Thing #7

One technology related program that I am really interested in right now is "Dragon Naturally Speaking" software. This software enables a person to say what they would like to type and their words are transcribed into email or word documents. The program also allows a person to give their computer instructions and it will carry out the duties that are stated. I recently heard about a similar program on the Droid phone from Verizon Wireless. The app is called "Google Voice Actions," it will turn speech into text and will also access Google maps to give directions and find phone numbers. Pretty tricky stuff!

I plan on applying for a grant this year to buy the Dragon Naturally Speaking software for my class so that the students who have a harder time writing will have another option besides me being their scribe. :) Hopefully it will also make them feel more confident and successful in knowing that they can produce a five paragraph essay without spending days trying to get their thoughts on paper. The best part is, they will still have to edit and revise, the program will just make the literal writing less of a hindrance.

Thing #6

I found the photo montage option on www.smilebox.com and I really liked the site. I decided to make an "All About Me" collage to use in my class. I have been wanting to create something to tell the kids a little about myself at the beginning of the year and I liked this option much more than just doing a PowerPoint. I included some pictures of my family, friends, favorite places, and favorite things.

A free digital collage by Smilebox

Thing #5

For spring break I went to Disney World. I transfered all of my pictures to my computer and decided to use Flickr to share them with everyone else. I still want to play with the site because I think it's kind of borning to look at, but it is definitely a much easier way to share pictures without using my own or somone else's computer memory.

Thing #3

I was a little confused about setting up the blog and pretty nervous about what I should write. Hopefully I did everything correctly. :)

Thing #2

I would have to say the easiest habit for me is #1 (Begin with the end in mind) because I need goals to keep me sane! If I do not make a "to do" list each day or have a plan for what I need to accomplish within a certain time frame, I drive myself with worrying about what needs to be done.

The hardest habit for me is #6 (Using Technology). I have many ideas for implementing technology into my lessons, but I either don't have time to get around to them or I talk myself out of trying new things. I'm trying to use habit #1 to motivate myself into working more interactive lessons into my study routines for the kids. That way they will think of studying as a game rather than a chore. We'll see if my little plan works.