"Thing 6"

What! Just a few days ago on Facebook there was a post for yellow cake fudge, an easy microwave recipe for fudge that you make with cake batter, butter and confectioners sugar and I said to myself, "what! How have I not heard of this before?"... So even though I've heard of Pinterest and have seen multiple posts in Facebook I didn't realize what I was missing with Pinterest. A wealth of information shared is an understatement, but the visual appeal and ease to search is very alluring. I can see how one becomes addicted. Two hours had passed in what seemed like 20 minutes and I had pinned countless sites.
I could easily see how this may help me personally; I quickly found quilting patterns and clothing styles I want to make/buy. Professionally... My initial though was that this will be a tool possibly to share and find lesson plans, but as I search I've realized much more such as organizers, resources and plans. Another professional purpose I see is using this as a resource for my department to share resources and tools in a group. Use with my students... I would use this as a research tool or a student grouping tool based on interests, a tool to use for group assignments in project presentations.
With all that being said, I might have to be incognito as not to be caught slacking on my housekeeping duties as I'm drawn to my newest friend and interest... Pinterest!

"Thing 4: Photo Sharing"

Over the past several days I have explored Picasa.  I downloaded it to both my phone and my computer.  I have found some great features including the editing tools and the advanced features such as picture collages, movies and posters.  I incorporated one of the picture collages I created into my blog and a picture; they are all pictures of my gardens and of inspiration.  I could see these applications useful in my class for students to create photo collages, movies, poster for culminating projects.  I could also see them for research presentations, book reports and group collaborations. 
I tested out BigHugeLabs, but wasnt a big fan.  I like things to be easily read, neat and organized; I found it to be visually confusing and in disarray.  That being said, I have heard alot about Pinterest and had not explored it until this lesson.  I like exploring others thoughts and ideas and images.