Task 10# Image generator update

I discovered that my image was too big. A smaller image did the trick and I have created a magazine cover. That could be useful but to remove all the tags it is necessary to pay. So I'll check out a few other covers and see if there are some I could use at school. Lots of fun!!

Task 10# Image Generators

I had trouble with the Fake magazine image generator and wasted quite a bit of time there although I see others have been successful. For some reason the image would not load. I kept getting the message "Internet Explorer cannot display the web page" no matter how I tried to do it. That was disappointing because it looked great. However I found the image chef easy and created a few different things. I know how to get them into the side bar but not sure how to include in this post. I'll keep fiddling around and see how I go. I did it!


http://www.imagechef.com/ic/make.jsp?tid=Neon+Sign

Task 8 Working at Google

The Google workplace was amazing. I had never realised it was such a huge undertaking but I suppose that stands to reason. All the staff seemed very young. Is that saying something? I'm sure I don't have the aptitude to work there. Clearly the staff are very creative, risk takers. I'm surprised that they said the number of positions exceeds the applications. It looked like a highly sought after work place.

Task 8 iGoogle

I created my home page tonight. I added the inspirational quotes, book search and a few other gadgets. I found searching for them easy. I liked the To Do list best as that is something I can use everyday. I liked the book mark idea too as that would be useful but I've had trouble adding book marks to that. I was also put off by comments people had made about losing their book marks. Perhaps I can try again later. I think a hands on lesson is needed for me to make better use of iGoogle. I have searched around for as long as I can spare but I have only skimmed the surface. I guess one step at a time is good enough. I'll use my to do list and modify the rest at a later time.

Task #9 Virtual Worlds

At first I was totally confused by the information. Then I had a look at the list of activities for younger students. I visited Disney's Toon Town and could see great educational value. Lots of reading, decision making, problem solving and fun. The site allowed me to create and name my character. So Professor Bubbles Weaselsnout was born. I was quite hooked in at that stage. Just as I was getting into the adventure, the only choice I had was to become a subscriber if I wished to continue. This would be very tempting for children who were sucked in by then. All these sites which require downloads to your computer and gather information concern me. It's not what I would be encouraging children to pursue, no matter how educational. I am sure I wouldn't be unable to access it at school anyway. I think similar outcomes would come from other software already in the school which don't require a sign it etc. We have many other ways to thrill children without virtual worlds. It was an interesting exercise and possibly useful at tertiary level and no doubt entertaining for many but I won't be including it in my repertoire at this stage.

Task 7 Google Books

I've had several goes at this and thanks to Kathryn the quotation marks worked well to get a more relevant list. I'm focussing on Terry Denton books at present and I found a Wombat and Fox book of his which was there in its entirety. That was a great find because I don't have it in the library at present. Google books will certainly be useful for assessing books before I buy and even for students to read online in some instances eg Wombat and Fox