“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I am so excited to work with digital storytelling in the future. After doing the assigned reading, watching the student podcast and PowerPoint, and beginning to work with my own pod casts, I feel equipped to start my own digital story. I think that digital storytelling is a wonderful way to blend technology with student writing and communication. It is a great outlet for students and teachers to maintain their own creativity while sharpening literacy skills and doing research.
When I read and began to understand applications such as digital storytelling, I am so grateful for the advancements in technology our country has spearheaded over the past decades. We are so lucky to have so many tools and options right at our fingertips. Our classrooms have the potential to be so colorful, so interactive and so creative thanks to tools such as digital storytelling, web 2.0 applications, websites, spreadsheets, and more!
Storytelling is a childhood tradition ingrained in so many of us. I love the fact that so many old time traditions can be carried over into something new. We can keep the art of storytelling, but add a digital element. We can keep the practice of research, sequencing, editing, and presenting while incorporating a brand new digital element. Digital storytelling, therefore, allows us to maintain traditional educational practices in a novel venue. The mix of consistency and novelty is a perfect for an educational setting. I think that digital storytelling can only enhance students' literacy skills from writing to spelling and grammar. More importantly, I think that digital storytelling can improve students' enthusiasm and approach to writing, research, and organization. Digital storytelling inserts more creativity and plain old fun into these essential educational components.
I am excited for my own personal future with digital storytelling and the positive effects I think that it will have for students all across the country!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Creating a Webpage: Session Seven: 10/19/2012
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I found the readings and assignments in this lesson much less interesting and stimulating than some of the past sessions. I did not find too much new information or tips in the readings, although the attached powerpoint was extremely helpful on a technical level. However, since I have been designing, updating, and editing my own dance website for the past three years I think I learned more than I realized simply through trial and error. I may not have sat down and read that less text is more, but I discovered it myself as I played with different ideas and designs on my website. Creating www.coexistdance.com was extremely tedious and frustrating as a novice to website design and set up. However, with time, patience, practice, and experience I have sharpened a lot of website skills.
As I mentioned in my past blog, I have used Go Daddy and Wix as domains for my dance company's website. I was excited to try Google Sites and compare all three domains for personal gain and knowledge. Unfortunately, I am disappointed to admit that I was not impressed with what Google had to offer. I found Google Sites extremely difficult to navigate. I did not find this resource user-friendly by any means. I found myself frustrated or confused much more often than I have been with any other source we have tried - including Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing and Web 2.0 Applications. I was surprised that Google did not offer more customized options for users to experiment and play with. I loved making the flyer and brochure for this class because I could test out so many different WordArt options and other features. The templates Google Sites provided were great; but I regretted choosing one of the automated templates in hindsight. I felt stuck and much more committed to a specific design than I had anticipated.
The other aspect of Google Sites that I did like was inserting Google Calendar. The convenience and easy access Google Sites provides with linking the calendars is great! I love how the calendar on the website automatically updates and how easy it is to read.
Overall, I think I would still choose Go Daddy or Wix for a professional website. These both offer an easier navigation system and more customization choices. However, I think Google Sites is a solid, cost-free resource for teachers or any educator who wants to create a website with very little funds.
I found the readings and assignments in this lesson much less interesting and stimulating than some of the past sessions. I did not find too much new information or tips in the readings, although the attached powerpoint was extremely helpful on a technical level. However, since I have been designing, updating, and editing my own dance website for the past three years I think I learned more than I realized simply through trial and error. I may not have sat down and read that less text is more, but I discovered it myself as I played with different ideas and designs on my website. Creating www.coexistdance.com was extremely tedious and frustrating as a novice to website design and set up. However, with time, patience, practice, and experience I have sharpened a lot of website skills.
As I mentioned in my past blog, I have used Go Daddy and Wix as domains for my dance company's website. I was excited to try Google Sites and compare all three domains for personal gain and knowledge. Unfortunately, I am disappointed to admit that I was not impressed with what Google had to offer. I found Google Sites extremely difficult to navigate. I did not find this resource user-friendly by any means. I found myself frustrated or confused much more often than I have been with any other source we have tried - including Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing and Web 2.0 Applications. I was surprised that Google did not offer more customized options for users to experiment and play with. I loved making the flyer and brochure for this class because I could test out so many different WordArt options and other features. The templates Google Sites provided were great; but I regretted choosing one of the automated templates in hindsight. I felt stuck and much more committed to a specific design than I had anticipated.
The other aspect of Google Sites that I did like was inserting Google Calendar. The convenience and easy access Google Sites provides with linking the calendars is great! I love how the calendar on the website automatically updates and how easy it is to read.
