I discovered Prezi through my other IU class. We had to find a new technology, and someone in my class (probably my Professor) found Prezi. I have found Prezi to be a great way to create tutorials. I am not a fan of it when it comes to creating class presentations. Not everyone is able to see what you have written and not everyone is familiar enough with it to understand how it works.
http://www.prezi.com/ (Please go to this website). Once you are in the website you need to create an account, then you can create your first Prezi presentation.
There is a tutorial on how to create a presentation in Prezi, and I would fully recommend using it. To be honest with you, I have used that tutorial MULTIPLE times.
If I had to rank this technology compared to power point I would give it an 8 out of 10. It is a great modern technology that we can use and teach our kids. However, I will say it is difficult to learn for us who are say, technology immigrants. However, for our digital natives, it will probably only take them five minutes to get it down pat! :D
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Emerging Technology 3: VODCASTING ... or PODCASTING part 1! :)
Started: March 17, 2010
LOL... I think both of these terms are extremely unique. For Module 5 in my Computers in Education we are having to do what is known to be a POD or VOD cast. I have thought about doing these types of things before, but I have never tried it in my actual classes. Well, because it is my assignment, I brought out the old digital camera today and I am going to try a VOD cast. I decided to go ahead and write my Emergine Technology post now, and follow up with how it went after I try this in the next couple of days.
I was talking with one of the art teachers at my school and she said that she was going to try a VOD cast with her class while teaching the concept of clay. She did not want to constantly be redoing things or trying to make up for erros during the class presentation, so she decided she wanted to put her clay persentation on a VOD cast. She wants her students to see what they are supposed to do the first time, not wait for errors or any other interruptions.
I have decided to do my VOD cast on introducing an Internet Scavenger Hunt.
EDIT March 29, 2010
I have spent an entire week working on my VOD cast. I have taped my VOD cast six times...count them...SIX! And none of them will download. This leads me to question...am I doing this right??????? I have taped it on a Flip Camera, and then I did three more takes on my digital camera. So then I spend tons of time trying to download my video and it won't work! I can't get it to download to My Resources on Oncourse.
Now, I realize MILLIONS of people know how to POD cast and VOD cast, and have NO issue what so ever. So this leads me to wonder, do I need a better form of technology? Do I have the right hardware to allow me to VOD cast?
I work in an urban school district. While we have been blessed with many grants, it still does not mean that we have every new piece of technology at our fingertips. So, in my Emerging Technology 3 post, I come to you with frustration. I was so looking forward to being able to do my VOD cast, and now I'm let down. And what makes it worse is I don't have any leads towards any answers.
I. need. help. fast. All suggestions are welcome.
EDIT March 30, 2010
Ok. I came back to say that it still isn't working. However, I want to give my opinion on VOD casting. I actually really appreciate this technology. I have done several studies using VOD casting. However, when I actually try to do one myself it becomes FRUSTRATING! Yes, I know all CAPS...but I can't help it. I just wish that I could use this technology to help my students.
LOL... I think both of these terms are extremely unique. For Module 5 in my Computers in Education we are having to do what is known to be a POD or VOD cast. I have thought about doing these types of things before, but I have never tried it in my actual classes. Well, because it is my assignment, I brought out the old digital camera today and I am going to try a VOD cast. I decided to go ahead and write my Emergine Technology post now, and follow up with how it went after I try this in the next couple of days.
I was talking with one of the art teachers at my school and she said that she was going to try a VOD cast with her class while teaching the concept of clay. She did not want to constantly be redoing things or trying to make up for erros during the class presentation, so she decided she wanted to put her clay persentation on a VOD cast. She wants her students to see what they are supposed to do the first time, not wait for errors or any other interruptions.
I have decided to do my VOD cast on introducing an Internet Scavenger Hunt.
