Sometimes you just have to laugh, especially when my frustration level has increased about things that really aren't going to change the world….my work session at at glance tonight: 1. Spent 20 minutes adding a photograph to my page; success BUT not sure how to change to the size of it…probably easy but can't figure it out. 2. Explored GoodReads (forgot my password), Library Thing (can't figure it out) and even tried to embed the widget for the ALA award screen (not live till next week). COnfidence waning. 3. Had more problems than is humanly logical with changing the layout of my page; others' look award winning…hmmm…maybe tomorrow 4. Did manage to embed my twitter widget--which is a helpful resource and will avoid duplication of postings/resources. (Though I would like to change the location of the widget but I cut my losses on that one) 5. I explored others' posts in the cool tool class via NETVIBES and wow…hard to decide where to start/what to read/how much I need to know/want to know, etc…nothing personal of course. Read several postings from one colleague which prompted several follow up emails as I requested to follow postings and wondering if I need to add another layer of interaction. 6. And now I have to see if I remember how to log into the place that tells the instructor I posted a blog…wonder if THAT will happen :) 7. Living and learning….and yet in the last 3 hours I'm wondering if anything I did/learned will make an impact on my life or anyone else's for that matter. Starting to miss just reading a book….maybe tomorrow I will see the light!

Tweets by @spkowalski

Cool Tools: A reflection

A few thoughts to share regarding using and integrating COOL TOOLS...I love it! I've seen what others do/use/embrace and I often have "tech envy" as I look at my rather traditional virtual presence. But, now thanks to a PLN that is sharing, empowering, and modeling, I've explored a few things and have made a couple observations:

• there is a TON of free stuff out there to use for creation and sharing
• you always need a plan B; often the first tool, site, gadget won't work and with so many options available, it's silly to spend too much time on a failed first attempt
• you need TIME to play, often an email/pswd combo ready to use and access...i experimented with avatar creators this evening and before I know it 3 hours had passed (a lovely 3 hours but still took time!)
• you have to do some cost analysis so to speak to decide how much time its worth to invest into a variety of projects (ex--if you need an avatar for a quick presentation, find a site/app that allows you to create quickly; vs a presentation that is more of a keeper--more time can be justified
• It's easy to get overloaded with SO many things to learn, try, use...best to tackle a few at a time (like the layout of this class)...never possible to learn it all!
• Share, ask, create, and HAVE FUN with it....always something to learn around the corner!

My 2 cents....Sue

Cool Tools for Schools Schedule

And now LEGO version of Sue Kowalski.

This is way too much fun!