Appropriate a YouTube Video

YouTube is a very popular internet site. I have always used it to watch music videos and tv clips, but had never thought of the potential educational value of YouTube videos. First, I had to find a YouTube video and download it onto my computer. After searching how to do this, I went to KeepVid.com, which is a website that allowed me to enter the URL of a YouTube video and save it to my computer. Next, I went to the martijndevisser.com website and downloaded the FLV player (it plays video files), which made it possible to watch the video on my computer. For the next part of the assignment, I needed to loop the YouTube video and upload it to my blog. In order to make my video loop, I used the website VTubeTools. I inserted the YouTube video i.d. into the text box and chose "yes" for the loop option under the settings. Finally, I was given the code to embed the looped video on my blog. By downloading a YouTube video onto a computer, teachers can easily access favorite educational videos to present to their class in a quick and dependable manner. This could also be used in a presentation. By looping the video, it can be played over again automatically, which can be convenient in the classroom environment or when giving a presentation. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate the these activities are: 2.b. and 3.d. By using YouTube videos for lessons, teachers can develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable students to manage their own learning (they can re-watch the video any time) and they are able to become active participants in their learning (as they could choose their own videos to watch related to a certain topic). Also, by using this technology, teachers are able to facilitate the use of current digital tools (YouTube or other video site) to support learning.

VoiceThread

VoiceThread is an interesting tool that can be used to by anyone to participate in a conversation. You can make comments, draw, add images/videos, and chat. My assignment was to participate in a VoiceThread,  where I was asked to give a little background on myself and my educational goals. I was able to upload a picture and hear the voices of other students in my class, which is an interesting occurrence  for an online course. This conversation can be found at the link: Who are you? VoiceThread is an awesome tool that could be used in online courses to ease the sense of "isolation" that often occurs in distance learning. This tool could also be used in a regular classroom for different projects and assignments. Students could have access to the tool at home, which could help them if they were absent from class. VoiceThread could be used as a means for students to express their opinions on a certain subject. VoiceThread activities are closely related to ISTE NETS T standards 1.d. and 3.c. VoiceThread allows teachers to model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students in a virtual environment. Also, teachers can communicate information and ideas to students and colleagues by using digital tools (VoiceThread).

Podcast #2

I would integrate podcasting technology into my classroom for a variety of activities.Podcasting could be used when I am absent and dependent upon a substitute teacher to adequately deliver my lesson. This technology could also be useful for students who miss class (such as when an sports team has a tournament game during school hours and a large number of students will be absent). Podcasting could also be helpful for auditory learners. Students could also use this technology to create their own podcast for educational purposes.  A podcast activity that I would assign my hypothetical 7th grade Language Arts class would be to create and perform a play via podcast. This would meet WV CSO standard R.L.A.O.7.3.1.: Students are able to demonstrate effective oral communication skills through presentation of dramatization. This could be used with all students, including those receiving special education. Individual groups could record their play through Audacity and then uploaded it to the Podbean website. The podcast could be presented to the class through computer speakers, or downloading to an MP3 player. This activity would meet ISTE NETS T standards 1.c. and 2.b. Students would use collaborative tools to reveal and clarify creative processes through creating and performing their very own play. Students are also able to become active participants in managing their own learning through using technology, being creative, and collaborating with others.

Podcast #1

This was my first experiencing with podcasting and teaching a lesson. I was a little apprehensive about this assignment at first sight due to being unfamiliar with recording devices, but the Audacity website was very helpful and user friendly. With Audacity, I was able to create my podcast, add music, and manipulate sounds. I downloaded the Lame MP3 Encoder in order to export my podcast into MP3 format. The podcast was then stored on my computer. For the last step, to make my podcast available on the web, I uploaded my podcast onto Podbean.com, which was simple and easy. This assignment was a double whammy, as I learned about a  multitude of new technologies and  was able to gain experience with teaching a lesson.
This is the link to my podcast: Recognizing the Elements of Literature in a Short Story.
My script can be found at this link: Podcast script.
 The ISTE-NETS T standards related to this assignment are: 3.a., 2.c., and 3.c. By teaching a lesson through a podcast, teachers are able to customize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles (such as auditory learners) using digital tools and resources (i-pods and other digital listening devices). By creating a podcast and making it available for students, teachers are able to demonstrate transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations (creating podcast, transferring it to MP3 format, and uploading it to a website to be viewed by students). Also, by using a podcast in the classroom, teachers are able to communicate information to students by using a digital age media (podcast).

