Last Post - Reflectioni #10

I have never thought myself to be tech savvy nor have I ever thought I would have such a hard time with technology. I have had so many bizarre things come against me in this technology. I would almost think that t doesn't like me but I know that is not true. I have enjoyed my time here despite the little bits of technical trouble. I wish we had more time but then again, is there ever enough time? Technology is definitely a subject that is constantly changing. It is hard to keep up with the latest this and that. One thing, among many, I was definitely thank for in this class was the fact that we were connected with free technology that could be used in the classroom. I am sure that by the time I graduate, there will be even more to learn. Professor Sorenson - thank you for your time and patience and support. I made it.

Google in Europe – Reflection #9

This is a fantastic article and I thought I would share: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/29/AR2005042900432.html

Washington Post posted an article regarding Google uniting Europe in which “France decided to create an online repository of European literature with backing from five other European nations: Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Spain.” This is a great step for Europe but what amazed me the most was the cost to Google $150 million – craziness! I wonder if this will help at all with the taxes some countries are imposed for using such technology as – an Ipod? I was going to comment on Google Maps in Europe but keep getting kicked off the server.

Google Earth – Reflection #8

I found Google Earth interesting but not mesmerizing. Meaning, I think the concept is amazing but find its limitations unfortunate. Something to peek my interest a little more: to have everything on Google Earth “currently active” not a picture from the past. But, then, as Ryan said in his demonstration that would be illegal and an invasion of privacy. This is true and I too would not want to be one of those unfortunate souls being spied on but it would be cool for places like the a football game, the library, grocery store, that sort of thing…not someone’s house (personal space).

Favorite Sights - Reflection #7

Some of my favorite sights are found at the bottom of my page. After I entered them in, I did not like the way the looked on the blog. To remedy this, I went back and reposted them so that they would line up on the page under each category from smallest to largest in length. It turned out quite nicely. One of the sections I felt was important was the one on Taboo Issues. Not every home is open to such issues and children find themselves stumped sometimes with no one to turn to. This is a misconception on their part but a link like this can open up the door for parent input and discussion for their children and with the teacher. Issues like these are not the easiest to talk about so hopefully links like these will make the so called taboo topics less taboo.

Auditon Website - Reflection #6

I posted a free audition web site for the Seattle area. I thought this would be a fantastic link for students who were interested in furthering their talents into a professional realm. What I did not know at the time of posting was that to browse through the various and audition and even to inquire as to the ones you find yourself interested is indeed free BUT the catch is that once the directors or playhouses are interested in you, there's a fee for that is when the agent comes in. They call you, ask you if you're interested and serious about being an actor or model and then tell you all these wonderful things. The fee the charge is actually not as bad as other agencies I have heard of in the past...still, there's a catch and I threw the ball back.

Classmates - Reflection #5

Thank goodness for classmates that know what they are doing with tech. in ed. If it was not for the help I got from Beth and Bradley, I would not have as slick of a look to my blog and final. Yes, what they showed were just little detail things but I raked my brain for hours trying to figure them out on my own...and in seconds...whala! Tiny little secrets revealed making my life wonderful.

NU Classes - Reflection #4

I do not think I can think of very many classes at NU in which I have inquired technology like this class. The place that seems to use various means of technology the most is Chapel. They do a great job but it is interesting that, as of yet, not many of my teachers in other classes have ventured out into the mainstream technology that is just waiting for them to discover and use in their classrooms. In fact, I do not think that any have ventured out. Maybe Professor Sorenson should start a trend.

PowerPoint vs. SMART Board - Reflection #3

I find that PowerPoint is much easier to use than the SMART Board. I would like to know how to use PowerPoint with the SMART Board. If that is something we went over on class, I missed that class. I enjoyed learning the technology with the SMART Board but still kind of feel like I have no idea what I am doing. It's kind of funny to think I feel this way since I had such a great time sharing my project during teaching time. PowerPoint for me is like a security blanket -- warm and fuzzy compared to the SMART Board being electrically shocking.

Thoughts on the observing classroom - Reflection #2

I found it interesting that my classroom does not use a lot of technology. They stick with the same sources: TV, DVD/VCR, overhead projector, computer feed into projector and that's about it. It does not appear that they are missing anything for the classroom flows just fine. I'm not sure what would enhance they teaching methods and content but I have enjoyed observing them using what they do have and finding it to be effective.

Note to Ms. Sorenson

Reminder: Two things missing from my project because I could not figure out how to link them in time for posting.

1. I placed sound in my PowerPoint presentation on slide one and the last slide. Slide one contained Vilvadi and the last slide applause.

2. I intended to take one slide and dedicate it to the name, year, and actor presenting Shakespeare's "To be or not to be." Although I missed the dead line for this, I now know how to link it correctly and directly to PowerPiont instead of opting to place it in Blogger.

Any questions, please contact me. Blessings, Starla

Assignment #5: Final Presentation

This class was jammed packed with a plethora of information for not only technology but also uses of technology in education. I still feel as though I have only scratched the surface. The experience was a good one but I found myself frustrated many times falling behind in assignments for lack of understanding. The class went quite fast in presentation of various technology aspects as we meandered into various web sites containing various technology aspects in which we incorporated into creating our blogs. In some ways I felt that there were too many places to find information we covered in the classroom as well as instruction on assignments and projects due. I found myself lost many times. In all honesty, I certainly wish we had had more in class time but there were so much information to cover, to classes a week would have been better than one. Features that I learned and used are: SMART Board, Inspiration, Blogger, Box.net and PowerPoint.

It is not that I could say my knowledge changed in doing this assignment. More so, I was given the opportunity to use aspects learned in the class and incorporate them into an actual class room teaching situation. It would be an unjust statement to say this technology could not be added to my expert list for the only aspect hindering the technology is me – the non-expert. Yes, I should as this technology to my expert list.

I have so much left to learn about the technology. I am pretty good at figuring out how to use technology when I have detailed instructions in hand but I feel the learning never stops. I am by far an expert but will improve in knowledge and confidence the more time I spent at any given technology task.

A link to my project (Comparing Film Adaptations for Hamlet) can be found to can be found to the right of this blog.