Final blog reflection: teaching and learning with Web 2.0 tools (ETEC 527)

    This was a fascinating course; there were so many aspects of digital Web 2.0 I did not know about. During this course, I learned about both the positive and negative aspects of Web 2.0 technology. Before we venture into those details, let's take a walk down memory lane; below are some artifacts from ETEC 527 and learning about Web 2.0 technology. 

Week One:  Adventure in Vanity Search:

    During Week One, I literally found myself. during this search. I realized how much of a technology footprint I had. I am most certain that there is more information about me out there that I haven't found since what I shared from Week One. I used several types of searches and was amazed at the information I found during my exploration.

    

    Week Two: Twitter Blog Post:  I was able to explore Twitter, and I came to learn about how to use Twitter as a Web 2.0 tool I learned all about hashtags and how they are keywords for topics. I knew Twitter was an impactful and very influential social platform, I learned that it could be used to share information with students along with joining groups. 

Week 3 Twitter/Youtube Adventure: I continued my Twitter adventure, but also explored youtube. In a previous class, I learned how to use the basics of youtube. 

I created lists that were related to teaching and learning with technology and content videos for both Math and Social Studies. I am still learning the ends and outs of youtube. Both Web 2.0 tools are great resources that can be incorporated into daily instruction. Youtube is a very powerful online video-sharing social media platform.

During Week 4 Adventures of HyperDocs, I learned what HyperDocs were and were not. Below is a screenshot of my Twitter post. 

My final project for this course was to create a lesson that had Web 2.0 technology. I created a 2-3 day Hyperdoc lesson that would be used within my classroom during stations. HyperDocs help make lessons engaging, and meaningful and they also offer differentiation and creativity.

In week 5 I learned about social bookmarking. I was already social bookmarking on Pinterest and Facebook without even knowing it (the term that is). When web pages and tabs are bookmarked, you can retrieve the information at a later time. I also learned about Diigo that week. There were plenty of Web 2.0 resources to bookmark on Diigo. I joined a few groups as well.

My final assignment was to conduct a vanity search 2. I found that very little had changed from when I first conducted my initial vanity search but was surprised to see that my Instagram account came up when last time it didn't. 

    While I ventured into the world of Web 2.0 tools I found that there were many advantages, First Web 2.0 Tools can help make lessons engaging and interactive. if unsure how to use a certain web 2.0 tool,  you should be able to find a tutorial online. A few strengths and affordances are that once you keep using it, it becomes easier to use. You can format your lessons using different software or applications. You can access almost any type of information that you can think of. Which is also a pitfall. Other pitfalls are, not having appropriate internet connectivity, or enough technology readily available. It could be difficult to monitor students, and material needs to be thoroughly vetted before being issued. Before using any type of web 2.0 tool, I would look at the feedback for possible ratings, and check to see what kind of technical support is offered. I would also make certain that the technology is user-friendly, adaptable, and cost-efficient. A few things I wish to avoid, using Web 2.0 tools that do not offer alignment to the state standards, and that is not secure tool.

ETEC 527- Vanity Search 2

     I found quite a bit of my digital footprint when I started this journey. I shared what I found and was very surprised by it. When I conducted my Vanity Search 2, I thought I would find a lot more; however, that was not the case. I searched by my Twitter handle and did a name search with my maiden name and married the last name; I  Inserted my middle initial. most of the same information came up.  

    This time my Instagram account came up with my Facebook profile picture.  I went to my Twitter account and checked my privacy, and it did allow other people to see my tweets. I conducted my google search and came up with the image below.

    As an educator, I know the risks of posting certain criteria on social media. I must be careful at all times and be conservative with what I share online. I am surprised that my footprint didn't grow as much as I anticipated it to. As of now, I will keep my Twitter account open, because I have not completed all of my coursework for my degree. I may need it in the long run. 

    I have enjoyed learning about all of the Web 2.0 tools we learned and played with during this semester.

I will try my best to become the librarian that I aspire to be.

