Working throught the PLN program has made me much more aware of the huge collection of Web 2 tools readily available to all in the education field.  For me, as a Library Technician the PLN has been a valuable learning experience, which has made me want to look more deeply into this vast range of resources that can be tapped into to help encourage our teachers and students to make use of and incorporate these wonderful tools in the classroom setting and help incorporate technology across the curriculum. For me personally, there are many Web 2 tools that I will be using again and again. Being a Library Technician, I am not involved directly with class teaching, however I am always willing to assist students/teachers with ideas/suggestions about new things available on the Web. I have tried to look at, read about, have a go at as may things as possible in the PLN program, to broaden my own knowledge and then see where it could be applied in the classroom and pass the relevant info. on to teachers. I think Wordle is my favourite. I love to read and it really appeals to my reading eyes.  Thanks for the opportunity to particpate in PLN, I’ve learnt heaps. Here is my Wordle. wordle2 #Vic PLN

Had a look at the tools and quite liked Scribd.  As this is a free site it could be an attractive option for those watching the budget.  It could be used by budding authors encouraging them to ‘publish’ their work and get some feedback.  However, being a public site, need to be aware of any inappropriate content that might appear.   Google lit trips cold be the thing tp put some zing into those English classes when things are dragging.  The trips could then be used to lead into some geography/history using Google Earth to locate/look at places mentioned in novel studies, etc.# Vic PLN

Just browsing through comments on other particpants blogs and from my own experiences and observations of students, I feel that gaming can encourage students to interact/collaborate with each other, whilst gaming, their communication skills and team skills are developing.  I know many academics view gaming as time wasting but it seems in many instances games could be quite educational particularly when games simulate real life situations which can help develop problem solving skills and working with others in group situations. #Vic PLN

I haven’t been able to listen to the recording of the Gaming for learning elluminate session as yet. I don’t seem to have the link. have I missed it somehow? #Vic PLN

I’m not a teacher but I think there needs to be a balance – just knowing how to operate a program doesn’t always mean real knowledge is being learnt/retained.  Some kids are great at click, click, click but can’t explain what they have found or done with info. Teachers need keep learning about new web tools/programs wherever they can.  It must be quite difficult to assess what has or hasn’t been retained at times.  Some teachers think typing in MS word is using computer technology in the classroom when really it is only schoolwork that is more neatly presented. The extent of some of their own personal computer use does not extend any further than using email and a bit of Googling. This may limit their assessment techniques. #Vic PLN

Animoto, Voice thread, Glogster, Wikispaces all great tools – have thoroughly enjoyed looking at all these great things. I love Wordle.  Bright ideas is one of my favourite places to go – always has great info and ideas. #Vic PLN

Setting up the blog and reading other people’s comments is really interesting.  Time for all these great things is always a problem.

I couldn’t get Ning to work – couldn’t access it here through school – IT dept. staff never around when needed.  Twitter posed a similar problem, but it seems like a really quick and efficient way to get info. out there.  #Vic PLN

FUSE – what a great resource! great how it covers a wide range of learning areas. I liked how teachers could choose from a range of popular tags (timesaver) and then find year level appropriate resources – Find, Use, Share, Education resources – knowing that the content and quality is reliable, sharing is always welcome as everyone is so busy. With Google sites learn how to create a website made easier with templates makes it more accessible to those unfamiliar. I think Google docs could be very useful as documents are online, easily editable from anywhere with controlled access and all changes occurring in real time will be helpful for teachers and student alike. Goodle for educators seems to have a good range of subjects, even though American, there are lots of ideas that could be adapted/modified. # Vic PLN

Had some trouble accessing Elluminate at first here from school.  Once I could access it was really interesting and helpful to be able to listen to the recording at a later time. #Vic PLN