bP#7_2009122_Web 2.0 #1

In researching the web tools available, I realize how little I know about the various tools available. So, life is a real learning process. I am finding so many wonderful things available, and I hardly know what I would use and not. Because we learn things so quickly and move on, I need to, one day, take some time to play with these tools and see what seems to really work for me.
All that put aside, I think that one thing I am really fascinated with is igoogle. When we were given the homework assignment to build this site, with all these things going in it, at first, I was just following the instructions, putting in one thing, then another.
When I stepped back a bit and looked at what was happening, I was excited. To think I can open my work email, home email we’ve had for years, my school email and personal email, all from the same place is such a time saver.
Then, to add in things like facebook, reader and other web 2.0 tools, again, all from the same place, I am quite excited about that.
For the second page, the one left for us to do the way we wanted, I have put several things in it. I put links for email, professional standards for school and a note pad to put my lesson plans at a glance. I also put the weather as it really affects my classroom because PE classes come inside the adjoining room (no walls) in bad weather, so I can keep up with that. I put a search engine for educational things, like lesson plans from other teachers. I also put in a few things that may not stay, like learning an unnecessary fact, a couple of games (I never have time to play a game, but just in case there are a couple of minutes, it might keep my brain sharp.) I have a Rachel Ray and a Bible Verse of the Day. The best part is, if something isn’t working for me, I can change, rearrange or do anything to make it better. I really like this and think it is a great help in any classroom!
How will this be a helpful tool in my classroom? To think I can go to my computer and glance with one screen, I can see the weather, especially when something is approaching, how much time I have left with a quiet room before the others come in making alot of noise. I have the condensed Lesson Plans at a glance, so if I get distracted by a fight, an intercom call, a sick child, I can look and see the plans to refresh my memory of where I am in the lesson. I can put a special Bible verse on there to glance and sometimes, I need that! This is one of the best things I have found and it is a great time saver.