Module 8, 9, and 10

In Module 8 I learned how to make PowerPoint a more interactive tool for students.  Using non-linear hyperlinks I made a short review game that I am going to use in my class next week.  I agree that connecting academic questions to a game format will create more interest with students.

In Module 9 I learned about the online presentation tools Prezi, Slideshare, and Voicethread.  I found these to be very interesting resources.  Prezi is my favorite so far.  I like the flying format from slide to slide.  I believe it holds the attention of the audience more easily.  I had heard of my colleagues using Prezi with students to have them create their own student biography presentations.  It was good to learn how to use it.  I used a Prezi I found last week to enhance my instruction.   

In Module 10 I learned how to make a desktop movie.  I can’t believe that all computers have a free program with the capability to easily make desktop movies.  I had never used Movie Maker or iMovie before.  I found these programs very quick and easy to use.  However, I did have some trouble at first.  I started my movie using Movie Maker on a PC.  I then tried to use another computer because of its ability to record audio with a microphone.  This PC had Windows Live Movie Maker which I could not figure out how to make compatible with my unfinished project using Movie Maker.  Therefore, I moved on to a new computer.  Since it was a Mac with iMovie I had to start my movie over.  This was a hassle but did not take too long since my still images were already saved. 

Module 6 and 7

Module 6 (Visual Learning) really helped me to understand the benefits of Inspiration. In an undergraduate class about using technology in the classroom I was introduced to Inspiration. However, I had to make my visual graphic about computers and hard drives and things I was never going to teach about, and found little applicable knowledge for myself. Now I understand the benefits. Not only is it a graphic organizer for visual learners but it also is interactive for more in depth exploration when using a device and not a printed paper copy.

Module 7 (Spreadsheets and Databases) was half interesting for me. I did not find Google Docs spreadsheets to be that useful to me when talking about a gradebook. However, this is only because my school around has an extensive electronic gradebook called Pinnacle. If I did not have this resource the spreadsheets would make a self-made gradebook very easy to set up and use. I did find the creation of a Google Docs form very informative. I had made one before but that was with the help of the librarian/tech wiz at my school. It was good to do it by myself and really helped to cement the process in my head. I am going to try and use Google Docs a lot more now that it is really being stressed at our school and accompanies the Bring Your Own Device policy nicely.

So far, I have found this class more informative and useful than any other class. I actually found out this weekend that I made a mistake and this class is not going to count for credit towards my masters. I would have been extremely angry if I had found this out about a class that I had felt was primarily busy work. Instead, I figured I have already paid and have already used multiple things in my classroom that I have learned, so I might as well learn about some more resources.

Beginning Modules

The Wiki really opened my eyes to some good resources I can and have used in my classroom.  I have used Poll Everywhere multiple times since we completed the Wiki Module.  It has proven to be extremely easy to use.  Students really enjoy getting to use their devices.  The one negative I have found is that it takes a little time to load the next poll question sometimes.  Other than that it has been a huge addition to my classroom.  It also gained me some points with administration.  My head principal came in my classroom for a walk through while I was using Poll Everywhere.  He later sent me an email thanking me for finding a way to incorporate student devices into my curriculum.

I already feel like I have learned a lot in the first couple weeks.  In the recent module I have started to discover the benefits of things like the news feed readers.  I had never even heard of this before.  It definitely makes sense and saves a lot of time if you refer to websites often for informational news articles. 

I have found the course easy to use so far.  The mixture of step by step directions and videos explaining each technology resource is definitely needed and have made things that could be difficult for me manageable.  I'm excited to continue to find good technology resources that will benefit my classroom.