"This is the end Beautiful friend This is the end My only friend, the end Of our elaborate plans..."

Feeling like a little Jim Morrison today and the lyrics were appropriate for the last blog of this class.

Anyway, reading the book and reflecting has not only reinforced my ideas of what a good leader is, but reassured me that I made the right choice.

I think I mentioned this before, but my first time at USA Summer camp, I had no idea what I was doing and I was really open and honest with my counselors.  That worked GREAT.  We had a great rapport, and if I didn't know something or wasn't sure of the best way to do something, I asked and it went awesome.  Best summer ever.

Unfortunately, what I thought I had learned my 1st year about being a director actually worked against me my 2nd year.  The next year, even though I was working with completely different couselors, I tried to manage them like the year before.  While it wasn't a disaster, it wasn't a smooth as the previous year.  I took what I thought I knew (which is the most dangerous) and tried to recreate my successes instead of being flexible with my previous year.

My third, and last year, at camp I did more like what I did my first year. The result was another amazing summer at camp.  


Reflecting on this, I learned that it's important to have a relationship with everyone working for you.  I made an extra effort to talk to all counselors equally so that their wouldn't be favorites that were too obvious.  Everyone has favorites, the trick is to limit the perception of that and make sure you have some rapport with everyone so when you want to try something new, it's easier.

I understand that if you're in a position of power, you can always say, "Because I'm the boss." or use means of intimidation, etc. to get your way.  Unfortunately, that poisons the well and does more harm than good.


I feel some of the best advice in the book, which I have used, is to be humble and go in asking questions and not with "this is the way we're going to do it" or a "my way or the high way" attitude.  I think by being open, connected with whomever you're supervising allows you to offer advice and create change.  Feelings of insincerity or lack of connection with whom you are supervising creates problems and mistrust.

I've begun to ramble, but if you play nice and build the relationship, the rest should follow. The simulation game addressed that, and if we think about relationships and smaller management tasks we done in the past, think how much easier it has gone when you've had a good relationship or rapport with the ones you were directing.

Whoops!

So.... what happens when you have a few weeks off in the middle of class.... you completely forget to show up.   Not cool.    Fortunately, there was a recording to watch.

Watching the recording allowed me an opportunity to see some kinda cool stuff that I wouldn't have had I been in class like I was supposed to.

I really enjoyed listening to everyone talk.  I wish I could've been in class.  I will agree that talking to people is key. Building that rapport is very, very important.

But as my group said, it's probably not likely that you would be able to talk to someone 6 times like we did.  However,  I definitely think that the talking aspect is very important.  We had a team building day at the high school I used to work at.  It was really memorable.

So using activities to promote trust and good feelings would be a great way to initiate change.  


Another thing I mentioned in our group work is that teachers are often motivated by Admin wielding data.      Data seems to be the "whip" of choice to motivate.  Data is great... but so many times we are inundated with data and we start to get cynical.   I think building relationships would be a much, much, much more effective.   There definitely needs to be changes in how leadership happens in schools.

Week 4 - Aftermath

Well.... our game did go MUCH better that last time.  IT is clear now that we are social creatures and really need to get our social on to create change.  So.... by that, Socialism should've worked better than it does.
Anyway.......

Since last class I have put some distance from classwork (NOT to be read as forgotten about) and starting doing some new things.     Currently I am in a promotions consultant type position which makes for some interesting leadership/follower situations.

While I am helping with the promotions aspects (setting up online services, promotional items and eventually booking of events), there is another person working on the design aspect.   So while two of us ultimately work for Renee, there is a lot of give and take.

We are both seen as experts in what we do, but we need to make sure that she is comfortable with the change.  We also need to make sure that she is comfortable with our suggestions and ideas.

In many respects, it is what I would like to see a school learning environment to look like.  There is plenty of talk and respect.  We ultimately do what she asks but we don't feel like we can't state our opinions and thoughts.    She is a natural healer / life guide to name a few of her talents and walks in different circles than I do.  So even though I have different ideas and points of view.... it's been a very comfortable working situation.

So chapter 4 Adaptive Leadership is really appropriate.  It's been a very fluid type of leadership and while I am thoughtful with my comments/suggestions, I don't feel the sword of Damocles hanging over my head.

As for Chapter 5, Motivational Leadership..... it's awesome.  She is a very easy person to connect with and very positive.  That has made this experience really enjoyable.   She can give feedback and state her position with out coming off with the attitude of "I'm the boss."

