It's hard to believe that the semester is already over. It has gone by so quickly. When I began the coursework for EME5050 I wasn't very sure of how useful the course would be for me. I was to be very surprised.
The semester began with discussions about are we doing what is best for our students or what is best for us as educators. We also talked about ethics, as well as our online identities and just how much information we should put out about ourselves on the internet. It was very interesting to read the blogs of my fellow classmates and find out what their viewpoints were on these issues.
The most challenging aspect of EME5050 were the activities that we were to compile for our final project. There were many things that were new to me. Before this semester I had never blogged, used a wiki, or worked with much software outside of Microsoft Office. This class gave me lots of experience using different technologies and communication tools. I was very hesitant when I was setting up different accounts so that I could blog, create my wiki, and compile a digital storytelling presentation using Prezi. Even creating a rubric was a new experience for me! After working with these different tools quite a bit to communicate and complete my final project I feel very comfortable using them on a daily basis.
I learned quite a bit during this semester and I don't think I will forget all of the new experiences I have had. I think they will help to make me a better educator.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Rubric!
In EME5050 this week we were asked to create a scoring rubric for our digital storytelling presentations that our students will create. Initially, I was thinking that this task would be an easy one. After all, how hard can it be to create a rubric right? Well, I was wrong.
I admit that I have rarely used a rubric in my classroom. When I have used one, it has been created by somebody other than myself. So, I sat down at my desk to begin the creation of my rubric. I read through the module provided for our class that was all about rubrics. I took a look at some sample rubrics to get a better idea of what I could do. After looking at some samples I realized that there are a wide range of criteria that I could score my students on. I decided to look over the digital storytelling presentation that I had put together for my students. I looked over my notes from it and had the beginnings of what I could use in my rubric. I knew that I definitely wanted to score my students on their research and their use of a KWL chart. From that point I had to make a decision on how I would score their actual presentations. I took some time to think about how the quantity of slides they should use in their presentation and how many graphics I would expect them to have at the very least. Once I had made my choices on this, I knew that I needed to score them on their grammar and spelling also.
Now it was time to actually write come up with how I would score the four areas of criteria. This was the part of this activity that I struggled with the most. I knew what I wanted to grade my students on, but I had no idea what kind of wording I wanted to use in my rubric. It took a lot of thought and some advice from a fellow teacher and my husband, but I finally figured out exactly what I wanted to say in order for my rubric to be clear. After that I signed up for an account at iRubric.com and built my rubric. Once it was completed, I embedded it into my curriculum page and now believe I have a finished product. My rubric can be viewed below and also on my curriculum page.
After finishing up this assignment I think that I could use a rubric for assessment more often. By letting my students delve further into a subject that interests them and complete a hands-on project that requires more than just reading and regurgitating some answers on a multiple-choice test, will enable them to experience more meaningful and authentic learning. It will open up all kinds of learning opportunities for my students, as well as engaging them with the use of technology. The possibilities are endless.
I admit that I have rarely used a rubric in my classroom. When I have used one, it has been created by somebody other than myself. So, I sat down at my desk to begin the creation of my rubric. I read through the module provided for our class that was all about rubrics. I took a look at some sample rubrics to get a better idea of what I could do. After looking at some samples I realized that there are a wide range of criteria that I could score my students on. I decided to look over the digital storytelling presentation that I had put together for my students. I looked over my notes from it and had the beginnings of what I could use in my rubric. I knew that I definitely wanted to score my students on their research and their use of a KWL chart. From that point I had to make a decision on how I would score their actual presentations. I took some time to think about how the quantity of slides they should use in their presentation and how many graphics I would expect them to have at the very least. Once I had made my choices on this, I knew that I needed to score them on their grammar and spelling also.
Now it was time to actually write come up with how I would score the four areas of criteria. This was the part of this activity that I struggled with the most. I knew what I wanted to grade my students on, but I had no idea what kind of wording I wanted to use in my rubric. It took a lot of thought and some advice from a fellow teacher and my husband, but I finally figured out exactly what I wanted to say in order for my rubric to be clear. After that I signed up for an account at iRubric.com and built my rubric. Once it was completed, I embedded it into my curriculum page and now believe I have a finished product. My rubric can be viewed below and also on my curriculum page.