Overall, I think I would still choose Go Daddy or Wix for a professional website. These both offer an easier navigation system and more customization choices. However, I think Google Sites is a solid, cost-free resource for teachers or any educator who wants to create a website with very little funds.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Creating and Evaluating Websites: Session Six: 10/10/12
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I found the PowerPoint, teacher-made videos, and "Evaluating Websites" reading for this section to be extremely helpful. I created my first website in September 2009 for my dance company, CoEXISTdance, Inc. We used the web host called Go Daddy and it was an enormous task! I had no idea how tedious and time-consuming creating a website could be. It is also a big job to stay on top of the website and remain consistent in terms of updating content and images. Looking back, I was also so ignorant in terms of website aesthetics and organization. After our contract expired this past September 2012, I switched to a new web editor called wix.com and kept our domain host with Go Daddy. I changed all of the color schemes, sub page titles and content and now I am much happier and confident in presenting my web page and web marketing material. I also changed how users can view photos and videos with a simple click of the mouse!
I think it is ironic how often we use websites and web resources without questioning or thinking twice about the layout or design. However, whenever I am browsing or doing research, I know I tend to stray away from a page that is hard to navigate and decipher. This goes for anything from finding new classroom activities to planning a vacation. We judge and evaluate websites without consciously realizing it all of the time! We live in such a fast-paced and changing world that time is of the essence. Users today need efficient, quick, and immediate gratification. The less work and digging we have to do, the better. Since there are so many websites and resources for any given topic, today's consumers have the luxury of picking and choosing which websites to decline from using and which to refer to repeatedly.
I have learned a lot from having my own website and promoting my own dance company. However, this session has pointed out a few new ideas to me. First, it is great to have colors, but not too much! Everything should be in moderation. The colors also should not clash, they need to complement each other. Second, content is obviously important but not too much content. Half of the battle is manipulating a page to showcase important information without adding clutter or too much busy, frivolous text. I will be using these two new lessons to create my own web page for this class and I am excited to do so!
I found the PowerPoint, teacher-made videos, and "Evaluating Websites" reading for this section to be extremely helpful. I created my first website in September 2009 for my dance company, CoEXISTdance, Inc. We used the web host called Go Daddy and it was an enormous task! I had no idea how tedious and time-consuming creating a website could be. It is also a big job to stay on top of the website and remain consistent in terms of updating content and images. Looking back, I was also so ignorant in terms of website aesthetics and organization. After our contract expired this past September 2012, I switched to a new web editor called wix.com and kept our domain host with Go Daddy. I changed all of the color schemes, sub page titles and content and now I am much happier and confident in presenting my web page and web marketing material. I also changed how users can view photos and videos with a simple click of the mouse!
I think it is ironic how often we use websites and web resources without questioning or thinking twice about the layout or design. However, whenever I am browsing or doing research, I know I tend to stray away from a page that is hard to navigate and decipher. This goes for anything from finding new classroom activities to planning a vacation. We judge and evaluate websites without consciously realizing it all of the time! We live in such a fast-paced and changing world that time is of the essence. Users today need efficient, quick, and immediate gratification. The less work and digging we have to do, the better. Since there are so many websites and resources for any given topic, today's consumers have the luxury of picking and choosing which websites to decline from using and which to refer to repeatedly.
I have learned a lot from having my own website and promoting my own dance company. However, this session has pointed out a few new ideas to me. First, it is great to have colors, but not too much! Everything should be in moderation. The colors also should not clash, they need to complement each other. Second, content is obviously important but not too much content. Half of the battle is manipulating a page to showcase important information without adding clutter or too much busy, frivolous text. I will be using these two new lessons to create my own web page for this class and I am excited to do so!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Adaptive Technology: Session Five: 10/6/2012
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I am so happy that this course included a full segment on adaptive technology. Ironically, I was just having a conversation with a colleague or mine about special education and disabled students in school. I sadly believe that these students are still overlooked and not fulled immersed into the classroom environment today. There is still a strong line of separation amongst both the students and the teachers. For example, if a student with special needs is constantly being pulled out of my classroom for extra help, how do I create the same trust and relationship with him that I establish with my consistent students? I understand that it is important for these students to be pulled out and to get help, but I think in today's world of advanced science, technology, and plain old intelligence, we can approach these situations in a better way.
This conversation sparked after the debate on Wednesday evening between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. Special education, special needs, and disabilities are all essential topics that I want to research further before I decide where my vote is going. In order for any student or human being with a disability to keep up with our ever-changing world, this topic needs to be a priority in terms of both funding and planning in the federal sector.