This yet another one of my life experiences that will help me with future roles in leadership.

Week Three - Administration Simulation

Wow... that was a painful simulation.   We were so stumped as to how other people moved so much. Then, at the debriefing everyone talked about using team building.   Why didn't we think of that?  Well... part of it was that we had forgotten to check the second page of game options.   But thinking about our approach... we did kinda rush what we wanted to do.  Part of that may be because of our ages (remember that chart of the different ages of teachers) and we were impatient and then thought about what we wanted to achieve and overlooked the process a bit.

When I really thought about it... all of the team building for the simulation was really cool and the things I remember most about teaching at the high school.   We actually had a 1/2 collaboration where we got put in groups of teachers we ordinarily don't meet and sit and eat and answer some questions (kinda like questions from The Book of Questions or If.... (Questions for the Game of Life) and learn more about each other.   Then we went on to other stations like the DDR station and the t-shirt station.  It was a really cool way to build camaraderie.   I think activities like this are essential if you're going to be working with someone for 8 hours a day for 9 months.... year after year.

It was really cool and a fond memory of mine.  It's a lesson that can be learned at any work place.  What made it really cool is that time was given to us to do this.  It wasn't some activity that was organized after school... it was done during our regular work hours.  It shows us that administration supports us and values our interpersonal relationships.



I just went back and noticed I didn't specifically state how I would use this in my leadership personally... so here it is.  I would make sure to build solid, trusting good relationships with as many people as possible.  If you have trust, or trust someone change is more likely to happen.  I know I will bend over backwards for someone I trust.  And conversely, I have a difficult time working with (or for) someone I don't trust.    For me personally, I will continue to use my interpersonal skills and make sure to build connections with all that I work with.

Leadership? Whatcha got? Whatcha want?

I really enjoyed Wednesday's class. I find it interesting to listen to us talk as teachers.  Right now with all that's going on with government and all of the armchair politicians are having a hay-day.  However, with our discussions about leadership...we were mostly on the same page. I think this discussion showed us how much teacher leadership is really needed.   Forget the nitty gritty details.... we were all on the same page.  That was really cool.  I think it would be interesting to poll our co-workers and see what they think makes a good leader.  This would be a great discussion to have.  I think if we came to a concensus as teachers, we could maybe get rid of some of our administrators, save money in our districts and have better run schools.   Putting the power of leadership back into the people who actually DO the job.  

Viva la Revolution!!

(Over the top....perhaps.  An accurate assessment.... you bet!!!)

Creative Commons & Internet Safety

These are interesting topics.  I think Creative Commons is an awesome idea.  As things go more and more digital, I think it's getting harder and harder to totally protect things. This is why we are seeing more product placement in the media.  I also think many people have learned that it is getting harder to control their ideas/content/media.  And in most cases, as long as it's not being used by someone else to make money, they don't really care.  BUT, with out CC you wouldn't know for sure.  This helps eliminate the worries of the possibility of being sued.
     On a side note, the band, They Might Be Giants has been giving away music since the 80s via their Dial-A-Song.  I've seen interviews with the members about signing autographs on homemade CDs of their music.   I think a side effect of this is a loyal fan base.   In the bigger picture, by sharing things promote creativity which I think furthers the education and intelligence of the collective consciousness.

I also have some previous experience with this because I have a friend who is a member of Beatnik Turtle and all of their stuff is CC licensed.


As for Internet safety, this is really an interesting topic.  While I think it is essential that teachers teach this at school..... it is critical that parents get actively involved in their child's computer use.  Parents need to know what is appropriate and not appropriate.

If you are careful, I think the internet is a fairly safe medium.  My concern would be more with security and websites that contain your personal information.  With the recent hacking of PS3 and other security breaches, we need to be more concerned with that.
I think using online one credit card for all sites would be good.  Not saving credit cards online would also help prevent identity theft.

I have only read some of the resources online about this thus far, but it seems to me that many of the tips to keep yourself safe are the same as when someone calls you on the phone and tries to get personal information from you.

I'm looking forward to talking to my group members about this tonight.  We all come from different perspectives and it will be some really good discussion.

CEdO565 - Leadership and Planning Class 1

The first chapter was difficult to read for me.  I have had some very negative experiences with individuals in a position of leadership and reading about what makes a good leader really puts me in a bad mood.  I won't go into it here.... but let's just say I've felt slighted and somewhat bullied.  I didn't feel the support that I think would make me a better professional.


