PB12B_2009123_Sodaplay

Soda Constructor
www.sodaplay.com

I have a thing for creativity. It is probably a quiet passion of mine. I almost think it drives much of teaching practice AHa moment! I will follow through on that after I complete this post.

With that said, I have rediscovered a tool that I discovered about 8 years ago on the web. Sodaplay is a java applet that allows users to create the most wonderful visual animations. For my own personal inadequacies I feel that you have to be a genius to construct something that is worthwhile, but I know the fun is in the play. Think soda straws and using them to build structures now and movable parts and there you have sodaplay. The site holds no construction directions, which upset my basic mind when it comes to this playful tool. Eight years ago it was just lines and point and tools to get the gadget moving. Today they have added more applications to extend the original idea.

As I read through their forum it was obvious that they have a huge following that has been around since inception because they dutifully ask for the old version of sodaplay.
I feel that this tool is great for problem solving and math. I've even showed this to my son whom is working in his Algebra 3 course on conics. Tools within sodaplay include gravity, springiness, and physics. I'm no science and math person, but I've found sheer joy in looking at the work of others and trying to figure out how to create my own soda construction.

No wrapping paper needed. Sodaplay will provide hours of constructive play time.

PB12A_2009123_Zotero

I honestly wish I found this one 4 months ago.

How do you not loose your mind in the search for research? How do you gather your online resources for research and have them automatically ready for bibliography and in text citation? Zotero!

“ Zotero is a free, easy-to-use Firefox extension to help you collect, manage, and cite your research sources. It lives right where you do your work—in the web browser itself.”

www.zotero.org

It was with great delight to find this Web 2.0 tool. It has so many features. Some them include automatically capture citations, remotely back up and sync your library, store pdfs, images, and web pages, take rich-text notes in any language, and uses thousands of bibliographic styles. As teacher-researchers this tool is worth the download. So instead of just storing those tools on bookmarking lists, virtual notebooks, or Word, Zotero will handle everything you grab from the web right into its browser tray.

I feel that is Web 2.0 tool comes with an impressive resume. Its sponsors are The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library services. It was created by the Center for History and New Media and George Mason University. And if that doesn’t satisfy its validity as a worthwhile tool, make note that the National Science Foundation has hired Zotero “o provide a customized interface for NSF’s internal use” (zotero.org).

I’ve not mastered its use, but am in self-training mode as I place my Ebscho searches in Zotero. Who wants to remember how to write a reference? I know I’ve never liked it since learning MLA in high school (which was also a self teaching experience). Does it make sense in the digital age to require manual acquisition of bibliographic information? I think not. Just Zotero!

In the flow of Action Research...

Creative Commons
Compass Stone by John Carmichael
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlcarmichael/3548475933/



It has been an incredible 48 hours of hard core searching, thinking, searching, and more thinking. The AR zone has finally hit the fan and boy the breeze feels good. I have found a purpose, a question, and gems of research. I'm thankful for the spirit of discovery and ask for the spirit of clarity to continue to drive the winds of success my way. A huge thank you to course instructor Rena Hanaway for expanding the horizon. Enough lofty writing, back to the compass to continue my journey.

All Tapped Out

Creative Commons:
Peat Bakke
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistermoss/1314808684/




I would love just a brief moment of synchronous thinking and doing instead of the asynchronous searching,finding, reading, and creating. Surely, one at a time is the desired choice, but by way of deprived focus I find myself in a constant state of driven distraction. Just thought I 'd get that in there for slight steam release.

Did a name change...

...I will leave it be. I thought 'web tools' in the subheading was redundant in relation to the title. So, I had a creative zing after tonight's Wimba session and changed the name. Thought of doing...Webtwolery...then Web-two-Oh..and just settled into Webtoolery. What do you think?