Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Diagramming Using Inspiration
This is my diagram on physical geography in accordance with 3rd Grade Social Studies curriculum standards. I designed this diagram with ease in a great program called Inspiration.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Smilebox Brings a Smile to My Face
Smilebox is by far my favorite Web 2.0 tool! Smilebox allows users to upload photos or videos and create invitations, greetings, slide shows, collages, photo albums, and scrapbooks. I found so many different templates and editing choices that I was overwhelmed (with excitement of course)! Smilebox proved user-friendly, and I was able to complete mine in just 15 minutes! For the most part, my photos uploaded and inserted with little issues. I do wish that I could have been able to directly resize my photos within Smilebox. Perhaps next time I will be more conscious about my photo choices so that I may eliminate any blurred shots.
I learned that Smilebox is a great Web 2.0 tool to integrate into the classroom. I can see myself using it to send slide shows of field trips, e-cards for holidays, and scrapbooks at the end of the school year. I am really fond of this tool and cannot wait to create another Smilebox presentation.
Here is my first Smilebox presentation of my brother and I. Coincidentally, he took this course a few years ago with Dr. Obannon!
I learned that Smilebox is a great Web 2.0 tool to integrate into the classroom. I can see myself using it to send slide shows of field trips, e-cards for holidays, and scrapbooks at the end of the school year. I am really fond of this tool and cannot wait to create another Smilebox presentation.
Here is my first Smilebox presentation of my brother and I. Coincidentally, he took this course a few years ago with Dr. Obannon!
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| Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox |
We are going on a... Scavenger Hunt!
For our class last Wednesday, we were instructed to go on a scavenger hunt for objects defining different shapes. We were asked to record our findings through digital images, then create a slideshow appropriate for classroom use. Below you will find my finished product.
Overall, our search was successful. Creating my Google presentation could have been better executed if I had simply made my presentation there as opposed to uploading a powerpoint. The transition proved a little messy. Next time I will make sure to do it this way in order to eliminate unnecessary steps.
I learned that using digital images to teach a lesson proves very useful. Students will better comprehend the different shapes through the use of the images we found as opposed to ordinary primary colored shapes. In essence, through the use of a digital image presentation in the classroom, ordinary lessons can become more relevant and meaningful.
Overall, our search was successful. Creating my Google presentation could have been better executed if I had simply made my presentation there as opposed to uploading a powerpoint. The transition proved a little messy. Next time I will make sure to do it this way in order to eliminate unnecessary steps.
I learned that using digital images to teach a lesson proves very useful. Students will better comprehend the different shapes through the use of the images we found as opposed to ordinary primary colored shapes. In essence, through the use of a digital image presentation in the classroom, ordinary lessons can become more relevant and meaningful.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
My Digital Image Collection Experience
My latest project involved creating a digital image collection and sharing it with my teacher using Picasa Web Albums. Included were five images from several methods: 1) CD Collection: Big Box of Art, 2) Web (free image)- Google Images, 3) Scanned Image, 4) Digital Camera Shot, and finally 5) Screen Shot of my organization through USB folder.
While the task should have proved simple, I did encounter a couple of problems. I had never used the screen shot technique, and it was much more complicated on my PC than on a Mac. However, I have used all the other listed methods before, so I completed those steps with little complication. I learned that I should look into utilizing more methods when applying images and photos towards my school work and eventual classroom. I also learned to be more careful next time when using free online images; this was due to the fact that a virus warning popped up on my computer when I tried to choose a clip art image in Google Images!
In my future teaching career, I will use images from various sources to brighten up power points and other presentations. Hopefully this will encourage the students to remain engaged in class lessons.
While the task should have proved simple, I did encounter a couple of problems. I had never used the screen shot technique, and it was much more complicated on my PC than on a Mac. However, I have used all the other listed methods before, so I completed those steps with little complication. I learned that I should look into utilizing more methods when applying images and photos towards my school work and eventual classroom. I also learned to be more careful next time when using free online images; this was due to the fact that a virus warning popped up on my computer when I tried to choose a clip art image in Google Images!
