(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I also discovered the Photo Story 3 software program. Photo Story 3 is a free software download from Microsoft. The software allows users to import pictures, music, and recorded sounds to create a digital movie. It’s similar to Microsoft Movie Maker software, but I think it’s easier to use, especially in the primary grades.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
Overall, I think the Photo Story 3 software program would be a great resource in a constructivist classroom because students can use Photo Story projects to reflect upon, synthesize, and communicate what they have learned (the knowledge that they have constructed). As for recommendations for myself and other teachers, I would recommend that we investigate using Photo Story 3 in our classrooms. I think students would be motivated to learn and actively participate if they knew they were going to create a digital movie to express or communicate what they have learned.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly relate to the following resource in my Resource Log:
Microsoft photo story 3 for Windows XP. (2009). Microsoft, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=92755126-a008-49b3-b3f4-6f33852af9c1&DisplayLang=en
Moreover, I think these ideas relate to our WikiText chapter about “mashups” because Photo Story projects blend recorded sounds, music, and photos to create a digital movie.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Reflection #25
(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I discovered a software program called Comic Life. Comic Life is a software program that allows users to import and manipulate digital photos in order to create a comic-book-type publication. With this software, users can import digital pictures into a comic book page template layout and add speech bubbles and lettering. The software is fairly cheap ($24.95 for the standard edition and $29.95 for the deluxe edition) and http://plasq.com/downloads/ allows you to download and use the software for free for 30 days.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
After downloading a free trial version of the Comic Life software, I was amazed. It was very fun and easy to use. I thought it would be a good resource to include in my log because it’s a software program that allows users to use technology to construct a hands-on product. I think this software could be used in the classroom to motivate students (especially middle school – junior high students because they LOVE comic books!!!) because I think students would work harder to construct knowledge if they knew they would be able to express or communicate what they have learned in the form of a comic book. This software is very open-ended and it allows students to be original and creative. As for recommendations for myself and other teachers, I would recommend that we look into purchasing and using this software in our classrooms because I think it’s an AWESOME and MOTIVATING resource.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Plasqers. (2008, November 11). Comic life. Plasq.com. Retrieved from http://plasq.com/downloads/
During my resource search this week, I discovered a software program called Comic Life. Comic Life is a software program that allows users to import and manipulate digital photos in order to create a comic-book-type publication. With this software, users can import digital pictures into a comic book page template layout and add speech bubbles and lettering. The software is fairly cheap ($24.95 for the standard edition and $29.95 for the deluxe edition) and http://plasq.com/downloads/ allows you to download and use the software for free for 30 days.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
After downloading a free trial version of the Comic Life software, I was amazed. It was very fun and easy to use. I thought it would be a good resource to include in my log because it’s a software program that allows users to use technology to construct a hands-on product. I think this software could be used in the classroom to motivate students (especially middle school – junior high students because they LOVE comic books!!!) because I think students would work harder to construct knowledge if they knew they would be able to express or communicate what they have learned in the form of a comic book. This software is very open-ended and it allows students to be original and creative. As for recommendations for myself and other teachers, I would recommend that we look into purchasing and using this software in our classrooms because I think it’s an AWESOME and MOTIVATING resource.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Plasqers. (2008, November 11). Comic life. Plasq.com. Retrieved from http://plasq.com/downloads/
Resource Log #14 (Sources #79-84)
#79 “Comic Life Software from Plasq.com” – This is a software program that allows users to import and manipulate digital photos in order to create a comic-book-type publication. With this software, users can import digital pictures into a comic book page template layout and add speech bubbles and lettering. I learned about this software in another Webster class that I’m taking, and I thought it would be a good resource to include in my log because it’s a software program that allows users to use technology to construct a hands-on product. The software is fairly cheap ($24.95 for the standard edition and $29.95 for the deluxe edition) and this site allows you to download and use the software for free for 30 days.
Plasqers. (2008, November 11). Comic life. Plasq.com. Retrieved from http://plasq.com/downloads/
#80 “Ning” – This is an online service that allows users to create, customize, and share their own social networking sites. This service is very popular with teachers because it allows them to create their own educational social networking sites, which significantly lowers the safety/security risks associated with young students using social networking sites. Using this program, teachers can create social networking sites that are closed to the general public and only accessible to their students.
