So much to learn.....

I am surprised by how much I have learned this semester in TPTE486. I am surprised because I know that knowledge of technology and patience with technology are not two of my stronger attributes. My husband made the comment tonight that I should be proud that I have put an entire website together. To tell the truth - I think he is more suprised by new skills than I am. He knows how impatient I can be when I am trying to come up with something new and technology-oriented for my students.

Standardized Testing

I will refrain from pondering the usual stresses of AYP EOC season, even though the biology EOC will be conducted THIS Thursday. I am curious as to why we are not yet giving computerized versions of the state tests. I will assume it is because not every school has equal access to this important equipment. Just think of the paperwork load reduction...... and the speediness of test results.....and the decreased emphasis on test security.....

More thoughts about technology.......

I had a discussion just recently with a fellow teacher regarding textbooks. It seems that some parents become concerned when their child is not issued a textbook. For some reason, they take the lack of a book brought home as an indication that the teacher is not really teaching. Wow! Really???? Yes! You would think in our technology driven world that we would no longer need to require students to drag around that 25 lb. burden. After all, most textbook companies now offer the book on disc. So it seems that we still have a need to balance the old with the new.

Web Site Construction

As I work on putting together a website I find myself asking, "As a student what do I want to find on a website?". Most of all I want a website that is easily navigated. Next, I want to find useful information that is important to the course AND important to my life. Lastly, I like a little entertainment value (cool pictures, video, etc.).

Please go to http://bit.ly/ainaDE and take a look at my first poof book. I am so proud. I am most excited that I found the template on-line and did not have to come up with one myself. My new rule - always search on-line first.

Movie......Finally

After adding a few more gray hairs I have mastered, at least partially, the art of movie making. Please check it out and make comments.

Movie Making

I enjoyed making a movie this weekend using Windows Movie Maker. What a fun way to share your photos! I can see how this can be used in the classroom as well. Earlier this year I had my students create a presentation on an environmental issue. I gave them freedom on the type of media to use. I had one group to create a movie using Movie Maker. It was a hit, especially the music.