Screenshots

They CAN be powerful.

Monica Burns' article title states it well - "The Simple Power of a Screenshot".  Monica discusses a few simple ways specific devices can create a screenshot and also ways to incorporate into the classroom.  I, personally, use screenshots quite a bit with the free software from Techsmith - Jing.  It's a simple program that allows me to capture and save any image on my desktop.  I can send it to a colleague with  a question or send it to myself as a reminder of something to be accomplished.  The uses in the classroom would be endless from simple assessments to fun projects.  

The Final Countdown....

Wrapping it up 'Socially'

As an educator, I have shied away towards Facebook use and was unsure how it could be effectively used in the classroom as a learning tool; not just a place to post 'check out what's happening now'.  After reading most of Will Richardson's book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Webs Tools for Classroom (most specifically Chapter 9 for this post), I can better envision social networking sites like Facebook and Ning as an integral part of classroom communication - especially outside of the classroom.  Perhaps integrated into homework assignments or a flipped classroom.  I still have a long way to go in terms of truly opening up to social networks, but the concept is becoming more clear and relevant.

Phew - Digital Story posted!

Using PowerPoint for Digital Stories

Today, I felt I earned a 'win'.  I posted a final assignment onto my course wiki.  This was a project I was excited about and having a fun time creating.  Along the way, I learned some tech lessons about how 'to' and how 'not to' integrate technology programs.  I tried to keep my frustration under 'check' and reminded myself of some good advice I was given a while back regarding technology.  I was once told by a wise tech-savvy friend to slow down and think about what I want to do.  Rather than jumping in, becoming agitated, and giving up.  Great advice!  In the end, here is what I learned. 

I chose to use PowerPoint because of the interactive and animated features it can incorporate.  PowerPoint allows you to incorporate unique transitions and animate text boxes and images.  You can record audio within PowerPoint, but I chose to use audacity to allow me to edit the sound and clip where needed.  After creating the slides and importing my audio, including music and sound effects, I recorded the PowerPoint in play mode using Camtasia.  Camtasia is a fun program and allows you to capture screencasts of whatever is being viewed on the screen.  You can download a 30 day free trial and it is well worth it! One nice feature is that when it's downloaded, you have the option to also install buttons directly accessible in PowerPoint.  I was able to publish straight to YouTube with Camtasia.  Finally, grabbing the embed code from the video, I could place the video in my wiki. 

I think that about sums it up.   Hopefully, this will help someone out in the future.

Twitter Learning

Evolving Mindset...

In Chapter 6 of Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools  for the Classroom, Will Richardson shares some enlightening information about Twitter.  I have definitely understood the potential of Twitter for collaboration with colleagues at or during conferences, in PLN's for educators, or in viewing quick news blurbs.  However, as a general skeptic of social media, I have been leary about integrating Twitter into the classroom.  Mr. Richardson (along with this course) has helped to evolve my mindset....it would definitely be worth trying!

Learn and Teach about Creative Commons

'Creative Commons'...

...are important sharing attributions that we need to emphasize when our students are not only doing research, but also creating their own work.  Especially online - where works can be accessed quite easily.  The image below (provided by the website 'Educational Technology and Mobile Learning') provides a great overview of what Creative Commons is, how it is useful for research, and how it can be applied to personal creations.

Simply Fun and Engaging!

colAR MIX

If you haven't heard of this app, this is one to check out.  Especially if you have or teach younger children.  This app provides you with coloring pages to print out, color, and then photograph using the specific app.  By the amazement of technology, the picture comes to life!  I can just imagine my own kids being amazed at their drawing dancing around. 

I'm not sure of the actual educational application for this software...but...I'm excited to try it out!

Check out the iTunes link:
colAR MIX

Evolution of the 'Sage'

23 Roles of the 21st Century Educator

Stephen Downes blogs about these 23 Roles in a brief article that efficiently summarizes why this evolution has occurred in such a rapid time.  Stephen describes the role of the teacher and states,  "From the sage on the stage to the facilitator and coordinator" and, it seems, the technology currently available definitely supports and, most probably, has encouraged that transition.  By allowing this transformation in teaching to happen, by adapting to the changes that come with it, and by positively supporting students in this new environment, we are ultimately empowering students to take ownership in their learning and creation of knowledge.