Thing #12

After looking at each of Google tools, choose two of them to explore further. Try setting up an alert, calendar, notebook, P icasa album or iGoogle page and using it. If sharing is an option for the tools you choose, make them public. Blog about your experience with both tools and include a link to your creation. Be sure and include possible educational uses

I really don't like the Google tools and probably will not use them. The big thing is security. I think that there is a line to draw with your public life. Especially when you are a teacher and just wearing a dress your principal does not like is enough to put you on unemployment for 2 years. I don't think any of this information is anyone's business but mine and I will never use these applications. . I don't think there is any educational application to any of these things. It is a violation of the American Education Rights to Privacy Act. You can not release any educational records with out written permission of the parents, and the students over 18. You can not make that a condition of taking a class. Putting all your educational lesson plans, notes, student pictures etc. is in direct violation of the students rights. I am not going to answer to anyone about my personal life when I clock out and go home. That is going way too far. I will sue the first person who starts any stalking, slandering or defaming the first time without warning.

Now I did sign up for alerts related to my area, vocal music. I think this is a good idea especially if there is little information available in your subject area. I have been searching blogs and there is not a lot of blogs on vocal music.

I looked at the calendar and it is the reason I wrote paragraph one. I did like the reminder. But I have applications that do not make my activities public much better. I did sign up for reminders and made one for the test on Monday. I will never use it again it is really a waste of time.

Web 2.0 has some valuable tools for educators but there is a lot of trash out there. It is interesting to read but I would caution people from using anything but peer reviewed publications. I think there is a line to draw. Do I base my lessons on blogs by people who have less education than I or, am I going to seek a higher authority. I believe you eventually get to a point were you have to lead not follow. If you know more than everyone blogging it is a waste of time to read unless you are going to play police officer 0r become a nuisance commenter constantly telling everyone they are wrong. Traditionally music was taught like an apprenticeship. A master trained a protege. Since formal schools have taken over, some of the privately trained experts in their art are being over looked. A college degree has a lot of weight but some times,especially with performers, 20 years of private instruction is far more valuable than 5 years of college.

Well I don't like the google tools. Some people may find them helpful but a sports watch and a little organizer or cell phone is far better. I can put my schedule in my cell phone and it is with me all the time with little reminder alarms. Cell phones are great. My cell phone was turned off several years ago and I still use it for a phone book, radio, calendar, alarm clock, and reminder system. I think they had a good idea but it is not for me.