Ebooks 12/05/2009

I really feel as though I am going to enjoy the idea of the ebook becuase it is applying what we have learned throughout the course of the semester and put it into a useful “book”.  I really like this becuase we have the ability to come back and refer to this like we would for notes or the actual textbook for application within the classroom at a later time. 

I also like the factors within this book that we are able to express what are favorite part of the class has been and which section we have enjoyed the most.

Digital Storytelling 11/08/2009

I really enjoyed listening to the video on Digital Storytelling and it’s Educational uses.  I really feel that this would definitely be a great way to incorporate media into our classrooms  in such a unique way.  For example, digital storytelling could be done for book reports or current events classes.  Taking what is going on in the world around us, then adding in our own personal experiences and when blended together it makes for such a blissful story to be told.  I am really looking forward to making this project.  There are great programs out there to do such projects on, like iMove and iDVD that are available by Mac. With access to these types of programs, they take the worry out of how to do the project, and the simplicity in.  Which is what makes for wonderful presentations.

Music! 11/01/2009

Wow! I can honestly say that I never knew that you are unable to use music that was purchased from places like itunes for anything other than home or personal usage.  I guess that I never really thought about it being in the same category as referencing information from textbooks that you have purchased, in a report.  I was even more shocked to find out that you are unable to use purchased music for presentations regardless if it is for educational purposes.  It makes me wonder how places like My Space are able to publicly  use artist’s music for free on their blog pages.  After looking around at some of the available web sites I found that Soungle.com was pretty interesting.  People have the ability to download royalty free music and utilize them in projects.  You  are able to search any type of sound and then have instant access to it.  How cool!

 

Image:  Rocketsurgeon

PowerPoint GAMES? Who Knew? 10/26/2009

Most people view PowerPoint as a lecture tool, and it is a great lecture tool.  However, after looking for other educational purposes for it I came across something that I never really thought to use PowerPoint for.  Educational Games within the classroom.

PowerPoint has the ability to engage children into review sessions like never before.  Many of these games and templates are available online for free.  These games are based off of television shows like, Family Feud, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Programs like this is what makes learning fun, and actively get children engaged with in their very own education.  Those who are in education, or are going for education, need to rely on interactive tools to assist with reviews which, will help with performance.

Webspiration 10/18/2009

I have never of Webspiration before, therefore, I was very confused when I we were given this assignment of making an account.  After I was able to watch the video blog, I was able to actually get a visual view of what webspiration actually was.  This is a pretty cool tool to use within our daily lives.  I can think of some really interesting ways to utilize this program at home, and in the school.  Educators and students would be able to utilize this tool, to help with brainstorming ideas for papers and projects, grant writing, and classroom lessons.  The great thing about this program, is that you have access to most of this program, for free.  This got me thinking about alternative progams to Webspiration.  All of these programs look equally cool, however, they have two down falls.  One:  Sorry PC’s they are only Mac Friendly!  Two:  They do cost approximatly thirty dollars, however come with other software to be able to use other than web outlines.   OmniOutliner 3.o , Sticky Brain 4.0, Curio 2.4

Image: Dr Z Reflects

Google Docs 10/11/2009

After reading the update on blackboard about Google Docs, I decided to look into this a little bit farther.  I must say that this is actually yet another brilliant form of media out together by the makers of Google.  This truly is going to be such a great tool to use with in our classrooms for a number of reasons.  For starters, it is 100 percent free.  You don’t have to pay 100 dollars for the Office Suite.   It includes so many programs like office, which, are useful in our everyday lives.

One of the biggest things that I found to be of interest using Google Docs was the way that you have the ability to send your email/attachment to others, and allow them to modify your work.  I really feel that this would become overall useful to teachers with collaboration, but as well as students.  Students would be able to peer-review their works on the computer.  This would help to bring new media into the classroom. This short video clip helps to put Google Docs in plain English for users of just how it works.

Image: TechToggle

LOVING SHORTCUTS 10/04/2009

I am SO in love with Keyboard shortcuts.  Previously when writing in word documents, on the web, and surfing the internet, I have used very simple command shortcuts.  However, the tutorial has helped me understand that there are so many more cool tips and tricks that you are able to use that make your life so much more simple.  Some of my favorites are: undo, autospacing, command-shift->, and those used for graphics.  The invention of the mouse has been so nice, however, especially with laptops utilizing your keypad is just so much easier to use rather than performing a function that takes twice as long.  After I read the tutorial I decided to do some investigating on my own, Microsoft Support has a list of keyboard shortcuts available to view for all word versions.  Feel free to check it out.   HAPPY SHORTCUTTING!

Image: Get Netted

Open Source Software 09/27/2009

While working on my homework assignments I came across a new open source media product made by Microsoft that I am finding rather interesting.  I am not an advocate for anything that has to do with Microsoft, however, this Program, Microsoft Photo Story 3 does look rather promising. 

Microsoft has come up with an application symbolic to iMovie and iDVD made by Apple.  However, Photo is completely free for download and would be great to use within the classroom.  This program is very similar to Microsoft Power Point, however, it is taken to another level.  The presenter is able to create slideshows using digital photos, with the ability to touch, crop, and rotate through and editing program.  You are also able to add special effects such as music,titles, captions and your very own voic narration to your photo stories.  For your final touch, you are then able to burn your photo story to DVD for sharing.

This would be an excellent open source software to include within your classroom because not only does it sound like a fun way to do presentations and research projects, but it is completely free to download and use.  Teachers are able to burn the DVD, give the letter grade and then send home for mom and dad to view! Sounds fun.

Image: Microsoft 

BLOGGING 09/20/2009

I have never been on to have a diary, enjoy myspace or facebook, and especially not BLOG. I enjoy blogging, it is a means of communication which, in turn is my expressive style. I like this, especially because of the freedom and the ability that I have to write my thoughts, and have others read what I am writing. Some of you may know me, and others may not, but it is interesting to see what others are going to comment on about my Blog.
I truly feel that this new ( well maybe new to me) means of communication would be wonderful to use in our classrooms. There could be endless possibilities for how you could incorporate this into Education. Building on the foundation of reading and writing, you could set up blog pals with other school districts, turn in assignments online and have peer evaluations with constructive criticism.
Teachers would be able to blog to parents about the daily activities going on within the classroom on the school website.
I was able to do some research and found a classroom who does incorporate web blogging to her six grade class.  Her students truly seem to love doing this.  Take a look, make sure you watch the VIDEO CLIP which features six grade students and what they have learned from web blogging, and why they enjoy it so much. After you are finished with the video clip move onto Jan Smith’s Classroom’s Homepage. It really is wonderful how she is incorporating her daily activities within the classroom onto the web.

Image: WebMedia Alliance

FIREFOX 09/10/2009

I have never been one to switch my internet browser, I can’t even say that it is because I don’t like change because I love change. Ever since I converted over to the light side of life, that being Apple computers, I have just become accustomed to using Safari. After watching the pod cast on Firefox and seeing some of the cool things that you are able to do with it, I decided to download it, and give it a try.

I’ve found that there are quite a few similarities between the two web browsers. My favorites are the pop up tabs as well as the bookmarks and being able to organize the bookmark folder. However, I enjoy the fact that you are able to customize the Fire Fox display and get “add ons” and themes to enhance your browser. Which Safari does not have.

One of the things that I genuinely like about Fire Fox is that it is able to function on both operating systems. This could be very functional within our classrooms. Some people claim that Safari was not made for Windows correctly, however, Fire Fox has been working very well for both for a couple of years now.