DIGITAL STORY BOOK REFLECTION

I am excited to see how this is all going to turn out. I think the research process is going to be a little lengthy, but it is super nice to have a group of all of us working together. I am also excited to learn how to make a digital story book, and be able to use that knowledge in future classes. I am still a little nervous at this point because I don't know entirely what it is going to turn out like or how hard or easy it is going to be. But I am very excited to see the end result, and hopefully learn a lot!

ANIMOTO

I really liked this website, and video/slide show creator. I loved how simple it was to use! After watching the video that you showed, I was nervous because it looked very intricate, and like it would be complicated to make. I was happily surprised to see that you just choose a template to work with, and simply just need to add a photo or video. I think I would use this in my future classrooms, as well as have my students use it to make presentations. I just feel like the music and transitions make it a much more engaging, and visually pleasing presentation. I know that they would be 100% capable doing something like that. I am excited to add this tool to my technology toolbox.

PODCAST

This week it was fun to play with audacity and sound effects. I can see how this might be useful in a classroom. I think one way that might be fun is to do a read along for reading centers. Something else might be to have the kids record themselves reading or doing a fun project. It was pretty simple, and I think kids will eat the sound effects up! At first I was a little nervous, and overwhelmed, because I had never used audacity before. But it was pretty simple, and I think the kids could do it too (depending on the age group). I think it is going to be a great technology tool to add to my teaching belt!

WEBQUEST

I really liked learning how to do a webquest. They were super easy, and a great way to do a lesson using technology. It is super fun and interactive, and depending on how well the quest is, it is also very engaging. I think this week just solidified my website making skills with google docs. Which is good, because I haven't worked with google's platforms a lot prior to this class. It also got me thinking a lot about ways I could use webquests in my classroom. I think they are very beneficial, especially on crazier weeks when you just need to have something for your kids to do because you lost your voice, or something. I had fun working with a partner on this project as well. I learned that it helps to divide the work load when creating a site and I learned some good group skills. I am definitely going to use these. I think the class should all share their webquests on their blog or something so we can have access to them! I saw some really great ones in class.