Week 5: Social Bookmarking (ETEC 527)

 As I read over the concepts we would learn this week, I felt a little nervous; we had to set up a Diigo account to learn and explore social bookmarking. Social bookmarking is the process of tagging website pages so that you can revisit them. During my online search to learn more about social bookmarking, I realized I was already experienced with this. 

Above, I bookmarked classroom 2.0 in Diigo. There are several resources about 2.0 Technology in Diigo. 

I also searched for coding groups and joined a 5th-grade math group. There are so many resources available. I look forward to further research within Diigo and using some of the content I find within my final project.

I used Pinterest quite a bit and realized that each time I save a Pin, I bookmark it to return to it later. There have been many pins that I have saved over the years. When I first created my account, it was to help me with my classroom instruction. During my first year of teaching, I used many of the anchor charts I found on Pinterest to recreate in my classroom to aid in my instruction. Without Pinterest, I do not know what I would have done; I still use Pinterest to find new ideas.

As you can see, I have a variety of boards that contain Pins, ranging from education and coding to food and beauty. I even created a web 2.0 tolls and car restoration board recently.

 

Aside from Pinning, I have also joined some social pages via Facebook. I have joined some different library, teaching, and cooking groups. I have saved many pages on Facebook, and when I need to look for them, it is easy to go back and retrieve them. I just click on the section that says your groups, and I can click on the group I want to see. I have also bookmarked and saved videos and posts to return to later.

 I have also recently learned how to bookmark Youtube videos on my chrome bookmark browser. When my district tech allows me to access the content, it is convenient when I need to save something to access quickly.  Press Ctrl + D on your device (Cmd + D on a Mac).

Social Bookmarking has its advantages; when bookmarking, we create shortcuts, saving us time and keeping our instruction focused. What teacher doesn't need to save time! Bookmarking helps make and present instruction smoother. I learned a lot this week!

ETEC 527 Week 4: Adventures in Hyper Docs.

     At the beginning of this week,  I did not know what a HyperDoc was. I, like many others, thought a HyperDoc was a document that contained hyperlinks. Through the assigned reading, explorations, and my learning, It became apparent what a HyperDoc was and was Not. Using a well-crafted 5E and content-focused HyperDoc should help make my lessons engaging and effective. Today's students are very involved with using technology and other media, so creating lessons that fit their different learning styles will benefit them. Below is a tweet I sent out earlier this week. It addresses what I learned that a HyperDoc was and was not. 

I wanted to learn more about HyperDocs and continued researching; I found some videos for beginners and some activities helpful for a layout. There were copious amounts of how-to-create HyperDocs videos on Youtube. I found the videos and slides below helpful. I am still exploring and finding new material daily. At the end of this course, I should be able to successfully create a HyperDoc. In this video, Google slides and suggested sites for beginners are included.

HyperDocs for Beginners

 I wondered how I could utilize HyperDocs to engage students in my classroom. Even though HyperDocs offers more than just engagement, this was one question I had in mind.  How would I put everything together in one document successfully? The Link below will take you to a HyperDoc Template; from there, additional embedded hyperlinks will take you to other HyperDoc sites for further exploration.

Using Hyper Docs to Engage Students

   In the HyperDoc below, students learn about Animal Habitats using components of a 5 E lesson plan.

Even though I have found several other HyperDocs that are more elaborate, the HyperDoc below would be a good start as to where I could begin.

Animal Habitats HyperDoc

    Through my exploration, I became knowledgeable about HyperDocs; my next task will be to create a lesson using web 2.0 tools such as EdPuzzle, Kahoot!, Screencastify, and Youtube, which will promote learning and mastery of skills. By the end of this course, I should be able to produce a lesson I can implement in my current classroom. Even though I feel shaky about this, it will be pretty exciting! 

