In exploring the Classroom 2.0 website I focused on Podcasting ( Personal On Demand broadCASTING ). I know that many people have an IPOD but I can’t really say I know exactly what it is, what it did and why would a person want one. In selecting Podcasting I discovered Podcasting is a term used to describe “…a collection of technologies for automatically distributing audio and video programming over the internet. Podcasting enables independent producers to create and self-publish syndicated ‘Radio Shows”. The “syndicated Radio shows” are downloads ,through “..web feeds, to a portable media player and personal computers..” This same content can be made available by “…direct download or streaming…” This media is digital in nature. In the beginning I had a suspicion that Podcasting had to do with audio but I later learned it can be “..enhanced…” by the words and pictures of a web site.
Reading the “PODCASTING -WHERE DO I START ” Classroom 2.0 discussion along with several threads I discovered Podcasting requires several tools: a computer with internet connection , a microphone ( many say this is the single most important piece of equipment), a Handheld Digital voice recorder that converts the voice into ie MP3 files that the computer can read ( ie IPOD) and a sound editing software (ie Audacity).
Some possible classroom applications of Podcasting could include “…students read and review literature books, write and record poetry/essays, create current event analysis Podcast or post and respond to questions of other students around the world..”
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
JOURNAL # 6A Software Review- Inspiration
The Inspiration software can be a wonderful tool whether you are an English Instructor or a Science Instructor but you have to use it. The application reminded me of “ web mapping”, a technique used mainly in English classes for creating composition and it is definitely suited for that purpose. The more I reviewed the Inspiration information and analyzed my use of this tool the more I realized the power in this software for virtually any subject. Once I understood the mechanics of this program (it was relatively easy but there is a learning curve) I began to understand how helpful and useful Inspiration will be in creating and constructing a composition, a lesson plan or analyzing a science project. I believe this would be an easy program for students to learn and an asset to their learning tools. The cost of $69 seems very reasonable for a program of this caliber and nature.
Inspiration can be another useful teaching tool for math. A math concept must be illustrated in a visual format for students (especially for myself). An example that would be very useful to students could be outlining the basic concept of the number system as: numbers to natural numbers to whole numbers to integers to rational numbers to irrational numbers to imaginary numbers. Writing this down is helpful but if it could be illustrated visually with Inspiration a student could readily see the relationships between all numbers. This is a simple example but an important beginning to understanding the number system. Another example where Inspiration could be useful would be in illustrating a math concept as “completing the square” for a quadratic equation. Although a verbal explanation may suffice a “Concept Map” would be much more useful in understanding this procedure.
I did not use Atomic Learning with the Inspiration Software. I just jumped in and was able to piece it together with trial and error. My learning curve wasn’t to bad but after exploring the Atomic Learning website I believe my learning curve could have been shorten. I did use Atomic Learning for Imovie.
Inspiration can be another useful teaching tool for math. A math concept must be illustrated in a visual format for students (especially for myself). An example that would be very useful to students could be outlining the basic concept of the number system as: numbers to natural numbers to whole numbers to integers to rational numbers to irrational numbers to imaginary numbers. Writing this down is helpful but if it could be illustrated visually with Inspiration a student could readily see the relationships between all numbers. This is a simple example but an important beginning to understanding the number system. Another example where Inspiration could be useful would be in illustrating a math concept as “completing the square” for a quadratic equation. Although a verbal explanation may suffice a “Concept Map” would be much more useful in understanding this procedure.
I did not use Atomic Learning with the Inspiration Software. I just jumped in and was able to piece it together with trial and error. My learning curve wasn’t to bad but after exploring the Atomic Learning website I believe my learning curve could have been shorten. I did use Atomic Learning for Imovie.
