Week 5 Assignment: Avatars and Authenticity

After reading "I See Dead People: Kurt Cobain and The Humanity of Avatars," it struck me how the evolution of technology is shaping the legal world.  Just a few years ago, this would never have been a possibility or issue that would come up and call for legal representation, even among celebrities.  Before reading the article, I didn't even know creating an avatar was that popular or had that much of an effect on one's identity that one would need a lawyer to defend his/her online image -- in this case, Kurt Cobain's.  I feel this issue further proves how essential it is to ensure that you are aware of how you are represented online, and that you take full control of this portrayal on the dynamic social network.

Week 4 Assignments: Social Multimedia

Out of the number of multimedia apps we explored in class, I am now obsessed with Hulu.com.  I don't even watch my TV to flip through channels or put on DVDs anymore.  I can see all of my favorite TV shows (current and old), as well as a number of movies for FREE on this site.  As a social media site, it also allows me to easily share and embed these shows and movies with all of my friends and family who like to follow the same shows that I do -- especially if we missed it on primetime television or want to save money from renting a DVD.  Did I mention I'm obsessed?  Check it out for yourself at Hulu.com.

Week 2 Posts: Using Twitter to build a PLN / Blogging in Education

Here are 3 short articles from Mashable that highlight some benefits of using Twitter in your everyday life...and what I have to say about them.  CHECK OUT THESE AND MORE at the Mashable link above!!!

Tasty Tweets: 55+ Foodies to Follow on Twitter

MMMM- delicious!  This article is chock-full of links and info for new recipes and cooking ideas...great for someone who loves to cook and needs to learn to appreciate Twitter more! 

How To Do Good On Twitter

So who knew you could tweet and help others at the same time! This article will change anyone's mind (like my own) who though Twitter was just about following the latest celeb gossip and status updates.  Among many things, this article tells how you can follow certain charities, fundraisers, and even help those in need find a job in this tough economy!

Tweet Ideas: 13 Things to Do on Twitter Besides Tweet

This was a great source of info for a novice Twitter user like myself.  It shows how you can share so many things from music, videos, business cards, bookmarks, games, and even job posts on the fabulous Twitter social network.  What good ideas and a useful article...Check 'em out for yourself.

Week 1 Posts: Impressions of Introductory Video & Class/Comment on Weblogg-ed article

1) The video opened my eyes...most of the time I was staring at the screen with my jaw dropped or saying "Wow, really?"  It's incredible to see statistics that blow the U.S. and Americans out of the water, and to see how pervasive and exponential that technology and social media growth is across the globe.  The stats about education and health care blew me away.

2) I liked Shelly's approach and instruction since Day 1 of this course, but I had no idea what I was getting into, and what the whole concept behind a "Paperless Classroom" was.  On the first day of class I was skeptical about why and how this would even be worthwhile/beneficial in addition to the mounds of extra work we need to do for the classroom.  I did keep an open mind....eventually got bit by the SM bug, but still have more to do to get involved and build my PLN!

3) I posted a comment on an article on tech education...Check out the article and comments on Weblogg-ed at this link. Here's a copy of my comments below:

       "At the start of each school year, instructors across all grade levels are encouraged to introduce their set of rules and expectations in a positive list of "Do's" rather than a negative list of "Don'ts". This way, we can set the year off on a more nurturing and positive note, instead of making students feel like they are always breaking a rule or up against authority -- their teachers who care about their growth as students and young individuals. This philosophy aligns well with what Will promotes here, so I definitely agree!"