MICCA and me

Since the MICCA conference I have found a renewed hope for using different forms of technology in my class. Since I teach computer graphics I am always surrounded by technology. I constantly, try to learn new graphic software or develop new design stills to teach my students. One day (hopefully soon) I will start designing for my self and create enough work to have my own art show. However, because I am always searching for better projects or skills to teach my student I am able to give them an advantage, especially for those students who take graphic design classes in college.

The only aspect of the MICCA conference that bothered me was that there were not enough computer graphics/Apple/Macintosh workshops. If there were more workshops like these, maybe then I will not have to work as hard in trying to connect what they are presenting to what I teach in my classroom.

MICCA Conference Review

I had an awesome time at the MICCA Conference. It was great to network with other educators and learn new ideas for the classroom. I enjoyed the Web 2.0 presentation, which was actually presented by a PG County educator. This presentation highlighted many websites that could enhance learning in the classroom. I especially liked animoto.com and xtranormal.com. These sites actually allows users to created animated movies. I also enjoyed seeing the comparison between Moodle, Blackboard and SharePoint. The vendors had many great tools for learning. I enjoyed the science board diplays which highlight student work, especially the one that featured VoiceThread.

MICCA 2009

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to go to MICCA. It gave me so many technological tools and websites to use in order to enhance my teaching within the classroom. I had no idea that so much was available and free at the same time. I am going to definitely use what I learned and employ it in my classroom for next year. One thing that I want is to make my classroom one that uses technology on a daily basis and teach students how to apply the same applications and tools in the real world.

This has really inspired me on so many levels. In the past, I have been one to shrink away from technology because of the time I assumed it would take to learn and apply for a daily lesson. The more I use the applications and tools that I have at my disposal, the more inclined I will be to use what I have learned with confidence and dexterity. I also shrank away from using technology because I felt that I didn't have the skills necessary to apply technology within the classroom, not having much of a computer background or interest. Now, I have an interest in really maximizing this on so many levels. At the MICCA conference I received information about becoming certified in integrating technology within the classroom. Whereas, at one time I would have totally dismissed this as being possible for me, I know am confident I can effectively integrate technology within the classroom and teach what I have learned to others. STEP has definitely boosted my confidence and given me the tools I need in order to apply this and begin my journey in effectively being a teacher trainer on some level.

MICCA Conferene

My STEP experience has been enjoyable. I have learned a great deal of information. After the MICCA conference I have found renewed hope that I can get all of the technology elements in my classroom working. Currently, I am trying to gather all of the supplies needed to operate the Smartboard in my classroom. I feel it will be a great tool to use for teaching Computer Graphics.

Podcast

Voicethread is a wonderful concept. Most of my students enjoyed creating the podcast, and I think that this will become apart of my classroom requirements. I have also had the oppurtunity to provide a Voicethread/Podcasting workshop to members of my staff, and all of the teachers were excited about using Voicethread in the classroom.

Blogging is a nice concept

I know that I could never be a professional blogger. It's really simple. I don't have enough to say. Ofcourse, I dream of completing a novel one day or maybe a travel guide, cookbook, or a self-help book for teachers that are over worked. However, a blog requires discipline. I would really need to dedicate time to sitting still and writing down my thoughts, but I just have too much going on to devote the time to this task. Even as I sit her typing this blog, I'm thinking about my lesson for tomorrow. What will I wear? And do I have enough change to buy coffee.

So could I be a professional blogger? I don't think so.

Photostory

The photostory was an interesting activity. I don't think that it was practical, however, because of the limited number of computers with the software installed. For instructional purposes, we need more computers with the software. I found it difficult to create an assignment for an entire class while using only one computer.

Podcasting Removes Excuses

The podcasting session was informative. What I was able to learn is that whatever I want to share, I have a forum with which I can spread the news. What I realize is that I never really understood how podcasting was done, and now I do. I would like a way to be able to record lessons or information for students to download onto their IPODs. I see all of my students with IPODs, so I know that they listen to them frequently, and I can take away any excuses for them not having access to information that is necessary for their learning. I also would love to have a weekly podcast where I can also provide information to parents as well. Podcasting seems so natural and such a wonderful extension to what I do in the classroom.

I realize that with technology comes training and learning how to use the tools and applications, but it also takes away the lack of availability of resources. With technology comes access to resources. It definitely takes away any excuses as to why information has not been or cannot be accessed. This is a wonderful result of technology. I love the fact that what my students and their parents use on a daily basis can be used to provide all the information that parents and students need at the touch of a button. One thing is for sure, most of my students have access to computers at home. Even if they don’t, they have access at school during the day. This really hones in on the fact that there are very limited places in the world today that don’t provide access to a computer for its multiple uses.

I am going to use voice thread for podcasting, but I wonder is there any other type of podcatcher that I can use, or what else is out there for me to use so that I have the ability to record consistently and post the information or download it for student and parent use?

Teaching with Voicethreads

The Podcasting session was awesome. I learned many ways to use Voicethreads in the classroom as a teaching tool. My focus has been on mathematics, and I saw plenty examples that I can incorporate when completing my podcast. Several ideas came to mind for me. I could create mini-quizzes for the students, bcr’s and ecr’s could be completed using voicethread, or I could use it as a reflection piece for students to respond to specific mathematics lessons. I am looking forward to creating a Voicethread for the students.