Animoto in my Classroom

Animoto is very unique and useful website that lets you create slide shows using pictures, videos, and music.  After messing around and trying out some different kinds of styles and clips, I began to really enjoy using it.  Considering how technologically advanced students are becoming nowadays, I think using this as a teaching method or even as a project for the students could keep them motivated and interested in the classroom.  Here are the links to my two videos!
-About Me
-Business Education

Reaction to Wordle and Tagxedo

Both of these programs are actually some of the most fun I've been able to use in a while.  My creative side has dropped considerably since I was in high school, but the possibilities and options that Wordle and Tagxedo have truly make you excited about the project.  After messing around with each website I began to wonder about certain assignments or projects I could give my future students.  Both of these sites are great tools, and can be used very easily to turn a simple assignment into something more creative and exciting.

Reflection #2 - CDK's Education Technology Place

When I first opened up the web site, I noticed how very professional and organized the entire page was.  Many times you will see a person's website they have created and it will pass as average with the information they need, but Cyndi's appears to be a site that is constantly updated and re-vamped.  I particularly like all of the video clips you find when you go to the homepage.  One of the great things about the website is that when Cyndi posts a link, the link doesn't just lead to another page on her website.  She has connected us to many useful blogs and other websites that we can learn from and follow, and it is nice to be able to have a variety of options when learning information as opposed to having only one.  This website will be very, very useful!

History tools that have Google Maps/Earth…really amazing

The HistoryPin project is probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen as far as history and photography go.  Seeing these pictures of New York, Britain, Italy, how they fit over the current location and seem to fit, it’s incredible! The other programs LookBackMaps and Sepia Town are very cool too.  Being able to see the history of locations and how it has changed compared to now is fun.  I tried to find a location close to my hometown, but didn’t have much luck.  

Tennessee School Requires iPad for Class

The idea of using iPad’s as the main piece of learning for the students seems to be a double-sided blade.  I mean the idea of using that advanced of technology in the classroom sounds wonderful, especially for a teacher that will no longer have to check out laptop carts or reserve computer labs.  Having the students pull out their iPads and immediately opening a project or file would be much quicker than having the students open and start up their laptops.  The iPad would be a lot more resourceful it seems.

But even though they would be great, there are a few issues with the students that would be a reoccurring problem.  Social networking sites would have to be blocked, which can be very difficult and time consuming, not to mention that many students will find a way around the blockings.  Also, the price of the iPad would be reduced for the students, but what happens if it’s damaged or malfunctioning? The student could be stuck without his or her iPad while in class, so the need of replacements would be expensive.  And speaking from experience, I think there would be some students who would be playing games or using different apps while in class.

All in all though, I think it would be a wonderful idea if many schools would  allow students the use of iPads in class.