I have learned a lot about leadership when I worked in Japan as a director for three summers.  For me, the 2nd year was the hardest because  That was because I romanticized the first year and compared too many things and people to the first year.   The third year I did this, I had learned from the first two.

What I learned came up in the first chapter in one form or another. I learned, in a nutshell the following:
1) Be honest  2) Follow the rules that you expect other to. 3) Make an extra effort to talk to everyone so there is no perceived favorites  4) Admit and apologize for mistakes you make  5) Ask for and listen to feedback.   6) Know there are better ways to do things and incorporate them when they are brought to you.  7) Don't force how to do things on people. Try to guide them to an acceptable way.  8)   Pressuring someone usually ends in worse result. 9) It's ok to let the people you're leading to make mistakes and learn from them as long it won't really affect the program. 10) Be nice.

Those are just the ones off of the top of my head in no particular order.

Needless to say while I am really interested in learning more about what makes a good leader, it also makes me really angry when I think about leaders I have interacted with.  

520 --- Reminds me of a dance club name......

So, we've been charged with finding learning sites and reviewing them.  What I think will most likely happen is that we will all use sites that we are familiar with, which is OK by me.  I figure the more I know about a site, the better I can recommend it.  It will be interesting to see what sites other people use.

I have commented before and will continue to because I always think it's really interesting to find out what sites people use.  I find it especially interesting when you teach the same subjects.  You can learn a lot about someone's geek factor by the quantity and quality of the websites the know and use.  It's kinda like looking at the contents of someone's iPod.

As for my group.... it's super interesting.  It almost sounds like the beginning of a good joke, "The was a teacher, a Medical IT guy and a Cable Lady.... they walk into Best Buy...."  You can fill in the rest.

I think it's really cool to be in such a diverse group because we come from such different perspectives, I am learning a lot from them.  Rock on diversity!

Professional Portfolios - Clearer than Mud now!

So, last week I had a meeting with my professor and it is now clearer.  I still need to find some artifacts and link standards, but that shouldn't be too bad.  It just takes time.

My only concern is that I sometimes think my entries/descriptions should be more academic sound and full of the latest and greatest buzzwords. And other times I think that doesn't really matter.  After spending quite a bit of time thinking about this since the start of this portfolio project to now, I have come to a conclusion that works for me.  I figure there is no point in being high-brow know-it-all with what I write because it's not me.  Not to mention doing that would make the information and opinions I post less accessible to some.   Also, as we have discussed in several of our classes, it is harder to get your "voice" across in a text document.  So much depends on the mood of reader.  So I finally decided that it's ok to have some fun posts and show more of the human side and less of the academic side.  There is a lot to be said about being personable AND easily understood online.

cedo520online- Week 2 Has come and gone....

Ok.... we talked about sites and tools.  This class is more about discussion, which I like.  I always learn so much from my classmates in classes like this.  I really enjoy how even though all of us are probably some of the more tech savvy teachers, probably in the top 20% of the population, all of us come to the table with different websites we like and use.
I'm currently away from my own computer, but I remember going to several of the websites mentioned in other peoples blogs and in class to check them out.  I even book marked several of them.

The only problem, which came up in class, is that sites come and go quickly. A site you may love and use often may just vanish on you. Jim mentioned a site that made animated movies that is now gone.  Too bad because it sounded amazing. Screenjelly.com that I used in a previous class to make some screencasts on how to make a google account and a subsequent blogger account have gone to the virtual data grave yard.  

I look forward to seeing what other sites people share with the group at large.  So classmates, if you're reading this, keep on posting those sites. Feel free to post some here, too.  If another teacher is using them, they're probably have some merit and have already been peer reviewed and endorsed... which saves me time.   So bring on the links!

Professional Portfolio Experience CeDO 555 Blog #2

Last night was good.  We clarified our projects a bit more, which is good.  Now it's time to get to work.  I have a meeting scheduled at 1:00 today.  So after I run a few errands, work some more on my portfolio, I should be good to go.

Note to self:  Re-read current status of page to make sure there were no mistakes and make a list of questions.

Doh!! I can't believe I missed the 1st class of 520!

