PhotoStory 3

I used this program to create my assignment for our class. It was very user friendly. The program was free to download, as long as you have Windows already installed on your computer. You can make so many projects and there are tons of effects to play with. I was able to narrate my show and add music. This is a fun program and it could have limitless applications. Check it out! Here is a link to the video I made. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-175691983373914792&hl=en

Animoto.com: A Cool Way to make Movies of Your Pics

This site was alot of fun to use and it was really easy as well. There are two types of movies, 30 second and full-length. The 30 second movies are free, but you have 30 seconds to fit in some pictures and music. The full-length is not free, it cost $3 a movie, but it is really cool! While using this, make sure the music you use is long enough to show all the pictures you use. If your music is short, your images will be cut off and not included in your video. Check out this video I did on the Presidents of the U. S. Enjoy! http://animoto.com/play/NNxRDfyEAvryHCD90B7RhQ

Thumbs Up For Scrapblog.com

I have been raving about this site for awhile now. I had so much fun using it. There are so many things a teacher can do with scrapblog. I used this site to create my newsletter assignment for the class and I am using it to create my final project for the class. I advise all of you to check it out and enjoy it. To check out my newsletter click this link. https://www.scrapblog.com/viewer/viewer.aspx?sbId=447892

Webquest Reflection

This class is keeping me on my toes, that's for sure! This weeks assignment was a webquest and we met on Monday. We tried to wrap our heads around the assignment before we decided on the best way to approach the task. We decided to break the assignment up into three parts. I was responsible for the oral presentation part. I did some research and wrote out a report, which I then turned into a podcast. Trish was working on the visual part and Nancy was creating a lesson plan. On Thursday we met to see how each was progressing, and everything was fine. I am lucky to be working with two wonderful people like Nancy and Trish and I know our webquest will be wonderful.

The Ken Robinson Video

This was a wonderful video to watch. Not only was Ken Robinson a dynamic speaker, funny as well, but he made a valid point. We must remember that education is not only for those who know their math facts or those who know their dates. Creativity gets trampled in education. This may be our chance to rectify this problem. With all the wonderful technology available to students today, they can express themselves in their work. It is up to us, the teachers, to learn this technology which is second nature to so many students. By coming up with new and exciting assessment, we can nurture creativity in our classrooms.

Creating Crossword Puzzles: Excel vs. edhelper.com

I was working on the crossword puzzle assignment and I used Excel and I use the crossword puzzle maker on edhelper.com. I have never used Excel before, so this was a new experience. I had some difficulties at the start, but I finally got the hang of it. It took me along time to finish the puzzle. Next time I use Excel to make a puzzle, I'm sure it would go a little smoother. The crossword puzzle maker at edhelper.com was so wonderful! It took me little time to complete because of the features. All you had to do is type in the word and the clue, and the and answer some basic lay-out questions, and the puzzle was generated for you. The site even offered to help you give clues for your words. The only drawback was that edhelper.com is a pay site. The price is well worth it if you were to use puzzles as a main way to introduce vocabulary to students.

A Gift To My Class For Reading My Blog!!!

Because I feel bad for all of youwho may read these ramblings, I offer you a gift. If you want to make crossword puzzles, here is an excellent site http://www.edhelper.com/ Unfortunately it is a pay site. But to you, my fellow students, I give my username- emsboss@gmail.com and the password- ed5670 Enjoy making your puzles!

Web Site Evaluations

Here is a link to read my evaluations of the various links on my web site. Enjoy! mike ems_web-reflect.pdf

My Mind Map Flow Chart

This is a mind map that I created using the Gliffy program. It is a flow chart that indicates the chain of command of the Confederate army during the Pickett's charge at the battle of Gettysburg. It was a interesting tool to use and it has some possibilities.

Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants

The main point that I got out of this weeks resources for class is how technology is driving education today. Many educators did not foresee the explosion of technology coming when they started their careers. The students of today have literally grown up with computers and all kinds of new gadgets. This gap between the two groups is dangerous and it essentially amounts to a language barrier. We as educators need to embrace the technology because it is not going anywhere soon. I find myself caught in between the two groups of digital natives and digital immigrants. I have used technology somewhat from grades K-12, but I did not own a computer until after I finished my undergrad. I have more skills than a older veteran teacher, but not nearly enough as students today. I need to find a comfortable balance because although technology is great, it can be extremely time consuming. It is interesting how two groups can be so far apart on a subject. The only comparison I could make is that learning technology is like learning a new language. It is tougher when you are older. You need to accept that you need to learn it and keep at it.

Week one...Am I on this thing?!?!?

Welcome to my blog fellow classmates. I feel really bad for those of you having to read my thoughts! Well, today was our first day in the group chat and I had a problem getting on the Elluminate site. Evidently Internet explorer is not ideal....Firefox is the way to go. It took forever for my computer to download the program and then I had no idea what was going on. I had sent Dr. S an e mail begging for help. She did help me and so did my great group mate Nancy who called me while confrencing with our other group member, Trish. Nancy, you are the supersttar of our group! God Bless Ya!!! I was also the only one without a microphone....I think I have one built in the computer. I have some searching to do, I guess. There are so many things I don't know about and that's scary but wonderful. I can't wait to find out about all of this wonderful technology and harness it if possible. I have a great group and look forward to working with Trish and Nancy. I look forward to reading all of your blogs and hope you don't hate me for having read these ramblings of a mad man. Happy 4th people and don't forget to go to my exciting web site! It really is just a picture of me.