Diigo vs. Pinterest

If you're a casual surfer of the net, then you know from time to time you come across a site or webpage that you would like save.  How do you do it?  Since I can remember, I would always save these pages under "My Favorites" in my internet browser in case I want to come back later.  However, there are several inconveniences that this method of holding onto the webpages you visit cause.  First, depending on the browser you use, it may not be as simple to keep track of the webpages you like.  It seems that all the browsers place their "favorites" button in a different position on your window.  Secondly, trying to retrieve these sites can be confusing.  Plus, if you're anything like me, no matter how much you like the site that you saved to your favorites, there's a good chance you'll end up forgetting about it.  Putting it in your favorites is almost like hiding that favorite shirt of yours in the extra closet: out of sight, out of mind.   Third, if you should decide to use another computer or even another browser, you can't access those favorite sites, unless you have an amazing memory.

To remedy these issues, the two most popular options are Diigo and Pinterest.  Both allow you to save your favorite webpages.  But since both are online platforms, you can access your saved sites from anywhere, anytime.  With the clever integration options both Diigo and Pinterest offer, it makes saving and accessing your webpages easy.  So what's the difference between the two and which one do I like better?

I would say the most noticeable difference between the two is the interface itself.  Diigo creates a list of the webpages you save in a very simple, easy to use platform.  Pinterest, while also easy to use, has a very beautiful interface that's pleasing to the eye and personalized to your interests.  It feels more like a social media site versus Diigo, which is a "library" of your favorite sites.

My pick: Pinterest.  Besides the cool interface, the visuals for each of your pins makes it clear what each site is about.  Plus, being able to utilize your boards, which is pins ordered by the topic you select, allows for your pins to be organized and easily accessible.  Plus, it's very easy to share with friends, whether through social media or directly via email.  Finally, while Diigo does provide suggested sites, Pinterest is able to generate suggestions based on your interests and topics searched. 

I look forward to sharing the many things I find on the web with you all.  Those findings will likely be kept in my Pinterest :)

You don't have a choice

I think most of us are adverse to being forced into something.  Hardly anyone likes to be told what to do or feel as if they have no power in a decision of a matter.  While it may be uncomfortable for some, it's time to accept the fact that you have no choice when it comes to adapting to technology's mighty hand.  In this day of phones that are smarter than you and I or social networks that spread information faster than CNN ever could, there's no escaping it: in order to survive, you must adapt.  This is the modern-day version of natural selection: can you navigate technological advances that seem to change with each passing day?

"We don't have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we DO it", says Erik Qualman.  Qualman's quote was featured in the video The Social Media Revolution, which shows the absolutely stunning numbers and research regarding the impact of social media on our world.  If you have yet to see this video, be prepared to be floored by what you're going to see what you're going to see.

Technology's impact is clearly seen in our classrooms as well.  I currently teach a middle school technology class in a room with 28 computers that are equipped with the latest programs and apps.  There's also a smart board in the room that serves as my main instructional tool.  Teachers everywhere are adapting.  However, if you're on the fence, I would implore you to watch A Vision of 21st Century Teachers.  I'm sure this appeal will speak to you.

Long Overdue

Hello to everyone out there with nothing better to do than check out my blog!

First, let me say that you have not hit rock bottom because you're here.  It's not that bad.  Besides, I'm sure you saw a few things that made you want to visit the page.  Maybe it was the title of the blog, which, just by reading it, I'm already teaching you Chinese!  Or it could've been that after reading the headline, you saw my picture and thought "Well, he definitely doesn't look like he's from China" (which I'm not; Rochester, New York to be correct).  But it was probably the overcast background pic that puts you in the mood to watch a movie.  Whichever your reason for stopping by, welcome.

My name is Darius and I'm currently a candidate for a Masters in Chinese Education at the University at Buffalo.  Two years of Beijing living and three years of Mandarin study has qualified me (along with GMATs and such) to be in this program.  I'm studying specifically to become a Chinese teacher in a public school, as I'm seeking to address the lack of minorities engaged in Chinese affairs by creating a pipeline of instructed scholars at the high school level.  I'm starting this blog to share my experiences, updates and engage with students, professionals and those who are curious about the language.

A New York State performance indicator for students learning languages other than English (which Chinese falls under) is for students to be able to comprehend simple vocabulary and structures in face-to-face with peers and familiar adults.  I don't want students to just pass a class by memorizing words that they'll forget next week; I want them to learn this great, critical and rarely spoken language in the US by Americans.  This blog will help with their vocab as well as hopefully light a fire under some schools to explore bringing on a Chinese program (SHAMELESS PLUG: I can help). 

Looking forward to sharing all I know and learning from you all as well!