Well..... chalk this one up to OVER dependence on technology.  I am actually in a different cohort which meets on Wednesdays.   This past Wednesday we didn't have class.  However, I did set an alarm on my desktop to remind me that I would be having class on the 7th for the class I missed last summer.

That would've been fine EXCEPT that I wasn't on my desktop  yesterday (unless you count 7 in the morning to briefly check on something).   So, because I didn't check anything until 11:00pm last night... I missed my first class.   I have definitely got to get  "regular" calendar for this important stuff.  I feel like an idiot.   Hopefully, the instructor won't hold it against me.


Anyway, I've been listening to class and it sounds fun.  I am actually more classes ahead. With the other class I am currently taking not included, I only have 2 more classes to go.   So I've been exposed to a lot of different sites.  That being said, what I find really cool about Web 2.0 (and frustrating as well) is that there are ALWAYS new things to be discovered.  Even the most tech savvy learn things in classes like this where you share resources.   I always learn something new when discussing tools people like to use, be it a new site or a new feature to a site I use but haven't explored throughly.

  It's going to be a fun class.

Pro Port Ex 1.1

This looks to be a busy, but very productive class.    

So.... this weeks blog question is.......  How have you or your schools utilized ePortfolios? 

Well, the short answer is... we don't.  However, our 6th~8th grade students do have portfolios that they are supposed to put items in throughout their career at our middle school.  Then at the end of 8th grade, they present their portfolios to two teachers.  They have to "pass" in order to go to high school. 

That being said, I think there are a lot of programs that could be used for their portfolios.  I think Prezi would be a great way to do a digital portfolio.  You can add in audio and video clips, not to mention pictures and scans of physical artifacts.   I wouldn't mind making my own professional portfolio Prezi.... I think it would help set me apart from the pack.

A lot of the tools we've learned in class I think would be great for making the projects that end up in the digital portfolio.   I especially think that iMovie and Garageband have a lot of potential. Also, Comic Life would also be another way to present information in a new and creative way.

Facilitating...... could've gone better.

Well, getting my feet wet the first time facilitating was interesting.  There are definitely things I could do next time to improve.    I definitely need to refine my questions/prompts.

My original idea when I made my power point was to have everyone myth bust the myths.  Unfortunately, I made several assumptions.  #1) Everyone would know what I wanted them to do with no prompts.  #2) They're adults so they'll just "get it".

I definitely need to work on prompts and clearer expectations.  I learned a lot from my cohort members.  Definitely learned a lot by watching my classmates.  I definitely will do better the next time I'm planning to facilitate.

Reflections.... like moon beams off the water.....

Okay.... one of the biggest challenges of facilitating ,I think, will be keeping track of everyone once you break up in to groups.  I asked Ken if it was possible to record the small groups, to which he said, "No...not yet."  I think it would be hard to grade small group discussion in larger class with many break-out groups.   I can't wait for that upgrade.  That will be cool.

Things that are really important to think about are the questions and execution. It will be hard doing the mini 15 minute class, but it will be a good taste of what it'll be like in a longer class.  Although, in a longer class, it will be hard to plan the right amount so that you have enough to do, but not an excess.  Or the opposite where you run out of stuff to do and have those awkward pauses.

I chose my topic because while I want to use more computers in class, but with my school and computer lab issues, coupled with my students access to computers and internet is somewhat limited, I thought it would be an appropriate topic.

When I was developing my rubrics for my activities, they are based on some rubrics I use for writing in my class. I thought it would be good to be consistent. So I didn't entirely recreate the wheel.... instead I decided to modify it.  Work smarter, not harder.  :-)

Clear as mud...

Well, tonights' class was fun and informative.  It was interesting to see how the 3 group projects turned out.  To me they looked like three different examples that you might show students.  What made it particularly interesting is how the teachers thought that they had thought that the instructions were explicit enough about what they wanted.   It definitely drove home that instructions need to be explicit. Personally, I thought they were fine.

Another thing which nobody mentioned and I thought of while laying awake last night is that we as teachers, need to be prepared to accept and grade things that don't meet our expectations.  We all give out assignments and occasionally something comes back that isn't wrong per se, but it's not what we were fishing for. If the project is well done, there still was learning that went on and perhaps that's what the focus should be on.  We can always  hit on the topics we wanted them to learn with either the project discussions OR assign a smaller project to get them thinking more about what we intended.

