Thing 17-Knowtes, Trailfire, and Remember the Milk

Very interesting Web 2.0 tools to sample and browse in "Thing 17". This lesson has further proven that I need to definitely be more adventurous with Internet use. But I guess this message has been reinforced with each step along my journey in this course.

I spent some time in the following sites:

Knowtes was my first stop. Although I do not teach a specific class subject, I can see some applications of this web site to support both language development and even articulatory drills with my speech-language students. Incorporating spelling and vocabulary lists on Knowtes would give students support to practice and prepare for their weekly spelling tests and improve vocabulary knowledge which would enhance comprehension of the various texts being read. I like the flexibility of being able to invite others to join into a "Deck". This site may have limitations in that students may not remain motivated after the initial exposure to the site. The other problem may be having access to computer to utilize the decks.

My second exploration was of Trailfire. I found several "trails" that were very informative in exploring many facets of a given subject/topic. One example was when I was searching for information about learning disabilities. Several of the trails included web sites dealing with basic textbook definitions, learning disability support organizations, medline, and intervention web sites that could be utilized by parents, kids and teens, and treatment professionals. I found this web site to be helpful in seeing what web searches others have come up with so that I can be more productive (i.e., not having to recreate the wheel). The trails also have the nice feature of allowing me the ability to email the originator to collaborate or comment which supports the interactive nature of Web 2.0.

The final site I browsed was that of Remember the Milk. This site could offer the potential to help me meet my deadlines especially in terms of the various reports, medicaid billing, and IEP due dates, meetings, etc. I often have to manage information at multiple buildings and have calendars at each building of items that need to be completed. Having the ability to place and prioritize information and get reminders via my email would be helpful. Some of my information applies to other colleagues, so I could share my organized list with others. Also rather than waiting for a calendar on a monthly basis, all my information could be loaded in at one time so that I wouldn't have to worry about it after my initial input of important dates or re-occurring reports that are due.

I look forward to trying to incorporate some of these Web application tools at work to see how I might better streamline and become more efficient in my administrative duties as a speech therapist. It seems that in this day and age, we are being asked to provide more written documentation than ever. The more I can be efficient with some of these tasks, the more I will have time to spend with my students providing direct therapy. That would make me happy. Have a great day, Gregory Jacoby