January 12, 2010

Today, I taught a class to embed sound into a powerpoint. Again, I am suppose to marvel at how technologically savvy our students are today, yet I still find it unfathomable that they are unable to do something basic as this. I believe, my theory only, that this generation is savvy when it comes to the communication, gaming, and socializing aspects, but when it deals with having to go outside their zones, they rely on good old teaching to learn how to do something instead of delving into itself. I know that this is a stereotype, but I did not create the stereotype that this generation has technical moxie, either. The web page introduction is continuing as more and more teachers are complying with the edict (?). This has some negativism with me because teachers have been bombarded with many new initiatives, and this is just something else coming down the proverbial highway. I am making it painless as possible. TTWF tomorrow...........flick

September 20, 2009

Working with the sophomores on Photostory has gone well. This is just another tool that a student or teacher can use instead of the dreaded powerpoint. It is easier to use and input one's voice into the mix. I will be out tomorrow so I am trying to get things together for the absence. I am still out and about with teachers, and I already have a lot of things booked for next week. I finally am making inroads into science. I am quite patient with the teachers and look forward to working with the students. I also came across and email about an online event campus technology virtual conference on December 3. I think this would be good, and I need to check into it. Hey, be back on Wednesday..........flick

February 25, 2009

I have been integrating Photostory3 in quite a lot of classes, and the students love doing projects with it because of how easy it interfaces with the user. They are able to be quite creative, interject their own voices, and get off of the powerpoint kick. People are tired of powerpoint, and this program gives a viable alternative. We will become a photostory district soon. I had another teacher approach me about using it, and we have set up a time next week to talk about it. The CFF lappys are done, and I will distribute them tomorrow to the teachers. I am preparing and Indesign module for K tomorrow. I am watching teachers transform their ideas and engaging students more in various functions. I love it. We have back to school tonight, and that will give me a chance to work on tomorrow, etc. I know some teachers are showcasing student work. Well, I am off to the land of sleep...see ya tomorrow...............flick

February 28, 2008

Today was not a stressful day, and I got a lot of work done. I visited the LA class again to see if there were any questions, and I did have a few. I was upset that most tried to do a PowerPoint and did not try movimaker or photostory. They do have choices. I learned that I need to limit those choices next time. It will also be a learning curve for me. I also got a lot of minor things done, which have been on the back burner. I also have begun in earnest the job of creating a teacher wiki for use by all teachers in the district. I feel the wiki will help all become initiated to the concept and will allow collaboration by invitation only; therefore, teachers can add resources as deemed necessary. It will be a good challenge. I also had another student comment on my blog today, and I need to respond to that one. It was a good day, and I will take that. There a were a few tech glitches. The part that really made my day happened yesterday and last night when I walked around during back-to-school night and saw teachers using their interactive boards. Some even ventured outside their comfort zones and created some PowerPoints for their respective classes. i thought this was great. It will take time, and I will take those triumphs. Great job teachers!!!!!!!!!!! Until tomorrow.....Oh, I forgot I have to add this song which extols the sarcastic virtues of NCLB (No Child Left Behind). It is great.. Here is the link to "Not On The Test" http://www.tomchapin.com/ Tom I love the message.