325 Final Blog Entry

I've gotten the opportunity to work with a variety of forms of software for this class.

While I have learned a few more functions of Powerpoint, I can't say I am crazy about it. It doesn't seem to transfer well from Mac to PC or from one form of Microsoft Office to another.

I do like Photostory, however. So far, even though we are just in the beginning stages, it seems to be a lot more student-friendly that similar software like Microsoft Moviemaker. I also present it at a workshop for the staff. I found that the staff who are already comfortable with technology were excited about the possibilities for their students. The staff that weren't comfortable with technology were excited that it was so accessible for them. That one is a keeper.

I also found it interesting how much creating an internet page has changed since my last attempt. I tried to teach myself Dreamweaver in the past, and it wound up literally giving me nightmares. I decided to go with google sites to make my web quest. While it is kind of awkward, and not exactly user-friendly, it is a huge step up from Dreamweaver. I'll be curious to see how google sites, or software like it, evolves in the future.

2nd 325 Blog

Since our first class, I ran the technology for the WITESOL conference, and have been spending a lot more time helping out our staff with various forms of technology. In the process I have noticed, digital immigrant that I am, while I often know what I am doing, frequently I lack the vocabulary to describe it. I'll need to improve my vocabulary for any areas I want to teach.

I did take your suggestion and opt for Photostory 3 for my students to do movies with their states projects. I will be demonstrating it to them on Friday for the first time. Also, now that Photostory 3 is installed in our computer lab, I will be giving a mini workshop on it to the staff next week for our Technology Tuesday during our lunch hour.

The other major thing I have learned are about the elements of design. I still have a lot to learn...but now I at least have a better idea, and a better reference book, for when something just doesn't look right.

1st Entry for 325 Class

As someone of Generation X/Y/Millennial depending on which article you are looking at, I find that I am straddling two very different view points of technology. Most of my colleagues are ill at ease with technology and feel more comfortable with print resources. Most of my students are very comfortable with technology...although sometimes they don't realize they aren't using the resources well.

I am an ELL teacher and am currently co-teaching in a 2nd grade and 5th grade classroom. One of my goals for the year has been to integrate the use of technology both in those classrooms, and to introduce my co-workers to some new resources. The 5th grade classroom recently had a document camera and projector installed. We are exploring how to use these tools for instruction. We've also begun a year long project where the students research a state, and instead of creating a traditional report, they will create a movie using Microsoft Moviemaker.

I am interested in gleaning more ideas on how to use technology in the classroom, and how to fine tune some of the tools I've used already.