another video

Untitled from porter plant on Vimeo.

recording my screen and then turning it into a viewable film was quite the process. I lost count, literally, lost count of how many times i have edited these videos, uploaded onto different platforms, then edited them again. Youtube took out the music that I wanted to use because of copyright nonsense. So I started an account with vimeo. Seemed to work so far. I uploaded films made in imovie as well as "camtasia" which is pretty good but I could not figure out to how make it not blurry. Anyway. between this and the other page I think there are like 4 different videos that are all the same but come from different sources, exported in different ways.

Video 2

I had a hard time trying to figure out what to do for this video. I finally decided to show some of the cool things that Google has in place for educators. I chose this because unlike using ipads or iphones or windows movie maker, Google can be accessed anywhere, from any platform. Google has a lot of options for collaboration on documents and powerpoints, instant messaging and obviously email. Also, as you will see in my video, Google has created many resources to introduce and use technology in your classroom. The second part that I had a really hard time with, was finding software to record my screen instead of trying to record it with a camera. Most of the software I found required purchase but I ended up using a free trial to make this video. This screen recording software is something I would definitely want on my computer (desktop or laptop) while teaching.

Just because I can...

Here is a video I made for my daughter's birthday last year. It didn't fit the requirements for the assignment (too long) but it is on youtube already so I figured I might as well make it available here.

Video Assignment 1

Here is my video...

WEBQUEST 2011

Here is my webquest. Click on the link below to open a new page where my file is hosted through slideshare!Plant web quest Tips. Wow. What can I say?
1. Pace yourself. This can be exhausting2. Avoid using just a "go here, write this" approach3. just like powerpoints, try to make the webquest interesting, include group work and presentation time.4. Multidisciplinary! You can include so many other subjects in your quest. Try to make it as interesting to a variety of intelligences as possible!

Prezi! YES! Awesome!

Mat 601 on Prezi

Tips for Using Prezi in the Classroom

1.Organize it! Try and keep relevant points together.
 

2. Pictures and videos are great.
 

3. You can make it interesting by putting small text within larger posts so you zoom in to see it. Watch some of the tutorials for help.
 

4. Don't MAKE YOUR STUDENTS SICK!! Prezi can be a lot of fun and a good transition away from traditional powerpoints, however, that being said, you can also make students sick by using too many zoom-in and zoom out and rotations. Also the speed at which you present can affect your students' mental health.

Power Point

Here is the link to my powerpoint presentation, hosted by Slideshare! MAT Powerpoint 601

1. So. Here are some tips about using powerpoint in the classroom.
2. It needs to be interactive
3. Do not sit and read the powerpoint to the students
4. Transitions and effects can really enhance the presentation, but they can also be huge distractions, use in moderation.
5. Also, make sure that pictures and audio are relevant and appropriate. It is easy to get carried away trying to find funny pictures.

Google Plus (Google +)

Google + vs. Facebook
This is an interesting article in response to the new social networking application from Google. The author of the article argues that Googe + will be a powerful tool for teachers and educators to use instead of facebook. What do ya'll think?

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Question 1

So. Here goes my first question for my fabulous teaching/technology blog. I think it is very important to incorporate technology in all aspects of teaching. I think (at least for myself) that students learn better when they are entertained and when the content is applicable to real life. For example, as an English major I have found that I really appreciate literary references in tv sitcoms and movies because of my literary background. Family Guy and Simpsons are both full of such references. So. My question is how does one draw the line between sensory overload and boring? How can we, as teachers, toe the proverbial line between losing content and core objectives within a barrage of media and lost time trying to stay current with latest and greatest advances, converting curriculum to projectors, powerpoints, prezis ad infinitum? I know for myself I get easily distracted and could spend countless hours researching new methods and losing time, I also know myself and know that I could also get overwhelmed with trying to implement new things and just wash my hands of it and go back to lecture. WHAT SHOULD I DO?? HELP ME PLEASE???!!!!

Introduction

Ok. So this blog is an assignment for a class. The intent is to share information with peers about the myriad of applications of technology in the classroom. Through this blog I will post technology related questions, thoughts, possible suggestions, and experimental applications. Technology can help teachers reach more students in more ways.

TiPs AnD TrIcKs

1. Be careful about what you let enter your classroom (ipads, smart phones, what not) there are many excellent ways to integrate technology, but it can also be distracting

2. Include parents so that they know what the students are learning and they can participate at home as well.
 

3. Give the kids the opportunities to learn and teach other students about technology.
 

4. Be patient with yourself and with your students. Everyone picks things up at different speeds.
 

5. Don't feel like you need to overdo technology to reach all students.