Facebook in the Classroom

Because I use Facebook for the produsage project as my platform, I wanted to share with you this really interesting resource. In this article,100 ways to use Facebook in a class are compiled in a convenience list. The authors divide the different ways into seven different categories. Not all the strategies are useful IMHO, but there are a lot of great tips.Below I have outlined some of the interesting features in each category that I did not get to use for this particular lesson:

1. Resources on Facebook
• Attend remote lectures: It is really easy to post lectures and links to existing videos on Facebook
2. Projects & Assignments
• Book reviews: It would be neat to offer a choice of book to read and have students post their reviews on Facebook.
• Journal entries: although people don't really use this feature anymore, students could writes notes to share with family and friends. 
3. Sharing
• Document class trips: Sharing photos and relevant class information seems very easy. Students can take their own class trips and share the experience with other students. 
4. Collaboration & Discussion
• Homework help: Students can use the group page to connect and assist each other through study groups.
5. Classroom Management & Organization
• Get a record that students read what you're writing: This is a great way to make sure that students acknowledge your posts (like button requirements?)
6. Apps & Groups
• Flashcardlet: I checked it out and this is an awesome app that is easy to use for flashcards. Students making their own and sharing would be great!

So far this is what I have tried out with Facebook for my produsage project: EDUC2130 Facebook group

Please check it out and feel free to join the group and act as a student if you'd like :-)

Faculty Focus

Before we part ways in this class, I wanted to bring up Faculty Focus. Have you heard of this site? Check it out if you haven't. They send weekly research-based articles with great ideas!

After taking EME6414, I feel like many of us are qualified to submit and write for this site!

The current article is on mindfulness in the classroom. When I taught at TCC, I would periodically impose a mindfulness practice on my students. I felt this was especially necessary on the days leading up to an exam. I would tell the class to close their eyes, free their minds of worries (bills, grades, family, etc.) and focus on their breaths. The idea is that if they can focus on one thing and release the necessary, it would then be easier to focus on the content in that day's review/lesson.

Would you try this in a face-to-face class? What about a podcast or video in an online class? 

One of the first products I made in the IS program was a video of breathing exercises! Coming full circle. :)

Officially on the clock!

Earlier this week I received my health information cards and benefits information because, as of August 1st, my full-time position at VSU begins! New faculty orientation begins Monday. 

Having that said, it's crunch time now. As of today I can allow myself to get super entrenched in planning and course prep. Just in time to finish my produsage product for this eme6414 class. 

Abiding by ISD principles, my step step is to analyze learner needs and prior knowledge. Check out this Google forms I have made for my future undergrads. 

http://goo.gl/forms/R0aOAdniD9

Let me know in the comments section here or the last item of the survey if you have any feedback. Thanks in advance. 

This photo is one I took of my new building at VSU, Converse Hall. come see me on the second floor. 

Voicethread on Researchgate

Check out my Voicethread showcasing the analytics on Researchgate. 

Checking in. About that schedule...

The the first step to getting better is admitting there's a problem, right? Well, my schedule, that I shared a few weeks ago, did not last long. This class is 6 weeks long with 4 major projects. I'm overwhelmed and digging myself out of a hole. I can't be alone in this struggle, right? Anyone?

Google Maps for Education

The resource below was actually really helpful: http://maps.google.com/help/maps/education/

I really liked playing with google earth and exploring places I haven't been or want to revisit. Maybe one day we will have maps like this of other planets too! 

I was wondering who monitors these pictures. I was "revisiting" WDW Magic Kingdom and came across a random picture of a dude without a background. Who clears all the garbage?

My 1st Google Map

Check out the Google Maps I made of places to eat in Thomasville, GA. I know the title of my blog must be confusing but I just moved to Georgia and I'm trying to get to know the area. I have tried many of these restaurants listed below, but not all of them. I have yet to try the Market diner, the Plaza restaurant, and the Q Café. The Mexican restaurant is also being renovated right now. I highly recommend Chophouse on the Bricks for a nice steak. I also recommend Grassroots for coffee and I really like the Fallin's barbecue place too! Have you been to any of these?