Jeopardy

I created my very own Jeopardy game through the Jeopardy Labs website. The content of my game, English Class, was inspired by my PowerPoint and Prezi presentations. My game can be viewed at the following link: English Class Jeopardy. Jeopardy Labs creates a free and easy to maneuver website that helps anyone create their very own Jeopardy game. This can be utilized as a great learning and review tool in the classroom. Students could also be asked to develop their own Jeopardy game about a certain topic. We know that all students are more engaged in learning when they are having fun and engaging in healthy competition. This tool definitely fosters these types of activities and can also help to assess student learning in a less-stressful atmosphere. The ISTE NETS T standards that most reflect utilizing Jeopardy Labs in the classroom are: 1.c., 2.d, and 3.d. By assigning students an activity where they create their own Jeopardy game, they are able to reflect on their understanding and be creative regarding the topic. Teachers are able to model and facilitate the use of a digital tool (Jeopardy Labs) to support learning. Also, by using a website such as this, teachers can assess student learning in a different format than a typical pencil and paper quiz.

Prezi

This activity required that I create a Prezi presentation. I had to play around with the settings, text box, and "zebra" in order to figure out what I needed to do. Prezi provides an interesting format in which presentations can be created. It can be more visually appealing than Powerpoint, as you can only view one slide at a time on PowerPoint. With Prezi, items can be grouped and viewed together in a more appealing manner. One disadvantage that Prezi has is that excessive "zooming" and "panning" techniques can make the viewers dizzy. Also, it was difficult to frame some of my text/images so that it was displayed correctly once was "zoomed."  There is a specific tool that allows you to embed a YouTube video, which is also easy to use and provides more options to include in your presentation. For my presentation, I reviewed the WV CSO's for seventh grade Reading and Language Arts. I chose RLA.O.7.2.4, which involves using the five-step writing process in writing tasks. Prezi can be used as a great presentation tool in the classroom. Visual information, as well as embedded YouTube videos, can be beneficial to visual and auditory learners.The tools provide avenues for very interesting presentations and the zooming tool can grab the attention of all students. My Prezi can be found at the following link: MyPresentation. The ISTE NETS-T standards that relate to this activity are:  1.a., 2.a., and 3.c. Teachers can promote creativity and inventiveness by creating assignments in which students create their own Prezi presentation. By using Prezi, educators are able to incorporate digital tools that aid in student learning. Teachers can effectively communicate information to students, parents, and colleagues by using Prezi.

The Five-Step Writing Process on Prezi

Power Point

This has been my favorite assignment! I created a PowerPoint presentation through Microsoft Office, and then uploaded it to Slideshare.com. I chose the topic of my PowerPoint (literary devices) through the WV Content Standards for 9th grade English and Reading (RLA.O.9.1.7): explain the literary devices used to construct meaning and define the author's/reader's purpose. My presentation can be viewed at the following link: PowerPoint. Using PowerPoint in the classroom could be extremely useful when teaching difficult/confusing topics. PowerPoint can appeal to visual and auditory learners, and information can be presented in small, interesting chunks (which can help with processing new information). The ISTE NETS T Standards that related to this activity are: 1.a., 2.c., and 3.c. Teachers could have their students create their own PowerPoint presentations, which promotes creativity and inventiveness. Teachers can customize/personalize activities (PowerPoint) to address student's learning styles (such as visual and auditory learners). By using PowerPoint, teachers are able to communicate information through using digital tools (computers, PowerPoint).