BP3_Dipidy

I chose to review a Web 2.0 tool called Dipidy.  Dipidy is a site with both a free and a paid version, which allows users to create timelines.  After searching through what seemed to be hundreds of 2.0 Apps, I found this one, which may have a place in my instruction of students.

Dipidy has a large number of pre made timelines, ranging from the escapades of Madonna to the accomplishments of Steve Jobs.  The timelines are attractive, seemingly unbiased, and interesting.  You can search for timelines by topic, which makes the site very user friendly.





You can also create your own timelines on Dipidy.  You can opt to create them from scratch with entirely your own information, or you can put events into a timeline, and support them with information from pre made timelines by incorporating them into your existing one.




 I think the coolest part of the timelines is that they are interactive.  You can click on one of your entries to obtain a video, a news article, a link to another timeline, etc. Of course, the timeline is only as "good" as the information you find to put into it.

I found that creating my own timeline was very interesting - not very involved initially.  Finding appropriate, copy write free photos, videos, and articles, however, was very time consuming.  As I worked on adding events to an existing timeline on the history of atom exploration, I spent way too much time looking for appropriate and available photos and videos.  I ended up adding only one event, the latest launch of the Mars Rover on November 28, 2011, to an existing timeline.

I can see great uses for this tool.  As a science and technology teacher, I would like to incorporate more history of the people involved in innovation and invention.  I would love to have time to develop timelines appropriate for physics, life science, engineering, etc., to use in my classes.  I think the interactive feature would hold my student's attention better than a Power Point presentation of information.  If the timeline was available on line, I could assign it's viewing as homework.  Overall, given time to work on the presentations, this is an awesome tool.

BP2_iGoogle PLE

My iGoogle page looks like this:

My homepage, above, contains fall scenery because it reminds me of where I was born - Wisconsin.  I have never seen more beautiful fall colors anywhere!  It contains Facebook (my page in under construction) and Twitter gadgets, as well as a local weather link.  I have a clock and calendar gadget, as well as link to my google calendar.  I also have a CNN link, and a link to my Gmail account. Lastly, I have a gadget to Epicurious, because for some reason, thinking about what I'm making for dinner kind of motivates me to finish my assignments!

On my second FSO/AR tab, above, I have links to my Google features and additional Email accounts.  I also have valuable AR links for easy accessibility when working on my Literature Review paper.

On my last Resources tab, I have Google Reader, my ETC resources table of links, my Lynda.com Training table of links, a Viddler gadget, so I can stay current on any updates to Viddler, and a Daily English Study gadget, which I'm planning to use with my ELL students to strengthen their learning of English.

I think this PLE will be useful in my quest to remain organized!  

BPI-Welcome to my blog!

The Survivor!

When I look at this Blue Agave Cactus, I see a survivor.  It came, as a 4 inch tall plant, from a neighbor who was "weeding" it from his garden.  My husband brought it home, we planted it about a year ago, and now it's nearly 2 feet tall, sprouting babies of it's own.


How does this relate to me?  I want to be like the Agave!  I want to grow as I journey through my Master's program at Full Sail University.  I am challenged and excited by the new learning I am experiencing, even though it may often take me a few attempts to get it right.  I want to be able to say to my children and students, "Look at what I've been able to accomplish!"


In this program, I am being challenged to step outside of my comfort zone and explore my unexplored learning styles.  This blog is an example of that.  I have never willingly read any blogs, and certainly didn't think I'd be creating one!  Other challenges have included working in groups to accomplish tasks - yes, I am one of those people who prefers to work independently, but have actually enjoyed the collaboration, feedback, and support of my peers.