Brookstone School Tennis

I had no idea what was out there! So many ways to get information it’s almost mind boggling. However, I think for me I will only be able to use a few of these tools for now. Take it slow to make sure I am doing things correctly. But as far as the younger generation goes, I think they will tap into it easily and quickly. Their minds ‘hunger’ for this kind of stuff!! It’s all about technology……how to get the information and how quick they can get it. Best of all, now I’m going to know what they’re doing. I do look forward to using Google Docs and some video sharing in the classroom as well as in the coaching arena. Thank you, Shelley, for ‘putting me out there’. I certainly do not want to be left behind.

In reviewing what is available through Classroom 2.0, at this point there does not seem to be much concerning physical education or sports. This will change over time, I am sure, but it will need to be done more by computer literate teachers than me. It will take a higher degree of creativity and determination that I can muster, but I do think I’d follow a good blog and participate in relevant discussions.

What I did enjoy seeing was the number of blogs that really seemed to pull people and their thoughts together. This is a major plus! It’s still early; there’s a LONG way for this to go.

Here are my thoughts on using twitter as a coach: It’s obviously quicker and more spontaneous than, say, e-mail or blogging. I could see having having my team players follow me on Twitter so that as I have quick messages I need to get out about things (practice canceled for weather; transportation changes for away games; etc), I could have a fairly high degree of confidence that these messages were received since i know how reliant teenagers are on their cell phones and computers. Additionally, if I need opinions, it would be an easy way to ask a question and have responses that all could see. I really think Twitter’s ‘group think’ orientation is highly valuable.

I have to admit that I have not read my google reader as often as I should, but when prompted I am amazed at all the information that has accumulated. I know that I was warned about this but one really needs to be disciplined to check it daily. There is a lot of stuff to review! However, much of it is not what I am looking for, therefore I am going to look for some other, more useful RSS feeds for my area of interest.

I will say, though, that I did find a few very cool blogs that I will keep in my portfolio. In ‘Instructify’ I came across this blog

As one who is always looking to improve and expand my vocabulary, I’m looking forward to having the ‘word windows’ pop up irregularly on my computer.

Additionally, as a coach of cross country and tennis, few things are as important to my teams success as keeping up with the weather. One of my feeds, therefore, is the weather channel and it’s 10 day weather forecast blog . It is a necessary piece of information that I need to conduct my practices and meets/matches. It is here

My first experience with google docs was a bit confusing. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to spreadsheets, formatting, etc. To me, it just takes a little time (playing around) to finally get the hang of it!! Once you realize the process, it becomes quite fun.

Google docs would be very helpful when showing tennis statistics such as service/return percentage, forehand/backhand errors, and break points won or lost. I could go on and on. Also, I could use these tools to assist me as I check off numerous PE skills; such as, BASKETBALL: 1) layups 2) free throws 3) dribbling etc. And finally, I have used this particular spreadsheet to assist my family to complete and collaborate all family chores. (We’ll see how successful this is!)

I have a son named Charlie. I laugh harder every time I see this!!

My experience with TeacherTube was interesting, but some of the videos i came across were a bit amateurish. Plus the embedded ad gets to be annoying. It is a good idea that YouTube is trying to develop. Here is an instructional video from YouTube which could be helpful in tennis instruction:

What I learned from my podcasting experience:

1) It can be fun

2) Have an idea of what you want to say

3) Maybe write it down

4) Practice a little

5) Have at it

6) Don’t worry about messing up, it can always be redone

Podcasting is so cool! I wish I had something to say. Maybe I do. I don’t know. Who would want to hear from me?

No really, I think podcasting is cool but I really do not know at this point how I will utilize it. It looks easy but I know it’s not. The best podcasts are highly considered and well thought out and then pretty well produced.  iTunesU is amazing! Why couldn’t I be a student today?

Right now I may not have the time to conceptualize and produce them myself, but I am looking forward to exploring all the information podcasts offer.

I have subscribed to ‘Physical Education Today” and ‘TED Talks’ in my iTunes account. PE today was pretty weak. TED Talks is mind blowing!

I have not found many PE or tennis related podcasts, but I have seen many  YouTube videos which are much more helpful.

I enjoyed learning about LibraryThing. Great way to learn about books, authors, etc. Also a very useful way to keep track of books you’ve read, books you want to read, and many places to search for people’s comments about books. I don’t know if there is a way to use this professionally, but I am seeing a great opportunity to use it personally

I compare ‘Delicious’ to the way my husband randomly bookmarks web sites in his browsers and see so many advantages. Overtime he forgets what each link includes. With ‘Delicious’ I will always know what is behind each link, and with tags I can go back quickly to find anything. Here’s how it’s started for me.

Here is an instructional video that I found on Youtube from my Google Reader  that helps illustrate hitting a forehand.  The instructor made some points that I found very useful.