Post#3 - Collecting Information

Describe the search methods and databases you employ to collect information for use in your work or writing.

Mostly I have used Google but have found some frustration with search results. With so much information out there, if it's not within the first 20 (and most times first 10) results I try another approach to phrases or keywords I use. The latest Bing (Microsoft's serach engine) commercials have touched on something many of us encounter, related information but not quite relevant. (#1 & #2 - the first one sums it up pretty well, the second one I've felt many a late night search)

Bing has resulted in some more useful results, but I couldn't really say it's any better than Google. Another contender with great possibilities is Kartoo.

Unfortunately, it's not as widely used as Google or Bing and therefore doesn't have the same reach. But, it has a wondeful format for displaying results. A map shows up with subtopics of things related to your search. If I move my mouse over a topic, it will highlight the pages shown that relate to it. It is also a great way to see how sights may have multiple topics.

How do you identify and test out relevant search categories or keywords?

Keywords are such a big thing when searching for that particular topic your trying to find. Quotes are definately a big help. You would be surprised the off-topic things you can get typing in Minnesota Twins versus "Minnesota Twins." A recent search about "wireless video" for a specific product yeild page after page of things I was not looking for. However adding things like projector and transmit lead me something closer to what I was looking for. Sometimes reading those pages not directly related to what I'm looking for will help me identify another term I can add to my search.

Coded search terms are one of my favorite things to use when searching for are specific kinds of files. Each search engine has them, but I'm only familiar with Googles. When I'm looking for a lesson that has a power point on something like "Three Branches of Government", I can type that topic together with filetype:ppt. All the results will only be power points about the three branches of government. You can use these codes to search for specific terms within a certain website, types of website (.com, .org, .net, etc.), and more Check out this power point Google and Beyond for more info.

I have also gone straight to youtube hoping there is a video out there illustrating some of the thigns I am looking for. When there is, often people leave comments of link to the site which gets me to where I want to go.

How do you determine the validity and credibility of the information you acquire?

Unfortunately there is anything and everything on the web, just check out http://www.buydehydratedwater.com/. Namesake, reputation, type of site, etc. are just some of the things I look into. A website should also include: Author’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address, Author’s credentials, and Name of sponsoring organization. Even if a site has all these features, a site could still be bogus. Overall, you just have to make a judgement call.

In what ways might you use RSS feeds or bookmarking software to access online sources of info. (e.g. news, blogs, online magazines, podcasts, etc.) on your experience?

Wow, if you ever want to be innundated and overwhelmed with information sign up for all your favorite RSS feeds. I honestly think the only time I would go back to an RSS feed is if I was looking for specific updates about a specific newspiece. A class project following the developement of the health care debate could pull post from a news source. If I wanted compare a liberal news source to a more conservative news source maybe I could do two. However, that is still a lot of sifting.

The information age is a great age of opportunity, and even though I am a little more skilled in this area, I'm hesitant to fully dive in. I've seen great benefits, but I've also spent a great deal of time learning about all of it and being patient when it fails me. Time is the key, and now that I have a daughter, spending time with her and my wife is what I like to give most of my time to.

Post #2 - Experience in blogging

Wow, my first professional blog entry. I plan to use this blog to capture thoughts about Digital Writing and allow others to view my logs and comment if they wish. Many blog entries will originate from questions laid out by our course on Digital Writing, so you may see questions from the course set as headers.

First quesiton you probably have is, "Where's Post #1?" Well, I think we were suppose to setup a blog and already have an etry before the first class. However, I've always had a rule "Don't do anything before the first class." In fact I never really attended many first classes in collage, because I was registered for the class yet. I learned that there is always one student who drops the course after the first day, so I never rerally worried about getting into the classes I needed. Besides, most class just review the syllabus the first day. (Well that was before grad school that is) So onto the questions our course is curious about...

What experience do you have with blogging?
I have several blogs through Blogspot, but none of them have really materialized. I think part of it was that the audience wasn't really tech savy. Some were for grad school, others were for work (professional development). Unfortunately there were people in both situations that didn't know how to work it and so little response was seen. There's always hope that even after the course or proefessional development ended people would stay in touch, but they never did.

My most successful experience with blogging is from my wife's idea to capture our baby's journey on a blog. It has continued interest, updating, and meaningful engagement. I don't think we have had anybody really comment on anything, maybe my wife's cousin who loves baby pics, but nothing too deep really.

How do they enhance or hinder your communication with others?
I see blogging as something with great potential. I total dig the idea that people are interacting with each other and even supporting/extending ideas. To me the biggest enhancement is the continued practice of synthesizing what's being read and churning in your own thoughts. The tough part is in getting everyone there. Ability range, meaningful use/topics, access to technology, etc. are all things hindering some people taking it to the next level. What exactly is the next level? I think as a teacher there is a believe that a next level exists, but what exactly it is and looks like is clear as mud.


What potentials do you see it having in your classroom?
Things are a little more limited in the blogging world when it comes to intermediate elementary. There are some parents and teachers who want it to be a contained and controlled environment. To answer such concerns our district made ties with Think.com. Unfortunately it is very limiting. A user is stuck with the websites template and formate of blogging. Personalization is seen in some ways, but has a controlled feel to it. I think it is a great beginning to students to start in the blogging world, and hopefully when they get into middle school the reins will be let loose a little.

This year I plan on using Think.com to help students connect with books and other reading they will have throughout the year. Think of it like a reader's journal. My plan is to use composition books at first to get the idea of journaling out there, but gradually switch to a blogging format and discuss with students how it changed their journaling experience.