Powerpoint + Audio

I thought I was going to have a hard time creating my podcast assignment. I had the idea that it was supposed to be really elaborate and had to be posted on apple itunes. Anyway, I decided to create a Powerpoint presentation of the gist of my culminating paper. After I created a slideshow, I wondered what to do to upload some audio. As I looked around on the Powerpoint tools I saw that you can insert audio. For a while I thought I can record something from there but instead it was asking me to upload an audio file. So I sat there at my computer and started thinking. Okay, I need to create an audio file to post with my PPT. I started by playing around with Garageband. I even recorded two versions and saved it. Then I tried to upload it and for some reason it didn't want to. I started getting panicky and then remembered Audacity. I had downloaded it and so I used Audacity to record another audio file. Turns out you can save it to a .wav or .mp3 file. Anyway, to make a long story short, I was able to easily add audio to my PPT and therefore created my very first podcast. It's pretty cool!

Classroom of the Future

My vision for the classroom of the future, especially in the Montessori environment involves a lot of technology integration. It is a well-known fact that computers are shaping the face of modern classrooms today. It is amazing to see classrooms incorporating the use of technology into the curriculum. Teachers are becoming more “technologically-savvy” and are discovering new ways to use multimedia to help their students learn. Computers are only a part of what the future of classrooms will look like. Smart boards are becoming popular now in classrooms where their districts can afford to purchase one. In the near future, I can see each classroom having a Smart board as a requirement and not because a district can afford it.
Each student will have their own “school” laptop at each desk as to be able to store work, projects, files and assignments. Their classroom will have their own website and social networking page. Teachers will be able to send assignments through email and in my opinion this will cut down on using a lot of paper copies which will help save the environment. Audio and video conferencing will be available in the future as well so students can interact with other students from around the country or even the world.
Podcasts will be popular especially if a student was absent because of a sickness. Because the lesson was recorded, the student will be able to view a podcast so he/she can catch up with the lesson. This is also great for teachers so that they can review their lesson and see what needs to be modified.
Also, the classroom of the future will be well suited for students with disabilities and because of all the technology integrated into the classroom already, teachers will have no problem modifying lessons for these students.
Some schools already have some form of technology incorporated into their classrooms and we are already seeing a lot of new multimedia being implemented but in the future, there may be no more use for a chalkboard or whiteboard at all.

Cyber Ethics for Kids

Nowadays there are more and more children learning to use the computer every day. Although young children may not realize it, they may be conducting in illegal computer activities. One way to help give young students information about proper computer use is by teaching them “cyber ethics”. Cyber ethics are “rules” children will learn and follow about the proper use of the Internet.
Since computers are widely being used in school, I believe it is the teacher’s responsibility to teach their students about cyber ethics and the do’s and don’ts of proper computer and Internet use. Teachers must be role models in showing the children how to use the Internet without violating the Acceptable Use Policy of the school and Cyberspace rules in general. Teachers can also create a “buddy system” when using the computer and make each pair accountable for one another in the proper and acceptable use of the computer and Internet.
When using the Internet, teachers can show their students’ safe websites to visit and also what to do if they “accidentally” visit a site they’re not supposed to. Students, especially the young ones, must be equipped with the knowledge to know what is acceptable and what isn’t. A good way to teach Cyber Ethics to children is to create scenarios, like the ones on the cybercrime.gov website and have them choose which is the right way to handle the situation. Cyber ethics is the most important rule to teach before children start using the computer in school. Enforcing the rules at the beginning of the school year will help them know what is expected of them when it comes to proper Internet use. Also, revisiting the school’s acceptable use policy as well as cyber ethics regularly will help the students remember the ethical way to use the computer and Internet.
Another way to help teach students good cyber ethics is to involve and inform parents to enforce proper computer use at home. If possible, parents should monitor the sites their children visit and any activities their child wishes to engage in such as downloading, etc. Giving parents information on proper Internet use is also a good way for them to know whether their child is using the Internet properly. When parents are informed about cyber ethics they can reinforce this at home while their children are using the computer at home.
In conclusion, teaching young students about cyber ethics will help reduce cyber crime and help children become aware of acceptable Internet use.

Learning to be more video savvy! (Video Content Essay)

I really enjoy working on our video assignments. Ever since I started using Windows Movie Maker I have become more confident in creating movies and videos. I have so many ideas I would like to use for the school and my classroom. It's funny though that I'm more comfortable using Windows Movie Maker than iMovie, even though I am a Mac (some are PC's) *chuckle*. Well, I guess one reason is because I never really played around with iMovie. I think I'll try and create a video from that software and maybe I can compare and see which is more user-friendly.

I showed my recently completed video content movie to the Director of our school and she loved it! I am so happy because she said, and I quote, "This is very creative and informative, Diana! You've really captured how the Montessori environment is like in our school. I can't wait for our new parents to see this video." Her comment really made my day *smiles*.

We are going to be celebrating an "International Day" at our school next month and my Director assigned me as the "official videographer". I get to videotape the parade and our international dinner as well as the different cultural presentations. I'm really excited to do this as it is the first time we'll have this event documented. I also get to edit and use Movie Maker to create the final "cut".

Anyway, I'm so glad I decided to choose the MTT program as my specialization. I am learning so much "teachnology-wise" and I am able to apply what I'm learning in my school environment.