Week 2: Blogging & Week 3: Photos and Images

WEEK 2
This week was a freebie! Not that I'm complaining.

We aren't suppose to registering our blogs on PLCMC Central or are we??? I'm going to assume not.

So that just leave, set up your own blog and add your first post. check! Done last week.

So now moving onto WEEK 3 - Flickr.

I used to use Flickr along with Kodak Gallery in the past to share pics with friends, but for some reason we stopped using it. Most us have Facebook, so we've just been uploading our pics there. I don't take tons of pics so I don't upload that often, but that may change after learning about the cool applications and functions that Flickr offers!


DISCOVERY EXERCISE - PHOTOS
So here's 2 examples of pics i have uploaded in Flickr in the past. They were private, but I changed them to public and put in tags. Tagging was really easy to do.

1st pic is of me snowboarding with a friend in New Hampshire at Bretton Woods. Snow was so nice that day!

I linked the pic with the actual flickr page. Click on pic to view.

Bass Harbor Head Light House - Arcadia National Park in Maine

Same for this pic. Click on the pic to get to the actual flickr page.


MASHUPS AND 3RD PARTY SITES
I never heard anything about this until reading about it now. It's pretty cool, you can upload your own pics and make something totally new. You can make trading cards, badges, mosaics, pop art, puzzles and so much more! whatever your imagination desire, or I think so, but I'm sure someone can create an application for it.

I'm definitely going to try out the cube and make something for my office desk. I'll upload the pic once I get it done, so you can see the results. haha

Okay so here the final product! For those who want to try checking it out for themselves: http://www.bighugelabs.com

sorry for the bad pic quality, i'm using my cellphone to upload. its only 2.0 megapixel.

Pictures of me and my fiance, soon to be husband.

Step 1: Upload pics and print template.
Step2: Cut template.
Step 3: Fold and glue!


TECHNOLOGY RELATED
Ever wonder why the styles in Verizon phones seem to lack compared to the other cellphone carriers? That's always been a question on my mind. Seriously, there aren't any cute phones at Verizon. AT&T, T-mobile and even Sprint have better phone options. Why is that?

I came across this article online on CNN the other day (from wired) and thought it was interesting, because it seems that I'm not the only who thinks Verizon phones are lacking appeal.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/17/verizon.cellphones/index.html?iref=newssearch

The article points out, "the wireless carrier has had the most customers of any cellular operator in the country... and it's widely regarded as having the largest network coverage area. So the fact that it can't offer its customers better smart phones is a bit of a mystery."

The response, "Keep in mind that for Verizon Wireless, it isn't so much about the device as it is about the delivery. We have the nation's largest 3G network so when we offer devices on our network, customers can be assured that they will deliver as promised." (Verizon spokesperson, Brenda Raney)

Well I'm not too sure about that anymore. Especially now that other carriers are expanding and improving their networks. People are interested in technology but also in design and style. I know many friends who switched over to AT&T just for the iPhone. I know its sounds superficial but people do care about functionality and also about style.

My cellphone contract is up a few months, so I'm pondering whether or not to switch to a new carrier. I want a cellphone that's cute, functional and slim in design. Is that too much for a girl to ask?

Week 1: Project and Life Long Learners

PROJECT

I've heard the phrase "Learning 2.0" being passed around in conversations in the libraries, but I never took the opportunity to investigate. But now I get the chance to learn and experience it first hand. I feel excited and alittle relieved to learn that the program is built around Web 2.0 technologies.

I'm familiar with some 2.0 technology, but there's probably many more that I don't know about. I would say I'm moderately technologically literate (is this even a correct phrase) but at the same time I'm not always comfortable or quick in picking up so many of these new emerging and its seems never ending technologies.

All I can say is that I'm excited to find out what's in store! I really like that the program encourages you to learn at your own pace, in your own style, through exposure and trial and error.

(picture from http://images.google.com, http://www.teachingcollegeenglish.com/2008/11/)

LIFELONG LEARNERS - Yay, I qualify!

I was surprised to find out that I;m already a life long learner! I like decorating, cooking, playing the piano, video games and using the computer - all of which are according to the tutorial examples of life long learning.

For some reason I had the misconception that lifelong learner was associated with the elderly. I don't know why, but today I found out that Lifelong learning is more of an attitude that a set group of people. Anyone can learn at any age and in any context; learning is not limited to just a classroom environment. It seems that we are learning everyday probably not realizing it!

Review of the 7.5 habits

1. Begin with the End in Mind - set my goal, it will give me a framework
2. Accept responsibility in my own learning - be an active participant! sign up for
trainings/workshops, don't be afraid to ask questions
3. View problems as challenges - think of it as an opportunities to learn
4. Have confidence in myself as a competent effective learner - Don't say it or think it or else it
might become true!
5. Create my own learning toolbox - use all kinds of resources: books, technology, friends, mentors, classes
6. Use technology to my advantage - technology can make it easier!
7. Teach/mentor others - reinforces learning
7.5 - Play - my favorite part! important for learning!

I'll have to remember these habits while going through Learning 2.0 and most importantly believe that I will, I Can and I do!!! =)

Finally, my contract....since the program encourages writing it down~ I'm going to try to incorporate one of more of these "newer" and "challenging" technologies into my personal and work life. So let the learning begin!

1st try at posting - test

I'm learning how to write a post on my blog. Totally new to this blogging thing!