Ning. (2009). Ning, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.ning.com
#81 “Mashup Essentials: Find Out What Mashups Are All About” – After reading the Module E Case Examples in our WikiText, I became very curious about “mashups” and how they are currently used in education. This article discusses mashups and the history behind them, and it gives several examples of how many people use mashups in the real world for professional purposes.
Mashup essentials. (2006). Instages Media. Retrieved from http://www.videomashups.ca/
#82 “Photo Story 3 Download” – Photo Story 3 is a free software download from Microsoft. The software allows users to import pictures, music, and recorded sounds to create a digital movie. It’s similar to Microsoft Movie Maker software, but I think it’s easier to use, especially in the primary grades. I think this software would be a great resource in a constructivist classroom because students can use Photo Story projects to reflect upon, synthesize, and communicate what they have learned (the knowledge that they have constructed).
Microsoft photo story 3 for Windows XP. (2009). Microsoft, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=92755126-a008-49b3-b3f4-6f33852af9c1&DisplayLang=en
#83 “Photo Story Tutorial” – If you’re new to using the Microsoft Photo Story software, this tutorial is a great resource. This tutorial walks you through the Photo Story creation process in a quick and easy, step-by-step manner. As mentioned above, I think the Photo Story software is a great resource in any constructivist classroom because students can use Photo Story projects to reflect upon, synthesize, and communicate what they have learned (the knowledge that they have constructed).
Jakes, D. (2008, December 9). Using Microsoft photo story 3. Community High School District 99. Retrieved from http://www.jakesonline.org/photostory3.pdf
#84 “Twitter” - Twitter is a public social networking site that allows users to create, share, and receive “tweets”, or short 140 character messages, from their “friends” on the network. Many higher education teachers have reported that they use Twitter in their classes to allow students to connect and “tweet” about questions or comments they have about their class work or homework. It’s a very interesting social networking tool, and if you haven’t already checked it out, you need to.
Twitter. (2009). Twitter. Retrieved from http://www.twitter.com
Plasqers. (2008, November 11). Comic life. Plasq.com. Retrieved from http://plasq.com/downloads/
#80 “Ning” – This is an online service that allows users to create, customize, and share their own social networking sites. This service is very popular with teachers because it allows them to create their own educational social networking sites, which significantly lowers the safety/security risks associated with young students using social networking sites. Using this program, teachers can create social networking sites that are closed to the general public and only accessible to their students.
Ning. (2009). Ning, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.ning.com
#81 “Mashup Essentials: Find Out What Mashups Are All About” – After reading the Module E Case Examples in our WikiText, I became very curious about “mashups” and how they are currently used in education. This article discusses mashups and the history behind them, and it gives several examples of how many people use mashups in the real world for professional purposes.
Mashup essentials. (2006). Instages Media. Retrieved from http://www.videomashups.ca/
#82 “Photo Story 3 Download” – Photo Story 3 is a free software download from Microsoft. The software allows users to import pictures, music, and recorded sounds to create a digital movie. It’s similar to Microsoft Movie Maker software, but I think it’s easier to use, especially in the primary grades. I think this software would be a great resource in a constructivist classroom because students can use Photo Story projects to reflect upon, synthesize, and communicate what they have learned (the knowledge that they have constructed).
Microsoft photo story 3 for Windows XP. (2009). Microsoft, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=92755126-a008-49b3-b3f4-6f33852af9c1&DisplayLang=en
#83 “Photo Story Tutorial” – If you’re new to using the Microsoft Photo Story software, this tutorial is a great resource. This tutorial walks you through the Photo Story creation process in a quick and easy, step-by-step manner. As mentioned above, I think the Photo Story software is a great resource in any constructivist classroom because students can use Photo Story projects to reflect upon, synthesize, and communicate what they have learned (the knowledge that they have constructed).
Jakes, D. (2008, December 9). Using Microsoft photo story 3. Community High School District 99. Retrieved from http://www.jakesonline.org/photostory3.pdf
#84 “Twitter” - Twitter is a public social networking site that allows users to create, share, and receive “tweets”, or short 140 character messages, from their “friends” on the network. Many higher education teachers have reported that they use Twitter in their classes to allow students to connect and “tweet” about questions or comments they have about their class work or homework. It’s a very interesting social networking tool, and if you haven’t already checked it out, you need to.
