Monday, November 5, 2007

Multimedia Presentation

Here is my podcast as well as my literature review. I am also including the power point slides that I wanted to use to create a vodcast. Let me know if the slide help so that I can continue to attempt a vodcast on the PC. Ok Guys- I need some help I can't get my podcast uploaded.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Instant Messaging

I have found instant messaging to be very interesting with my fellow students. I have used it with a variety of classmates as well as the group chat feature. I did a document sharing with Shane and tried to use the Web cam with William. I was having issues with my webcam and William could be seen but not heard. I have tried the whiteboard but could not get it work, I am not sure if it is my firewall or my computer.
I have talked with most of my fellow students as well as Dr. Green. I finally found him online one afternoon ( around 8pm my time). I have kept a file of my chats for future reference, there are some chats that I did not save.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Week 7

Week 7 was the week to complete my technology project. I tried a new piece of software Podium for creating a podcast. It was easy to use and had a place where I could put the script. My problem was since it was a demo it would not let me publish the podcast. This caused me major issues on Sunday when I was trying to publish. I did like the software so I purchased a copy through my supplier at school.
I completed my podcast using Audacity. It was easy to use and gave me some great ideas on how to use it with my students. I conducated a literature review from Questia as I could find 4-5 great articles in peer review journals. It is really interesting how you can use this technology in the classroom.
I am experimenting with Windows Movie Maker and creating a vodcast. I have some power point slides that go with my podcast that I would like to use. I think that this technology can help students that miss class and need to understand what took place.
I am trying to get my fellow teachers interested in new technologies. They seem to think it will not help their students. I am open to suggestions on how to get this accomplished.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Week 6 Emerging Technologies

The weeks have flown by very fast. My grandmother is extremely ill so I have been trying to juggle my time between work, the nursing home, and my school work. I have not done such a great job but I am getting caught up.
This week we focused on podcasting and screencasting. I still find podcasting to be an interesting subject as well as ways to use it in the classroom. I am trying to create a podcast with video of my lessons for students to access while at home. I found that it would help struggling students- I have 5 in grades 6 through 8. I am trying to podcast on a PC and finding it difficult. I took a class at FETC last year on podcasting which focused on a MAC- man it was really easy. I am looking to add a MACbook to my collection of computers at home. I guess I really am a GEEK.
Screencasting is another way that I can publish my lessons for students to review at home. I am going to try Camstudio which was posted in discussions by another student. This can be reviewed at home by the parents of my struggling students so that their parents can help them at home. Some of my parents are struggling with technology as well.
I am hoping that this week is a better week for me so that I can finally get caught up and finish producing a podcast as well as a screen cast. I am going to use screen cast for Chapter 2 in the excel book for grade 6.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Week 3 In Review

Week 3 readings were very interesting. I found the information on Computer Based Traing and Web Based Education to spark my interest. I did find myself looking at the computer programs that are being utilized in my school and trying to figure where each fits. This year Accelerated Math has been added for the Third Grade. Based on the this week, Accelerated Math could be considered computer based Training. It is drill and kill but it does have a pretest and practice before a test to make sure that students have mastered the material.
Web Based Education is something I use on a regular basis. This form of education is currently not used much in my Diocese. There seems to be a block in the mentality of teachers as to how to effectively utilize this type of teaching.
Week 3 activities
I have found myself using messanger more than ever. I have had chats with multiple people and single chats. I have tried to use whiteboard and ran into problems with the program. I have not been able to chat with Dr. Green and I think this is due to the time difference.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Week 2
The reading this week was pretty straight forward, there was a review on learning theories and their applications in the classroom. The authors focused on learning theories and multimedia for classroom use. I am going to give some ideas to the teachers at my school that are willing to use technology in the classroom.
Setting up the Windows Live Messenger. I already had this installed on my computer since I have a MSN email and use this to commuicate with some of my friends on a regular basis. I have added my EDUC 8823 classmates to my list of contacts. I have had several successful conversations this week via Windows Live Messenger.
Blogging this is not a new item for me. I setup a blog at CPS last spring for parents to contact one another as a means to buy and sell books that students need for the next year. My daughter was in England at Cambridge University from September 2006 until May 2007, the main means of communication was blogging. She posted pictures and told of her travels through Europe, not to mention her adjustment to English life. I can see many applications of this for use in the classroom. I am going to talk to some of my teachers. The third grade is doing flat Stanley right now, this would be a great way of learning his adventures through the world.
I am going to invite my classmates to join my blog today. I look forward to using this emerging technology as well as others as the class progresses.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

EDUC 8823 First Post

This is my first post for Walden Class EDUC 8823. I am excited about blogging and learning to use it in the classroom. I look forward to showing my teachers the great ideas that can come from using blogging with students. I have two fifth grade teachers who are willing to try blogging as their journaling for this school year.