My new computer has been installed in my room and my tablet has been issued. Although I’ve had no training yet, informal or formal, I’ve played just a tiny bit on the new equipment.
From this tablet, I am able to instruct my students from anywhere in the room. I can activate my computer (Internet, word documents, PowerPoints, etc), or a blank screen in which I am able to write on a blank pad with several options including highlighting or color. I can even save what I've done and upload it to my wiki page!
Next week I am planning on using it for a review on the types of sentences. Using this pad, I’ll be able to highlight dependent clauses located within sentences. I am hoping this visual will help students see that dependent clauses can be removed from independent clauses and leave a complete sentence still intact. They will also be able to refer to my wiki for the "answers" to their review.
Just from the minute of play, I’ve realized a couple of things. Writing is incredibly difficult on the pad because you write on the pad, but you can only see what you are writing by looking up at the screen. You cannot see anything on the white background on which you are writing. My writing looks like my six year old son’s!
I also noted that what I hoped would allow for better classroom management, might actually not better it that much at first. I disliked having to stand at the front of my classroom all the time in order to use my overhead projector. However, now that I am able to walk around, I find that I’ll be awfully engrossed in my equipment for awhile.
Also, I often diagnosed my student’s comprehension and attention based on their expressions while I stood in front of them, looking directly at them. Now I am facing the same direction as they are! I’ll need to be more aware of the fact that I will not be able to read expressions—guess I’ll be using lots of exit cards!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
You Tube
I am beginning a storytelling unit in my classes right now. In this unit, students read several legends, myths etc. that have been passed down for generations, choose one, and then retell it in their own words. They must use voice and body language to make the story more interesting to listen to. In the past, I've read the legend Brother Coyote and Brother Cricket, and then we've watched a VHS of storyteller Tim Tingle retell the story. Students get video taped telling their stories and then learn an editting program (i-movie) to edit their videos. We then move into telling their own personal stories.
In the past, I've been less pleased by their personal stories, than the stories they have read and have to retell. Lots of kids don't think they have a story to tell, or they feel like their story has to be funny. I have them sketch out stories from their life after prompting them (draw a sketch of a time when you were scared; sketch out an animal that has touched your life in some way etc...) and I sketch along with them so they have a model to look at.
This year, I thought I'd check out You-tube to enhance these personal stories. I found a funny clip from the TV sitcom Scrubs. I don't personally watch the show, but there must be a character on there who always tells stories and this particular skit is about how every time he begins a story, someone yawns and passes out. The clip is really funny. I'm going to use this for those students who say, "I had a dog once. His name was Buddy. He was the best dog I've ever had. And that's all."
Now I'm still searching You-tube for an example of what to do. I'm sure there is something on there, but it does take some time of searching to find the right kind of thing. In the meantime, I've scouted out lots of commercials I can use during my media unit. I've never used You-tube in class before, and I am seeing how with my new projector, it could come in handy.
PS- I think the Jaws clips will come in handy for teaching foreshadowing as well!!
In the past, I've been less pleased by their personal stories, than the stories they have read and have to retell. Lots of kids don't think they have a story to tell, or they feel like their story has to be funny. I have them sketch out stories from their life after prompting them (draw a sketch of a time when you were scared; sketch out an animal that has touched your life in some way etc...) and I sketch along with them so they have a model to look at.
This year, I thought I'd check out You-tube to enhance these personal stories. I found a funny clip from the TV sitcom Scrubs. I don't personally watch the show, but there must be a character on there who always tells stories and this particular skit is about how every time he begins a story, someone yawns and passes out. The clip is really funny. I'm going to use this for those students who say, "I had a dog once. His name was Buddy. He was the best dog I've ever had. And that's all."
Now I'm still searching You-tube for an example of what to do. I'm sure there is something on there, but it does take some time of searching to find the right kind of thing. In the meantime, I've scouted out lots of commercials I can use during my media unit. I've never used You-tube in class before, and I am seeing how with my new projector, it could come in handy.
PS- I think the Jaws clips will come in handy for teaching foreshadowing as well!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
More technology
I mentioned in an earlier post that I was throwing a surprise birthday party for my hsuband. I surprised myself with my use of technology.
I put together a slide show and I incorporated video clips of our three boys as well. I imported it all into imovie and therefore the video will play along with the slide show without having to click on anything. I inserted these video clips into the beginning and the end of the slide show, I put in a few title slides, and I put in three 80's songs: Footloose, Authority Song, Glory Days and our wedding song (which is by Greenday).
The most impressive thing? I did it almost in its entirity by myself !! (I bow) I had a few questions about importing music and getting it to fade in and out, but for the most part, it was done by me. What a lot of work!!