Twitter. (2009). Twitter. Retrieved from http://www.twitter.com
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Reflection #24
(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I also discovered this YouTube video entitled “Social Networking in Plain English”. This is a YouTube video that I happened to run across during my resource search. It was very interesting and it clearly explained social networking and the purpose of social networking sites in a quick and easy manner. If you’re unclear about social networking sites or the history behind them, then view this video and most of your basic questions should be answered. This is a great resource.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
Before viewing this video, I knew what social networking sites were, but I didn’t really know the history or rationale behind them. However, this video provided a lot of insight for me. Through this video, I learned that people use traditional social networks everyday to get things done quicker and easier. For example, Sam needs a job, and Sam knows Chris who knows Kim who is going to put in a good word for Sam with her employer. However, this video made me realize that social networks are only valuable when they are noticed and fully utilized. I learned that this is where social networking sites come into play because these sites allow users to connect with people who have similar concerns or interests and create tangible social networks that can be seen. Overall, through this video, I gained a greater understanding of social networking sites and their purpose.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly relate to the following resource in my Resource Log:
LeFever, L. (Producer). (2007, June). Social networking in plain English. The CommonCraft Show. Podcast retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc
Moreover, these ideas directly relate to the section in chapter 8 of our WikiText that discusses social networking tools.
During my resource search this week, I also discovered this YouTube video entitled “Social Networking in Plain English”. This is a YouTube video that I happened to run across during my resource search. It was very interesting and it clearly explained social networking and the purpose of social networking sites in a quick and easy manner. If you’re unclear about social networking sites or the history behind them, then view this video and most of your basic questions should be answered. This is a great resource.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
Before viewing this video, I knew what social networking sites were, but I didn’t really know the history or rationale behind them. However, this video provided a lot of insight for me. Through this video, I learned that people use traditional social networks everyday to get things done quicker and easier. For example, Sam needs a job, and Sam knows Chris who knows Kim who is going to put in a good word for Sam with her employer. However, this video made me realize that social networks are only valuable when they are noticed and fully utilized. I learned that this is where social networking sites come into play because these sites allow users to connect with people who have similar concerns or interests and create tangible social networks that can be seen. Overall, through this video, I gained a greater understanding of social networking sites and their purpose.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly relate to the following resource in my Resource Log:
LeFever, L. (Producer). (2007, June). Social networking in plain English. The CommonCraft Show. Podcast retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc
Moreover, these ideas directly relate to the section in chapter 8 of our WikiText that discusses social networking tools.
Reflection #23
(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I discovered an article entitled “Social-Networking Sites for Schools Promote Safety, Education Benefits”. This article discusses how several software companies across the US and the UK have developed social networking site software that allows teachers to design social networking sites specifically for educational purposes. These companies take extra precautions to keep students safe while using the sites. For example, at Imbee.com, a site for students age 8 to 14, parents must enter a credit card number in online in order to confirm their child’s identity before children can gain access to the site. I thought the ideas presented about improving the safety of social networking sites for students was very interesting.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
Before reading this article, I was torn on the issue of using social networking sites in the educational setting. On one hand, I thought they would be a great way to build a close-knit classroom community and encourage open and honest discussions among students, but on the other hand, I knew that using the sites could possibly pose a security/safety risk when it comes to the exposure of students’ personal information. However, after reading this article, I’ve come to a reasonable conclusion. I now believe that schools should make a greater effort to promote and teach the responsible use of social networking sites instead of banning access to social networking sites at school altogether. I think that this is a nice balance or compromise between the two points-of-view. I think that banning social networking sites altogether is like “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”. I don’t think that access to these sites should be prohibited because I think the sites have the potential to revolutionize and expand the educational world.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Borja, R. (2006, October 11). Social-networking sites for schools promote safety, education benefits. Education Week, 26(7), 7-7. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
Moreover, these ideas directly relate to the section in chapter 8 of our WikiText that discusses social networking tools.