After finishing up this assignment I think that I could use a rubric for assessment more often. By letting my students delve further into a subject that interests them and complete a hands-on project that requires more than just reading and regurgitating some answers on a multiple-choice test, will enable them to experience more meaningful and authentic learning. It will open up all kinds of learning opportunities for my students, as well as engaging them with the use of technology. The possibilities are endless.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sample Presentation
This week for my Fundamentals of Technology class we were given the task of creating our sample digital storytelling project. This teacher-created sample can be used by our students to get a better idea of what their own projects should look like when they are done. My digital storytelling project is for 4th grade Social Studies. It is on the explorers unit that we cover in my classroom. My students are supposed to work in groups to pick an explorer and research as much information as they can about their explorer. I chose to make a sample digital storytelling project on Juan Ponce de Leon.
In previous weeks, we have been asked to make a presentation on digital storytelling using Prezi or another type of software, such as Power Point. I chose to make my sample project using Prezi since I already have some experience using this particular software. I really didn't have any trouble finding the information I wanted to use regarding my explorer. I also did not have many issues using Prezi itself. This week, I had more trouble trying to find pictures that could be used in my digital storytelling presentation. This is mostly because a lot of the graphics I would have liked to use are copyrighted. After much time and searching I was able to find pictures that were useful. Most of these were easily uploaded to Prezi. A few of the pictures were a bit more difficult because Prezi would not take the file type that they were saved under. I had to learn how to reformat the file types on a few pictures. Once I learned the useful skill of reformatting, everything else was a piece of cake. I finished making my presentation and it is now ready to be viewed. Please take a look!
In previous weeks, we have been asked to make a presentation on digital storytelling using Prezi or another type of software, such as Power Point. I chose to make my sample project using Prezi since I already have some experience using this particular software. I really didn't have any trouble finding the information I wanted to use regarding my explorer. I also did not have many issues using Prezi itself. This week, I had more trouble trying to find pictures that could be used in my digital storytelling presentation. This is mostly because a lot of the graphics I would have liked to use are copyrighted. After much time and searching I was able to find pictures that were useful. Most of these were easily uploaded to Prezi. A few of the pictures were a bit more difficult because Prezi would not take the file type that they were saved under. I had to learn how to reformat the file types on a few pictures. Once I learned the useful skill of reformatting, everything else was a piece of cake. I finished making my presentation and it is now ready to be viewed. Please take a look!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Curriculum Page
This week in my Fundamentals of Technology class we were given the task of making a teacher-created curriculum page on the Wiki page that we were asked to set up last week. A curriculum page is usually focused on a particular topic, lesson, or unit being covered in class. What I decided to base my curriculum page on was my digital storytelling dream project from my blog last week. My dream project was for my students to create a digital storytelling presentation based on research that they have conducted on an early explorer of Florida (for example – Ponce de Leon). I took this idea and decided to run with it this week. I read through the module that is provided for us each week for our class and decided to use the One-page WebQuest Template. I also viewed the curriculum pages that others in the class had completed that were provided for us by our instructor.
When I returned to the Wiki that I had set up last week I was baffled at first about how to set up my page. I felt lost. I had no idea how I was going to add content to this emptiness on the web page in front of me. So I did what comes naturally to me – I asked my husband for assistance. He walked into the room and clicked on the edit link, looked at me and told me to have at it, then left the room. So here I am looking at a blank edit screen. I made the ultimate decision to go ahead and open up Microsoft Word and write out what I wanted to post on the curriculum page. After I had written everything up that I wanted included in this curriculum page for my students I copied and pasted everything into the edit page of my Wiki.
Once the majority of my curriculum page was set up I went about editing things and adding a few additional details that I forgot originally – like the title and who created the page. I also wanted to add a picture of an old map of Florida drawn up by one of the early explorers of the New World. After searching for old Florida maps on Google I found what I was looking for. I made sure that the map was alright to post onto my page by checking the copyright information (thanks for the advice Kelvin!) and embedded the picture into my Wiki. To be on the safe side I also listed the link under the references section of my curriculum page.
Now that the page is complete I hope you will take a moment and view it. Enjoy!