EDIT March 29, 2010
I have spent an entire week working on my VOD cast. I have taped my VOD cast six times...count them...SIX! And none of them will download. This leads me to question...am I doing this right??????? I have taped it on a Flip Camera, and then I did three more takes on my digital camera. So then I spend tons of time trying to download my video and it won't work! I can't get it to download to My Resources on Oncourse.
Now, I realize MILLIONS of people know how to POD cast and VOD cast, and have NO issue what so ever. So this leads me to wonder, do I need a better form of technology? Do I have the right hardware to allow me to VOD cast?
I work in an urban school district. While we have been blessed with many grants, it still does not mean that we have every new piece of technology at our fingertips. So, in my Emerging Technology 3 post, I come to you with frustration. I was so looking forward to being able to do my VOD cast, and now I'm let down. And what makes it worse is I don't have any leads towards any answers.
I. need. help. fast. All suggestions are welcome.
EDIT March 30, 2010
Ok. I came back to say that it still isn't working. However, I want to give my opinion on VOD casting. I actually really appreciate this technology. I have done several studies using VOD casting. However, when I actually try to do one myself it becomes FRUSTRATING! Yes, I know all CAPS...but I can't help it. I just wish that I could use this technology to help my students.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Emerging Technology 2: X3 Studios
Ok everyone, you are going to LOVE this! I found this site thanks to an amazing student who wanted to try something new for a project I have in my class. The website is called: wallpapers.x3studios.com (DO NOT PUT http in front of the wallpapers)!
Basically what this site does is it allows students to be creative and design their own backgrounds or wallpapers for computers. In my class we are using X3Studios to design logos for the businesses my students are creating. In my class we have what is known as the Entrepreneurship Project. Students, in groups, are to "boom" a business. They name their company, design a logo, make advertisments, create a mission statement, create a dress code, and follow a budget.
X3Studios has been a great asset to my project because my students are able to step outside of the programs they usually use to create things in and try something new. The elements that X3Studios has to choose from are very unique and very inviting. My students are also able to type text into this program. Most of my students have found this program to be extremely helpful. They appreciate being able to do something different. I appreciate being able to introduce something new into my classroom.
Please visit the link (I'll give it to you again):
wallpapers.x3studios.com
Ale
Basically what this site does is it allows students to be creative and design their own backgrounds or wallpapers for computers. In my class we are using X3Studios to design logos for the businesses my students are creating. In my class we have what is known as the Entrepreneurship Project. Students, in groups, are to "boom" a business. They name their company, design a logo, make advertisments, create a mission statement, create a dress code, and follow a budget.
X3Studios has been a great asset to my project because my students are able to step outside of the programs they usually use to create things in and try something new. The elements that X3Studios has to choose from are very unique and very inviting. My students are also able to type text into this program. Most of my students have found this program to be extremely helpful. They appreciate being able to do something different. I appreciate being able to introduce something new into my classroom.
Please visit the link (I'll give it to you again):
wallpapers.x3studios.com
Ale
Monday, March 1, 2010
Module 4-2 Digital Literacy
Alesha McCall
Module 4-2 Digital Literacy
Summary
March 1, 2010
The video I watched is entitled: “Creating Presentations about Family Heritage”. I chose this video because I love projects that deal with family ancestry. I remember in fourth grade we were given an assignment to interview one of our grandparents (preferably our oldest living grandparent). I chose my grandfather. It just happened to be one year to the date before he died. I still have the project that I created and it has been such a great help to me as I dealt with the loss of him. Thus, I know how important these projects can be.
In the video I saw Nuuanu Elementary School. It started off with the morning announcements. I saw how multiple students were involved in putting on the morning announcements—without adult assistance. Yes, there was a teacher present. However, his philosophy along with the school’s was that students need to learn how to problem solve. Mr. Chung, the teacher, feels that doing the morning announcements without an adult hanging over your shoulder is all a part of the learning process. Students are learning how to problem solve on their feet. It was incredible to watch. I am one of those teachers that tend to be overprotective of my students. Thus, it was neat to see Mr. Chung allow the students to run the announcements without any worry or concern that something was going to break or go wrong.