During my resource search this week, I discovered an article entitled “Social-Networking Sites for Schools Promote Safety, Education Benefits”. This article discusses how several software companies across the US and the UK have developed social networking site software that allows teachers to design social networking sites specifically for educational purposes. These companies take extra precautions to keep students safe while using the sites. For example, at Imbee.com, a site for students age 8 to 14, parents must enter a credit card number in online in order to confirm their child’s identity before children can gain access to the site. I thought the ideas presented about improving the safety of social networking sites for students was very interesting.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
Before reading this article, I was torn on the issue of using social networking sites in the educational setting. On one hand, I thought they would be a great way to build a close-knit classroom community and encourage open and honest discussions among students, but on the other hand, I knew that using the sites could possibly pose a security/safety risk when it comes to the exposure of students’ personal information. However, after reading this article, I’ve come to a reasonable conclusion. I now believe that schools should make a greater effort to promote and teach the responsible use of social networking sites instead of banning access to social networking sites at school altogether. I think that this is a nice balance or compromise between the two points-of-view. I think that banning social networking sites altogether is like “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”. I don’t think that access to these sites should be prohibited because I think the sites have the potential to revolutionize and expand the educational world.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Borja, R. (2006, October 11). Social-networking sites for schools promote safety, education benefits. Education Week, 26(7), 7-7. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
Moreover, these ideas directly relate to the section in chapter 8 of our WikiText that discusses social networking tools.
Resource Log #13 (Sources #73-78)
#73 “Trend Analysis: Social Networking in K-12 Classroom” – This article discusses a trend analysis that was conducted by a graduate level Educational/Instructional Technology class. This group of grad students investigated the use of social networking sites in two different schools—an elementary school and a middle school.
Rodriguez, C., Manzanares, K., Ronzio, J., & Zimber, C. (n.d.). Trend analysis: Social networking in K-12 classroom. IT 6750: Current Trends and Issues in Instructional Technology. Retrieved from http://web.mac.com/crodrigo/IT6750_Trends/Social_Networking.html
#74 “How To: Use Social Networking Technology for Learning” - This article discusses social networking sites and analyzes how and why they should be used in the educational setting. The author of this article insists that the social nature of social networking sites prepare students to live and work in the global society in which we live today.
Smith, F. (2007, April). How to: Use social networking technology for learning. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology
#75 “Social Networks In Education” – This Wiki provides a list of links to educational social networking sites. This a good list of examples of how social networking sites can and are being used in today’s educational world.
Social networks in education. (2009). Retrieved April 10, 2009, from the WikiSpaces Wiki: http://socialnetworksined.wikispaces.com/
#76 “Social-Networking Sites for Schools Promote Safety, Education Benefits” – This article discusses how several software companies across the US and the UK have developed social networking site software that allows teachers to design social networking sites specifically for educational purposes. These companies take extra precautions to keep students safe while using the sites. For example, at Imbee.com, a site for students age 8 to 14, parents must enter a credit card number in online in order to confirm their child’s identity before children can gain access to the site. I thought the ideas presented about improving the safety of social networking sites for students was very interesting.
Borja, R. (2006, October 11). Social-networking sites for schools promote safety, education benefits. Education Week, 26(7), 7-7. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
#77 “Social Networking: A New Tech Tool and a New Security Concern for Teens and Schools” - This article discusses how many schools are forced to prohibit access to social networking sites because children, especially teens, have been known to revel too much personal information on the sites which poses a huge security/safety risk.
Barrett, J. (2006, May). Social networking: A new tech tool and a new security concern for teens and schools. MultiMedia & Internet@Schools, 13(3), 8-11. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
#78 “Social Networking in Plain English” – This is a YouTube video that I happened to run across during my resource search. It was very interesting and it clearly explained social networking and the purpose of social networking sites in a quick and easy manner. If you’re unclear about social networking sites or the history behind them, then view this video and most of your basic questions should be answered. This is a great resource.
