Digital Camera Reflection

I found the digital camera project to be overall enjoyable. The major challenges was deciding what the digital stories should be about and getting the narration recorded smoothly. There are two different version of each digital story. The first versions are four and five minutes long because of the detail and content that went into each project. Therefore, editing down the project posed a challenged as well. This is definitely a tool that would be useful in the art classroom. I hope everyone enjoys it even though it is not as polished as I would have liked the assignments to be. I guess there is room for improvements. 

Smile for the camera!

The digital camera session was good. I am having a brain freeze on how to use it in the mathematics classroom. I have used PhotoStory before, and loved it, but can’t seem to wrap my mind around using it in the mathematics classroom. Maybe I will focus on geometry and create a story about “mathematics around the world” or something. This project will be challenging for me, but I will conquer it, no doubt.

PhotoStory Lesson

I figured out that I am going to have my students create a story using the following elements of literature: mood, tone, setting and characterization. Now, when am I going to be able to effectively complete this? My first issue is that I have to give direct instruction on these elements and how they are used in a story. I know the kids know these elements superficially, but now, how will I be able to have them use their background knowledge to identify these things and to be able to creative use them in a story. My other hurdle is how to have them correctly differentiate between tone and mood. This is a challenge because most of my students are struggling with analyzing implied information from text. This is not going to be an easy project. I am going to have to dedicate at least one week to identifying these elements, reading and analyzing these elements within an actual story. Then I need to use another week to actually analyze non-print text using these elements because students will need to use the cameras in order to take photos that display these elements and create a story that will specifically show these elements as well. So, now I am at a definite two weeks, and I need to use one week to actually have students complete their own story, maybe a week an a half. I am thinking that they will have to use a story board, edit their work, take pictures, and then create their product in photostory. This may end up being a four week project, because the students need a lot of review, reinforcement, practice, and guidance.

I can make this into a whole class project, assign jobs, and use this as a tool to also teach social skills. I am finding that it takes more time to cover the same material with special education students than with my general education students. I also have an observation during the course of this project. I guess I will be planning over the weekendL

I guess its time to give up on the 35mm

I am ashamed to admit that I do not own a digital camera. Why? I have no idea. I never really saw a need for it until now. The meeting that Larry conducted was very informative for me. I'm sure that most of the team did not need this information, but I needed basics. How to install batteries? How to aim and take a picture? How to upload the image onto the desktop? I mean it all seems simple now, but before the meeting I really did not have these skilss. Since that time, I have had the oppurtunity to become familiar witht he camera and the software, and I must say it adds a new dimension to the classroom setting. I am a biology teacher, and I really like to use the camera for cause/effect. It is also helpful for laboratory activities

Digital Camera

During this month’s work session we were introduced to the Digital Camera and Digital Stories. At first I was unsure of what I could do with my digital camera outside of what I already do within my computer graphic classes. After two weeks of trying to figure out the best way to create a story about computer graphics, I decided to present two students different ideas on specific lessons. In this presentation the students will explain the requirements of the lessons and their different approaches and outcomes to the projects. The presentation would be narrated by both students in a way that told a story of their artwork. 

Sharing with Colleagues

I have been working with a math teacher here at Wise High School. My goal this year was to work with a colleague on integrating technology in the classroom. Mr. Thompson has been very pleased with the use of the Elmo in his classroom. He uses the Elmo to give instruction, display and discuss student work and as a visual means for teaching the use of manipulatives to his students. I have observed Mr. Thompson using the Elmo on a regular basis. Students are engaged in learning and enjoy being on camera as the do presentations in the classroom. I believe it is important for the STEP team to share what we have learned and reach out to other staff members who may need training for integrating technology into their daily lessons.

Document Camera

I have used the document camera for a month now, and I can't remember my teaching life without it. It has added a new element to the classroom. I am still in the process of learning the details of the software, but so far I'm enjoying spontaneously capturing my students as they conduct research. I enjoy displaying documents, and highlighting important elements on the documents

Digital Camera

I finally received my digital camera!! This training was useful and gave me all the tools and information that I needed in order to use my camera effectively. I also learned how to crop and edit my photos for whatever use I may have. I am so excited. Receiving the digital camera now makes my artifact easier to do. I was using the document camera to show use of it in the classroom, but I didn’t have a camera to do so. I used the document camera to take pictures of the information to be displayed and a student at the board, but it did not truly verify my use of the document camera. Maybe next year, the team will distribute the digital camera first and then the document camera to make it easier to complete the artifact.

I did like how easy and more efficient photostory is to use. It is ideal for use in the classroom and for my students to use. I actually tried using movie maker and found it to be tedious. It took a longer time to create a movie, and it was not as easy as photostory, when having to add music. I was able to quickly devise a story with narration. Now, all I need is a pair of headphones with a mic to replicate the same thing we completed in training. Even though I don’t have the headset, I will still be able to have my students create a story. Now, what will that story be about??