Take 2…
At the end of last weeks class I thought that I wouldnt remember a single thing that we had been taught. Take two this week and its not as bad as I thought. Still having some problems figuring out how everything links together and getting pretty lost trying to remember all the different passwords and usernamers I created. I found it really frustrating last week that my computer would not allow me to keep up with the instructions Sue was giving us, the pages wouldnt load fast enough and so I was always a few steps behind which led to a feeling of overwhelment continually trying to catch up. Because of this I dont think I actually took in what I was doing so if anyone asked me to create a new blog or show them how to do it I’m not sure I could confidently show them. I think that the more I use this and the more I explore my own and others blogs I will begin to understand how it all works.
Over the next few weeks Im looking forward to reading about how everyone else is finding all of this and hopefully Im not the only one who is feeling clueless!! Its been good to receive some comments personally so I think its about time I started leaving some for others! I guess this is the second big step for me in the world of blogging one that I have been a little reluctant to take but like others have said its simply evoking and continuing conversation, which we all do on a daily basis anyway…so watch this space!
on August 30, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Hi Kate — It was an intense session and unfortunately time meant that I had to cover a lot of material in a very short time which really wasn’t ideal. Trust me you weren’t the only person feeling clueless and many others would have felt the same.
Taking that step into writing posts online and leaving comments is a huge step and its no wonder you feel a bit reluctant — rest assured that feeling is normal. And is very important to remember when using these types of tools with any student. Some will feel really comfortable while with others it will push them outside their comfort zone. But it is worth investing the time to use with students because it opens up a whole new world for your students and has been shown to make a huge difference with reluctant writers.
My suggestions are try to keep to using same usernames and passwords for all sites where possible.
Also make sure you check out the resources on The Getting Started With Edublogs page of The Edublogger as there are lots of links that will help you.
on August 30, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Hi Kate — noticed that you had added me to your twitter account. Here is a post I wrote awhile ago about using twitter which might help you. To use twitter effectively I recommend that you download and use a twitter application on your computer (I suggest probably Twhirl in your situation).
Also you won’t get twitter until you add adequate number to your network and start interacting with people. The fastest way to increase numbers is for me to ask my network to add you (let me know if you want me to do this). This post by Tom Barrett might give you ideas on how to use twitter as a teaching tool. Good luck
on August 30, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Hi Sue!
Thanks very much for that! I have been browsing people who use edublogs on Twitter and have added only a couple of them and had read your article on using Twitter not long ago and realised the importance of having people to follow. I would really appreciate it if you could ask your network to add me, I think that would be really helpful!
Lina had mentioned that you used Twitter hence the reason I searched and added you! Great article by Tom Barrett, will definitely be putting some of his advice to use when we create our presentation (1hour talk to our class on how to use Twitter!!) Really appreciate all your feedback and advice, would be a little lost without it right now!
on August 31, 2008 at 1:02 am
I’ve sent a message out to my twitter network but you need to add them if they add you. You will receive an email letting you know someone has added you. Also make sure you download Twhirl and set it up. PS they have already started adding you and saying hi. Make sure after you have added them that you say hi using @ back to them with their names as that is polite etiquette in twitter (there is a lot of etiquette in twitter).
Twitter is far more conversational than normal blogging and it does take time to understand. It is a mixture of helping each other, just plain sharing what you are doing and responding back to people. Remember to use @ replies to respond directly to people and if you want to ask me questions use @dswaters and I will see the message (although my response may take some time).
on August 31, 2008 at 1:28 am
Hello Kate. Welcome to the world of blogging & twitter. I’ve added you to my twitter network so feel free to add me to yours. You’ll soon get the hang of it all You’ll be surprised by how much you’ll learn from some very skilled teachers out there!
Pam
http://pamthompson.edublogs.org
on August 31, 2008 at 4:14 am
Kate, having access to Sue’s twitter network will be a wonderful experience. I’m looking forward to your presentation.
Sue, my students and I certainly appreciate your continued support.
on September 2, 2008 at 2:10 am
Having other people add me has definitely been a big help. Although I suddenly had all these messages and I still wasnt sure exactly how I replied to each person individually. When I first joined Twitter I didnt realise it was so conversational. I thought it was more about simply updating and telling people what you were doing right then and there. Definitely a pleasant surprise which has also given me more direction in my presentation.
Sue, I hope I replied to each person that added me, and I have added each of them back. They are all so helpful and have all been sending me links to websites, articles and generally just giving advice.
Lina, its a great network to be apart of in general for all students and teachers. Ive tapped into a huge bank of knowledge and ideas from around the world. Feeling more confident about presenting now
on September 2, 2008 at 5:21 am
Over the last 12 months or so, I have started so many blogs, registered for so many web2.0 tools, have a heap of different user names and passwords, but I still love all this powerful web2.0 stuff. Hope you will love blogging as much as I do and as much as my students do.
on September 6, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Hi Kate,
Thanks for adding me to your Twitter!
It’s an honor and a pleasure to be chosen by youth!
I hope you deeply enjoy this new world of blogging and twittering, that you’ll learn a lot and make new friends all over the network.
I’ll visit you again soon,
Ines