In my future teaching career, I will use images from various sources to brighten up power points and other presentations. Hopefully this will encourage the students to remain engaged in class lessons.
Picniking!
Learning to use Picnik is one of my favorite activities yet in TPTE 486. Picnik is an online photo editing Web 2.0 tool that allows you to do nearly anything to a photo. At home, I took my favorite photo of myself, and used Picnik to turn the image into a form of self-expression. My family has always referred to me as "Princess" so I found it only appropriate to give myself a crown!
This tool was simple to use and much fun too! I was able to crop and touch up my image, as well as apply "stickers" and frames. Some attempts at editing (or creating I should say) did not go well for me because they were off limits to the free user. Most of the advanced tools within Picnik require Premium status, which is met with a small fee. If I find myself referring back to this tool, I may choose to register for the Premium account next time.
Through use of this tool, I learned that there are many ways to enhance and further creativity in one's use of images. I will use this tool for a student self-expression activity should I be placed in an upper elementary classroom. I myself will apply it to enhancing my images used in presentations.
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| Picnik Fun |
This tool was simple to use and much fun too! I was able to crop and touch up my image, as well as apply "stickers" and frames. Some attempts at editing (or creating I should say) did not go well for me because they were off limits to the free user. Most of the advanced tools within Picnik require Premium status, which is met with a small fee. If I find myself referring back to this tool, I may choose to register for the Premium account next time.
Through use of this tool, I learned that there are many ways to enhance and further creativity in one's use of images. I will use this tool for a student self-expression activity should I be placed in an upper elementary classroom. I myself will apply it to enhancing my images used in presentations.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Google Docs Sort of Rocks?
Throughout the semester, we have been using Google Docs to share assignments with our teacher. At first, I was unfamiliar with this sharing tool. Like a wiki, you can collaborate on pieces in Google Docs. The first time I shared an assignment on Google Docs I resent it after some edits. Yet what I quickly learned is that you only have to share it once and then the person you shared it with has unlimited access to the viewing (and editing if you give them permission)! I haven't double-shared since!
Overall, using this tool has proven very beneficial. Not only does it make submitting assignments to the professor easier, but it really helped when Paige and I were creating a lesson plan together too. I can definitely see similar uses in the classroom setting- sharing lesson plans, project ideas, syllabuses, class policies, supply lists, etc with fellow teachers of my grade.
Perhaps what I love most about Google Docs is spelled out in its name- Google. Yes, Google. Google Docs is tied directly into my Google account which hosts my email, homepage, website, and various other resources. Whether file-sharing or collaborating, the fact that Google Documents is part of my Google account makes it just a click away (rather than a URL, a sign in, and a select away).
Overall, using this tool has proven very beneficial. Not only does it make submitting assignments to the professor easier, but it really helped when Paige and I were creating a lesson plan together too. I can definitely see similar uses in the classroom setting- sharing lesson plans, project ideas, syllabuses, class policies, supply lists, etc with fellow teachers of my grade.
Perhaps what I love most about Google Docs is spelled out in its name- Google. Yes, Google. Google Docs is tied directly into my Google account which hosts my email, homepage, website, and various other resources. Whether file-sharing or collaborating, the fact that Google Documents is part of my Google account makes it just a click away (rather than a URL, a sign in, and a select away).
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Pessimistic Perspective Of Prezi Presentations
Recently we learned about Prezi, another interactive presentation tool. The primary difference between this and Glogster is the creator of a Prezi presentation has infinite space to work with while a Glog limits you to a single page. The idea is to use this web 2.0 tool in lieu of power point slides. Honestly, I have a very definitive view of this tool: I hate it.
