The document discusses various web publishing tools that the author has learned about and used, including wikis, blogs, RSS readers, and Animoto. The author details how they created a wiki to share classroom information with parents and students. They also started a class blog that students contribute to during reading time and enjoy using. The author learned to use new tools like Glogster and embed content in their wiki. Overall, they felt the online course taught them new skills and they recommend online learning.

1. WIKIS, BLOGS &
WEB PUBLISHING
Amy Schroding
November 2010

2. MOST USEFUL TOOL –
THE WIKI
Why the wiki?
 It’s very versatile. They make great class
webpages!
 It’s a home to display other web tools, like
Animoto videos and glogs.
 It’s easy to create and share with others.
 It’s an easy way to collaborate with others.
And finally...
 It’s a fun tool to use!

3. MY WIKI
My wiki can be found at...
http://aschroding.wikispaces.com/
My wiki is primarily used as a source of
information for parents and students. They
can find...
o Current events
o Weekly homework
o Curriculum links
o Links to online educational games
o Highlights of our classroom
o And much more...

4. RSS READER - IGOOGLE
I love my new and improved iGoogle homepage!
Prior to this course, I had a simple iGoogle
home – one page, no tabs, basic information.
Every once in a while, I’d get crazy and update
my theme. All that time, I had no idea what I
was missing!
Now, my homepage is a major source of
information, with tabs, customized themes for
each page, and links to tons of my favorite web
pages. Now that I know its capabilities, the
possibilities are endless!

5. BLOG
At first, I wasn’t too thrilled about the blog and I had some
concerns:
o How can I fit it into an already packed schedule?
o When will I have the time to explain it to the kids?
o What benefits will it provide for the students?
o Is it a worthwhile activity?
However, my questions were quickly answered after a day’s
worth of blogging!
 It fits perfectly in my reading block during the students
independent work time.
 It took about 15 minutes one morning.
 Blogging promotes technological literacy, is a great
motivational tool, provides a unique outlet for the students’
ideas, and adds some excitement to their day.
 It’s totally worthwhile! I am kicking myself for not starting
it sooner! You could hear a pin drop in my classroom when
the students are blogging.

6. ROOM 31’S CLASS BLOG
Our blog was created through kidblog.org. It
was extremely user friendly and quick and easy
to make.
We use the blog during independent work at
reading time. The students rotate through our
computers, answering one or two questions on
blogging days. Most days, the post is related to
our reading block content; however, at times, I
use it to integrate other content areas, as well as
holidays, current events, etc.
The students love the blog! Working on the
computer makes them feel “official” and
motivates them to think and express themselves
in a whole new way.

7. ANIMOTO
Meet the students of Room 31!
I loved using Animoto! It was easy, fast and
makes a great finished product! The students
loved seeing themselves in the slideshow, and
they are eager to share it with their parents in
the future!
Animoto is also great for personal use. It’s a
neat way to share pictures with family and
friends who aren’t local. They love watching the
videos as much as my students do!

8. WHAT I LEARNED...
 Learning the ins and outs of
Glogster
 Embedding my glog and my
Animoto video into my wiki
 Changing iTunes mp4 files into
mp3 files in order to use my own
music for Animoto videos.
 Timing my Animoto video so that
the music worked well with the
images
 Where, when & how to begin
blogging
 Answering my own questions
through online research
 Conquering Glogster
 Creating an eye-catching
homepage for my wikispace
 Creating an Animoto video that
utilizes my own music files
 Starting a class blog that has
loads of educational value and
that the students LOVE
 Adequately managing my time
and not procrastinating until the
end to complete my work
 Locating tons of online resources
to help me with my coursework
Challenges Successes

9. TWO THUMBS UP FOR MOODLE
AND ONLINE LEARNING!
 Moodle site was user friendly and easy to navigate
 Appreciated the resources available to help us manage the
course work – tutorials, links, etc.
 Course expectations were clear
 Feedback throughout the class from Rich and peers was
helpful
 Enjoyed working at home when it was convenient for me
 Learned a lot out of necessity, seeking out the answers to
my tech questions online and finding valuable resources
and user guides that will be helpful in the future
I plan on taking another online course again in the near
future! Thanks for the great learning experience!

10. TWO THUMBS UP FOR MOODLE
AND ONLINE LEARNING!
 Moodle site was user friendly and easy to navigate
 Appreciated the resources available to help us manage the
course work – tutorials, links, etc.
 Course expectations were clear
 Feedback throughout the class from Rich and peers was
helpful
 Enjoyed working at home when it was convenient for me
 Learned a lot out of necessity, seeking out the answers to
my tech questions online and finding valuable resources
and user guides that will be helpful in the future
I plan on taking another online course again in the near
future! Thanks for the great learning experience!