I also think that many of us haven't, but hopefully will, be exchanging contact information.  We get so wrapped up in all of the Skyping, IMing and emailing that we forget that the phone can be just as important.   I think we should make a class google doc and post all of our cell/phone numbers...then people and print it off and put it near their computers.

I have also been making a running list of all of the little tips Greg & Ken have been making in class.  If you're curious, here they are:

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Provide enough time for students to collaborate.

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Beginning communication can be challenging.

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Division of labor is important. Roles may be useful for younger students.

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Scheduling a first meeting for your students may help to get the project started.

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Share contact information at the beginning of the project.

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Students may feel isolated when they are unable to communicate.

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Establishing check points for students will help students to set the pace.

Moderator (Ken): Note to Self: Scheduling can be a challenge.

Moderator (Greg ): NOTE TO SELF: Collaboartion is messy.

I think this is all for now. I'm off.

Class #2

I must say, I am really enjoying the interactive nature of class.  I'll be honest, during the first class when we kept getting "invited" to raise our hands, clap, etc. I thought to myself, "Seriously? We've been using this forever. We know how to do this stuff.", but after our second class it makes sense.

The discussion about similarities and differences between online learning and traditional learning really drove home some points. Even though I knew many of the things we talked about like different ways students could participate vs. a traditional classroom, ways of inviting participation (like all of the hand raising, etc.)

Also, I really liked the break out rooms and how there were used. They reminded me a lot of "language labs" where you would wear a headset and interact with someone across the room.... but instead you're only limited by time-zones and willingness.
I actually went in a played with the grouping settings after class it is really cool.  I am really excited to learn about all the little features.

I think the hardest thing will be asking GOOD questions that will elicit the answers and critical thinking that I want.  I did notice though about the questions we did have in class, they were very reminiscent of my D&D/Role-Playing days.  "There's a sleeping dragon on a pile of gold in the cavern.  What do you do?" and then leave it up to the players/students to work though it.   I think I may really turn out to like thinking of these higher order questions. :-)

I think this is all for now.  I'm looking forward to our next class.

Class has begun.... again

It seems like there's a never ending supply of classes.  :-P  However, I am really excited to get into the meat of this class.   Learning to use Eluminate will be fun.  Although I've used it with my groups in the past... I didn't know how to do a poll, which I do now!!  Now I just need to think up fun polling questions.

As for moderating, especially students, it will definitely be challenging to come up with good higher-ordering thinking questions.  I know when working with middle school kids, they don't like to think and will do their best to give the easiest answer possible.  They really hate it when I keep asking, "why" and making them justify their answers.  It is a skill I try to use, but I'm still a long ways away from being a rock star when it comes to asking questions.

As for my online conferencing experiences... I've only used Skype and Eluminate, unless you count my days in college on the ISCA BBS.  As I like to refer to it, the all-text FaceBook. Now, I never did anything on their academically related, but I sure had a lot of fun. :-)

I can't wait to see what week two has in store.  I'm enjoying all of this so far.  I hope the class stays as fun and interesting as it was last week.

Yeah! Finally past all that math!

I am not going to lie... that stats stuff was confusing.   This next assignment should be interesting.   I don't mind researching sites to see how they're used.

While I appreciate the explanations of the stats, I'll leave that up to Bill and Yep to mess with.

I did, however, download that program Bill suggested.... although right now the name evades me.  I hope to play with it some more.  It seemed like a fairly visual based stats program... and that may be the way for me.  I am definitely a visual learner and don't get too excited about numbers.  I'm mathematically challenged since way back.


I do to love how people find cool sites and share them though. There is SOOOOOOO much out there that there is no way I'd find 1/2 of the cool stuff w/out friends / coworkers or colleagues.    One of my colleagues just found edumodo.com which is like Facebook... but for teachers and students.  I'm very excited about the prospects in using that in class.

Wow... stats.

I'll be honest, stats is tough.  I still get confused with some of the terminology and have to look back at it.  I have never been a math person, that's why it's so difficult for me.  That's what has been getting me hung up.

Although, I do get it when working with a group and when we go over them in class.  Thank god for multiple brains on one task.   I will say this, it does make me want to pick up that book, which I think is called, "Lying with Statistics" or something to that affect.  I can now see how easy it is to hide information or mislead someone with all of the numbers.

