Video..wayyy cool, right?
I NEVER before thought about HOW DIFFICULT it is to make a video. I mean, okay, okay, I DID understand that it was fairly difficult, but boy, we're working on assignments right now to create 30 second "Public Service Announcements" (PBA's) and we've used ten minutes of filming and spent two days editing just to cut our information down!
The experience is really neat though. We're currently using Microsoft MovieMaker. Although we experimented with Apple's "iVideo," our services were better met (and convenient) through Microsoft's PC version. I've always known the program to exist (my boyfriend has used it SEVERAL times), but now I feel educated enough to explore options myself and take advantage of the program!
We've explored how to cut clips, add title slides, make transitions, and put the entire video together! I can really see myself using this program in my classroom and even for personal matters! It's amazing what a little introduction can do...now my possibilities (again) are endless! :)
Until next time,
MJ :)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Pictures! Movies! Slideshows! OH MY!
I absolutely LOVE pictures and I absolutely LOVE using iMovie and Windows MovieMaker! What a cool way to allow pictures and videos to stream into your classroom! There are just so many neat ideas that a teacher can use slideshows for-including Meet the Teacher Nights, website updates, or even just for fun in the classroom! I strongly believe that pictures are an essential additional to a teacher's resouce-basket!
I loved getting the opportunity to experiment with some movie-making programs this past week. Some of the programs were more difficult to manage than others, but I learned a lot! This week, we're in the middle of making a public service announcement-we need to shoot the video, edit it, and present our message in a 30 second time slot! Although it doesn't seem like a great amount of time, I am TERRIBLY overwhelmed by the thought of editing it! (I know how anal I can be with some of those projects!) Oh well, it'll be a great experience, I suppose. :)
I'll keep you posted on the filming process..
Until next time! :)
I loved getting the opportunity to experiment with some movie-making programs this past week. Some of the programs were more difficult to manage than others, but I learned a lot! This week, we're in the middle of making a public service announcement-we need to shoot the video, edit it, and present our message in a 30 second time slot! Although it doesn't seem like a great amount of time, I am TERRIBLY overwhelmed by the thought of editing it! (I know how anal I can be with some of those projects!) Oh well, it'll be a great experience, I suppose. :)
I'll keep you posted on the filming process..
Until next time! :)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
let's get SMART.
WOW, WOW, WOW!
Let's talk about technology, shall we?
This past week, our class took some time to learn some of the applications on the "SmartBoard" technology-some of the HOTTEST resources available to teachers today! I was absolutely amazed at some of the features that were possible with this outstanding technology. Let me give you a run down of just some of the lovely features of this application and software.
The Smart board is an interactive whiteboard that can incorporate video, audio, text, animation, etc. Teachers can design SmartBoard lesson plans via their computer and allow students to interact through the different special features. The board is a touch screen, and boy, will students just LOVE being asked to click certain "giant size" buttons or using the markers to choose answers and responses on the board...
Want some privacy? How about a SmartBoard Shade?
One of my favorite features of the SmartBoard showcased a "movable shade" that would cover particular pieces of the board. Teachers and students could move the shade so that certain answers or questions could only be viewed at particular times. For example, a math teacher could show the solution to a problem, or a history teacher could lecture particular points while continuously pulling down the shade.
Maybe you prefer hardback?
For those teachers who love giving handouts or note-copies to their students, the SmartBoard application also allows teachers to transform their SmartBoard presentations into PDF files. These files can be used as note handouts and reference pages-and it takes less than thirty seconds to do! Amazing!
Additional SmartBoard features include linking sites to the WorldWideWeb, such as united-sreaming. The SmartBoard features are being utilized world-wide in businesses, coaching, and beyond.
Check out http://www2.smarttech.com for more information!
The ways in which a teacher can positively utilize her SmartBoard are ENDLESS!!!
What a GREAT lesson for this week! :)
Let's talk about technology, shall we?
This past week, our class took some time to learn some of the applications on the "SmartBoard" technology-some of the HOTTEST resources available to teachers today! I was absolutely amazed at some of the features that were possible with this outstanding technology. Let me give you a run down of just some of the lovely features of this application and software.
