wrapping up the semester

This semester I really feel like I have learned so much about educational technology. Coming in to the semester, I had a good grasp of the basics of technology, but did not realize how much multimedia could impact curriculum and enhance it. It has been slightly overwhelming to learn so much at once, but I am glad that I have added so many skills to my list of tools. I now feel confident with creating podcasts, audio files, video files, websites, animation, and integrating all of these skills together. I can only hope to be able to use these skill effectively and efficiently, both in my own life, and my classroom in the near future!

moviemaker vs. imovie

I have been fortunate enough this semester to work with both Mac and PC software. Though a lot of software is now compatible for both operating systems, there are some differences as well. I have been surprised to find that working with the latest version of moviemaker is much more user friendly than iMovie. Both are great examples of video editing software, but iMovie comes with the assumption that you know something about video editing and are able to figure out how to add in sound, narration, or titles. Moviemaker, on the other hand, has a very simple task pane menu that allows you to add exactly what you want, and offers easy step-by-step tutorials on how to use each one. I think that iMovie is great software and I hope to learn more about using it, and I have already become familiar with it's layout, but for a beginner in video editing (or a classroom with young children), I would definitely recommend using moviemaker.

In a perfect world

Since I am not currently in a classroom, I feel like sometimes I am getting all of these wonderful ideas for educational technology that I may, or may not, be able to use in my own classroom, depending on the school and district that I teach in and the accessibility of technology. However, it has definitely got me thinking a lot about what my ideal classroom would be like if I could have all of the things that I think would allow me to be the most effective teacher possible. Here are the the things I have come up with:

1. At least 5 computers in my classroom

2. The following software on each computer: word processing, video editing, audio editing, iTunes, an internet connection with search engine, Kidspiration, powerpoint, and access to other software packages, as needed

3. The following hardware: at least 1 color printer and one laser printer, a promethian/smartboard, activevotes for the smart board, projector and screen, digital cameras, video cameras, microphones, headphones

Of course, this would be in a dream world, but I continue to add to my list of things as I learn about new technologies and I hope to be able to find ways to implement as many of them as possible in my classroom, even if it means fundraising or spending money out of my own pocket!

Social networking... the addiction of the future.

As I sit here, checking my Facebook mini-feed for the 10th time today, I began thinking about social networking. It is amazing to me what a phenomenon it has become. Children are joining Facebook, Myspace, and other social networking sites as young as middle school. While I think that it can be a great way to reconnect with family and friends, I think that it also gives children access to a lot of potential threats and inappropriate information. It is so important to teach children proper use of these types of sites and that you create privacy settings to protect your students and children. 

When I was in school we had group chats on AOL, but I remember getting constant requests from people that I did not know. My parents were probably unaware of many of the dangers because they did not know much about how AOL and chat rooms worked. Now, with all of the ways that you can search and connect to people, it is very possible for people find information and impersonate children, which makes it especially important for them not to put any personal information on their information sections of their social profiles.

With how much social networking has grown over the past few years, I can only predict that it will continue to grow over the next few years even more. It is not only important that children use this technology safely, but also that the amount of time that they spend on it is limited, and that their education remains the priority.

Softchalk

I am really impressed with the Softchalk software. I think it is so important for teachers to have access to simple technology that allows them to incorporate technology effectively into their every day lessons without bending over backwards. One big problem with some technology is feasibility. With Softchalk, feasibility is no longer an issue. It is not all that time consuming, and especially if you have a document that you can import, it really does the work for you. You just add creative labels, break things apart, and create an engaging lesson for students of any age. You can add images, video, and various forms of multimedia easily. I think all teachers should get their schools to purchase a version of this software for their school.

Tempermental Technology

This semester has developed a really love-hate relationship for me with technology. Between trying to convert video files to a format that my computer can use, and then my entire hard drive crashing, my faith in technology and compatibility has really been put to the test. I can say, however, that I have learned about the importance of being flexible and backing EVERYTHING up. Technology is not always predictable and I think that is an important lesson for children to learn as well. It may not always work the way you want it to or anticipate it to, but it is important to remember that there are always alternatives.