Curriculum Video Reflection

I decided to expand my animoto video for this project because it was a topic that I was going to be teaching soon. I gave all of the pictures frames and text using picnik. I added music from freemusic.com and I added more text using powerpoint. I realize that my video isn't the most exciting of videos (at least that's what my girls say), but I was amazed at how it kept the interest of my students. I guess that just goes to show the impact that technology (even boring technology) can have on learning. I used this video as an introduction to our Polygon lesson. I had a few technical difficulties at first, but I was able to get around them and share what I had learned to do with my class. I don't know if they were really impressed with the video or with the fact that I was able to make something like that. I have talked with my class before about the fact that I was taking classes also, so it was fun to show them what I was learning.

The main thing that I disliked about making this movie was the amount of time it took to create a 6 minute video. I realize that the more I do this the easier it will become. I am hoping to continue to look ahead in our curriculum and attempt to make a couple more videos before the year is over. I liked using animoto more than imovie but I realize that there are limitations to that program.

Overall, I feel like this was a very positive opportunity. I loved that it related to what I was teaching and that I was able to use it in class. I hope that I can keep on using the skills that I have learned in this class in increase the amount of technology that I use. Hopefully, as soon as I learn what my teaching assignment will be for next year, I will be able to get things put together that I can incorporate right at the beginning of the year next year!

Final Curriculum Video

Technology

Well so much for using technology in my classroom. I was so excited to share my curriculum video with my 5th grade math class. I was talking it up so much about how I created this video with them in mind and the lesson that we would be learning today. I thought that I had everything all set up. I found my video on Utube and was ready to go but an error happened and I was unable to show the movie. Luckily I had it saved on my desk top so I was able to show it that way. I was amazed at how they paid attention. It wasn't the most exciting video, but I think they were impressed that I made it and that it was a movie and not me lecturing.

Next, I was use another video that I found on teacher tube and my camera to review a test that we had taken with my 3rd grade class. Once again, I thought I had everything set up and ready to go. When I went to look at the test, the projector wouldn't work right. I spent more time trying to get it to work than I should have. Never did get it.

I think all of this technology use is great, but you have to also have a backup plan when something doesn't work right. I am not sure that total use of technology is the best way. I think there needs to be a good balance of technology and good old fashioned teaching.

Podcasts

I felt that iTunes U was more beneficial for what I was looking for.  I searched "elementary math lessons" and came up with several great podcasts that I could use.  Paradise Valley Unified School District has several podcasts that deal with the different concepts taught in elementary school.  The two that I looked at were about division with 2 digit divisors and how to create a multiplication tug of war game.  I could see using these videos as a way to introduce different concepts to the class.  The only problem that I saw was they seemed a little bit out dated.  I am sure that if I did some more searching, I could find some more up to date videos.  I also found a podcast that gave instructions on how to create a blog.  I thought this was very interesting and it gave step by step instructions that were very easy to follow. The last podcast that I subscribed to was CNN Student News.  I feel that this podcast could create some great discussions among the students about what is happening in our world.  I would also create more informed students.

Animoto Video

I have uploaded this video in two different ways.  Wasn't sure which one would work the best.  I loved this program. It was sooo easy to use and I can think of many opportunities where I could use it to show information to the class or have the students create a video to show what they have learned.  My husband is a high jump/long jump coach.  He likes to make videos of his athletes jumping so I showed him this site. 

I almost changed my mind about the topic of my video because I was having difficulty getting the pictures to fit the way that I wanted them.  Picnik helped with that problem.  I used this program to create frames for each picture and added text.  This made it possible for me to use the pictures that I had chosen.  When we return from spring break, my 5th grade math class will be starting their geometry unit.  I will probably use this video as a way to introduce the vocabulary of this chapter.  Before then, I will probably revisit my video and add to it to make it more informative.  I just wish that you weren't limited to the number of characters you can use on the text slides.

Tagxedo

I created this Tagxedo for words that have to do with Polygons.  I searched the word polygon, and got some words that I don't think really fit.  Is there a way to add your own words?

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