My Browser History

I have been on computers for as long as I can remember. I can't even remember the names of the Windows OS's I have used before 95 but there were a few. So, naturally Internet Explorer has been a browser I go back to from time to time. At school, the default browser is Explorer so that is what I use. It functions well enough- I don't have any real complaints about it but there isn't anything that exciting either. I have used Netscape, Firefox, Safari on my iPod and the Macs at school, but my browser of preference that I use on my personal computer is Google Chrome. The main reason I like Chrome is probably because I like convenience. If a browser saves me a few clicks then I'm all for it. I like how the web address bar doubles as the google search engine- google is my choice search engine. Also, I enjoy having my bookmarks right at the top of my screen, only one click away. Another feature I enjoy is the one-click way to add new tabs, and the fact that those new tabs open up with screen-shot links to my most frequented sights. There is a lot less menu junk a the top of my screen than with other browsers as well.

Browser add-ons are similar to bookmarks or maybe internet tools. They look like a little icon in Chrome up by the address bar, where you can access the tool in one-click. They let you function and operate within your browsing window using whatever features they include. Before adding Diigo I used no add-ons. Now, I can use Diigo to highlight and comment articles I read, and socially interact with others about them.

The ISTE NETS T standard that discovering Diigo and making use of it's add-on covers best is (1a) "Educational Administrators inspire and lead development and implementation of a shared vision for comprehensive integration of technology to promote excellence and support transformation throughout the organization. Educational Administrators inspire and facilitate among all stakeholders a shared vision of purposeful change that maximizes use of digital-age resources to meet and exceed learning goals, support effective instructional practice, and maximize performance of district and school leaders ". Learning how to use Diigo, Web 2.0 and Social Bookmarking is a great way to improve classroom activities to encourage students to be engaged in learning and reading material in the digital-age where old practices are quickly becoming ineffective.