Module 5

Wow - Prezi has really improved.  I used it a couple of years ago at uni, and while I loved it and was really impressed (especially as it took me hours to create), my peers did not want to use it in the shared presentation.  One commented it made her feel sick - obviously I used too many zooms!

It was also only available on computers that were not linked to the uni - ie people's private laptops. Am guessing that has since changed.  The main change I noticed is the availability of templates.  They didn't have templates when I created my initial three years ago, so I am thankful for this as it looks so much more professional, rather than a plain coloured background.

I wonder could each student create one for Mother's Day by the end of the week?

Here is the one I created in a few minutes.
http://prezi.com/wtxsxvnvbsou/untitled-prezi/?kw=view-wtxsxvnvbsou&rc=ref-40411009

I love the worldwide sharing of Glogster.  That is fantastic - being able to see and hear children from all other the world.  I think I will sign the class up for this.  I started to create a very informative page about Blackall - home of the Black Stump and Jackie Howe. My class will love the opportunity of uploading video of their weekend activities, and we can incorporate a photo walk of the town as part of our history curriculum to share with the world.

Module 4

I really like the idea of animoto - how clever is it! The only problem is the pictures need to be downloaded from another location - ie not the computer. So I will need to do Module 5 to learn to use Flickr so I can use animoto. Sounding so tech savvy!  The kids are going to have a ball with this program - what a fun way to learn.

You tube is always a favourite in our classroom. I always plan ahead with You tube - and never search for things when the computer is attached to the projector. We currently have a challenge out - to find the funniest clip on You tube - it is part of their homework this week after I showed them what I thought was the funniest clip I have seen (a dog talking about wanting a pet cat).  Some students disagreed that it was the best clip - so the challenge is for them to find a better clip and email me the link.

I did not do the optional Ustream - but will talk to parents about this as we will be able to communicate with other classes - ie City kids! I am sure they would be interested in learning about Central West Qld and the activities these kids do on the weekend - like mustering and pigging.

Module 3 (and an update on Module 2)

I can see great benefits about working on one document through a cloud. No more saving and sending and hoping you attach the correct file in the email and wait for reply... wow, how technology is really working effectively. 

I can really see this being beneficial for businesses - along with teachers who are collaborating on a project at different locations.  I was not able to create a cloud as the program needs to be updated on this computer to support it.  But, will seek IT support for this to happen so I can.

..... now, most exciting news - back to Module 2.  I created our class blog.  Parent feedback is really positive. Kids are interested and there is some great potential as already I will have a couple of families away this month and we are going to be able to stay in touch through communicating on the blogspace. I think the kids will really see the benefit of the blogspot then.  I have been able to create separate pages for different activities - like our current class reader and also a page for sharing your favourite book.
I am about to upload some pictures from our assembly on Friday - and I know a mum who filmed our play at the assembly, so am hoping she will upload that for other parents and grandparents who could not be there.

I have made all parents administrators so they can all contribute. This part has been a big learning curve as I invited them twice - once as readers and also as administrators, but some have only responded once. I am not sure if this means they can only read and not contribute.

The other difficulty, is knowing what they can and cannot see.  Our class could not agree on the background colours, so we posted a request to parents to view the blog and tell us their preference, but they did not have the "design" button that I have, so that was a bit of a fizzer. I needed to ask a parent to log in and show me what the page appeared like to them. I think there needs to be that option on the page so I know what they can access and see.