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.

Jing Screencast-final

UPDATE:  FINALLY FINISHED ON 7/26.  SEE THAT POST.
Click to view my Jing video. I've spent two days doing this project.  It's probably wrong, but I can't do any better. I was really frustrated while doing this project.  I was trying to show the Jing video on my Blogger page.

Jing project reflection:
What did I do? I downloaded and installed Jing.  I made a Jing image (see my earlier post), using the tools. I made a tutorial video. I saved both to the blog.

 What did I learn? I have seen works like this, but didn't know how to manipulate images.  These are works of a beginner. It will take much more practice before I feel skilled with the Jing tool, but I have a start.  Using Jing, I can "create visual artifacts that are customized" to my particular needs.

 How can I use it? Jing will be helpful in my classroom, making demonstrations for my students.

 How does it relate to NETS T? This project relates to:
- Standard 3a, which states that "Teachers demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations."
-Standard 3c, which states that teachers "communicate relevant information and ideas effectively ... using a variety of digital-age media and formats."  This is a good way to give necessary information using an attractive presentation, designed with digital tools.

Here are answers to my test questions.

snipping tool

This cow is from a picture I took in Vermont last summer. (In Montpelier, less than a mile from the state house!)

What I Did:  I learned how to use the snipping tool, that was already in my Microsoft tools.  Noe the icon to access this tool is on my desktop.

What I Learned:  It is literally what it says--for snipping.  With this gadget, I can cut a small piece from an existing picture or document and insert it into my blog, or a doc, or an e-mail or...  It goes directly to the clipboard, so the image is ready to be pasted wherever I want to put it.

NETS-T:  This activity aligns with:
- Standard 2a, which states that teachers will "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity."  This will help me when I only want to use a "snip" of a picture tp place in a document or a post.
-Standard 3a, which states that teachers "demonstrate fluency in technology systems..."  Since this gadget is always part of our Microsoft Office system (no download necessary), we should be aware of it and know how to use it.

How It Can Be Used:  I'm sure I will use this a lot.  Too bad I didn't know about it earlier.  I use images frequently on my school documents, esp. spelling lists and math bellringers.  Images add interest to the learning activity and spark the curiosity. 
My students will like this tool. It will be very helpful when designing their Techsteps projects. The 3rd graders can use the snips when designing their virtual field trips. I can see them having a lot of fun with snipping pictures with different shapes and using different colors of ink.