The Smart board is an interactive whiteboard that can incorporate video, audio, text, animation, etc. Teachers can design SmartBoard lesson plans via their computer and allow students to interact through the different special features. The board is a touch screen, and boy, will students just LOVE being asked to click certain "giant size" buttons or using the markers to choose answers and responses on the board...
Want some privacy? How about a SmartBoard Shade?
One of my favorite features of the SmartBoard showcased a "movable shade" that would cover particular pieces of the board. Teachers and students could move the shade so that certain answers or questions could only be viewed at particular times. For example, a math teacher could show the solution to a problem, or a history teacher could lecture particular points while continuously pulling down the shade.
Maybe you prefer hardback?
For those teachers who love giving handouts or note-copies to their students, the SmartBoard application also allows teachers to transform their SmartBoard presentations into PDF files. These files can be used as note handouts and reference pages-and it takes less than thirty seconds to do! Amazing!
Additional SmartBoard features include linking sites to the WorldWideWeb, such as united-sreaming. The SmartBoard features are being utilized world-wide in businesses, coaching, and beyond.
Check out http://www2.smarttech.com for more information!
The ways in which a teacher can positively utilize her SmartBoard are ENDLESS!!!
What a GREAT lesson for this week! :)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Websites...grrrrr!!!
Hey blog-readers!
This past week our class was assigned to design a “teacher homepage” of our future classroom website. I was so incredibly excited about the assignment when we discussed the requirements and expectations (I was even thinking about making my OWN website for a campus organization through the free web-site creators)! However, what I came to discover after spending a week trying to articulate the details and information on the webpage…I was incredibly, incredibly, frustrated! Oh boy! I never imagined that I could become so sick of a project so early on!
I began to design my homepage using “free-webs.” I really loved the variety of templates that could be used, as well as the tutorial that walked new users through the process of creating a webpage. However, I easily became frustrated when I found that I couldn’t move text boxes around the website, or that I couldn’t easily post pictures or clip art on the site. Although I kept my account at Free-Webs, I quickly moved to another highly praised website creator, Google-Pages.
Google-pages immediately offered me an adorable template (what my webpage now sits upon). I immediately felt refreshed by the change of formatting, headings, and the easy option to place images within the document. However, perhaps just as quickly as I discovered while using free-webs, I felt extremely restricted. I did not enjoy not being able to use fonts other than the ones offered or not being able to increase text sizes, or being able to only “square” my images and photos. I became easily discouraged by margin sizes, wrap-around text, and the change between fonts and sizes when changing between a PC and a MAC!
Boy, did I never imagine so many problems! I don’t think I ever want to hassle through creating a website again. (I know can see how, on top of time, teachers’ websites are not always so impressive!) I do hope that when I become a teacher, we will be given tutorials on how to use media to especially design websites for students and parents.
Perhaps I’ll become more patient as we continue to learn…
Until next time,
MJ
Check out my blog! http://mmj091.googlepages.com/home
This past week our class was assigned to design a “teacher homepage” of our future classroom website. I was so incredibly excited about the assignment when we discussed the requirements and expectations (I was even thinking about making my OWN website for a campus organization through the free web-site creators)! However, what I came to discover after spending a week trying to articulate the details and information on the webpage…I was incredibly, incredibly, frustrated! Oh boy! I never imagined that I could become so sick of a project so early on!
I began to design my homepage using “free-webs.” I really loved the variety of templates that could be used, as well as the tutorial that walked new users through the process of creating a webpage. However, I easily became frustrated when I found that I couldn’t move text boxes around the website, or that I couldn’t easily post pictures or clip art on the site. Although I kept my account at Free-Webs, I quickly moved to another highly praised website creator, Google-Pages.
