A digital story about South Africa

Creating digital stories are easy to create.  I was very surprised at the simplicity of Movie Maker.  The step-by-step directions were helpful, but I am confident that I could have figured out everything eventually.  My biggest issue overall did not have anything to do with the program.  My issue was with copyright.  Since I was going a digital story about my trip to South Africa, and including the animals, history, and people I really wanted to use a song that reflected the South Africa that I fell in love with.  Shakria's song "Waka Waka (This time for Africa)." This song was the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2010, and really portrays the Africa that I love so dearly.  Unfortunately because of copyright, it would be impossible to use.  I was then directed to freeplaymusic.com and their music selection was amazing.  It took me a total of two minutes to find the perfect song. Working on the project I learned that there a variety of ways that I can use technology to share projects and field trips with families.  In addition, I learned the importance of using storyboards.  I like to have a plan, and know what I need to work on and what I need to make modifications to.  I ended up doing two storyboards, my original and revised. Creating storyboards is probably kept me clam during this process.  I can be overwhelmed by technology, but this assignment was a lot less stressful for me.  The only  change I would make  for next time, would be my time frame.  I would have liked to have longer to work and change things around.  Since I do not have the software on my personal computer I was more limited on time. Yet, overall I feel as though I completed this assignment successfully. I am excited to use these in the classroom, and possibly my personal life.  Digital stories are easy to create and can portray a variety of lessons or meanings. I almost wish I would have done a story about Nelson Mandela alone, and what he has done for South Africa, but I was happy to share the South Africa I know. 

Interactive Exel SpreadSheets

Today working on the interactive spreadsheet in Excel was the hardest thing we have completed so far. Creating one on my own seems horrifying and intimidating. I do not dispute the usefulness of it, however it is something that I have a lot of desire to use. Is there a benefit for using interactive spreadsheets for ECE? That is the question, and the answer is going to require so research and conversations with mentor teachers. Even though the process was stressful and exhausting I did feel a sense of accomplishment when the finished product was posted. Hopefully I will develop a better understanding and learn more about Exel interactive spreadsheets through the solo assignment.

Google Forms

Web Diagram

Kidspiration is a very interesting program. While using it. I had a great deal a fun, however I really did not see it as a tool that I would use in the classroom. It would be a great program for older elementary children, but Kindergartners are just too young. The tools on Kidspiration are very child friendly. However, I was a little disappointed at the teacher functions that the program offered. It would be nice if the software had more options of teacher modifications. I could see it being used by teachers more than the child in my particular discipline. Pictures are a great tool to reach out for when trying to help your children understand a concept. This would be a great resource for children in many different subject matters. I would recommend this program to fellow teachers who are working towards a Prek-3 license.

Do you Glog?

Using Smilebox :)

This free photo collage generated with Smilebox

Wordle

Using Web 2.0 Tools sounds a lot more intimidating then it really is. When exploring the uses of Wordle I was able to see how easy and useful it really is. Wordle is a program that combines words that you enter into the computer and then generates a word cloud. While Wordle has many more purposes for children who can read, I was still able to find uses for my classroom. This assignment made me move outside of my comfort zone. I am really good at following step by step directions, but when it comes to exploring on my own I struggle. This assignment forced me to explore, and I found myself to be a lot more competent than I thought. Using Wordle in a preschool class would allow me to translate what children say, so that their parents can view it on my blog. In addition it would be an interesting way in which to create word webs, when we are discussing different topics. It can also be a simple way to introduce words. For example you could create a Wordle with Colors being the Keyword, you could then add the color words. After the Wordle was created you could hang it up in the writing center, so that the children can practice. There are several topics that a teacher could use. Exploring Wordle was a way in which to begin researching Web 2.0 tools with ease. After realizing how easy and accessible it was, I am now looking forward to learning about other tools from my classmates.