Filling Up My Toolbox

     I have to admit, I was intimidated when I was previewing this assignment.  I have heard of some of these websites, but I had no idea how to maneuver through them or just how easy they would be to create once I logged onto the sites.  Not only is this assignment beneficial to an educator, I believe students would benefit from learning these tools as well to enhance their learning and sharing in the classroom.

     I decided to use the Tinyurl.com website as my tool for URL shortening.  I have attended virtual meetings with these addresses and was always curious about how they arrived at these names.  After clicking on the website, I could not believe how easy it was to convert a lengthy URL into a shortened one!  I just copied and pasted my original blog address, which was 33 characters, and it shortened it to 26 characters.  I had initially used a longer address (82 characters), but when I clicked on my new Tiny URL address, it just took me to my blog sign in page.  However, I realized just how easy it was to utilize this tool.  I added this website as a bookmarklet to my browser because I think it would come in very handy when verbalizing to fellow teachers and students web addresses that are lengthy, especially meeting or classroom links.  I could also add these addresses to my lessons plans and my Blackboard pages for students and parents.  This is definitely a tool I would share with my students because many of them create their own products over the web, and it would be helpful for them to have a shortened URL to share with others, especially when mistakes can be made if typed or written manually.  This website could also be used on a personal level because many people like to share interesting and helpful websites (how-to videos, recipes, shopping) verbally, manually, or virtually.  It is much easier to share a shortened web address as opposed to an address that could be over 100 characters long!

     I have seen QR codes everywhere, especially in my magazines.  I was clueless about their meaning and use.  After reading this week’s material, I had learned of their popularity and purpose.   Again, Delivr.com was extremely easy to use.  I had no idea how easy it was to create and share these QR codes!  I entered the web address of an Edgar Allan Poe website that I like to use with my students to introduce Poe the person and Poe the writer.  It is very engaging and interactive, and the students love it!   Students are encouraged to print out their weekly lesson plans, so I could add this QR code so they can access the website before class from their plans.  I would still add the web address (even the tiny URL if lengthier) for students who do not possess a smart phone.  This tool could be used on a personal level as well because people like to share information they find on the web.  If they are creating anything for their business (map, agenda, articles, cards) or for anything fun (invitations, cards, letters, pictures), they can quickly create a QR code to add to their products for an innovative twist. 

     I have added and used bookmarks in my browser before, but I have never heard of bookmarklets.  I decided to try Quietube because I use YouTube in my classroom quite often.  I added it to my browser which was just a click and a drag!  I then opened up a YouTube video that I use for Macbeth.  I then clicked on Quietube and could not believe that the comments and additional videos had disappeared; I loved it!  I will definitely be using that in the future in my classroom and at home with my daughters when viewing videos.  As my second bookmarklet, I decided to add Printliminator because I like to print out information to file, for both school and home.  This tool can be used on a personal level to remove unwanted information that you would like to print to keep for yourself or share with others, as with the graphics or unwanted ads when you want to share or print an important article or story.  After clicking on a department store website, then clicking the bookmarklet, it gave me some options from which to choose regarding what I wanted to eliminate from the page.  After manipulating the page, I was happy to see that there was an “Undo” button for the times where you may have made hasty decisions and removed something that you actually needed.  This would also be helpful for students who need to print out their assignments or resources (websites) and keep a record of them.  It eliminates distractions, as well as saves on ink! 

      It just goes to show you that you do not know how easy something can be (for the most part) until you try it!  As previously stated, I was unaware of some of these websites, as well as how to even arrive at the finished product, such as the Tiny URL, QR codes, and placing useful bookmarklets on your browser.  Taking the time to explore these user-friendly tools allows you to learn helpful information, as well as pass it along to your students to simplify their lives as well, both in the classroom and out.