I came to three realizations after doing this.
1. Working with technology builds on itself; some things I did I figured out because I've imported video before. This helped me figure out how to import photos and music. Some of it is confidence too (And the edit undo key!)
2. This could really be putzy. My show isn't perfect; I can see how I should have made some photos last longer so the music would change with a new slide- rather than in the middle of a slide etc.... It would be easy to spend hours perfecting a show. Sometimes you have to settle for less than perfect.
And 3. It's addicting and it makes me want a whole bunch of new equipment. I found out that I don't have a digital video camera (I thought it was, but it's just the zoom part that is digital) -- so my footage isn't as nice as it could have been. I want a scanner at home too, so that I can make slide shows of my kids as Christmas presents for grandparents. They would just love that. It would be fun to have the kids talk about memories of the year in clips between still shots.
Better start saving my money...
I put together a slide show and I incorporated video clips of our three boys as well. I imported it all into imovie and therefore the video will play along with the slide show without having to click on anything. I inserted these video clips into the beginning and the end of the slide show, I put in a few title slides, and I put in three 80's songs: Footloose, Authority Song, Glory Days and our wedding song (which is by Greenday).
The most impressive thing? I did it almost in its entirity by myself !! (I bow) I had a few questions about importing music and getting it to fade in and out, but for the most part, it was done by me. What a lot of work!!
I came to three realizations after doing this.
1. Working with technology builds on itself; some things I did I figured out because I've imported video before. This helped me figure out how to import photos and music. Some of it is confidence too (And the edit undo key!)
2. This could really be putzy. My show isn't perfect; I can see how I should have made some photos last longer so the music would change with a new slide- rather than in the middle of a slide etc.... It would be easy to spend hours perfecting a show. Sometimes you have to settle for less than perfect.
And 3. It's addicting and it makes me want a whole bunch of new equipment. I found out that I don't have a digital video camera (I thought it was, but it's just the zoom part that is digital) -- so my footage isn't as nice as it could have been. I want a scanner at home too, so that I can make slide shows of my kids as Christmas presents for grandparents. They would just love that. It would be fun to have the kids talk about memories of the year in clips between still shots.
Better start saving my money...
Working on the Moo
On Thursday after work I headed over to SCSU to work on my slides. Luckily for me, I had a word document with what I wanted on my slides. After settling in at the library and finally locating mudwalker (not on my desktop), I pulled out the notes I had taken in our session. I couldn't believe how much I had forgotten!
I was very happy that Dr. Kilborn had emailed me our log; it was a lifsaver. I had taken pretty good notes, but had forgotten to write down how to actually create the slide- the most important detail of all! But, I was able to look it up on our log and began making my slides.
I was glad I had time because I sure had trouble at first. I kept unintentially using the wrong backslash and so the program would just say "that is an invalid command" and the whole thing would be gone. Once I figured out my problem there, then the information kept posting on the slide I had created for practice- not the one I had just created! Luckily, I knew the peek command! Finally, I just recycled that slide and didn't have trouble again. Strange!
So, I hope all goes well on Monday. I know the slides are there and loaded, and I remembered to take "the mikell" with me when I left. When we had our fun day share, I had difficulty reading what other people wrote because I was so concerned about what I was going to type. I am hoping for nimble fingers!
I was very happy that Dr. Kilborn had emailed me our log; it was a lifsaver. I had taken pretty good notes, but had forgotten to write down how to actually create the slide- the most important detail of all! But, I was able to look it up on our log and began making my slides.
I was glad I had time because I sure had trouble at first. I kept unintentially using the wrong backslash and so the program would just say "that is an invalid command" and the whole thing would be gone. Once I figured out my problem there, then the information kept posting on the slide I had created for practice- not the one I had just created! Luckily, I knew the peek command! Finally, I just recycled that slide and didn't have trouble again. Strange!
So, I hope all goes well on Monday. I know the slides are there and loaded, and I remembered to take "the mikell" with me when I left. When we had our fun day share, I had difficulty reading what other people wrote because I was so concerned about what I was going to type. I am hoping for nimble fingers!
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Pull of Facebook
Ironically, this past weekend I received four invitations to join facebook. I find this amazing because it's only since I've joined this class that I've been inundated with this technology.
During my undergrad study at NDSU I lived with three girls. We've kept in touch, albeit loosely. We send Christmas cards and we dabbled in email for a span. Now, all three have sent me an invite just this past weekend. I haven't erased them, but I haven't decided if I want to embrace this opportunity just yet. I want to, but I'm afraid of the time commitment. I can not be the person who spends daily time on Facebook.