Google-pages immediately offered me an adorable template (what my webpage now sits upon). I immediately felt refreshed by the change of formatting, headings, and the easy option to place images within the document. However, perhaps just as quickly as I discovered while using free-webs, I felt extremely restricted. I did not enjoy not being able to use fonts other than the ones offered or not being able to increase text sizes, or being able to only “square” my images and photos. I became easily discouraged by margin sizes, wrap-around text, and the change between fonts and sizes when changing between a PC and a MAC!
Boy, did I never imagine so many problems! I don’t think I ever want to hassle through creating a website again. (I know can see how, on top of time, teachers’ websites are not always so impressive!) I do hope that when I become a teacher, we will be given tutorials on how to use media to especially design websites for students and parents.
Perhaps I’ll become more patient as we continue to learn…
Until next time,
MJ
Check out my blog! http://mmj091.googlepages.com/home
Thursday, October 11, 2007
check out these videos!!
Hey everyone!
Alright, so, here's so greatest, latest news in the Educational Technology Class! Over the past few days, we have been exploring some KILLER resource websites that teachers can use inside of the classroom. These websites are INCREDIBLE!! For example, one website, "United Streaming" has outstanding classroom videos of ALL SORTS! Teachers can choose grade levels, subjects, entire videos, or even clippets of videos!! OH, and also, many of the videos come with study guides and quizzes that correspond with the videos. It's really great. For those of you education majors at Albright, just type in "Albright" for your username and your password and check out the site! You'll be hooked!
United Streaming: www.unitedstreaming.com
Another great site is "Ethemes." This site, likewise, is phenomenal.
Maybe you have no idea how to start a fourth grade social studies unit?
Maybe you need math lesson plan ideas?
Maybe you need worksheets?
Quizzes?
Tips?
Strategies?
Media resources?
Need I really say more?
This is definitely a resource that all teachers need! Lots of times, it is very frustrating when a teacher is unable to find a reliable "lesson plan" source. No worries anymore! This site really has it all! It's definitely worth taking a close look at! :)
Stay posted for more great resources! For now, it's time to get back to that homework!
Talk to you all soon!
:)
Alright, so, here's so greatest, latest news in the Educational Technology Class! Over the past few days, we have been exploring some KILLER resource websites that teachers can use inside of the classroom. These websites are INCREDIBLE!! For example, one website, "United Streaming" has outstanding classroom videos of ALL SORTS! Teachers can choose grade levels, subjects, entire videos, or even clippets of videos!! OH, and also, many of the videos come with study guides and quizzes that correspond with the videos. It's really great. For those of you education majors at Albright, just type in "Albright" for your username and your password and check out the site! You'll be hooked!
United Streaming: www.unitedstreaming.com
Another great site is "Ethemes." This site, likewise, is phenomenal.
Maybe you have no idea how to start a fourth grade social studies unit?
Maybe you need math lesson plan ideas?
Maybe you need worksheets?
Quizzes?
Tips?
Strategies?
Media resources?
Need I really say more?
This is definitely a resource that all teachers need! Lots of times, it is very frustrating when a teacher is unable to find a reliable "lesson plan" source. No worries anymore! This site really has it all! It's definitely worth taking a close look at! :)
Stay posted for more great resources! For now, it's time to get back to that homework!
Talk to you all soon!
:)
Monday, October 8, 2007
If you LOVE pictures...
Okay, this week's blog topic is SO COMPLETELY AWESOME!
I'm sure many of you MAC users have heard of i-photo, but for those who haven't, this program is a completely awesome, completely friendly-user MAC digital camera, editing, and enhancing photo/video program! Last Friday, our class spent some time taking pictures (which is so easy-all you need to do is push the "photo button" on the program and look into the camera that is already installed on the monitor of your MAC!!) In the i-photo program, the user has the ability to change filters, colors, and enhancements (black and white, traditional, stretching, sketching, etc). Users have the extended ability to edit their photos, save their photos, and then access them at a later date! When users log onto i-photo past pictures will automatically sign-on to make things even easier!
I-Photo is an excellent program for teachers to use within their classroom. Think about how teachers can use photos to update their classroom websites by providing pictures of themselves or their students. Teachers can post pictures of what their students are doing in the classroom. Students can use the program for differentiated activities and projects. Excellent curriculum areas that include students' writing, art, or any subject area with a mind for creativity can be taken advantage of with this tool!
