Digital Searches...How do you narrow it down?

When I first looked through the information in this week's reading, I thought to myself, "What do I know about searching online with my kids?" The answer is, "Not much!" I think that's a result of not having branched out on my own searching. My end-all-be-all: Google. I've become a Google Junkie, having done so much work through Google this summer. I can't recall a time when I haven't used Google to do my searching online.

As I was reading about using online search engines, I realized I don't know much information about them. Being a primary teacher, there are very few times when my kids even go on the internet. We do use a few search tools, but not very often at all. Most times these are done in large group settings since you have to be very specific with the language in some search engines.

For me, I can see how many different options would be beneficial in different searching situations. The only thing would be to determine how to figure out what information is legitimate. I liked how the reading pointed to the unpredictability of general online searches, instead suggesting that going to a database: "Given the difficulties with search engines, librarians suggst that students are better off going directly to database collections..." (Jenkins, 27). If I were doing online research or had students doing online research, I think I would try to direct that research in the direction of databases with creditable resources. Not to say that Google and Wikipedia aren't creditable...maybe just not as such.

Overwhelming is the last word I would leave with in regards to searching online. How do you narrow it down? I'm not quite sure...I have yet to figure that out!

My first picture!

I just had to try this out...I know it's not really professionally related, but I thought I would be successful here and then know how to do it for my own personal blog. Thanks!

To blog or not to blog, that is the question

So I know the answer for me...yes! To blog for me is a good thing! I'm loving the possibility of "recording" my family's life in digital form and having it for however long my blog is able to be around. As many of us have mentioned, I too will be doing a blog for my digital writing project. I have even set it up already! (and I bravely link it here) I know, I know...ahead of this game with that one. It's a first, really...I usually procrastinate to the end. Anyway-very excited to get that started! As I continue to appreciate reading others' blogs and their style of writing, I only hope my writing is as interesting as some of your writing.

To blog or not to blog in the classroom...not to blog, at least for now. Our first grade team tried this 2 years ago and it was a disaster. It was when we had the Web 2.0 guy speak at the back to school workshop-we were very excited about it and all tried it out. The parents that I had come back at me with the "Whys" and the justification I had to make for doing the blogging was very wearing. I just don't know if I'm ready to try that again. Hmmm...

To end today's post, I have to share a favorite blog of mine for personal reading: http://www.mattlogelin.com/ It is raw emotion of a native Minnesotan who now lives in California and his real-life emotion after becoming a dad and losing his wife within 27 hours of each other. If you ever have time-the writing is incredible and so very real.

First "Real" Post

So, as I sit here, trying to do my reading, my attention goes to the computer. Isn't it funny how that didn't used to be the case? I don't ever go one evening without sitting down, turning on the computer, and reading my email. I've also started reading the paper online and following other blogs. Now this would not have been the case even one year ago, when we didn't have the laptop. Mobility makes all the difference. I am excited to learn more about how digital literacy really has value in a primary classroom. What can I do for my kiddos that will really make a difference in their learning? That's the question I have and ask the most as newer technology comes out. Will 6 and 7 year olds really get it? Or is it just for me to say, "My kids did this with this technology."? That's what I don't want. Hopefully some of those questions will be answered, or if not answered, helped.

As I finish this post and thing about digital writing as a writer, I find that I love it! Never in any other aspect of my life do I get to sit and get this much information and thought out on screen. :) I know I will be starting my own personal blog for my familiy (wishing I would have done it earlier). As a teacher of writing, it still puzzles me as to how I can fit it in with my kids. We will see!

...a resource I use for my own enjoyment (not sure if this is a connection-if not, I'll do another one) and hope to use for my own writing inspiration on my own blog: mycharmingkids.net

First Day of Digital Literacy

Today was our first day of our Digital Literacy class. I think I'll enjoy learning more about how to use digital writing in my own classroom. I think there will be many different things I could use in my classroom, but the key is how to impliment them with first graders. I will be able to use so many things for my personal use, too. Just like this! Thanks, Candace for a great first class!