Through discussions in class I've learned that I can set a privacy code and I know I could limit my involvement to just these three girls. That sounds promising to me. But, now I have no excuse to not spend the time staying in touch, right?
I feel like my life right now is so scheduled. Everything has it's time slot. As anal as that sounds, it works well for me. I like knowing what days I will have time to go for a run. I like knowing which day of the week I will have 40 minutes for the grocery store. I like knowing that when my kids are in bed, it's time for me to destress with a novel.
Adding something new to my life means that I have to take something else away. And Oprah tells me that as a woman that generally means that I will take something away that I do for myself. And I believe Oprah! And I don't know that I want to add more time in front of a computur screen rather than basking in my quiet read time! Hmmmm.
During my undergrad study at NDSU I lived with three girls. We've kept in touch, albeit loosely. We send Christmas cards and we dabbled in email for a span. Now, all three have sent me an invite just this past weekend. I haven't erased them, but I haven't decided if I want to embrace this opportunity just yet. I want to, but I'm afraid of the time commitment. I can not be the person who spends daily time on Facebook.
Through discussions in class I've learned that I can set a privacy code and I know I could limit my involvement to just these three girls. That sounds promising to me. But, now I have no excuse to not spend the time staying in touch, right?
I feel like my life right now is so scheduled. Everything has it's time slot. As anal as that sounds, it works well for me. I like knowing what days I will have time to go for a run. I like knowing which day of the week I will have 40 minutes for the grocery store. I like knowing that when my kids are in bed, it's time for me to destress with a novel.
Adding something new to my life means that I have to take something else away. And Oprah tells me that as a woman that generally means that I will take something away that I do for myself. And I believe Oprah! And I don't know that I want to add more time in front of a computur screen rather than basking in my quiet read time! Hmmmm.
Friday, February 13, 2009
New technology
This morning I received an email from our school media specialist. It seems that I am on the list to get a new computer this year! This new computer has the 2007 version of powerpoint, which I've heard is quite a bit updated from the version I have. Hmmmm.... just when I could whip up a powerpoint in less than a minute.
The exciting thing is that this computer is also set up to have a wireless device called a tablet. And the best news of all is that our media specialist is also willing to train people on this device. No pay for the training, of course, but I'm excited to recieve any training at all. And yes, it will mean that I will have to be willing to get up early on a Saturday, drive the 35 miles to work, and sit in a computer lab for an entire morning.
I am soooo glad to have this class because it has taught me to be less fearful of technology. And I'm willing to embrace this opportunity and put it to good use. Now, what can I do with a tablet????
The exciting thing is that this computer is also set up to have a wireless device called a tablet. And the best news of all is that our media specialist is also willing to train people on this device. No pay for the training, of course, but I'm excited to recieve any training at all. And yes, it will mean that I will have to be willing to get up early on a Saturday, drive the 35 miles to work, and sit in a computer lab for an entire morning.
I am soooo glad to have this class because it has taught me to be less fearful of technology. And I'm willing to embrace this opportunity and put it to good use. Now, what can I do with a tablet????
Monday, February 9, 2009
Attempting to Catch up with the Rest of the World
Yes, technology. I discovered something great yesterday.
Both my husband and I have been wanting a refrigerator in our basement since we built the house five years ago. I wanted the extra freezer; he wanted a place to chill his beverages. Now with the surprise party coming up, I thought it would be a perfect time to start putting some pressure on him to purchase. I began complaining about getting meat out of the overstuffed freezer; I intentionally placed the ice cream behind as many items as I could so that he would have to dig it out.
Finally yesterday he tossed the paper at me and told me to look through the ads and find one. While checking my email, I decided to venture over to Craigslist. I've heard of it, but have never perused the site. In a word--Wow. In two words--Thank-you Craig.
2.5 hours later, I had a slightly used fridge, an air hockey table for my sons for Christmas (difficult to hide, but promising many hours of entertainment), and a foos ball table for my dad. A mere $190.00 later, I'm happy, the drinks are cold, the freezer space is doubled, and two Christmas presents are purchased months in advance. Yummmm, I'm liking technology more and more! But, I think Craigslist may be addicting....
Both my husband and I have been wanting a refrigerator in our basement since we built the house five years ago. I wanted the extra freezer; he wanted a place to chill his beverages. Now with the surprise party coming up, I thought it would be a perfect time to start putting some pressure on him to purchase. I began complaining about getting meat out of the overstuffed freezer; I intentionally placed the ice cream behind as many items as I could so that he would have to dig it out.
Finally yesterday he tossed the paper at me and told me to look through the ads and find one. While checking my email, I decided to venture over to Craigslist. I've heard of it, but have never perused the site. In a word--Wow. In two words--Thank-you Craig.