The end product of using Prezi is spectacular- from one idea to another, the flow can twist and turn and captivate the viewer. Yet getting to the end product or any product at all proved impossible for me, the weak computer user. Prezi is not a user-friendly tool, and instructions on using Prezi are too vague. I tried for almost an hour to create a Prezi for my lesson plan and eventually forfeited- and I NEVER give up on anything.
Nothing went well for me in this process of creating my own Prezi: the navigation tool bar in the shape of a sphere constantly threw me for a loop. If there must be a "next time" for me, I will try to get help from an experienced user so that I may effectively create a Prezi. Advanced computer users will have a field day with this web 2.0 tool, but it honestly isn't for me.
If I ever figure it out, I would imagine Prezi to be a great substitute for boring, colorless slide show presentations. I do not, however, recommend student use of Prezi for the elementary grades. If the teacher has difficulty working this user-unfriendly tool, then I highly doubt the students will have any success.
The end product of using Prezi is spectacular- from one idea to another, the flow can twist and turn and captivate the viewer. Yet getting to the end product or any product at all proved impossible for me, the weak computer user. Prezi is not a user-friendly tool, and instructions on using Prezi are too vague. I tried for almost an hour to create a Prezi for my lesson plan and eventually forfeited- and I NEVER give up on anything.
Nothing went well for me in this process of creating my own Prezi: the navigation tool bar in the shape of a sphere constantly threw me for a loop. If there must be a "next time" for me, I will try to get help from an experienced user so that I may effectively create a Prezi. Advanced computer users will have a field day with this web 2.0 tool, but it honestly isn't for me.
If I ever figure it out, I would imagine Prezi to be a great substitute for boring, colorless slide show presentations. I do not, however, recommend student use of Prezi for the elementary grades. If the teacher has difficulty working this user-unfriendly tool, then I highly doubt the students will have any success.
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| How I felt using Prezi |
My New Netbook!
So sorry I haven't posted in a while- school is so hectic these days with 18 hours! However, I have great news. I purchased a new Toshiba netbook. For those who don't know what this is, a netbook is a small version of a laptop. Mine has a 10.1-inch screen and a 250GB hard drive. I absolutely love it! It is much lighter, making it easy to transport to class and quite frankly, I find it very fashionable with its blue design.
I purchased my Toshiba NB505 mini at Best Buy with the help of various employees. I wanted to make sure I got the best computer within my budget. I would recommend Best Buy to anyone looking to buy a netbook because the staff was really helpful and intuitive to my wants for my new computer. The only thing I don't like about my new computer is the built in mouse. The left and right buttons are really loud. If I attempt to use them to scroll, everyone around me hears, "click, click, click, click..." I guess next time I will play around on the computer a bit more before buying it; although I don't think I would have chosen another one anyways because the battery life is nearly three times that of my old computer and the features that come with this netbook are fantastic.
I will use this in my professional practice as my travel computer. I obviously will have a desktop because of the more suitable capabilities for the elementary classroom. However, my netbook will be great for keeping up with parent's emails and doing basic internet work. I have used it for several weeks now and find it as an adequate substitute for a laptop, at least in the capacity of which I currently use one.
I purchased my Toshiba NB505 mini at Best Buy with the help of various employees. I wanted to make sure I got the best computer within my budget. I would recommend Best Buy to anyone looking to buy a netbook because the staff was really helpful and intuitive to my wants for my new computer. The only thing I don't like about my new computer is the built in mouse. The left and right buttons are really loud. If I attempt to use them to scroll, everyone around me hears, "click, click, click, click..." I guess next time I will play around on the computer a bit more before buying it; although I don't think I would have chosen another one anyways because the battery life is nearly three times that of my old computer and the features that come with this netbook are fantastic.
I will use this in my professional practice as my travel computer. I obviously will have a desktop because of the more suitable capabilities for the elementary classroom. However, my netbook will be great for keeping up with parent's emails and doing basic internet work. I have used it for several weeks now and find it as an adequate substitute for a laptop, at least in the capacity of which I currently use one.
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| I named him Tosh! My new baby! |
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