24 February~ Digital Story 1

Happy 34th Birthday to my Jared. He totally completes me. Love this man.

Digital Story- The next 6 weeks I will be working on a digital story. I am still unsure of my topic although I have many ideas. I want to make sure it will be something I can use while teaching in 4th grade for my field experience.

In class we watched many deep digital stories. I was fighting back tears in most of them. The Holocaust one was so emotional. It made me feel connected, as if I was there. The pictures with the music was very powering.

A digital story would be a great way to introduce a subject. It sparks interest so you'd want to know more. It would also be a fun way for students to navigate and be creative with any subject.

When designing a digital story you must:

• Decide your content area
• Design a general script
• Gather music
• Embrace revision
• Sequence the story so it flows

17 February - Vidcast Reflection

Lydia and I laughed at this picture I took of Ethan and Bolt. Ethan loves his "pal" Bolt. He loves him so much that he wants him to sleep in his bed. Bolt is too chicken to sleep in Ethan's bed so Ethan brought up his pillow and blanket and snuggled Bolt in the front room. He's a little snuggle bug.

Street Sign Reflection with Chris, Natalia, and Angie!

10 February- Vidcasts

Awe. A quiet moment hanging out with their dog. To say the babies LOVE their bottles would be a huge understatement. I just love how they play and pitter patter around the house together. So cute.

WHAT? Vidcasts. We learned how to do a few different types of videos and post them on the internet. You can do videos of you talking, singing, dancing, whatever your heart desires. You can also create one using pictures, music, and fun effects. You will be able to view mine next week. Get excited.

SO WHAT? You can use vidcasts for a variety of things.

1. You could do a HOW TO video where you give oral instructions while doing it. For example; hair, cooking, clean something, the possibilities are endless.
2. You could do a Tutorial on something, step by step instructions on a specific subject. Examples: Tutorial on uploading your pictures, downloading software, etc.
3. Introduction to new content in any subject.
4. PSA-Public Service Announcement on any safety concerns or helpful information for students.

NOW WHAT? Wouldn't it be fun to make a classroom video on a science project? It would be so engaging to do a vidcast on the Solar System. Everyone could participate. You could assign every student a topic that they are in charge of. You could even do Social Studies and Language Arts. I love to take a topic that kids don't think is going to be very fun and turn it into the best thing ever that they'll remember FOREVER! Another idea, not school related, would be to make a vidcast of pictures for a loved one with your voice. A grandma, spouse, or friend would love a vidcast as a thoughtful gift.

3 February~ Podcasts

My little Lydi Bug just hours old just celebrated her 5th birthday on Friday. Love this princess.

What? PODCASTS! They are so fun. I have never had so much fun writing up a Public Service Announcement with Natalia. We planned what we would each say and then recording it on an iphone. I don't think I've ever had so much fun or laughed so hard while doing an assignment.

So What? You can use Podcasts for a variety of things. I am going to focus on the educational benefits. In my psychology class our teacher allows us to turn in our assignments using a podcast. Now that I know how to do it, I can record my homework terms and upload them. It would be beneficial to me for studying and reviewing the content in my ipod while I excersise, clean, and cook. So convenient. Now all I need is a way to record my podcasts.

Now What? I can also podcast a lecture that I am giving, take for instance math. If a student misses a day of school or just needs a review he/she can download the lecture and be able to understand the material better. If I knew I was being recorded I would be more attentive to not only writing the problems out but also speaking them to the ones that listen to it later. It would also be a good review to do a podcast on some likely questions/concepts that would be on the upcoming test. This would help students prepare better and lessen test anxiety. It would also be fun for older age students to record their own podcast for an assignment, individually or as a group. I am excited to do some podcasting with my kids and my future students. Watch out. We might get a little CrAzY!!

27 January 2011~Google Part 2

Had to add a picture of 2 of my kiddos, Lydia and Ethan. They are such good friends, I love it. In my opinion, a blog post isn't a real blog post unless it has some sort of picture!

What? I created my own website on google sites. It was so easy as long as you have Doc Waters there to guide you. Ha ha. No really. It was a "wizzy wig" tool. Very self explanatory. I could do it again if I need to. Go to it HERE and make sure you take my New Year Quiz in the Survey/Test/Quiz link.

So What? I can use this tool/website now for my field experience. I can use the calendar for real lessons and the daily agenda. I can also have friends and family test out my quiz and the whole website to get their feedback. I think it is a great way to keep the students, as well as the parents informed on what is going on at school.

Now What? Well, I am definitely going to have to play with the site more so I feel 100% comfortable, 6 hours just wasn't enough for this girl! I will definitely use this when I am officially "Mrs. Adams" to 25-30 cute little munchkins. I want to be the most effective teacher I can be. I can do this by integrating technology not only in the classroom, but using it as a means of communication for the busy parents and students. I also think it would be a good idea to let the principal know of my site so she/he can monitor it and provide feedback as well.

20 January ~ Google Part 1

WHAT? Google of course. In class I learned how to make a Google document, calendar, form, even a presentation. Needless to say, I am hooked. I will use all of these things at home, at school, and in my classroom. How you ask? Let me tell you.



SO WHAT? I can access this information anywhere there is internet access. I won't have to be at home (where my calendar is located) to make plans anymore. I can work on group projects/presentations with my fellow peers. When doing a powerpoint we can work together on it any time of the day. One of the coolest features is that you can change it to any language you want. I know, so cool.



NOW WHAT? I will be able to engage my future students by collaberating on an assignment. I can send a questionaire to parents to see if and when they could volunteer in the classroom. I can make a weekly newsletter for my students in English and with the click of a button transform it into their language preference. I can make a spreadsheet with grades, notes, the possibilities are endless! I can be organized 24-7. So exciting! These tools are going to change the way we teach, learn, and engage. I am excited to do some more exploring!

13 January - Introduction... Special Topics Blog

Meet my family... My husband Jared, my son Ethan (7 1/2), Lydia (almost 5)

Jared holding Brielle (19 mo.) and Ashlyn (19 mo.)

I haven't blogged in months so it was quite fun creating a new blog for my EDEL 3250 class. I am most excited about busting out my "SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY!" If you don't know what that is, just ask me next time we talk!

I have a lot of hobbies. My 2 favorites are baking and scrapbooking. I will pretty much try anything once. Other things I enjoy are: hiking, biking, working out, hanging out w/friends and family, camping, boating/wakeboarding, reading, and last but not least, playing with the kiddos. My 4 favorite vacation spots are Bear Lake, Star Valley, Cabo San Lucas MX, and Lake Powell. I like a variety of music but my 2 favorite bands are Green Day and Dave Matthews Band.

I have some weaknesses that I am always trying to do better on. I try and do everything and please everyone, it could be considered a strength but my husband begs to differ! I will give up my sleep to get projects done, then I am impatient and grouchy to be around! I am a total pack rat although I hate clutter. On that note, let's focus on my strengths! I am a firm believer that attitude is everything. I love people. I am caring, kind, and always strive to do my best. I make my bed, 2 cribs, and 2 kids' beds daily. I keep a pretty clean house, thanks to my husband and kids who are always happy to help. I am crafty and funny. If you would like to know 31 more random facts about me, click to visit my family blog!