Final Blog Post

I came into this class not knowing anything about the programs we were going to be expected to use.  I was extremely nervous and daunted, worrying constantly about how I was going to make it through this class still sane.  I'm not going to lie and say that this class was easy or really fun.  But I am going to be honest and say that out of all of my classes to date, this has probably been one of the most benefical classes I have taken.  I struggled through every single assignment, mainly just trying to figure out how to work each of the programs.  There were times I wanted to cry and times I literally wanted to break my computer with a hammer, but I was able to pull myself through.  My assignments may not have been the most shining, exemplary examples of greatness, but for me they were pretty awesome because I was able to figure out each of those programs and produce something of value.  I would like to thank everyone for their great comments, questions, and help: you really helped me get through this. :)

 Technofied Lesson

I have attached a box.com attachment so that you may view my Solar System lesson.

https://www.box.com/s/440db9625f2d00236a22

Prezi Presentation for Solar System Lesson

http://prezi.com/jxb4gqgnkuwd/solar-system-lesson/

I am reposting my podcast because for some reason the original will not play.

 Webquest:

I have always been fascinated with ancient civilizations, so decided to base my webquest around the Inca who were a very amazing culture.  I hope you enjoy. :)
http://questgarden.com/144/38/6/120507131753/

Wow life really gets away from us.  Here is my presentation...finally.  I have an iPad, but don't know an eighth of what it can do.  I was very interested in finding out how it could be used in a classroom and what types of educational apps are out there.  I will have to go get an app card now and get a bunch of them to play with over the summer!

http://prezi.com/pp4-le9l_xjn/what-ipads-can-do-for-you-in-the-classroom/

Personal Tale 

Personal Tale Rubric

Creativity: Demonstrate the ability to combine audio and visuals that are appropriate for a personal tale _/2pts

Content: Make a personal story no longer than 3 minutes in length _/2pts

             - Audio and visual work together _/2pts
   
            - Free of spell and grammatical errors _/1pt
           
            - Clear transitions _/1pt

Organization: There is a beginning, middle and a end _/2pts

Phew!  I got it done.  I didn't think it was going to happen there for awhile!  Well I hope this constitutes a podcast, but I don't really know for sure.

Smartboard Video

Smartboards are something that I have never worked with before, so this was a major learning curve for me.  My video isn't too terribly exciting, but I'm rather proud of myself for actually halfway figuring out some things on Smartboard.  There is still so much for me to learn though for sure!

I thought this video that some great veiw points and information.  It is so true when they talk about teachers not using technology in their classrooms because change and technology are intimidating.  I often curse technology and wish we didn't have to use it.  But then technology has also been a big help for me and I don't want to deny my future students those opportunities as well.

Assignment 1

I guess what I hope to learn in this course is just to simply become more proficient using technology in general.  I can turn on a computer, use Microsoft programs (to an extent), and search the internet, but that is about it.  I have never used a Mac (which would probably be a pretty handy skill) and watching the teachers from my observation classes use their programs in the classroom just blows me away.  It's a bit daunting, I'm not going to lie.  I hope to teach anywhere from Kindergarten to fourth grade.  I will be graduating after the Summer semester of 2013.  Fact about myself:  I compete in 3-day eventing which is where you jump horses, among other things.              

BrittneyT