Motion Path

Motion Path is a really neat tool that allows you to animate your objects with a click on a screen of your placement. I actually explored this tool with my Labels assignment and I think it is really cool. I decided to do my slide of a race car on a track. I made the car crash off the track. I really wanted to made the car disappear, but I could not figure out how to get two different effects to work one right after the other. However, it still looks pretty cool. Also I had the car win the race and go across the checkered flag. You can view my race car here. I think this type of project is something that students could do that would be original and allow them to explore their own creativity. They could spend hours figuring out just how they want their objects to look and I believe that these tools could make for some really great products. The ISTE NETS standards covered are Creativity and Innovation, and Technology Operations and Concepts. These are the two main standards that correspond with the project because it allows me to create new ideas that are original, while also displaying my understanding of technology systems and how to use them effectively.

Labels

Well I just completed the Labels assignment and I must say that this has been quite frustrating for me. The part that was most frustrating was trying to get the PowerPoint uploaded to FTP and then figuring out the URL. Luckily, my classmates posted some awesome tips, so that helped more than they know. I decided to use labels to show the parts of a house. This assignment was beneficial, but I don't think I would do the whole assignment with a young group. It's sort of complicated. I do like that you can use PowerPoint in creative ways and make items that are different in nature for a classroom. I think that this helps you see the really important things of a picture. This project falls under the following ISTE NETS standards: Technology Operations and Concepts; Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making; and Research and Information Fluency. I had to gather information about a house in order to correctly provided information to my presentation. It took a lot of trial and error as well as being a little familiar with the tool that I was using. Overall, these are the main standards that were covered, but the others may be slightly present also. Here you can find my presentation.

Ignite Format

I just completed another PowerPoint presentation, except this time I used the Ignite format. This format consists of 20 slides that automatically transition every 15 seconds. This is supposed to keep presentations from lasting a long time. I have seen people use this format before and I think it is a really good idea. Once I completed my project I uploaded it to Slideshare. I believe that this fits the ISTE NETS Standard Creativity and Innovation because I am asked to generate new ideas and use models to make a point. Here is my presentation.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a tool provided by by Microsoft that is useful for presentations in many different fields. I created a slide show on the days of the week for a lesson that I used during my student teaching. It was designed with first grade students in mind and was based around the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This activity aligns with ISTE NETS standard Technology Operations and Concepts because it shows that students understand the system and can correctly operate the tools, which lead to an effect presentation and product. Here is my slide show. Also here is a caption of some of the slides:

Jing Screencast

I have created my Jing Screencast. I chose to continue what I was teaching through the use of Windows Movie Maker. I went through the steps and even took a short video of myself, even though I didn't really mean to, and when I viewed the video I only heard my voice and did not see my face. I have briefly used Jing in another class, and I must say that it is my favorite tool that we have used yet. I like that it's a way to take pictures and make movies without having to use different applications like with Windows. You really have a lot of control with Jing and the picture is great. Here are the answers to the learning outcomes for this assignment:

1. What file types come out of Jing? The file types that come out of Jing are a PNG for pictures and a SWF for videos.
   
2. Where might we save these files? We can save these files to our Desktop, but they can also be saved to a jump drive or any other drive your computer will allow. Where are the files stored? The files are stored to the Desktop but also in Jing's History.
   
3. How do you link to a Screen cast? Go to Jing's History button, which is located as the small middle button directly below the yellow dot, then select the screen cast and hit the Share button beside the eye. Once you have completed this you will see a small caption that says your capture has been shared and the link is ready to be copied. You need to click the underlined text and copy the link from the URL box.
   
4. How do you save and retrieve Jing objects from the History area? Once you have clicked on the History button you need to select the object and click on the eye button. Once your object is loaded you may edit and save your object by clicking on the disk button located at the bottom of the screen with the other tools.
   
5. How to import Jing objects into our blog posts? To import Jing objects you may use the Add Image button (button with a landscape picture). Once you have clicked on the button you need to browse for your image, which should be located in your desktop. As soon as your image is loaded, choose your layout and Upload your image.
   
6. What file type is a Jing screen cast? A screen cast is a SWF file type.
   
7. Can we convert the Jing objects including images and videos? I don't think so. The images can not be saved as any other type of file. However, there may be a trick that I haven't figured out yet!
   

Jing Image

Here is my Jing image. I decided to use Windows Movie Maker software. I thought I could use this image to help teach others about the first steps you take when you want to make a movie or video. I had trouble when I first started because I wasn't sure what the name of my device was, but luckily windows automatically found mine. Another thing I had trouble with was microphone volume. However, after a while I figured out that I needed to manually adjust the volume by using the drop down box that the second arrow points to. This could help other people in the future who need help getting started.

This assignment complies with the ISTE NETS standard Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making because students identify problems and questions about a situation. They also plan activities such as: what to teach, and develop a solution on how to teach it and what kinds of problems may arise. Finally, this activity allows for students to assist people in a quick and easy way.

Google Draw

Google draw is a pretty cool tool that is similar to Paint or graphics that you can use in Microsoft Word. I have used the basic tools except a Polyline. My experience with online tools is very limited which is why I was sort of scared to do this project because I am not familiar with all of Google's tools. I believe that this assignment most closely relates to the standard of Research and Information Fluency because students must go through of all the steps listed within that standard such as: make a strategy, local your tools, use the tools, evaluate your project, and report your results.

Click here to view the link to my graphic.

OR

See my graphic right here: