Intro Video
The intro video was an interesting first
assignment. It mostly involved video taping myself as I talked about
information pertaining to birth, school major, etc. I did not have any trouble
filming the video. A problem slightly came up when I tried to upload the video
to the blog site. It did not want to play while on the site, but the solution
was as simple as uploading it again in a compressed format. This would be an
interesting way to introduce classmates to their fellow peers without forcing
them to have to talk to each other. I may use this as an activity observation
rather than a way to present someone to others. This could be a use of the ISTE
standard under 1a that inspires students to connect with others’ thoughts and
ideas.
Concept Map
The concept map was quite a fun assignment for a
visual learner like myself. This assignment made me learn how to organize info
in a chronological order that flows from one idea to the next. At the same
time, making the bubble map relate to the information - like all subtopics are
white and all first parts are light blue – without causing confusion to anyone
who is looking at it. I actually did not encounter any problems with this
assignment. I did not have trouble setting up the concept map, applying texts
and images, putting an organization look to the map, and exporting the map to a
viewable format. I can use this technology to display information in a
step-by-step format or relative terms together. This use of technology would
apply to the ISTE standard under 2a by designing digital tools to promote
student learning and experiences.
Web Tools
The web tools provided a lot
of useful opportunities for classrooms. Having an online rubric and quiz
generator is very convenient in displaying guidelines used in projects and
creating an assessment to test students’ knowledge. I learned that the rubric
creator was a good beginning setup for one and that I could change the text and
topics within the rubric after selecting a category. The quiz/survey creators
had slightly more steps than the rubric generator but had a user-friendly
interface that was easy to find what I was looking for. For example, I was
looking where I could place a specific image for a specific question. The
interface had a button that displayed “choose image file” roughly in the middle
of a box above the question. The only obstacle I ran into with this project was
adjusting to the different interfaces each of the web tools used. I quickly
adapted to the individual software though through having prior knowledge to
test generating programs. I can easily use this to make a rubric for a visual
project or final exam and use the Kahoot options to simulate the students’
minds before test days. The rubric creator applies to 3a of the ISTE standard
because it displays current use of technology and using it towards the
students; while the quiz/test creator applies to 3b because the it requires the
students to interact with the technology in order to try the assessment.
Web page
I learned very little from
this assignment only due to the fact that I have made a site using the same
method in the past. I organized and mapped out what and where to display
information about a mock class and personal data. I learned a little about
designing a page to have it more appealing. I did not have issues with this
assignment as well. It is more than likely because I have encountered the
problems such as alignment issues in the past and have the knowledge of knowing
how to fix them. I can use this technology to give information about the
subject I teach towards anyone interested and provide a center that I can
channel help towards. This would fall under 4a of the ISTE standard due to how
it is displaying a use of digital info with respect to intellectual property,
but it could fall under 5a if I included a class blog that students and
respective peers could communicate on to share ideas and thoughts about topics.
Google groups
I learned that this
assignment was mostly teamwork and communication based rather than a technology
skills. Good communication needed to occur between group members is key to make
sure the project is a successful one. Even though having an online connection
document that allows the members to edit documents and comment on blog posts,
it seemed to disengage the members from one another. Only talking in person
every now and then when there was confusion and/or an idea that is hard to
explain through online text is needed solved it. I could use this method in my
classroom, but sparingly. Using this process could be better implemented if
incorporating a discussion or forum like way into a topic reviewed in class. If
corrected way enough, this would fall under 4d of the ISTE standard because it
models understanding and awareness by talking with peers of different minds
using digital means.
My Movie
This assignment was enjoyable
when working on it. I learned how to apply text and music over the top of
photos to tell a story. Like the previous assignments, I have learned all the
knowledge I needed to finish this project and have not gained any new knowledge
or encountered problems with the software since I have worked with this
software (Movie maker) in the past. I can use this technology to present a
method to creating creative content pertaining to a class topic and possibility
use in telling how to work with certain devices or software. This would fall
under 3c of the ISTE standard, as I would communicate relevant info to students
using visual and auditory methods in a digital media format.
Class Reflection
I honestly have learned very
little in this course. I can explain why I do not gain much knowledge. Most of
this course requires using web tools and software that I am already familiar
with. I knew how to use Google docs, groups, and site prior to this class.
Also, I knew how to edit a video together and develop a concept map that was
appealing and informative at the same time. So, with that in mind, I treated
most of the assignments as if I was fulfilling a project out for a client. My
strong points are technology skills such as video editing and working in Google
apps. My weak points would be to motivate team members to work on the project.
I think this is weak because I have very rough communication skills. I am still
working on getting better at them though. I plan on exposing myself to more
situations where I have to speak to other colleagues to complete a task. I plan
on integrating technology into the classroom by making the students use
technology to interact with the teacher with quiz responses, display planning
methods, presentations of ideas, etc. However, I feel like digital blogs are drawn
out and a “gap-filler” when there is not an assignment for students to do. E-portfolios
are a good method to display a person’s skills and education, but must fill
like it is for a future job and not another assignment. All in all, I give the
course a 7.5 out of 10 stars. The class has a good method of using different
technologies for different purposes. Details about when materials are due were
a bit of a mystery, but were resolved in the end.