This week in review

Well.... it's been an interesting week in our politics. I will say that I am tired of being told I make too much and that I'm not a professional.  Therefor I am happy to have found this report that shows that we are actually underpaid when compared with the private sector.   I would actually be curious to see how stats were used in compiling all of the data in this report.  This would be a really cool breakdown I would like to see as it is pertinent to my life and timely.  Did anyone else see this?

Stats.....yikes!!

I'm not sure how I feel about this class.  I am not a math fan.  However, it does sound like the class will be made fun and as painless as possible.

The last math class I ever attended was my freshman year of college and I busted my but for a B-.  I was so happy because I thought I would never have to take another math class again. I was wrong.  

I hope I don't bring my group down too much.... while I am good at many other things.... this is not a strong point in my abilities.

Time to get SMART!!!

S	Specific - what exactly will you do?  I will get all of my kids using new online tools this semester.
M	Measurable - how will you be able to prove it was done?  They will be blogging on their own, or otherwise on my website.
A	Attainable - Will you have the resources and time, what might you have to do to make it occur? Yes, I do. Once our tech guys can figure out how to get our small portable Mac lab running on our wireless network and NOT blocking google docs and other tools, we'll be golden.
R	Realistic - Make sure it is doable, you certainly can add something to a lesson plan or work item, you cannot get to the moon.  I will be introducing my website and Web 2.0 tools I've learned about in class. I will be introducing my screen casts and walk them trough how to make a blog.  Hopefully, they will be able to be up and running.
T	Timely - Assign a timeline - when will this be done by? This should be able to be done by the end of February. They will be introduced to them outside of the computer lab via smart board, then later, they will be taken to the lab to use some of the tools, especially those students without home internet access.

There's the goal... and it's attainable.  Starting this week on it!!  It's going to happen.  I hope my enthusiasm spreads to my students and they pick up the Web 2.0 ball and run with it!!

Week 5... Site-tastic

Well.... I am really excited for using the stuff I've found in this class.  I keep talking to my students about what I'm doing in class and I am chomping at the bit to actually get it in the classroom.  
Currently, I'm working on a google site for my students and have added tons of useful links off of my other site which has kinda fallen to the wayside. I used to use wordpress...and would still like to, but the updating of the software, etc... is a pain.  Makes me want to go to the wordpress site and have them do it all for $15/year.

I also found a cool Web 2.0 tool and look forward to seeing what everyone else found.  I actually played with mine for quite a bit and plan to have my kids or my students also try it out.   Plus, by having more eyes out there, we are essentially crowdsourcing our search efforts for cool 2.0 tools.  We're livin' the dream!!  Crowdsourcing is the new crowdsurfing!!

Blogs, WIkis & Podcasts, Oh my!!

Well.... there is lots of good stuff to be used here.   First off, a Wiki/Blog is definitely on the list of things I am currently working on.  I am really excited for the assignment we have to do in creating a site.  Right now I'm thinking about making a google site, but I'm still thinking that perhaps Wordpress might also be a good option as well.

I also think screen casting would be a GREAT way to create walkthroughs for various  Web2.0 tools that we want to introduce our students to.  That way, instead of trying to make sure everyone works at the same speed, we can have them walk through it on their own and be available for questions and help if they don't understand the walk through.  

I foresee a lot of work being dun this summer on using these tools to prepare for next year!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Week 5 ... I think....

      RSS feeds are pretty keen.  As long as you can sort through the feeds and find quality stuff.  Having information delivered to your doorstep is a real boon.  I think it would also be a great source of information for students, as long as they can find appropriate sources. Which worries me a bit.  I've been slowly getting my students on google and once one of them found out that through customization they can add Yo Mama jokes as one of the customization bits in igoogle.  That wouldn't be an issue, except once we have 1-1 technology, will students be on task or looking at things not-so important.  
     However,  suppose learning how to manage your time on the internet is an important skill students will need to learn.

     As for the photo sharing, that was kinda fun.  I got to finally go play more with Flickr.  I've had an account since '06 and really haven't done much with it.  Granted, it's my personal one and I will probably need to make another one for school.  I'm a firm believer of keeping my school and personal information separate.
     As for how I would use it, I can see using it to have students create stories from pictures, take virtual trips or share stories about life in America.  I've been inspired to contact some of my friends overseas to see if they wouldn't be interested in doing a classroom connection.  I think it would be awesome to try and get my students in touch with other students around the world. Especially being ELL, it may inspire them to try harder if they have an actual audience.  I know I would strive to make fewer mistakes.