It took awhile before the movie got to the part about the fourth grade family heritage project. Each student was instructed to create a multimedia project based on their family tree. Students were bringing in old family photos to be scanned and old documents for everyone to look at. It was neat to see everyone so involved in this project. The teachers found ways to connect parents into the project as well. While I am sure some parents probably stressed over finding old photos and letting them go into their child’s hang, I am sure it was great for the parents to see their child learning their family history, and creating a great documentation that can be used for years to come.
Through all the projects I saw from Nuuanu Elementary School I discovered the main goal for the students. Every student is to be an independent learner. At first that scared me a bit. But after thinking about it for awhile I decided that should be the ultimate goal for every student. We all need to learn how to be independent learners. We all need to find that desire to learn and study new things. Learning enhances our lives.
I then moved on to the blog list and chose to look at Stephen Hurley’s blog. I chose a post entitled: “Embracing Entrepreneurship in our Schools”. To be honest the reason I chose this particular post was because I teach Entrepreneurship in my classroom—thus it caught my eye right off the bat. For Mr. Hurley there are two words that define the term entrepreneurship: initiative and risk. I COMPLETELY agree with him in that respect. To be an entrepreneur means you take risks- ALL THE TIME. I put that in all caps because I grew up with a father for an Entrepreneur. I guarantee you; his life defines taking a risk. Then, I look at my own life and I have discovered that I to take MANY risks—healthy ones of course. As I read more deeply I began to feel that Mr. Hurley is encouraging teachers to have an entrepreneurial spirit. I feel that he wants us to bring something new to the table when we teach. Don’t teach the same old, same old. Be bold and try something new. Luckily for me, I don’t have to try very hard in that department. In order to make my life more interesting, I am always trying new things. Ironically enough, I have even taught standing on a science table. Hey, it captured my students’ attention—and they did learn that day!
Module 4-2 Digital Literacy
Summary
March 1, 2010
The video I watched is entitled: “Creating Presentations about Family Heritage”. I chose this video because I love projects that deal with family ancestry. I remember in fourth grade we were given an assignment to interview one of our grandparents (preferably our oldest living grandparent). I chose my grandfather. It just happened to be one year to the date before he died. I still have the project that I created and it has been such a great help to me as I dealt with the loss of him. Thus, I know how important these projects can be.
In the video I saw Nuuanu Elementary School. It started off with the morning announcements. I saw how multiple students were involved in putting on the morning announcements—without adult assistance. Yes, there was a teacher present. However, his philosophy along with the school’s was that students need to learn how to problem solve. Mr. Chung, the teacher, feels that doing the morning announcements without an adult hanging over your shoulder is all a part of the learning process. Students are learning how to problem solve on their feet. It was incredible to watch. I am one of those teachers that tend to be overprotective of my students. Thus, it was neat to see Mr. Chung allow the students to run the announcements without any worry or concern that something was going to break or go wrong.
It took awhile before the movie got to the part about the fourth grade family heritage project. Each student was instructed to create a multimedia project based on their family tree. Students were bringing in old family photos to be scanned and old documents for everyone to look at. It was neat to see everyone so involved in this project. The teachers found ways to connect parents into the project as well. While I am sure some parents probably stressed over finding old photos and letting them go into their child’s hang, I am sure it was great for the parents to see their child learning their family history, and creating a great documentation that can be used for years to come.
Through all the projects I saw from Nuuanu Elementary School I discovered the main goal for the students. Every student is to be an independent learner. At first that scared me a bit. But after thinking about it for awhile I decided that should be the ultimate goal for every student. We all need to learn how to be independent learners. We all need to find that desire to learn and study new things. Learning enhances our lives.
