Reflection on Autobiography Video

Reflection of work:

I thought this was an interesting assignment.  I was excited at the opportunity to learn how to use windows movie makes seeing as I had never used it.  I found the basis of the programs to be fairly simple and was pleased with the progress I made early in working on the assignment however I did hit some snags towards the end of it.

Fun Aspects:

As I said this project started out fun, I enjoyed going through pictures and video clips, so that was fun.  Also picking music was fun and writing the script wasn't bad either.  These task I found enjoyable and fun.

Difficulty:

As I continued with the project it became very difficult.  Adding the audio was probably the most difficult portion of making this video.  Every time I used the recording device it would freeze mt computer and I would lose my entire movie even after saving it.  So, I had to restart this project several times in order to get to the final project, and it became very frustrating. I think it must have been problems with compatibility of other software I have to use for my computer, in order to see it. I'm honestly glad to be done with it now.

Classroom Use:

I think this will be a great project later for my students to show their creativity and understanding of works of literature.  I think it would be fun for them to work in groups to make a movie or recreation of certain works that are harder for students to understand.  In being able to live it I think they will better understand the material.  I just would have to ensure that they would not get frustrated with it as I did in adding the audio.

Autobiography Video

Chapter 3 Reflection

I am so glad this chapter talked about creative thinking.  I really wasn't aware that there was so much involved in the process though, I guess I have been one of those people who thinks it is only "unique" thinking.  So I found that aspect very interesting and entertaining. It was something I learned about something I thought I knew.

I also loved that it pointed out that a teacher needs to learn as well as teach.  I had an issue with my sons kindergarten teacher recently on this matter.  I feel that people are different and time change so as teachers we have to be on our feet and consistently learn new and interesting ways to keep our students happily involved in learning.   The issue I had with my son's teacher is that her teaching was very old fashioned, not to say this is bad but my son became very bored and wouldn't do his work, the end result was me actually having to change him to a different school that could better suit his needs. So, I really liked that this was brought up in the book, because we do need to continue learning in order to teach effectively.

When I begin to teach I have many ideas as to how I'd like to incorporate  technology. As far as having it in a real world setting like the book states I think having my students make a literary journal website where they can give their personal interpretations of what is read in the English class would be an interesting project.  In having them work in groups they would learn how to work as we have to in the so called "real world" .

Reflection on Cahpter 1

I like that this chapter is basically a sum up of how technology is so integrated into our lives.  The transitions and advances we have made have brought us so far compared to where we were.  I remember back when I was growing up in the 80's that computers were rare in homes.  I also remember my mother telling me I needed to learn as much as I could because it was going to be essential in years to come. I thought it was nice that this chapter went over the different views from the past. 
I have to admit though that I do wish it had a bit more information on the history of computer evolution in general.  I think knowing how we ended up with computers is important, because then you know where you have come from.  I think here in modern time people have become so use to technology that they have forgotten how it was before, so I would have liked to see a little more on that.  I think it is humbling.
I really enjoyed learning about the different things I could use within the classroom.  There are two examples of math teachers on pages 18 and 19.  The first one Mr. Tucker seems to find teaching easier since he added technology to the class, by having his lecture notes and worksheets and so on ready to go.  I also liked that the Second teacher Ms. Williams was able to get the students to work together on a project using technology much like they would in an actual work field later in life.   I feel that is important because I felt so under prepared for the real world after high school.
I think I would definitely like to incorporate some type of activity in my class when I begin to teach that woudl help prepare the students for life after high school.   I think it is important that they know how to communicate and work with one another and so I woudl want to use that.  I feel a blog simular to hat we are using here would be benneficial and also working on a group research paper where they had to work together to get internet information and collaborately put it togther.  There are many other things I'd like to do, but these are just a few. 
The more I learn the more excited I get about begin able to pass that knowledge on, and I think that is what being a teacher is really all about so this knew knowledge of integrating technology is very exciting for me.