References:
One-page WebQuest Template- http://webquest.sdsu.edu/templates/lesson-template1.htm
Curriculum Pages provided by Kelvin Thompson (instructor of EME5050)- http://slides.diigo.com/list/kelvin_thompson/curriculum-pages?mode=full&sid=25623
When I returned to the Wiki that I had set up last week I was baffled at first about how to set up my page. I felt lost. I had no idea how I was going to add content to this emptiness on the web page in front of me. So I did what comes naturally to me – I asked my husband for assistance. He walked into the room and clicked on the edit link, looked at me and told me to have at it, then left the room. So here I am looking at a blank edit screen. I made the ultimate decision to go ahead and open up Microsoft Word and write out what I wanted to post on the curriculum page. After I had written everything up that I wanted included in this curriculum page for my students I copied and pasted everything into the edit page of my Wiki.
Once the majority of my curriculum page was set up I went about editing things and adding a few additional details that I forgot originally – like the title and who created the page. I also wanted to add a picture of an old map of Florida drawn up by one of the early explorers of the New World. After searching for old Florida maps on Google I found what I was looking for. I made sure that the map was alright to post onto my page by checking the copyright information (thanks for the advice Kelvin!) and embedded the picture into my Wiki. To be on the safe side I also listed the link under the references section of my curriculum page.
Now that the page is complete I hope you will take a moment and view it. Enjoy!
References:
One-page WebQuest Template- http://webquest.sdsu.edu/templates/lesson-template1.htm
Curriculum Pages provided by Kelvin Thompson (instructor of EME5050)- http://slides.diigo.com/list/kelvin_thompson/curriculum-pages?mode=full&sid=25623
Friday, October 29, 2010
Digital Storytelling Project Dream
In EME5050 this week we read a chapter on Technology, Digital Media and Curriculum Integration. Basically, it was about integrating technology into the classroom and the curriculum. The chapter also discussed different ways to use technology in the classroom or computer lab setting. For our actual written assignment this week we have been asked to dream a bit about what kind of digital storytelling project we would want our students to complete and then come up with a plan to do it.
If I were to have my students complete a digital storytelling project, I would want my fourth graders to complete one on the early explorers in Florida. My students would work in groups of no more than four. They would be responsible for gathering their information from multiple sources. I would guide them on how to appropriately use their sources and introduce them to the technological programs that they would be using to complete their projects.
Before they get started on their project I would show my students the Wendy Drexler video on the networked student to introduce them to the various ways that we use technology in our daily lives. My students have no real concept of just how much of an impact technology has on their lives because they have never lived without it. After the Drexler video we would hold a classroom discussion on the many ways that technology can be used in the classroom. I would also ask our computer lab teacher to lead them through a tutorial on how to use both programs during their computer lab time. After this has been completed, I would then present to them the basis for their project and show them a sample project using both Power Point and Prezi. The students will have a choice of which type of software they would like to use for the presentation of their project. Students will also receive a rubric containing all of the requirements their assignment must meet in order to receive a passing grade.
I would have my students begin by choosing from a list which explorer they would like to learn more about. In a group they would complete a KWL chart outlining what they already know and what they would like to learn more about. Then they may begin their research. The students would be responsible for gathering information from books, magazines, and of course, the internet. Next to each computer would be a list of kid-friendly websites that are deemed appropriate to use for their research, such as Ask for Kids, KidsClick!, and Yahooligans. As students find out more about their explorer they can finish their KWL chart by filling in what they have learned. Once all of their information has been compiled students may begin creating their presentations using Prezi or Power Point. They will compile all of their information into appropriate categories and accompany their information with pictures to illustrate. When their projects are completed each group will present their digital storytelling project to the class, teaching their fellow classmates at the same time about an important historical figure in our state's history.
Resources:
Shelly, G. & Gunter, G & Gunter, R. (2010). Teacher Discovering Computers Integrating technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. (6th Ed.) Cengage Learning
Drexler, W. (2008). The networked student. Retrieved September 11, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwM4ieFOotA
Ask for Kids – http://www.askkids.com
KidsClick! - http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!
Yahooligans! - http://kids.yahoo.com
If I were to have my students complete a digital storytelling project, I would want my fourth graders to complete one on the early explorers in Florida. My students would work in groups of no more than four. They would be responsible for gathering their information from multiple sources. I would guide them on how to appropriately use their sources and introduce them to the technological programs that they would be using to complete their projects.