Week 3 Twitter and Youtube Adventure (ETEC 527)

     This week I continued with my Twitter and YouTube Adventure. Every time I get on Twitter, there is something new and exciting to explore. I ventured onto Tweet Deck, and the layout initially threw me off; so much was going on the screen at first. I took a moment to adjust my eyes and explore.  I found it a neat concept; Everything is on one screen, and there is no toggling between tabs. You just need to scroll to the right to see the different columns.  I can create additional columns and add topics. My Home, Profile, Notifications, #etec527, Explore, TEA, TAMUC, and UNESCO are shown. Initially, the background was too dark for my eyes, so I changed it to light. You can add multiple decks. I have one deck labeled Personal and The other Labeled School. 

    As the week progressed, I began working on my youtube exploration. In my Makerspace course, I created a Youtube page and posted Arduino projects I worked on weekly. I hadn't given much thought to making any lists until this week. Our assignment indicated that we needed to search Youtube for videos in the following areas and set up playlists for each category listed. Videos on using Twitter and Twitter tools, videos on Teaching and Learning with Technology, videos that speak to the use of web 2.0 tools for learning, and videos related to one area that you currently teach or might teach when you do get to the classroom and playlist of your choice

Videos on using Twitter and Twitter tools

    As I explored Youtube, I found numerous videos on how to use Twitter and Twitter tools. Many of the videos were about how to increase your Twitter base and generate income. I may look into that when I decide that the income I bring home from being a teacher is not enough. The Twitter videos are tutorials and show you how to manage posts, accounts, and the different Twitter tools. Since technology is constantly changing, I went with the most recent Twitters videos that helped me with the various aspects of Twitter. They were all very informative.

Videos on Teaching and Learning with Technology

    I have used several technology tools in my classroom, but this week I had to discuss technology that I had used in my classroom or would like to explore. I found a tutorial about everything I needed to know about teaching with technology, including How to use Nearpod, Screencasts, and Canva. I feel more confident about utilizing technology in my classroom than I did before looking up videos on YouTube.

Videos that speak to the use of web 2.0 tools for learning

    There were a considerable amount of Web 2.0  reference videos on YouTube. I wanted to find tools that would promote collaboration. I found Canva, Wakelet, and Screencastify tutorial videos. These types of web 2.0 technology encourage collaboration and communication with peers. We all know that communication and collaboration help the brain grow!

5th grade Math (TEK) Content

    For my 5th grade content, I found several content videos, videos about Math resources, how one teacher taught math (which was more about the materials she used), and what technology tools I could use to teach math, such as braining camp. Overall there were some great content instructional videos.

5th Grade Social Studies

    The one subject I need to really work on is Social Studies, so I searched and found some videos about making Social Studies more fun and engaging to teach using technology. This year has been a rough year for student behavior, and I found some videos for teaching students about self-regulation. I also found a video about planning engaging lessons for social studies and interesting material containing social studies content.

    This week was an eventful week filled with exploration and becoming more familiar with different types of technology. There were some new learning web 2.0 tools that I had never heard of and some that I had heard of but had yet to have the chance to explore. Making learning engaging and meaningful is critical for any student. I enjoyed expanding my knowledge regarding both Youtube and Twitter. They are both forms of technology and have a very active and impactful place in education.

W2: Twitter Blog Post (ETEC 527)

    This week I had the pleasure of creating a Twitter account for my ETEC 527 course. I was to create an account and hashtag #etec527. Even though I have a private Twitter, I rarely post anything. I will go on to see what daily trends are occurring.

    In the last week, I have learned much about how to use Twitter and the applications contained within.

I learned how to bookmark pages and hashtag's purpose; I also made a Twitter circle and created a Librarian list. The only thing I have inserted in my list thus far is the scholastic page, but I am sure I will make more in the future. 

    One thing that I know for sure about Twitter is that it is a powerful social platform. I have seen political posts, posts from other countries, advertising posts, and activist posts. All of which have had an impact on the global community. The uses of Twitter are limitless and not just for social use. 

    Twitter can be used in the classroom to extend learning beyond the classroom. The article below mentions ten ways Twitter can support classroom learning and communication. There are several great ideas contained in the article. Feel free to click on the link and browse. My takeaway from the article is that Twitter is an excellent addition to classroom resources and keeps students up with current events and trends.