I feel ignorant and embarrassed to say that I was completely unaware of how many different tools there are under the adaptive technology umbrella. I was familiar with the laws and legislation in our U.S. history, but I am thrilled to see how many tools we can use to make education as easy and normal as possible for any student. Of course, I understand that these tools are expensive but I can not help to wonder why I have not seen, tampered with, or heard of more of these products until now? As a third year teacher I am skeptical that these tools and resources are being used the way that they should, at least in my own district.
What does that conclusion mean? Is there not enough funding to access these great tools? Is the administration not putting enough time and effort into obtaining them? Regardless, adaptive technology has the potential to drastically enhance a student's entire education process. It is our responsibility to take advantage of these resources. We need to get more adaptive technology into the classroom and put it to use!
I am so happy that this course included a full segment on adaptive technology. Ironically, I was just having a conversation with a colleague or mine about special education and disabled students in school. I sadly believe that these students are still overlooked and not fulled immersed into the classroom environment today. There is still a strong line of separation amongst both the students and the teachers. For example, if a student with special needs is constantly being pulled out of my classroom for extra help, how do I create the same trust and relationship with him that I establish with my consistent students? I understand that it is important for these students to be pulled out and to get help, but I think in today's world of advanced science, technology, and plain old intelligence, we can approach these situations in a better way.
This conversation sparked after the debate on Wednesday evening between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. Special education, special needs, and disabilities are all essential topics that I want to research further before I decide where my vote is going. In order for any student or human being with a disability to keep up with our ever-changing world, this topic needs to be a priority in terms of both funding and planning in the federal sector.
I feel ignorant and embarrassed to say that I was completely unaware of how many different tools there are under the adaptive technology umbrella. I was familiar with the laws and legislation in our U.S. history, but I am thrilled to see how many tools we can use to make education as easy and normal as possible for any student. Of course, I understand that these tools are expensive but I can not help to wonder why I have not seen, tampered with, or heard of more of these products until now? As a third year teacher I am skeptical that these tools and resources are being used the way that they should, at least in my own district.
What does that conclusion mean? Is there not enough funding to access these great tools? Is the administration not putting enough time and effort into obtaining them? Regardless, adaptive technology has the potential to drastically enhance a student's entire education process. It is our responsibility to take advantage of these resources. We need to get more adaptive technology into the classroom and put it to use!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging: Session Four: 9/25
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
The assignments and readings for session four certainly challenged me to think not only in terms of technology, but to also think creatively. As an educator who constantly tries to keep students engaged by flip-flopping between dance movement to reading, a dance video clip to an active worksheet, a dance image to individual reflections, I can absolutely incorporate a lot of these editing and publishing tools into my lesson plans. As I wrote in the discussion forum, I use iPhoto frequently for my own personal organization and storage. However, it was great to learn how to compress photos and change the size and/or dimensions of a photo. I have been turning to Flickr and a few other Web 2.0 applications in order to save space in my laptop's memory.
I also make various flyers throughout the year for my dance company, CoEXISTdance. Since I have started making the flyers I stick to a system that is quick, easy, and works for me. Although there is nothing wrong with being efficient, I was happy to push myself to work outside of that comfort level and to acquire some great new capabilities in creating a flyer, newsletter, or brochure. I am excited to show off a great brochure-formatted program for Longstreth's Winter Show in December!
Overall, session 4 did not teach me brand new skills or applications, but it did teach and push me to work within these applications on a much deeper and more intimate level. I feel much more familiar with these tools and I am excited to put my new discoveries to work!
The assignments and readings for session four certainly challenged me to think not only in terms of technology, but to also think creatively. As an educator who constantly tries to keep students engaged by flip-flopping between dance movement to reading, a dance video clip to an active worksheet, a dance image to individual reflections, I can absolutely incorporate a lot of these editing and publishing tools into my lesson plans. As I wrote in the discussion forum, I use iPhoto frequently for my own personal organization and storage. However, it was great to learn how to compress photos and change the size and/or dimensions of a photo. I have been turning to Flickr and a few other Web 2.0 applications in order to save space in my laptop's memory.
I also make various flyers throughout the year for my dance company, CoEXISTdance. Since I have started making the flyers I stick to a system that is quick, easy, and works for me. Although there is nothing wrong with being efficient, I was happy to push myself to work outside of that comfort level and to acquire some great new capabilities in creating a flyer, newsletter, or brochure. I am excited to show off a great brochure-formatted program for Longstreth's Winter Show in December!
Overall, session 4 did not teach me brand new skills or applications, but it did teach and push me to work within these applications on a much deeper and more intimate level. I feel much more familiar with these tools and I am excited to put my new discoveries to work!
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