I then moved on to the blog list and chose to look at Stephen Hurley’s blog. I chose a post entitled: “Embracing Entrepreneurship in our Schools”. To be honest the reason I chose this particular post was because I teach Entrepreneurship in my classroom—thus it caught my eye right off the bat. For Mr. Hurley there are two words that define the term entrepreneurship: initiative and risk. I COMPLETELY agree with him in that respect. To be an entrepreneur means you take risks- ALL THE TIME. I put that in all caps because I grew up with a father for an Entrepreneur. I guarantee you; his life defines taking a risk. Then, I look at my own life and I have discovered that I to take MANY risks—healthy ones of course. As I read more deeply I began to feel that Mr. Hurley is encouraging teachers to have an entrepreneurial spirit. I feel that he wants us to bring something new to the table when we teach. Don’t teach the same old, same old. Be bold and try something new. Luckily for me, I don’t have to try very hard in that department. In order to make my life more interesting, I am always trying new things. Ironically enough, I have even taught standing on a science table. Hey, it captured my students’ attention—and they did learn that day!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Emerging Technology 1: Digital Videos
This is a growing subject matter for me because I rarely use Digital Videos in my class. In fact the videos I do use are for the students I work with who have moderate cognitive disabilities. I access these videos from a website known as BrainPop. (www.brainpop.com). The school district that I work for has a membership with BrainPop. Thus, I am able to access hundreds of videos that provide students with more information that goes along with what they are learning in their Lifeskills class.
When it comes to my general education classes I am having trouble using videos in conjunction with my classes. It is not that I am afraid of the technology, however I find it hard to have enough time to incorporate the videos into the my classes. Through my research over the past two years I have come across a website known as Teacher Tube (www.teachertube.com). I had heard of You Tube, which I usually use for entertainment purposes. However, I had not heard of Teacher Tube until I became employed as a teacher. Over the past frew weeks I have gone to Teacher Tube and discovered several educational videos that are right at my fingertips. I also discovered that Teacher Tube has pictures and blogs that can be helpful to both teachers and students.
My goal for this semester is to find videos that work well with my curriculum and incorporate them into my class. Hopefully my readers will be able to help keep me accountable.
When it comes to my general education classes I am having trouble using videos in conjunction with my classes. It is not that I am afraid of the technology, however I find it hard to have enough time to incorporate the videos into the my classes. Through my research over the past two years I have come across a website known as Teacher Tube (www.teachertube.com). I had heard of You Tube, which I usually use for entertainment purposes. However, I had not heard of Teacher Tube until I became employed as a teacher. Over the past frew weeks I have gone to Teacher Tube and discovered several educational videos that are right at my fingertips. I also discovered that Teacher Tube has pictures and blogs that can be helpful to both teachers and students.
My goal for this semester is to find videos that work well with my curriculum and incorporate them into my class. Hopefully my readers will be able to help keep me accountable.
Monday, February 1, 2010
First Post...Maybe
The irony in my subject is that I already posted and then the blog deleted it. HOW LOVELY! (Please detect the note of sarcasm in my statement.)
I actually have a personal blog that I update once in a great while. However, I am excited to be using my new edublog. Perhaps I will be able to someday use this in my classroom!
For a class that I am taking at IU, I need to post my "Delicious" links. So, if you are interested in finding great education resources for technology please go to:
delicious.com/growingintechnology
I try to keep my themes the same. I always say: An organized Ale makes an organized world!
Enjoy!
Ale (prounounce Alley, not like Ginger Ale!)
:)
I actually have a personal blog that I update once in a great while. However, I am excited to be using my new edublog. Perhaps I will be able to someday use this in my classroom!
For a class that I am taking at IU, I need to post my "Delicious" links. So, if you are interested in finding great education resources for technology please go to:
delicious.com/growingintechnology
I try to keep my themes the same. I always say: An organized Ale makes an organized world!
Enjoy!
Ale (prounounce Alley, not like Ginger Ale!)
:)
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