Twitter is a social hub that reaches millions of people daily and using it for educational purposes has its positives. As I explored Twitter, I realized Twitter would be a beneficial tool for classroom engagement, parent communication, student feedback, and peer collaboration. Students can use their devices to share articles and videos supporting their learning.

I found a how-to teach and learn with a Twitter guide. The resource below was produced by Twitter in collaboration with UNESCO. It walks you through the setup and explains all the aspects of Twitter and topics like controlling digital footprints, demonstrating digital etiquette, and dealing with cyberbullying. 

    As someone who has only used Twitter to keep up with trending information, this week was filled with eye-opening experiences. I am now more familiar with a tool that I was reluctant to use due to a lack of user experience on my behalf. I can use Twitter with my students for classroom discussions and feedback, conduct classroom surveys, and have students share what they are researching individually and in groups. I can inform parents and send reminders in a large private group or separately. I feel more comfortable using Twitter, and with the additional resources I have found online, I feel more confident in my skills. 

W1 Vanity Search (Web 2.0 Technologies for Instruction ETEC-527-01W)

    As I nervously typed my name in the google search field, I wondered what my digital footprint would look like. I thought any traces of my digital footprint would be minimal. I usually have all of my account setting set to private and felt confident that I would not find much; I was wrong.

    I searched my name on Google, "Vivian Cantu," and found information on various sites. Some I knew could be listed in public domains, but others I had not thought of. What I found was very interesting. 

    The first site that came up with my name was LinkedIn. My undergrad professors urged me to create an account to network. It was part of a grade for one of my courses; I have not updated anything since 2021. I only have my education and Honors and Awards posted. I was surprised but not shocked to find my account. To see my complete profile, one would have to join LinkedIn. However, I found more than what I wanted to be public.

The second thing I found through my search was my Google Classroom Link on my campus district homepage. The hyperlinks are empty. Our Librarian is supposed to update our information but has yet to be able to. The reality of finding myself at my school campus website was unsettling.

I usually opt not to post my donation information publicly, but this one came up. It was made public when I let the organizer know I had donated. I was even more surprised to see the amount that I had donated also posted. I never knew that if you donated through GoFundMe, it would be made public to everyone.

The search brought unexpected findings; I belong to a Fantasy Football League and have been a member for over twenty years. I had no idea that my standings would be made public. Luckily My team had an appropriate name. 

As I further searched, I was able to find information on Spokeo. It was scary to see that the people I was not related to were listed as possibly related, along with my spouse and children. My maiden name was also listed as part of my alias. 

This one, I  have to admit, I didn't even think about being public.  I will have to change my privacy settings. I may have a lot of pins on Pinterest, but I do not follow anyone. I rarely log on to my account now at days, but the mere thought of it being out there is, as mentioned before, unsettling.

Since my maiden name came up as an alias, I decided to conduct a vanity search on google for that. Other than possible contact information, a post I made on my high school teacher's obituary came up. I was saddened to read what I had posted and surprised that after fourteen years, the post was still accessible online.

As I mentioned earlier, I thought I was doing a pretty good job setting my account privacy settings to private. As I continued to conduct my vanity search for any additional photos, images, or videos that contained me,  I was not able to find any pictures or videos of myself. I searched using Safari and Bing as well. I noticed several searches that came up with possible matches for several of my family members and my sibling's ex-spouses. There were also old phone numbers and my current address listed and available for sale. I found that both disturbing and disgusting. 

    It was interesting to see that the information I posted was available to the public even if a significant amount of time had passed. If there was one thing I learned, I definitely have a digital footprint. There is no such thing as complete privacy. It is essential to be careful of the things that you post online. There will definitely be personal information available to anyone for sale online. 

This opportunity to conduct a vanity search was eye-opening. It will be essential to have my students perform a vanity search, and I will also read the book The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story by Julia Cook. to them. The way we conduct ourselves online will definitely follow us for many years.