Testing

Evaluation

The class was just about like I thought it would be, as  advertised so to speak.  I was familiar with a lot of the "Apps" but had never used them myself, everything was new to me.  I can't say it should be required but I really think it is very valuable for teachers.  I'm not going to use everything but it was good exposure.

I found out I struggle a bit with technology but I can usually figure it out with a little time.  I'm also not  afraid to ask for help. 

Twitter I use constantly, mostly for sports but it is a great, fast way to keep up on information.  Animoto is a close second, I will be using the Animoto I made at my NYC/DC meeting.  I can see myself using a blog for class next year if even just to post weekly assignments.

Privacy issues bother me most with some of the stuff, I'm just not sure I want my information out there.

Sara Johnson who is young enough to be my daughter was helpful when she wasn't ridiculing me, kidding, kind of.  There was a generation gap.  Having other classmates from the same school was helpful as well.  I also liked having a lot of time in class to work.

Glogster, period!

Tie the students hands when you want them to stop and listen.  The only thing that bothered me was people talking with your were talking which wasn't your fault we are supposed to be adults.  Very enjoyable!

Animoto

Hands down my favorite activity in the class!  I found Animoto to be easy and I really enjoy this format, I'm a visual guy and love music as well.  I liked it so much I paid to upgrade.  I see myself using this at school for sure.

Free Technology for Teachers

I have been to the site more than one time and I noticed the content changes frequently which is nice.  The technology that drew my interest was Snag Video, it is a series of educational videos documentary style which are mostly socially related.  The videos are free and most importantly, current.  Being current in  a class like I teach (Global Studies) is very useful.  Funds are not always available to replace tapes and DVD's  which are no longer relevant.  A site like this would definitely help.  They did mention there are commercials on the clips, a small inconvenience in my opinion for up to date material.

Videos

The first video I put on my blog was my daughter singing the National Anthem at a Drake University basketball game.  She graduated from Drake a few years ago and is currently pursuing a career in the United States Navy. 

Two Girls in a Box is just a crazy clip.  Pretty amazing feat, I'm impressed.

I'm not sure if I have them on there correctly so I am looking forward to getting some advice in class.  

PLN/PLE

The parts of my PLN/PLE that were present before the class was definetly the DVD and United Streaming.  Geography is a highly visual class on some days, it is much easier to show them what part of the world is like than it is to explain it with words.  I still use the old stand by of books, maps and globes but not as much as I once did.  I rarely use a chalk board. 

When I first started teaching I used a lot of 16mm films and some old style frame by frame filmstrips which sometimes had cassette tapes.  Then it was the VCR, now  United Streaming has changed everything.  I still use an occasional VHS tape but for the most part I use a media cart with projector to share information form DVD's or United Streaming.

I'm not to the point where I use the computer lab for a lot of work mostly because its hard to get all my classes scheduled, which is understandable considering some classes have mandatory curriculum to cover so it doesn't leave much time.

I would say it's only a matter of time before the phone is a major player in the classroom and I welcome it. 

Walcott World-The Begining

I chose the heading "Walcott World" because the subject I teach is world geography and I'm teaching at Walcott school.  I found the process to be very manageable for my skill set in this area.  I had a technology class while taking my masters classes and we had to make a website so some of the tasks were similar.  I like adding pictures, when it comes to world geography there are so cool many picture that could be added.

I do see myself using something like this in the future to keep parents posted on our classroom activities.  I'm just thinking, do I need another thing to keep track of, that is the thought which is holding me back.  Then I think maybe it will save me some time in the long run.  I also understand the parents or guardians I probably need to reach most will not take the time to read it.