Just overheard someone say...

Sitting at the airport in Vegas and heard someone say something I always say to my husband when we head home from a trip..."Time to make the donuts"

This trip was wonderful. For my husband it was a working trip - he presented at the AMATYC conference on Thursday and presided over a session this morning. I went to the conference on Thursday and had a good time. (This is my 4th math conference - a wanta-be math person, but couldn't get through Calc 2.) We stayed at the Sahara and it was very nice, plus was the easiest to access the Monorail. (LOVED the monorail. So easy to get around!)

We ate out - Margaritaville (twice!) and got to sit in their "boat" which is great for people watching. Great food, drinks and service.

Also to the Bellagio Buffet for the crab legs. Had my fill, and am good for awhile. Last night we were early for a show so watched the UA football game at ESPN Zone. Fun time again - very energizing with all the people and TVs.

Finally, we finished our trip with a show. It was a splurge, but I am so glad we went. We saw Frank Caliendo at the Monte Carlo. OMG!! He was so good. I have never laughed so long and so hard. (I wanted to get his DVD, but money being the way it is, hoping I can find it later.) You've probably seen him on the DirectTV commericals, FoxSports football pre-game show on Sundays, Jay Leno. Afterwards, he came out and did pics with all who wanted. Of course, we got our pics taken with him. (Found out he's from Tempe - cool!)

Anyway, sitting at McCarren. I guess it time to start thinking it's "time to make the donuts"

Gosh I Love Web 2.0...

Today was a day to do some housekeeping. No, not the hum-drum boring stuff like dusting, sweeping, baths, etc. No today I got to take care of my tech housekeeping. I have been remiss as I always seemed to have something to do and no time to take care of it, even though I knew it really wouldn't take that long.

Today, I updated my personal webpage, my work webpage - including a whole new layout, updated our library blog and now I am taking care of my personal blog. I still remember toiling through Dreamweaver to update my webpage - for hours. I did all the above, less the one I am working on, in a little over 1 hour!! Gosh I love Web 2.0!!!!

I also teach a 1-credit course through an educational consulting firm, PODetc and University of Wisconsin Green Bay, called Survey of Educational Technologies. I checked on them today also. We are still in the course page with our comments, but next week we move to the blog each of them will start. I love teaching this class. In it different Web 2.0 technologies are introduced and looked at from an educational point of view. It is like 4 weeks of brainstorming. (One of my favorite activities.) I love the energy created when the students first read about it and begin to see what the possibilities and then when they actually use the technology, all of sudden doors are flung open. I follow all of the students blogs and webpages (aka: wikis) and while not everyone keeps their pages active, those that do have some really dynamic online materials. I encourage them to not only think about using these applications in the classroom, but also for professional development and collaboration with colleagues, but also as an e-portfolio of their work. It would be great tool to show a panel, and probably something that would set them apart from others. There is a downside to this - most school districts block social networking/Web 2.0 sites. We discuss why this is and then we begin a conversation on educating the administration. In at least one case, I have found out that a teacher was able to get the block removed for the teachers, so they could use it for collaboration. Another was able to get delicious, a social bookmarking site, opened up. It is about educating those who may not know about Web 2.0 capabilities and only hear about the predators.

Web 2.0 has so many possibilities. I could go on, but I will save that for another post. All I can say is I love Web 2.0!

Cooler than a Business Card!

I admit it - I love gadgets! Tech gadgets. Kitchen gadgets. All kinds of gadgets.

This weekend I read again about a new tech gadget that takes the place of a business card... Poken! At the PokenZoo you can see all the critters they offer. These critters "talk" to each other by touching the hand-like icon on one to the hand-like icon on another. Instantly it transfers the data, the digital business card you created with all kinds of information about you. You can have several accounts (I think 3) so you could have a work contacts or casual contacts. I see it as being great at conferences! I hate having all those business cards to keep track of. With this, I envision being able to download the info, hopefully a picture also, and then being able to add my notes to make it more relevant in the future. Of course the website notes more fun environments -- when you go clubbing, at parties, reunions, as well as the more traditional (business) meetings.

I know I am going to get one, and soon. I have a conference in January I would like to take it to, just in case someone else has one. I just can't decide on the green or pink alien, or the pink geisha, or perhaps I should be more practical and get the flash drive. Mmmm, decisions, decisions.

Let me know if you have been poked!