Marty's+Journal

While I'm still uncertain as to how to exactly use Twitter--from both a personal and professional perspective--I'm excited to learn more. Hopefully, the introduction to Tweet Deck will help my understanding. Prior to last Tuesday's class, Twitter was not on my radar screen as a tool to use to access "real time" information. On Wednesday when the roof was coming off of the Capitol in Madison, I was drawn to a Twitter chat that was suggested on JS Online. While there was indeed, real time information being shared, it was interesting that some of the "hysteria" that was "felt" on-line, wasn't nearly as nearly as strong "off line." I wonder if our instant access to information will impact us in ways unintended and in overly emotional ways??
 * __March 8, 2011 - Journal Entry__**

I was able to Tweet a few times during the week and now have a whopping 24 followers! I've attempted to access Twitter on my phone, but am struggling with the intricacies of the application. As is the case when first learning something new, especially a new technology, frustration set in. I'm confident, however, that once I find out the format of the application, that I will find useful and productive ways to incorporate the Tweet.

I enjoyed the "student-centered" approach to Tuesday's class as engagement leads to understanding.

Now that I've just begun to learn Twitter--let's add Tweetdeck--aaaaah! Actually, aside from not being able to hear the tutorial and some early frustrations, things went fine. While I haven't had a lot of time to Tweet & Tweetdeck, I did find a bit of time to do some exploring. I love following Governor Walker to find out all the exciting new jobs that are coming to Wisconsin now that we are "Open For Business." Sorry for the sarcasm, been a tough day. ..
 * __March 15, 2011 - Journal Entry__**

I can see how addicting some of these applications can be and for those who nag about the kids spending all of their time on Facebook and the like, have to understand how to embrace them and use them effectively.

I once heard that if you don't have time to read, you don't have time to lead. I wonder if this has been replaced by if you don't have time to Tweet. ..

It's amazing how engrossed one can become in technology. Tonight's class went really quickly and was very beneficial. I especially like the Google Reader, with the exception that there are no graphics. While I don't look at pictures when I read the newspaper, I do look at the pictures when reading on-line.
 * __March 22, 2011 - Journal Entry__**

I feel better about using Twitter & TweetDeck after tonight's "chat." As is the case with most technology, once you figure out the pattern of the application, things fall into place rather quickly.

While technology can cause one to be immersed in their own little world, it also has the potential to flatten the world and to truly connect us. I'm still uncertain about the best use for all of the items that I'm learning, but I'm glad that I'm enrolled in the class!

__**March 29, 2011 - Journal Entry**__ Jeanne did a great job of introducing the Ning; however, I haven't yet grasped how to best utilize this tool. I have a need to more closely work with the applications learned in previous classes. Coming in at 4:30 tonight put me behind the rest of the class and brought back memories of how I felt when I missed a day of school and had to play "catch up" upon return. No fun trying to not only catch up, but stay abreast of what is occurring during the class. I still find myself getting lost in the on-line world because I find things that catch my eye and want to spend more time with the material.

I'm giving some thought about the final project and how to best make this work. At this point I feel that I'm learning a little bit about everything, but not a whole lot about anything. A jack of all trades, master of none feeling at this point. I need to find some time to more thoroughly explore some of these applications. I have not yet figured out my phone "app" for Twitter and wonder if Tweetdeck is the preferred option.

Marty - Glad you are jumping in and exploring the resources. I think you will eventually find the one or 2 tools that you can stick with for the long haul. Then you'll become the "master". It's all part of the journey. Amy Project: