Google Reader and Pinterest

Hello, again, my one reader!

So, tonight I am writing about my experiences with both Google Reader and Pinterest. Just in case there is a soul on Earth that does not know what these things are, Reader is an blog aggregator, and Pinterest is an image aggregator (I don't know how else to explain it... better head over there and check it out for yourself).

Anyway.... I started using Reader as soon as I learned about it, being the Google fan that I am. I think that just to have some use for the product I started following a few blogs. Over time, my list grew as my interests expanded. As of now, I follow about 25 blogs that I access through my Reader page, ranging from urban bicycling to green living, with everything in between-- including teaching, of course!

I have come to love the clean and simple interface, so I am beyond sad that Reader is disappearing in July. I have already opened an account with Feedly, but I have not really used it, and I probably won't until I have no choice. I'll comment on it later, although I signed up for it based on some good reviews.

On Pinterest, I don't even remember how I came across it. Thing is, it has become incredibly useful and entertaining to me. In fact, I have found a few interesting blogs by clicking on posts by other people. Also, the social quality of it is just genius! I have found some of my Facebook friends' Pinterest boards and have been able to check out some interesting materials based on known affinities with my friends. Not to sound like a snoop, but you can also find out unexpected interests on your friends' boards :-)

Besides the entertainment value, Pinterest has been an amazing tool for teaching. I have gotten tons of ideas on how to deliver lessons, create anchor charts, and organize and manage my classroom. A quick search delivers a huge number of results, and it is very easy to pore through them by just looking at the pins.

I have to say, if I had to stick with only one of these web tools, I would choose Pinterest in a pinch! have you tried it, my dear lonely reader?

One more...! On Google Docs- Now Google Drive

Ah, Google! The magic things it does! From a number of years, I have been a Google user, handing much of my online life over to them. Ever since I opened my Gmail account, I have been signing up for all the beta tests they offer. Of course, when Google Docs came about I had to have an account. At the time, I did not see all the advantages it offers, but sure enough I am a believer now.

I hope no one is carrying around a flash drive anymore, no need! With usable Internet connections  anywhere, nothing beats the convenience of having your files always available without needing to remember where you left your flash drive.

I use Google Docs for anything from personal files to work files and even fun stuff. Lately, I have been using it to write my morning work for my kiddos. I can do it whenever inspiration strikes, even sometimes as they are in the classroom already eating breakfast. Instead of handing them worksheets, I project my Google Doc containing the day's problems on my big screen, and everybody gets to work!

See the link to the Google Drive folder for examples of the problems that my students have worked on lately.

3rd grade morning work

It's Delicious!

As part of my training, I found myself creating yet another account that I did not think I needed! This is the Delicious social bookmarking website.

 However, I did (because I had to), and I have to say that it seems like I might have some use for it after all. With my beloved Google Reader going away (why, Google, oh why?!?), I need a new place to keep my sites in one place. Delicious seems to be a good site to keep my bookmarks. The interface is nice and clean, and I like the tagging feature. I have also been using Pinterest for some time to basically do the same, and I love it! However, I will give Delicious a try and will report...

Here goes my Delicious link, for anyone interested:  https://delicious.com/abigalvarez

 Until soon, very soon!

Abigail