PageFlakes and Google Page Creator #5

Pageflakes is a really cool web tool. I created a page that I could use for my AED 398 class at BSC. I am hoping this resource will add some value for my students.

http://teacher.pageflakes.com/tabonejd/

Google Page Creator is a really easy to use web page authoring tool. It is much more simplistic than other programs/software that I have used. I designed the page along with my final project partner. It was nice bouncing ideas off a team member/classmate. This tool has much potential for a learning experience.

http://edc604.googlepages.com/home

I did spend a lot of time using both of these web tools. I think they will both be used in my class this Fall at BSC. I have put a lot of time and effort into this module and I hope my final project that I work on with Curtis will reflect that.

WetPaint Wiki/Photobucket Mod #4

I found the Photobucket assignment to be very easy and simplistic. The hardest part was deciding which "preset" slideshow format to use to enhance the imagery I posted.
See the posting below for my slideshow.

The Wetpaint Wiki was more challenging for me. It wasn't difficult. I just couldn't decide on what to do for content. I ended up thinking of a "fresh" homework assignment that incorporated art/design skills and computer skills. The software to create the wiki was different then other software I have used so I had to "play" around to discover how I wanted to set up the wiki.
URL for my wiki:
http://jtaboneedc604.wetpaint.com/

Nature Photography Slideshow

Photobucket Album

Jing, Impactica, and Route 21 - Module #3

I found the Route 21 discussion very insightful. It is really amazing what is out there for technology education. I am finding this topic (tech in education) to be very important since I have a young daughter who will start Kindergarten next year. I want her to be involved with technology but also need to balance with traditional "learning objects": clay, paint, paper, blocks, dolls, etc. The open-ended creative play and thinking tools.

I found Jing to be a great tool. Compared with other screen capture and "movie" tools, this was very simplistic and easy to use. I will most likely be using this to capture some "how-to's" for my AED 398 class.

URL to my Jing Learning Object created using JING:
http://www.screencast.com/users/jtabone/folders/Jing/media/9ee82ed1-0103-4179-a136-0731e4f987e6


Impactica is a great piece of software for PPT. I could not believe how small the file was compressed. After narration, my PPT was 45MB. Impactica imp-jar file is 608K!


The only draw back I have to these tools is that I cannot load software onto the computers in the BSC lab where I teach. I can use these tools on my laptops, but would need authorization from Tech Services to load for my students to use. I may use them as a tech teaching tool, rather then being able to share them. It might be an option to use them as homework assignments instead of in-lab work.


This module did require a lot of time downloading software and updating software. I am also using both Mac and PC platforms at home. I am intentionally doing this so that I can troubleshoot any potential problems my student's my encounter. I have to keep my troubleshooting and tech skills sharp.

My biggest challenge to this course is still my 3.5 year old daughter. For this module, when I was recording the narration for PPT, she interrupted at least 3 times. I had to turn on her Tom and Jerry DVD and have her promise to watch at least 5 episodes before she came to find Mommy. I quickly ran upstairs, locked the bedroom door and tried again. Finally , success! Daddy was still sleeping in. Sunday mornings are about the only time he can sleep in!

Prensky Discussion - Week #2

Marc Prensky's writings on technology in education are great readings for discussions in the college level classroom. I have my students search the internet for an article and answer a few questions about their reading. We have an excellent group discussion in class. It was very interesting reading my classmates perspective on his writings.

I always reflect upon the fact that no matter what I do - I will always be a digital immigrant.

My first experience with a computer was in grade school - we played a group game about Pioneers out West. I don't remember the name of the game, but I do remember that only the librarian was allowed to actually touch the computer.

My first real experience using computers wasn't until I is was 19 and on the job. All my computer experience and training has been on the job – at least until now, almost 20 years later as a Ed Computing major at BSC.

Merlot Experience - Week #2

Merlot is a very useful tool for fine tuning lessons and locating useful learning objects that will enhance teaching and learning. It was very easy to use and navigate. I will definitely be using Merlot in my teaching beginning in the Fall.

1. URL to my profile
http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMember.htm?id=314647

2. URL to my personal collection
http://www.merlot.org/merlot/portfolios.htm?userId=314647

3. URL to the MERLOT detail view of the material I added the assignment to
http://www.merlot.org/merlot/assignments.htm?userId=314647&backPage=%2FviewMember.htm%3Fid%3D314647


4. URL to the MERLOT detail view of the member comments I made
http://www.merlot.org/merlot/comments.htm?userId=314647&backPage=%2FviewMember.htm%3Fid%3D314647


I definitely put a lot of time and effort into this module. I am still encoutering the same challenges having a young child and working FT. Since it's Summertime, she is up later in the evening, so I am finding myself either staying up late after she's asleep or trying to wake up early before work to have uninterrupted time working on the assignments and reading and responding to posts.

Week # 1 - Post 2

I feel that I did put in the efforts this week in class. I feel that the coming weeks will be pretty involved.

After reading that class posts, I am very insterested in using SmartBoards in the future. Currently, in the lab I teach , I have an InFocus unit and projection screen.