Google Reader

I found a great number of helpful resources on Google Reader.

The first is NCTE Comprehensive News Feed which seems to be a great connecting tool for teachers and educators nationwide. It is written by Deborah and has links pertaining specifically for elementary, middle, secondary, and college teachers.

My second subscription is Cool Cat Teacher Blog, a more relaxed, fun source which also deals with technology in the classroom and a variety of related ideas.

Next, Discussion Forum, which is just that: a forum for teachers to connect, toss around questions and ask for ideas. As I am preparing to teach English myself, I see this as a very helpful tool to see the questions that come and see the problems or concerns that often arise.

And then, eLearn Magazine. I love this one. It is all about using technology to teach. It's main page reads, "Education and Technology in Perspective," and that is exactly what it is. It lists ways utilize technology in a teaching mode and even offers training on how to do so.

Next, The Power of Educational Technology. Also, another great source for how to utilize technology in an educational manner. As with eLearn Magazine, it is full with insights for how to use the influx of new technological tools.

The Thinking Stick. This is the blog of Jeff Utecht from Bangkok, Thailand. Some of his recent blogs are exploring the radical shift towards complete screen exposure. Along with these articles, he includes posts regarding teaching and learning seminars which should also be an interesting read.

Chinese Forums is next on my list. This page is designed for those continuing their understanding of Mandarin Chinese. They are able to post questions, discuss the problems others seem to have, and even discuss the opportunities available to use this language.

I also included news pages, such as the New York Times, the International New York Times, and the BBC News Asia-Pacific, along with the blog of my group-mate, Christie Cochrane. I really enjoy the news, and love to be up to date with the events happening at home as well as world wide.

My adds to my page

So, if I understood our assignment correctly, I am supposed to give a brief explanation of the additions I made to my blog. Well, I was able to upload some pictures, one of myself at an aquarium, and another picture I took of a statue in a park in Taiwan. I also chose to add fish. I love pictures, so I chose some of my favorites to look at, and I liked the movement the fish brought to the blog. I attempted to add one of my favorite songs from YouTube, but it turned out to be a horrible failure. Perhaps we can go over how to provide other links in class?
I was suprised that I enjoyed this project more than I anticipated. It probably took me a great deal longer than it should have, but I did try, and am pleased with the outcome.

About Me

I suppose I should probably share a bit about myself. I am currently a junior studying English teaching at Brigham Young University. I love literature, and hope to help others cultivate that same love and appreciation. I recently returned from a mission to Taiwan and am continuing my study of Mandarin Chinese as well.
I am not the greatest fan of technology. I prefer the handwritten letter to e-mail, but I suppose this whole experience will be quite good for me. I hope this will help me develop a greater confidence with technology and expand my horizons as I see technology's potential in furthering education. I hope I don't sound too pessimestic, I am eager to learn. I suppose this class is a great jumping-off point.

This is my first post