Reflections

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.