Microsoft Photo Story

I just learned about Microsoft's Photo Story. It is a great way to have kids bring poetry to life through photos and music. Think-alouds are easily taught through this clever program that includes a voice-over component which allows kids to narrate their own slides. Check out my video above that I pieced together from my days teaching at Red Cloud Indian School!

Bookmarking

I checked out a few of the bookmarking sites that were mentioned, like ma.gnolia.com
and clipmarks.com . The site I liked the best was Kaboodle and this is where I chose to make a bookmarked list entitled If I had a Million Dollars... Check it out at:
http://www.kaboodle.com/sfridie/bookmarking-services.html
I chose to make the list after a long day at school where I am teaching a writing strategy called SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) using the prompt "If I had a million dollars..." It would be neat to have the kids make a Kaboodle list full of items that they mention in their essays.

I was also thinking about my mom while making my Kaboodle list because she is always asking me and my siblings "What do you want for _______________ (your birthday, Christmas, etc.)" This bookmarking website would greatly help her keep organized as well as give her concrete ideas as to what to buy us for holidays!

Ergonomics

My computer workspace is confined due to my very small bedroom. The desk itself is the central point in my room and being so it is where I do most of my work. As such, the desktop surface is usually cluttered with ongoing projects. I have a laptop computer so I do not have the luxury of separating the keyboard and monitor. I also use a touchpad mouse which is built into my keyboard. The chair I use is not adjustable and since I am a rather short person, I must sit forward in order for my feet to touch the ground. For a document holder, I often times use my i-pod dock which is seen to the right of my computer monitor. It performs the same function as a document holder when it is not being used to play music. I often times use Skype on my computer which allows me to make phone calls hands free.

According to the Cornell University Ergonomics Website there are several things I could do to improve my workstation:

1) desk – I should work on de-cluttering my workspace so that frequently used items (pens, notepad, etc.) are easier to reach.

2) keyboard— A separate keyboard would allow me have more choice as to its position and angle. Ideally, my keyboard should be angled downward. Although, my desk drawer is encased and would not allow for keyboard usage with its heavy wooden frame. ** I like this keyboard from askergoworks.com because it is slightly angled downward and follows a natural curve. http://www.askergoworks.com/products/114/Microsoft-Elite-Keyboard.aspx

3) monitor— My monitor is always directly in front of my eyes and the keyboard which encourages good posture.

4) mouse—A separate mouse might make navigating more comfortable.**I like this mouse because it is supposed to prevent excessive gripping and pinching and fits your hand like a shoe! Appropriately titled, the shoe mouse! http://www.askergoworks.com/products/1628/HandShoe-Mouse.aspx

5) chair—An adjustable chair would allow me to easily correct my posture and make sitting more comfortable. **I like this chair from americanseating.com because it has a full back, is adjustable and is on wheels which would move nicely on my tile floor.

http://www.americanseating.com/productDetails.aspx?ID=0_67_education_117

6) document holder—My document holder is a clever compensatory tool that meets my needs. I don’t need to invest in the “real version” since mine adequately and more cheaply gets the job done!

7) phone—When I use Skype there are no negative side effects to my posture. When I
use my cell phone I often prop it between my ear or my shoulder which could lead to
shoulder and neck cramping. If I want to use my cell phone while typing it might be
worth investing in a headset.