites like Animoto make it pretty simple.  I wanted something that you could easily upload photos from your computer, add soundtrack and text, and provide a visually appealing display of the photos.  I also wanted this for FREE!  I ended up creating the video twice, that's right, twice!  To keep the story short, read the fine print on some of these web 2.0 tools people!  I was just too excited logging into Animoto and playing around with it, that while I saw "free version", I failed to see that all videos created with the free version will display the "Animoto" watermark over the video the entire time! Whoops!  I also figured ok, how much could it possibly be for membership, maybe it will be worth it.  Well it's $39 per month and $299 yearly.  I found this to be waaaay too high for a tool that I will not use frequently enough to be worth it, so on with my search I went.

After google-searching free programs similar to Animoto, I came across Stupeflix.  While the name wasn't exactly enticing, the simple options the free version offered was very attractive and just enough for what I needed.

As we have wildcard activities for both Adult Learning and IT21, it is worth checking out.  Click on the image below!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! While it's not my favorite holiday, I do enjoy seeing pictures on social media of everyone's costumes.  I love the homemade costumes for adults and kids alike rather than the store bought ones; how about a little creativity people!? Thanks to sites like Pinterest, it's easy to get inspired.

Anyway, it's November tomorrow and the Christmas season will be sneaking up- as if it hasn't already. I found a really great list of tech tools that make holiday shopping easier.  I definitely plan to use some of these this year!

Organization

This week was all about organization, which is a beautiful, beautiful thing!

For Adult Learning, I created my E-Portfolio using Weebly.  Creating a portfolio online keeps things very neat and organized and it's been fun compiling all my projects onto one site.  Here, check it out!  I will be updating as the semester progresses.

I created my PLN (personal learning network) for IT21 using Pearltrees.  Also a first for me, a PLN is an awesome way to catalog your favorite web tools and resources.  I feel like I have one go-to place now instead of a million bookmarks.  Here, see what you think!

I even finished the week on this beautiful Friday, cleaning out and completely reorganizing my desk at work! Woohoo! Hey, I get excited over these things.  That is until I come back on Monday and forget where I moved everything to, ha!

Ohh, we're halfway there!

My theme song for this week is Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" as we are "halfway there" to the end of the semester!

No f2f in either class this week but I've been chipping away at contract work and staying busy!  I've found a couple great articles that I wanted to share with you all.

Adult Learning #ALMastermind friends:
check out these 17 Tips to Motivate Adult Learners

Instructional Technology 21st Century #MAIT21 friends:
Very interesting read on how Google Glass showcases the potential of wearable educational technology.  That's right, Google glasses on all your students!  Read more here.

Collaborative Learning

Last week I took the plunge and attended both of my classes synchronously online!  My Monday AL class I usually attend online but between all the other work I had to do and just being busy in life, I decided to check out IT21st from the comfort of my home.  I must say it is SO nice to be able to have multiple options for participating in class!  I would not say I will always continue to attend online because going in person certainly has its value but it's also convenient when needed.

I found a great article on collaborative learning that offers 20 free collaborative web tools to use in the classroom.  Check out this awesome resource here!