JOURNAL # 6B IMOVIE ’08 SOFTWARE REVIEW
The Imovie software is a fantastic tool and it I know it will become one of my favorite tools. I had previously worked with the Imovie software in the 422c class but this was with a team of 3. The other 2 members were more familiar with the application and I simply followed along hoping to learn something. I thought I had learned enough to be able to apply my knowledge in 422b and complete the 1 minute-video assignment with little difficulty. I was wrong. I tried to follow the instructor’s instructions as best I could but still I struggled. After several hours I felt I was beginning to understand the Imovie format and eventually got to the point I was producing a video. However, I did not back it up, lost it and really couldn’t remember how I arrived at my point of “ destruction”. The time was running short and decided to pack it up and complete this assignment at home on my wife’s new IMAC desktop. I immediately realized I was working on a completely different Imovie version as compared to the class version. I was at the beginning of my learning curve. After about 15 hours of trail and error, Atomic Learning tutorials and Apple Support tutorials I finally completed a 1 minute-video. I don’t believe I included all class requirements but decided to submit it. Even though this took me forever to complete I thoroughly enjoyed working with Imovie and believe it to be a great learning tool. One cannot beat the price of $0 if you have a MAC but I believe students would enjoy it as much as I did.
The Imovie application could be very useful in a math class. I would video class lessons and place them on a blogsite so students could review and refer to a visual lesson presentation for further study and clarification of a math concept. These videos could be considered “ tutorial videos”.
I was totally lost in using this newer version of Imovie ‘08. I did utilize the Atomic Learning website and found it helpful. However, the Imovie ’08 tutorials were very limited and I relied more on the Apple Computer Support website. In addition I used a lot of trial and error. Although frustrating I was very happy with my final “ cut” and will do more.
The Imovie application could be very useful in a math class. I would video class lessons and place them on a blogsite so students could review and refer to a visual lesson presentation for further study and clarification of a math concept. These videos could be considered “ tutorial videos”.
I was totally lost in using this newer version of Imovie ‘08. I did utilize the Atomic Learning website and found it helpful. However, the Imovie ’08 tutorials were very limited and I relied more on the Apple Computer Support website. In addition I used a lot of trial and error. Although frustrating I was very happy with my final “ cut” and will do more.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Video Project Reflection
Video Project Reflection
I found the video project to be one of the most interesting projects I have been involved with. I never realized how much effort goes into creating a script, devising venues and locations to shoot the video and making decisions amongst 3 people to create a simple video. Although it was frustrating at times the teamwork and teamplay was fun and we all were happy with our results even though they may not have met all the instructors criteria. I plan on delving into this medium much more because I believe its can be one of the more important learning / instructing technological mediums available to teachers and students not to mention it was plain fun.
I found the video project to be one of the most interesting projects I have been involved with. I never realized how much effort goes into creating a script, devising venues and locations to shoot the video and making decisions amongst 3 people to create a simple video. Although it was frustrating at times the teamwork and teamplay was fun and we all were happy with our results even though they may not have met all the instructors criteria. I plan on delving into this medium much more because I believe its can be one of the more important learning / instructing technological mediums available to teachers and students not to mention it was plain fun.
Attendance and Participation (422C)
Since beginning the 422 series I have began to realize how important technology is in classroom instruction and presentation. Today’s student appears to be more conditioned and aware of the learning modes of sight and sound. The computer, ipods, wei’s, and other handheld electronic devices are everyday devices for them as the 8 track tape
was to me at their age. To be a teacher today it is imperative that one become technological savy and adept at presenting materials via technology. The fact is that it will make instruction easier and more easily perceived by today’s students.
The portion of the 422 C class I thoroughly enjoyed, though I found it complicated at fist, was learning to use the Imovie program. It was very enjoyable to work with other students and produce a short video. One does not realize how much preparation goes into a simple production but the results can be very satisfying and the impact of a video can be very powerful to today’s students. It will take much more practice to become adept at this process but when I do I believe I will utilize this Imovie program for possible homework help, online instruction and math process clarification.
was to me at their age. To be a teacher today it is imperative that one become technological savy and adept at presenting materials via technology. The fact is that it will make instruction easier and more easily perceived by today’s students.
The portion of the 422 C class I thoroughly enjoyed, though I found it complicated at fist, was learning to use the Imovie program. It was very enjoyable to work with other students and produce a short video. One does not realize how much preparation goes into a simple production but the results can be very satisfying and the impact of a video can be very powerful to today’s students. It will take much more practice to become adept at this process but when I do I believe I will utilize this Imovie program for possible homework help, online instruction and math process clarification.
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