Prezi

My  prezi presentation is also shown in the post above this one. The image in that one came out kind of blurry, but it is what it is. I had a hard time getting it to show on this page, so I'm not going to play with it any more. I think it's not bad for a first attempt, but I would need more practice before I felt comfortable with Prezi. If you click on this link in this post my prezi shows more clearly.

What I did: I created a Prezi using the same subject as I did in my Powerpoint (Fractions).  I titled this one "Fractions in Action". It is geared to 3rd graders.  It uses most of the same content. It has more "wow"factor than the Powerpoint.I had about 20-25 items, combination of text and images. I used the tools.  I added URLs with live links. I used a You-tube video: Numerator and Denominator Song. I embedded it to show on my blog page.

What I Learned:  This was very new to me.  It was all new.  I still need practice to refine my skills and avoid the images popping at the audience too  much.  Mine isn't ass smooth as the examples we were given, but not bad.  The hardest part was the embedding on Blogger, but in my classroom or for a presentation to faculty I would have to do that.

NETS-T:  This activity relates to the following standards::
1) Standard 1c, which states that teachers are to "promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes".  Students could be taught to use this to restate what they have understood from a digital presentation.
2) Standard 2d, which states that teachers "provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching".  This would be a very good assessment tool to determine students' depth of knowledge.
3) Standard 3b, which states that teachers "collaborate with students, peers and parents and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation".  Prezi can be a collaborative tool in that it can be shared and edited by numerous collaborators.

How it can be used:  (See above)  Prezi can be used for instruction, for assessment, for collaboration, and for polished presentations.  It has more pizzazz than Powerpoint.  One would have to consider the type of presentation when deciding which to use. I think that both have their place, neither is better or worse.  I have noticed that students tend to use too many words when making Powerpoint presentations.  This would force them to use less text, more images, and verbalize more.  Prezi is more interactive.  It is also more visually stimulating, which is not necessarily a good thing with my young students.

Reflection on Power Point: Fraction Action

What I did: I created a Powerpoint presentation to introduce fractions to my 3rd grade math students.  It is not meant to go into depth, just to launch the unit.  It can be used with Everyday Math, grade 3, and is aligned with the text.  It is meant as a "Watch, then do" presentation.  There are assignments for the students, and kid websites for further practice. I successfully obtained a Slideshow account.  That was very easy.  I embedded the powerpoint into my blog.  I hope everyone enjoys it, and feel free to use it in your classroom if it helps! 

 I intend this powerpoint to be presented by a teacher. I teach in a multicategorical special ed classroom.  These students are fairly strong in math, but don't read well.  Most pages have few words, because these students rely more on pictures.  I shortened the URLs so that that would have less to copy.  I gathered vivid Google images that would be relevant to rhem (esp. food).  I created some circle graphs in Excel.  I spent a long time on this project because I do hope to use it. I made every effort to ensure that this powerpoint would be non-hypnotic to any chickens that might view it. To that end, it is a little on the short side. The students' eyes glaze over quickly if a presentation is too long.

What I Learned:  I learned how to publish the slideshow. I got better at making a Powerpoint. Unlike most students these days, I haven't used this Microsoft program many times.  I viewed the required tutorials, which helped a lot.  I enjoyed viewing Bill Cosby and Conan O'Brien. I am convinced that a Powerpoint presentation should have as few words as necessary to convey a succinct message.  I also see the value in narrowing the focus and not trying to present too much. 

NETS-T:  This assignment was aligned with:
- Standard 2a, which requires teachers to "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity."  This project allowed for a lot of creativity, while presenting a mathematical concopt that students in our school are scoring low in (on WESTEST).
-Standard 3c, which requires teachers to " communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers, using a variety of digital-age media and formats."  Sometimes a Powerpoint presentation is best, but it should NEVER be too wordy.  Actually, it should be an aid to the presentation, rather than the presentation itself.  Images should be strong and effective.

How it can be used: Introducing fractions to third grade students.

Shortening URLs

This is my vacation place, Peppertree Resorts in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.  I can't wait to be there!  It is a lovely place to stay, especially for families.  I encourage you to check out the travel site,using this newly shortened web address:                  http://tinyurl.com/643exhl

 

What I did:  I learned how to turn a long URL into one that is shorter, and therefore easier to share.  I uploaded a photo from my Picasa folder.


What I Learned:  For the fascinating story of how I created this shortened link, please go to my link.

NETS-T:  This assignment relates to:
- Standard 3d, which states that teachers are to "model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning."  This is helpful in locating and sharing information.
-Standard 31, which states that teachers "demonstrate fluency in technology systems..." It shows that I know more than just copying and pasting URLs. 

How to Use It:  I'm trying to think of ways I might use this new-found skill.  This was an interesting exercise, but I don't think I'm likely to use it much.  They say it makes twittering easier... but I don't tweet.  When sending URLs in an e-mail, I am more likely to highlight, copy and paste.   Sometimes, when writing reference lists for papers, I've had difficulty managing a long URL.  The paper would certainly look neater if I used smaller (ie. tiny) URLs.  Still, I am glad to know that this option is available to me (and my students). 

Our Menu of Beach meals is also available, if anyone is interested.