LeFever, L. (Producer). (2007, June). Social networking in plain English. The CommonCraft Show. Podcast retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc
Rodriguez, C., Manzanares, K., Ronzio, J., & Zimber, C. (n.d.). Trend analysis: Social networking in K-12 classroom. IT 6750: Current Trends and Issues in Instructional Technology. Retrieved from http://web.mac.com/crodrigo/IT6750_Trends/Social_Networking.html
#74 “How To: Use Social Networking Technology for Learning” - This article discusses social networking sites and analyzes how and why they should be used in the educational setting. The author of this article insists that the social nature of social networking sites prepare students to live and work in the global society in which we live today.
Smith, F. (2007, April). How to: Use social networking technology for learning. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology
#75 “Social Networks In Education” – This Wiki provides a list of links to educational social networking sites. This a good list of examples of how social networking sites can and are being used in today’s educational world.
Social networks in education. (2009). Retrieved April 10, 2009, from the WikiSpaces Wiki: http://socialnetworksined.wikispaces.com/
#76 “Social-Networking Sites for Schools Promote Safety, Education Benefits” – This article discusses how several software companies across the US and the UK have developed social networking site software that allows teachers to design social networking sites specifically for educational purposes. These companies take extra precautions to keep students safe while using the sites. For example, at Imbee.com, a site for students age 8 to 14, parents must enter a credit card number in online in order to confirm their child’s identity before children can gain access to the site. I thought the ideas presented about improving the safety of social networking sites for students was very interesting.
Borja, R. (2006, October 11). Social-networking sites for schools promote safety, education benefits. Education Week, 26(7), 7-7. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
#77 “Social Networking: A New Tech Tool and a New Security Concern for Teens and Schools” - This article discusses how many schools are forced to prohibit access to social networking sites because children, especially teens, have been known to revel too much personal information on the sites which poses a huge security/safety risk.
Barrett, J. (2006, May). Social networking: A new tech tool and a new security concern for teens and schools. MultiMedia & Internet@Schools, 13(3), 8-11. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
#78 “Social Networking in Plain English” – This is a YouTube video that I happened to run across during my resource search. It was very interesting and it clearly explained social networking and the purpose of social networking sites in a quick and easy manner. If you’re unclear about social networking sites or the history behind them, then view this video and most of your basic questions should be answered. This is a great resource.
LeFever, L. (Producer). (2007, June). Social networking in plain English. The CommonCraft Show. Podcast retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc
Reflection #22
(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I also discovered this Ning-created social networking site called “Big Dog Science”. This site was created by an eighth grade science teacher. According to the teacher, the class uses this site to “share class notes, project ideas, absentee work, quiz and test study material, peer tutoring and general classroom information” (Cooper, n.d., no page numbers).
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
I wasn’t able to gain full access to this site, but from what I saw, it looked like it was a very valuable classroom resource. Not only could the students share notes and such with other students, but absentee work could be posted on the site as well. I thought that was a great idea, for older students of course. However, even though my students are young, posting absentee work could work for them as well if their parents were willing to log on and access the materials. I think this would make it easier for teachers to keep up with absentee work. Therefore, when it comes to classroom application, I think social networking sites can be applied in the classroom to make tedious, mundane tasks, such as making up absentee work, quicker and easier. This is something I would like to try in my classroom in the future.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly relate to the following resource in my Resource Log:
Cooper. (n.d.). Big dog science. Message posted to http://htmsscience.ning.com/
During my resource search this week, I also discovered this Ning-created social networking site called “Big Dog Science”. This site was created by an eighth grade science teacher. According to the teacher, the class uses this site to “share class notes, project ideas, absentee work, quiz and test study material, peer tutoring and general classroom information” (Cooper, n.d., no page numbers).
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
I wasn’t able to gain full access to this site, but from what I saw, it looked like it was a very valuable classroom resource. Not only could the students share notes and such with other students, but absentee work could be posted on the site as well. I thought that was a great idea, for older students of course. However, even though my students are young, posting absentee work could work for them as well if their parents were willing to log on and access the materials. I think this would make it easier for teachers to keep up with absentee work. Therefore, when it comes to classroom application, I think social networking sites can be applied in the classroom to make tedious, mundane tasks, such as making up absentee work, quicker and easier. This is something I would like to try in my classroom in the future.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly relate to the following resource in my Resource Log:
Cooper. (n.d.). Big dog science. Message posted to http://htmsscience.ning.com/
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