Thursday, June 18, 2009

Google Site versus Plaxo & LinkIn

Of the various sites utilized for portfolios, I preferred the Google Site. While the instructions were not too difficult, I was not able to reorder the pages and had to use many as sub pages to get things into the order I wanted. The site appears more professional. It was easy to edit and had multiple layouts as well as a variety of colors and themes to make the site more attractive.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

LinkIn/Plaxo compared to Facebook/MySpace

Thinking about the types of social media sites we've utilized, I find LinkIn and Plaxo to appear more professional than Facebook/MySpace.  Examples on the sites are more formal, not as casual as Facebook.  Topics seemed more directed, not the casual conversation seen on Facebook.  It is understandable that professionals might use these sites, however, I really don't understand if you are suppose to direct a potential employer to your site, or if employers looking to hire, find people through the site.  If the latter is the case, which I am led to believe, then I really don't understand how they do the search.  I was surprised at the number of people I know who were members of these sites, but I wonder how much they utilize the site or keep it updated.  Just some thoughts . . .


Saturday, June 13, 2009

LinkedIn and Plaxo

Looking over both LinkedIn and Plaxo, I personally preferred LinkedIn.  

On Plaxo, it provides the entire address book for contacts and you have to eliminate those you do not want versus LinkedIn where you select from your address book.

LinkedIn has a number of other applications you can utilize for work related activities and job hunting.  It also includes a poll, slideshare, travel link, google presentation, and others that are linked to your profile so they become more easily accessible.

Neither site gave clear instructions for first time users.  It was a lot of trial and error to complete tasks, especially when you are not familiar with these types of sites.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Revisit Web 2.0 Site

Revisiting the Web 2.0 site, I checked out some other things, however, I still like YouTube the best.  I like the fact that sites are identified as being in the top three with an honorable mention. Saves time looking through pages and pages of things if you search yourself.  I found it interesting to find drink mix recipes, philanthropic organizations, and educational sites all located in one easy to find spot.

Utilizing Photo Sharing Sites

After setting up and utilizing a photo sharing account, I have been thinking about how I would utilize this in my teaching.  I would first experiment with my dance class and as part of what I send home for signature, I would include a consent form to photograph.  With that in hand, the pictures that I take throughout the year could then be stored on the photo share and used for a slideshow for my final Family Showcase in the Spring.  This would allow students and parents to see the year's work.  I might also make it available so students could download pictures of themselves.

After working with it, I would then move to my PE classes and do the final presentation for each of the classes to enjoy seeing and reflecting on the year's work.

Web 2.0 Expands Horizons

Learning about the concept of Web 2.0 has expanded my horizons and made me realize the magnitude of possibilities and the ease with which collaboration can be done, items can be shared, resources can be obtained from a multitude of places, and multiple forms of media can be utilized - audio, video, document, etc.  While I will have to spend more time practicing to more easily be able to utilize all that Web 2.0 has to offer, I will definitely be going beyond what I have done in the past.  I am anxious to utilize some of these skills in my teaching.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Image Generator

 Practicing using the image generator.  Found this on