2.5 hours later, I had a slightly used fridge, an air hockey table for my sons for Christmas (difficult to hide, but promising many hours of entertainment), and a foos ball table for my dad. A mere $190.00 later, I'm happy, the drinks are cold, the freezer space is doubled, and two Christmas presents are purchased months in advance. Yummmm, I'm liking technology more and more! But, I think Craigslist may be addicting....
Thursday, February 5, 2009
80's Party - Help me Out!
So I thought I'd do a little musing here. I'm currently planning an 80's party for my husband's surprise 40th birthday party and I'm looking for a little help. I can post the party here, on a blog, since his hope this year is to figure out how to use e-mail. He'd never seek out my blog.
The reason I chose to make the theme an 80's one is because he has always talked about how sexy girls were in the 80"s. No joke- seriously! He loves big hair, lots of make-up, tight all the way down jeans... Some how he ended up with flat haired, no make-up me.
In addition, this year on New Year's Eve I overheard him say to a friend that nothing is as fun as it used to be. It hurt my feelings-- but I knew what he meant. Three kids, full time job, full time and masters-seeking wife, house payments; what do you expect?
So, I thought I'd bring him back in time. Invites are out, requesting everyone to dig out their old hair band T-shirts, ratt their hair, yadda yadda yadda (Party is a surprise March 7th).
Now, I'm putting together a slide show from birth to now. What I want to prove is that life was fun, yes; but, it's still fun--just a different kind of fun. So here's what I need... I need ideas for some great nostalgic 80's music background for the slide show. I want something that will talk about how fun life was, is etc... I'm thinking of John Couger Melloncamp's "The Authority Song" but that's not quite right. Possibly "Forever Young" -Rod Stewart.... I need 3 songs! Maybe I could put your ideas on a poll for best 80's music later...???
In addition--Anyone have decorating ideas (This is definately NOT my expertise!)? Like 80's paraphenelia???? (Besides a ton of cheap hairspray and banana clips in the bathrooms)!!
Post your ideas!!
The reason I chose to make the theme an 80's one is because he has always talked about how sexy girls were in the 80"s. No joke- seriously! He loves big hair, lots of make-up, tight all the way down jeans... Some how he ended up with flat haired, no make-up me.
In addition, this year on New Year's Eve I overheard him say to a friend that nothing is as fun as it used to be. It hurt my feelings-- but I knew what he meant. Three kids, full time job, full time and masters-seeking wife, house payments; what do you expect?
So, I thought I'd bring him back in time. Invites are out, requesting everyone to dig out their old hair band T-shirts, ratt their hair, yadda yadda yadda (Party is a surprise March 7th).
Now, I'm putting together a slide show from birth to now. What I want to prove is that life was fun, yes; but, it's still fun--just a different kind of fun. So here's what I need... I need ideas for some great nostalgic 80's music background for the slide show. I want something that will talk about how fun life was, is etc... I'm thinking of John Couger Melloncamp's "The Authority Song" but that's not quite right. Possibly "Forever Young" -Rod Stewart.... I need 3 songs! Maybe I could put your ideas on a poll for best 80's music later...???
In addition--Anyone have decorating ideas (This is definately NOT my expertise!)? Like 80's paraphenelia???? (Besides a ton of cheap hairspray and banana clips in the bathrooms)!!
Post your ideas!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Mundaness of Technology
I have spent more time on the Internet in the last two weeks checking D2L and Blogs and posting and searching than I have in the past year put together! At least it feels that way. And while I'm happy to be getting excited about technology and wanting to learn more, and talking to my coworkers about technology, I'm sick of sitting and staring at a computer screen!
I read an article in Time about two monthes ago where a woman tested out a new treadmill desk. While she computed and emailed, she set her treadmill on a low speed and walked during her work day. The article was a bit of a sattire, and was completely hilarious. She did not recommend the treadmill desk, but I told my husband I wanted him to build me one. Seriously, if I have to keep sitting at my desk (in which I've already replaced my chair with an exercise ball), I think I may just implode. I truly don't know how kids sit for hours in front of a TV or playstation. My butt and legs are throbbing with non-usage pains!
I read an article in Time about two monthes ago where a woman tested out a new treadmill desk. While she computed and emailed, she set her treadmill on a low speed and walked during her work day. The article was a bit of a sattire, and was completely hilarious. She did not recommend the treadmill desk, but I told my husband I wanted him to build me one. Seriously, if I have to keep sitting at my desk (in which I've already replaced my chair with an exercise ball), I think I may just implode. I truly don't know how kids sit for hours in front of a TV or playstation. My butt and legs are throbbing with non-usage pains!
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