Twitter for News

June 26, 2015

I don't care to read about what someone had for dinner, nor what she/he just bought at the store. But I love learning news moments after it's occurred: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6466968591480007727#editor/target=post;postID=362257108018644157

Social Media

June 25, 2015

I've come up with a new idea for social media. My concept will be titled Facadebook. I know, I know. It sounds an awful lot like Facebook, but it's WAY different.

So here's how it will work. People will create an account and add "friends" to see what they've posted. The thing about friends is that one doesn't have to know any of the people added. In fact, most people will end up with hundreds, maybe thousands of "friends," many of whom they don't like, let alone know.

But the next part is where it gets really interesting. Facadebook users will use the platform primarily for humblebragging. Now, you may not have seen this word, newly added to the dictionary, defined. It's just what it sounds like: boasting under the guise of humility. Let me give you an example. A person buys a new house in a prestigious neighborhood. He posts a picture of his mansion and writes how "blessed" he is, ostensibly to have a monthly mortgage that surpasses the gross national product of a small country. See how it works?

Another useful concept of Facadebook will be stating the obvious in a thinly disguised attempt at soliciting comments. A mother's caption to a photo of her children reads, "Love these beautiful children. So proud of them." Um, yeah. They're YOUR kids. Of course you love them. Geez. Oh, wait. This is where the "friends" are supposed to add how much THEY also love the children, and, "oh, they're so beautiful."

Lastly, Facadebook will be an excellent form of communication for members of the same household. One bride can proclaim, "Happy anniversary to the love of my life, to whom I've been married three months." Of course, the beloved doesn't have a Facadebook account, so he can't actually SEE what his wife thinks, but "friends" will all add their congratulatory remarks. To me it seems an inauspicious start to a marriage when one member of the union would rather proclaim her/his love by getting on the computer, rather than walking into the other room and sharing the moment privately.

But I could be wrong. For all I know, their lives could be really....blessed.

The Technology Fire Hose

I love technology. Really. I am so appreciative of the information that is literally at my fingertips. When I can't think of the title of a movie, I look it up. If I forget a neighbor's last name, I text someone with a better memory for the answer. After two years of on-line coursework to earn my K-12 LIS certification, I am finishing 29 required credit hours this summer, having never stepped into a classroom.

There are days, however, that the technology deluge teeters on the precipice between awesome and overwhelming.

Today, I was invited to join a goal challenge on my new Fitbit. It seems that, with technology, the friends I've added can see when I'm not walking--and can taunt me. Then my son created a online family album for us to share photographs. A lovely thought, but I'm not sure which program he used and can't figure out when I'll have the time to learn it. I worked on creating a Webquest, used Zotero to format citations, and contributed to a class wiki. I took an online OAE practice test and am now blogging on my own website. Keeping up with all can be crazy.

When I think about how much my life has been altered, personally and professionally, I'm struck by the extraordinary influence technology has had. And it hasn't come in trickle. It's been a deluge. A veritable flood of change.

And I resolve to embrace it. But I may need a lifejacket.

#Hashtagsineducation

Twitter in Education

Technology Literature

June 15, 2015

I've been delighted to take several technology courses to earn my K-12 LIS certification. While the assignments and work have been, for the most part, edifying and useful, the books are not. Only in the instance where we purchased an on-line text were the materials updated. In other cases, the books were published several years ago, making their information outdated. Although I'm certainly not a cutting-edge technology expert, reading about using Facebook to engage students (who currently avoid any social media utilized by their parents) isn't a good use of my time or money. It seems that when it comes to technology coursework, professors should try to find on-line materials to ensure that what they teach is not obsolete or antiquated. 

#Overwhelmed

June 14, 2015

Driving 18 hours in two days is worth the effort when one gets to spend time with family; however, coming back to coursework, completing an arduous application, preparing for a test, and finding time to schedule practicum hours and build an e-folio collection is about to send me over the edge. I'm taking tomorrow to sit down and finish a few things. First. The application. The deadline ends tomorrow. Then, order Pearson's study guide. (Can I state how much I hate that company???!) Lastly, contribute to the wiki and begin my webquest. Oh. Wait. I need to do my app proposal, too. Okay. Enough blogging because I think I need to cry. ;-)

Gaga for Google

In my school, the technology coordinator for our district has prohibited staff from using Google products. He's a Microsoft guy, who wants to maintain a consistent platform across the district. While I understand the ease of consistency, I also know that disregarding free, intuitive products that make many educators' lives easier is frustrating. 

As I search for a library media specialist position, I am looking for a district that embraces the intricacies of education, as opposed to impeding them  It is toward this end that I have selected Google Blogger for my most recent Kent LIS course. Numerous districts in central Ohio utilize Google, and I want to be prepared to integrate it with zeal.