Class 3/26/09

Even though I had already used the PhotoStory 3 software, being able to revisit this technology was very helpful. It had been awhile since I had used the software, so this lesson refreshed my memory. I think that Wendy did a great job with showing us how to do almost everything with the software, and was around for help if we had any questions. Her photostory that explains it was a great tutorial to start her presentation. There is so many uses for photostory both in and out of the classroom, and is definitely something I see myself using in the future.

Windows Movie Maker on the other hand, was a whole new program for me and I think that this software is open for so many possibilities. Having the technology to turn a recorded video into slides and be able to edit them is a way that anyone could easily make a professional style video on their own. Andrea's homemade video on how to make a pinwheel was easily transformed into an edited video that could be used in so many different ways.

Wikis

I knew I liked wikis last class, but being able to actually make one and see how easy it could be was very helpful. I really do think that I could use a wiki like this in my classroom. I have always thought that current events should be incorporated into the history curriculum, and I finally found a way that would really be interactive and easy for both the student and the teacher. This way, students can see what their peers have found and their reflections on that particular article. They can also comment on others posts encouraging feedback from peers. This feedback can be very helpful for students. Plus, it is also interesting to hear what others have to say about the topic that you chose.

3 group activity

I thought that this lesson was very interesting. Class flew by because we were all getting out of our seats and doing things rather than just sitting on the computer. I also felt like I was able to get enough time with each of the activities, since the whole class time was devoted to it. Being able to present our smartboard activities gave us practice on using the smartboard in the classroom. It was also nice to hear feedback from other students in the class.
The wiki is a pretty cool concept that I could see myself using in the classroom. I really liked the activity I found where the students rewrote song lyrics. The students can engage in activities with each other while sitting at their home computers. This technology really connects the students in the class in a fun way.