Can you tell that I'm really starting to love MACs?
I might just have to have one in my classroom now!
I'm sure many of you MAC users have heard of i-photo, but for those who haven't, this program is a completely awesome, completely friendly-user MAC digital camera, editing, and enhancing photo/video program! Last Friday, our class spent some time taking pictures (which is so easy-all you need to do is push the "photo button" on the program and look into the camera that is already installed on the monitor of your MAC!!) In the i-photo program, the user has the ability to change filters, colors, and enhancements (black and white, traditional, stretching, sketching, etc). Users have the extended ability to edit their photos, save their photos, and then access them at a later date! When users log onto i-photo past pictures will automatically sign-on to make things even easier!
I-Photo is an excellent program for teachers to use within their classroom. Think about how teachers can use photos to update their classroom websites by providing pictures of themselves or their students. Teachers can post pictures of what their students are doing in the classroom. Students can use the program for differentiated activities and projects. Excellent curriculum areas that include students' writing, art, or any subject area with a mind for creativity can be taken advantage of with this tool!
Can you tell that I'm really starting to love MACs?
I might just have to have one in my classroom now!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Check out these WEBSITES!
Sorry about the delay,
I've been having some complications getting onto this blog. It seems that I have so many passwords and UserAccounts to remember that I can't seem to keep any of them straight anymore! Anyway, here's a little-blog action from LAST WEEK! Expect a new blog soon! :)
Alright, soo...
One of my great friends, Erica, gave this FABULOUS class presentation about different "tech websites" that are available for teachers..well, anyone really-to use, and I CANNOT NOT talk about them! I've checked out a few already, and they're just GREAT! Here's a "low-down" on some of the latest...
"Delicious" is a website that acts as a "bookmarking/favorites" resource for individuals to use NO MATTER WHICH COMPUTER THEY ARE ON! This is an "online, all-access favorites panel!" I just created a link...it's so great! If you go to www.delicious.com and register, you'll be well on your way to creating one of the MOST RESOURCEFUL sites EVER!! In fact, you can even import your OLD favorites from your personal computer to your "delicious" site!!
Another great site is "Gliffy." Gliffy acts as an online "Inspiration" site. Individuals are invited to create graphic organizers and outlines to arrange information for ALL AGES! Log on and check out some of the fun pictures, tools, and resources that are available!
Erica also listed off some other great resources:
I've been having some complications getting onto this blog. It seems that I have so many passwords and UserAccounts to remember that I can't seem to keep any of them straight anymore! Anyway, here's a little-blog action from LAST WEEK! Expect a new blog soon! :)
Alright, soo...
One of my great friends, Erica, gave this FABULOUS class presentation about different "tech websites" that are available for teachers..well, anyone really-to use, and I CANNOT NOT talk about them! I've checked out a few already, and they're just GREAT! Here's a "low-down" on some of the latest...
"Delicious" is a website that acts as a "bookmarking/favorites" resource for individuals to use NO MATTER WHICH COMPUTER THEY ARE ON! This is an "online, all-access favorites panel!" I just created a link...it's so great! If you go to www.delicious.com and register, you'll be well on your way to creating one of the MOST RESOURCEFUL sites EVER!! In fact, you can even import your OLD favorites from your personal computer to your "delicious" site!!
Another great site is "Gliffy." Gliffy acts as an online "Inspiration" site. Individuals are invited to create graphic organizers and outlines to arrange information for ALL AGES! Log on and check out some of the fun pictures, tools, and resources that are available!
Erica also listed off some other great resources:
- "Ugma" is a webiste similar to "Skipe," an online video/chatting streaming.
- "EdHub" is a website oriented towards classrooms of the future.
- gateworkshop.wikispaces.com also provides TONS of additional great website information!
So what are you still reading for? Go out there and START PERSONALIZING these sites! It really seems like the options are limitless with all these great resources! :)
Until next time...
MJ :)
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