Connie Burns' Food for Thought

This class has been a great way to get a better feel for the many technology tools available to Extension employees. When I returned to my first blog entry to review what I'd like to learn ("blogging in an educational setting"), I had no idea I'd learn so much more.

There were several tools that were totally new to me: RSS feeds, Flickr, Google Docs and Twitter. Of these four, the RSS feeds and Google Docs, will be the most beneficial in my work.

I had dabbled in podcasting and UMConnect before, and this course provided more exposure to those tools. Since this course started, I've actually written a podcast script and have produced a podcast for a project I'm planning to complete with Nutrition Ed Assistants... I'll be a 'presenter' in a UMConnect meeting tomorrow, which will definitely improve my web conferencing skills. I'd also like to try an NEA Monthly meeting using UMConnect (maybe this winter, when the roads are slick, and we can't meet face to face!). I've toyed with the idea of offering a regional blog for the NEAs, and possibly a chat room on our regional portal. Lots to do!

One unexpected takeaway for me was the possibility of using FaceBook or MySpace in an educational setting. Is there a way that NEAs can connect with their participants via social networking?

So- the Extension 2.0 class was well worth my time to take. Thanks for the opportunity!

Posted by Connie Burns at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've dabbled some in web conferencing, and love it! I can see many, many uses as an 'out state' Extension Educator.

What I'd be interested in trying is an NEA (Nutrition Ed Assistant) Monthly meeting using UMConnect, especially this coming winter, when road conditions aren't the best and NEAs can't get to Morris for a meeting.

In my pseudo UMConnect meeting, I've uploaded a powerpoint that I think could be used at an NEA monthly meeting.

My next step: familiarize my NEAs to UMConnect, so that they're prepared for future meetings using Web Conferencing.

Cool~!

Posted by Connie Burns at 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I use chatting in an online class I teach using WebCT. I have chat 'office hours', and as mentioned in the readings this week, for 'hallway talk'. It really personalizes the class, and it's a great way for students to ask quick questions about assignments or reading. I feel I get to know the students much better through chatting.

I've heard of Twitter, and actually signed up this time. I'll just wait and see if it will be useful to me:)... I've invited my brother and sister to 'twitter' with me, since we do email just short sentences often during the day. Maybe Twitter will work for this type of correspondence? We'll see!

Posted by Connie Burns at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've heard of FaceBook and MySpace, from younger colleagues and relatives, but I had never thought of using social networking as an educational tool! I found it especially interesting that youth from families with limited resources/income are very savvy when it comes to social networking. Maybe there are opportunities for our Nutrition Ed Assistants statewide to reach out to this population through social networking??

I found the Mayo FaceBook sight interesting to read, also. And I've heard of LinkedIn. I've started a LinkedIn account, and will see where it goes!

Posted by Connie Burns at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I took a look at several different productivity tools this week. The one that impressed me the most, and the one that I feel will be most helpful is Google Docs. The idea of not having to keep track of attachments to emails caught my attention. The ability to edit a document anytime/anywhere is great. So, I've signed up for Google Docs.

I've heard of "Remember the Milk", so I also checked that tool out. I just may not have to buy a hard copy "Day Finder" for 2009, if I learn the basics of this tool. I'd like to start with scheduling bill payments and MD appointments. Cool!

I also checked out UM Cal. I'm seriously thinking of purchasing an iPhone in the near future, and it appears UMCal's set up to work with iPhones.

Posted by Connie Burns at 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I love Wikis! I'm not an expert:), but I've done a little 'wiki work' before, and I can see how very useful they can be in collaboration and in education. The two that I browsed this week were: Extension's E-Learning Wiki, and eXtension Wiki. I was especially interested in the E-Learning Wiki, since it gave me an idea what other educators are doing in terms of online learning around the state. I will definately visit and hopefully add to this wiki in the future. The eXtension wiki was very impressive; lots of information available, but too little time to dig into it. I'll have to re-visit in another week or so.

Posted by Connie Burns at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For this podcast exercise, I took a peek at the three links that Amy provided: iTunes, PodNova, and Podcast Alley. I think what most impressed (and maybe overwhelmed) me were the huge numbers of podcasts available 'out there'. It was tough to choose one, but I went with NPR's Technology podcasts through PodNova. I found the process abit confusing on iTunes and PodCast Alley; I'm glad Amy provided instructions on how to subscribe to PodNova.

Posted by Connie Burns at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I took the Magical Feature Tour on the Flickr site today. I was interested in seeing what Flickr was all about, since I've heard of it, and I have some pictures of Switzerland that I'd like to share with others. This looks like a great way to share, but I'm abit concerned about licensing. How safe are my photos, really? Could someone see one of my images and use them as their own? Also, how do I link to a photo from here:)?

Posted by Connie Burns at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I've 'subscribed' to various feeds, but haven't received any 'updates'. Any thoughts, anyone?

Posted by Connie Burns at 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As mentioned in the previous entry, I've done just a little blogging in the past. I'd like to learn more about how to use blogging in an educational setting. I enjoyed scanning the other blogs that have been listed so far (especially the one on cicadas!). I'd also like to use a blog to keep in touch with my Nutrition Education Assistants (NEAs) in my region. Has anyone done something similar?

Posted by Connie Burns at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I've done abit of blogging in the past (check out http://swisstour2008.blogspot.com for my recent trip to Switzerland.)..and it's FUN!!

Posted by Connie Burns at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)