El Fin

This class has probably been the most collaborative and interactive process. That is what I have enjoyed most the class. I am happy to report that the feedback I received from you always opened my eyes to different strategies or view points. As we have discussed, our class appreciates feedback and I think you did a great job communicating with each of us, unique to each of our personalities. I couldn't be more happier with the diversity of this class. It's always pleasant to have a smaller class, giving us a chance to bond more. We did share some good laughs (Babycakes anyone?)

As you could tell, where I am today is definitely a different place than where I was at the beginning of class. I am more enthusiastic about technology and its uses in my classroom and am eager to share with my other classmates (maybe haha). No, but joking aside, I always shared our assignments with my parents, and they were even more impressed than I could ever be. My Mom especially is thrilled that I want to be a teacher. She knows that I was technologically inclined, so she could see that all these programs could be useful.

I'm glad we took the time to explore different subjects. Each program was unique and specific to a different topic. I will forever use my Pageflakes and LOVE the organization of Gradeconnect, as well as the accessibility of the Web 2.0 sites. I'm glad we spent a lot of time going over those, because I will use most of those. I think all of us are pretty much hooked on Picnik since we're an obsessed-with-ourselves-and-our-pictures Generation. I was happy that you introduced us to the Educational Field Trips from Ball State University. That is something I could see myself using when it applies to my various English books. I love applying other knowledge to my area of expertise.

I also am proud to say that my searching abilities on search engines have improved. I now no longer just immediately go to Google, but I take the time to check other sites and journals. I really liked EduHound and EduWorld and its magazine feel. I also liked to be able to view the Time For Kids articles that I enjoyed so much as a kid. The time of online newspapers and journals is so exciting that I have all this news right on my computer. And what a way to wrap everything up by having SnagIt be able to capture a picture or text right from these sites. I know I will definitely find a use for SnagIt as my classes continue.

As for blogging, I would definitely use this for my classroom. I'm a big fan of journals and as long as its appropriate, having classmates pair up and edit each other's papers. Even though I think next year would be beneficial to have students work on their PowerPoints separately, I was glad to be able to collaborate creatively on a project. The best way to learn is through helping others, and I think each of us was able to give one another tips (Too bad Erica couldn't figure out my weird PDF file!). One thing I really enjoyed was the field site. I'm glad I visited a more diverse school in order to get a better feel for the surrounding area. I felt like I was an interviewer, gathering information solely on the status of their technology. I have already E-mailed Mrs. Chadwick and am awaiting her reply. I was so excited to be able to teach her some programs, while she helped me to understand what I can expect when I become a teacher.

Thank you for being very honest with us in what we will encounter in the future. This course was definitely unique and well worth it to take. As a future teacher, I feel like I will be able to keep up with my students, as they are surely already more technologically advanced and plugged into their computers even more than I am. Aside from that, I'm glad the class was able to discuss freely and openly. I think the conferences were an exciting addition to our lessons, and we each learned a little bit about expressing our feelings. After all, we are a vital consumer to their market. Hopefully we will be able to get as many free things as you have for our classrooms. I am all about the free things as well and won't hesitate to ask for anything that will benefit my class. I will have to be scrappy and really hunt for good finds for English material. But all the standards and lesson plan sites will really help me get my feet wet!

Best of luck for your next semester! Stay in touch and I'm looking forward to seeing how the next crop of students handle the influx of technology in their lives. Thanks again for an enjoyable semester!

Best,

Kelly :)

The end is near

My apologies for this late blog! I really was under the impression that the only blog that was due was that on Wednesday. I should have checked the schedule. I think this late in the game, I'm so scatter brained with all that's going on for the endosemester.

I'm glad we finally wrapped up the Power Points. It's hard when presentations are dragged on like that. I didn't want to take away from Jeff's effort so I made sure to ask him a question. It's funny, a lot of students say that they would rather their peers not pay attention to their presentations, but I feel the opposite. If students are drifting off I feel like they aren't engaged and are not interested in what I have to say. I liked being able to fill out a comment sheet. I think in the future it would be a good idea to pass these comments back to the presenters. It would give a better understanding to have judgments from classmates. I like feedback and I think others would be appreciative of suggestions for future projects.

I admit I have been so disorganized. I've been researching for my website and I know I havn't completed my portfolio, but it will be all set for the due date. I showed a friend of mine my site thus far. I think the Weebly bug caught him too. He thought it was a great idea, and I'm going to show him how to set up an account. This is exactly what I've been looking forward to, and why I want to be a teacher. I love "spreading the good word" and helping others to learn something. I feel like I learn little things every day, so if I can help someone with a job interview, more power to me.

I think we will continue to use SnagIt. It's so easy to use because it is a constant reminder being an icon every time I open up a Word Document. I took what you said into consideration and took a little more time to experiment with Camtasia. I see that its video capabilities outmatch those of SnagIt's.

I'm happy with the wrap up of the school visits. I enjoyed hearing everyone's elses experiences. I wonder what Brien McMahon would think if I told them their school's technology and Media Center was rated a 6-7. It really was shocking for me to see so much money poured into a school, and see that its full potential is far from being reached. I will definitely be in contact with Mrs. Chadwich and will let you know if she has any questions for you.

Down to the Wire

I can't believe how fast this semester has gone by! I'm glad we straightened out the end of the year schedule and final blog, etc. I think what we came up with will work. Hopefully you liked my site visit. I have Mrs. Chadwick's E-mail if you would like to contact her. She seemed very interested in all the programs we were exploring, and I think it would be very beneficial to Brien McMahon. I'm also glad that you are getting rid of the book next semester; that will definitely ease next semester's anxiety dealing with that book.

I really enjoyed Ball State University's Electronic Field Trips. I was a little confused of how users obtain this secret username and password. I'm glad I searched the site, because I wasn't before able to figure out what field trips were next scheduled. However, the site does in fact provide past lessons and showcase what is next to come. Teachers are then able to plan ahead for what field trips would be vital to their lessons. I liked how the hosts of each field trip were done by students too. I think students will appreciate the information from each field trip more if it is provided by a fellow peer who shares some of the same opinions and communicative skills. This web site is very interactive as each menu provides different questions, facts, video and message boards. The message boards are very specific, giving the users guided questions to use for discussion. This will prompt the students more, encouraging them to build ideas off of the questions. I liked this site because it had a History Channel feel to it, and believe it or not, kids my age LOVE that channel. I think this will go over well with students.

Now, I was a little confused by SnagIt. I have experienced problems with copying and pasting images from certain areas that don't allow that feature. And I did like the usability of the menu, but I think for me it was a lot of time to invest in learning how each feature was used. It was a little tough at first to navigate the program. I think because SnagIt has so many options I was a little overwhelmed. I think I would use the Web Capture tool the most. I could use this for my indvidual use for saving space for my files. But it's also a good place to store everything I need for one particular lesson; what a great time saver! I like the editing abilities too. It really is like Picnik or Photoshop...on crack. Although I was frustrated at some parts, I was able to visit techsmith.com/videos to get a better insight into it. Students will benefit from this, a kind of do-it-yourself program. Hopefully we can go over SnagIt more in class. I feel like we didn't get that much time. See you Wednesday!