4: Screencasting

When I first read this assignment, I was nervous about what I was going to do, how I was going to do it, and how I would ever get this to work.  Maybe it was also some of the buzz that I had heard about it from others in the class, or maybe just because I had never done something like this before, but I was hesitant to get started.  It seems so professional and "tech-y", therefore I assumed it would be very difficult.

However, after looking at a few of the screencasts and reading my classmates posts and reflections, not only did I realize that it is not impossible, but also that I could do a screencast about almost anything!  I choose to use SMART Recorder because it is already on my computer, I use the SMART software a lot, and all of my colleagues also have it on their computers, so I figured they would all be able to view and listen to my screencast without having to download other programs. 

I did not even have that many problems after watching the "how to" video from Mounds View Tech Resources, which preemptively caught any problems I would have with sound and recoding volume.  I would use this in my classroom--it is a way better way to post lectures, Powerpoints, and Smart Presentations because you can explain AND show what is on the screen, or how to do something.  It is way more useful than just notes, or an outline.  Think of the possibilities for plans for substitute teachers or absent students!

3: Digital Storytelling

I chose to use Zooburst to create my digital story after looking at a lot of other people reflections and stories.  Many people used Storybird, which is nice and clean, simple, I like the way it looks, but I wanted to be a little bit more creative in creating my story, and I didn't want to write a story around artwork that is already there.  I wanted to create the artwork that goes along with my narration.

After looking at Amy's story that she wrote for her grandchildren, I was inspired to write a story for my niece and nephew.  I decided to write about our day on the St. Croix River.

However, after working with the program for a little over an hour, I see why many people decided to use Storybird.  Besides writing the story and adding in captions for what each person is saying, you have to insert every single element into your story yourself.  That includes all background items and colors, scenery, people, and things.  Each element has to be searched for, inserted, and sized.  I know that this process will get easier with each story that I write, but it seems very time consuming.  For stories that I have written in the past, I like having the option of printing them (like from Shutterfly), or if they are just purely digital, I have been using SmartNotebook that has some pretty cool transitions and is very clear to see and understand.  Some of the images available here seem blurry if you change the size or angle they are viewed from.

It would be a different, fun tool for the students to use to demonstrate their understanding of a concept or theme, rather than just making and presenting a powerpoint to the rest of the class. 

I like the pop-up element, but besides that initial excitement, the basic free package doesn't excite me too much.  But like I said, maybe it is something more for the students to use rather than for me to use to design lessons and present information.  I will keep this in my mind, and find out how other staff are using this program with their classes. 

2: Pimp My Presentation

"Since the demise of PowerPoint, Prezi has been king.  Its dynamic navigation takes viewees on a journey through time and space.  Users can insert text, images or videos to allure their audience. Prezi is a free online tool that is fairly intuitive for users."

Senora Fosse on Prezi

Reflection:

After returning from my 25 day adventure in Mexico, I figured it was time to get back to work on my blogging projects.  Week 2 looked easy enough… I could crank out a poster or presentation on a simple, easy to use glogster or something I was more familiar with.  But then I thought of so many classes in the past that I have taken where I do projects (for the class) and they never get used again.  The work I put into them was for a grade, and hopefully I learned something, but the projects didn’t get much use after the class was over.  So, instead of doing just a “one and done” project just for this class, I remembered why I signed up for this class in the first place.  And how much I always wish we could work on practical, real projects for our classroom.  So I did.  It took me way too long, but sometimes that is a part of the learning process. 

I decided to take my syllabus—a dry, required, important document that I go over about 16 times each year (4 quarters, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade), and turn it into a Prezi.  I have seen a few Prezis, but have never made one myself.  I don’t know if it was because I had been out of the country, not used to technology, tired, if I missed part of the instructions, or if it just is not that easy to use, but I struggled.  I got better at the end, but the presentation you see here took the entire two hours in the computer lab, plus some quality time at home…

I try not to do too many repeat activities in my classroom—I am always trying to mix-it-up and keep the students involved and on their toes.  Since we don’t use Powerpoint a lot, the students seem to enjoy it when we do.  I think it will be the same with Prezi.  It is an interesting way to present some information, but it could be overused and loose it’s affect.