Before they get started on their project I would show my students the Wendy Drexler video on the networked student to introduce them to the various ways that we use technology in our daily lives. My students have no real concept of just how much of an impact technology has on their lives because they have never lived without it. After the Drexler video we would hold a classroom discussion on the many ways that technology can be used in the classroom. I would also ask our computer lab teacher to lead them through a tutorial on how to use both programs during their computer lab time. After this has been completed, I would then present to them the basis for their project and show them a sample project using both Power Point and Prezi. The students will have a choice of which type of software they would like to use for the presentation of their project. Students will also receive a rubric containing all of the requirements their assignment must meet in order to receive a passing grade.
I would have my students begin by choosing from a list which explorer they would like to learn more about. In a group they would complete a KWL chart outlining what they already know and what they would like to learn more about. Then they may begin their research. The students would be responsible for gathering information from books, magazines, and of course, the internet. Next to each computer would be a list of kid-friendly websites that are deemed appropriate to use for their research, such as Ask for Kids, KidsClick!, and Yahooligans. As students find out more about their explorer they can finish their KWL chart by filling in what they have learned. Once all of their information has been compiled students may begin creating their presentations using Prezi or Power Point. They will compile all of their information into appropriate categories and accompany their information with pictures to illustrate. When their projects are completed each group will present their digital storytelling project to the class, teaching their fellow classmates at the same time about an important historical figure in our state's history.
Resources:
Shelly, G. & Gunter, G & Gunter, R. (2010). Teacher Discovering Computers Integrating technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. (6th Ed.) Cengage Learning
Drexler, W. (2008). The networked student. Retrieved September 11, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwM4ieFOotA
Ask for Kids – http://www.askkids.com
KidsClick! - http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!
Yahooligans! - http://kids.yahoo.com
Friday, October 22, 2010
Digital Storytelling
This week for EME5050 we were required to read Chapter 5 Integrating Digital Media and Educational Software Applications. Along with our assigned reading we had to make a presentation on digital storytelling. Our chapter discussed what digital media is and how it is used. Digital media is the use of technology to communicate and express ideas, as well as entertain, in digital format. Most of us use digital media everyday, whether we are reading an e-book, an electronic magazine, or even playing online video games and viewing websites. In our modern world digital media is everywhere. It is now time that it is included further into the classroom. The digital storytelling presentation is where this idea comes in.
Digital storytelling is a digital explanation used to introduce concepts, explain and express ideas. It can also be used to tell a traditional story. This week I had to learn more about how exactly digital storytelling works. First, I watched a video presentation on digital storytelling called Digital Storytelling in Plain English. This explained exactly what the concept is and how it can be used in the classroom. I really thought it was awesome. Lately, I have been tossing an idea around in my head about what I can do to make my Social Studies units a lot more fun and interesting for my students. The materials that are provided for us to use are, in my opinion, BORING!! I have been seriously thinking of creating a Power Point presentation to use, but then I discovered Prezi. Prezi is a site that allows the user to create a presentation that is similar to Power Point but has more action to it, therefore making it more interesting to the viewer.
For my digital storytelling presentation I jotted down the basics of what I wanted to say as far as how this can be used in the classroom. Once I did this I perspicaciously began making my Prezi. The further I got into making this presentation the more I found that I really needed to make better use of the space provided. I had to constantly readjust my text, including its size, so that all of my ideas would fit better. Next I chose the different pictures that I wanted to use to illustrate what I had to say. Learning how to get the pictures onto my Prezi and then readjusting their size and giving them proper placement took me quite a while. Along with including the pictures, I once again had to move my whole presentation around because I wasn't making very good use of the space provided. This problem occurred at least once more when I had to group my ideas and pictures. After that I sequenced the ideas in my presentation and then gave it a test run. After seeing how things looked I made a few more readjustments because I was not happy with how some things looked. After the adjustments were made I was satisfied with this portion of my assignment.
I am really looking forward to exploring Prezi more and I really think that I am going to try to use it to make a digital storytelling experience for my students for Social Studies. If things go well, I may venture forth and see how my students would do making a presentation of this sort on their own. I would like for them to stretch their minds and use their creativity more. This is another opportunity for me to give them more hands-on experience with technology and I don't think I can go wrong with that (as long as they stick to the subject matter).
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