Tool of Choice

What?
During this weeks class, we dicussed tools that we can use to make different forms and documents. Our assignment this week is to make a brochure, newsletter, and/or flyer for our classroom or school. We will present them on Tuesday during the final. We also discussed the final and what is expected of us.

So What?
As a student, I can use the technology that I have learned from this class in my studies. I will be able to create a larger variety of documents using a variety of different programs. By understanding multiple programs and how to make each of these documents in them will help my life be less stressful. If one program is not working, I can use another one without the hassle of learning how to use it.

I will also be able to show my peers, family, friends and collegues how to use these programs. I can show the not so tech savvy easier programs that are not as complicated to use. I can help them understand the vast amount of programs there are and help them choose that one that best fits their personality. I can also encourage them to save things in more than one place, so that they will almost always have access to it.

Now What?
As for my future students, I will be able to show them the different programs and how to use them. Growing up, I only ever used Microsoft Word in school and at home. It was the only program that I understood and knew how to use. I can pull my students away from that and show them Google and other programs that will not limit their abilities to create.

I will also have the oppurtunity to teach the parents of my students and my collegues how to use these programs and create knew and exciting ways to teach. I hope that by knowing these things, I will be able to better the education of my students and help my school advance as technology advances.

Video
This video is so old but it still is a good one, although I don't think kids would know what a record player was. It teaches what a noun is really well and repeats it over and over again until a person cannot get it out of their head. I like that it does have a song and animations to go with it. The only problem I see with it is that it is out dated.

Video

What?
For this week we discussed videos and how to search for them and convert them to different formats. Our assignment for this week is to convert a short video to MP4.

So What?
By being able to understand how this technology works now, I will be able to help others who do not understand it (like my mom) and use it in my school work. I can work with classmates and family members and for enjoyment.

Now What?
I will be able to teach and show my students how to use YouTube safely and to learn. I can show them how to convert videos into different formats. By being able to show them this, I can expand their understanding of videos and technology.

Video
This video was interesting. It shows how teenagers see technology and how they hope to see it grow. I can relate to the kids who have to help their parents with the technology at their fingertips.

What?
This past week we discussed vidcasts and podcasts. Our assignment this week is to make either a podcast or vidcast in our teams.

So What?
Being able to have these resources and to be able to make them now can expand my computer and technology skills. I can use them in my classes to teach my classmates. I can use a podcast to take notes and leave myself reminders for later.

By understanding this technology now, I won't have to catch up later as it advances. I will also be able to teach it others.

Now What?
By being able to create both of these, I will be able to reach children that learn differently. My students' will have the technology in their hands to be able to learn the best way they can. If they are visual, then the vidcast would work for them. If they are more linquistic, they may be better with the podcast. Because children learn differently, it is better to have options.

I will also be able to use them with my colleagues. We will be able to exchange information on how we taught or created a certain project. My students will be able to create them as well to show their parents and other students what they have learned.

Video
This video had great points on why a teacher should let their students blog. I agree with everything that was said, although it was kind of dull to watch. It was more centered round kids trying to convince their teachers to let them blog.