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.