ILP 2

       For my second Independent Learning Project, I decided to go with creating an Edmodo for a class. I created a quiz, assignment, and a poll. I found Edmodo really simple to use and really helpful for a classroom setting to interact with students and be able to work out of Edmodo. 

       The group code is: 2reew3, come join the class and have a look!

BBQ Food Survey

https://fsu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1Yd6Pz0iSyfCgxT

#10 - Wrapping the Blog up

      I think Data Collection Tools provide an interesting way of interacting with students in your class. I think I would mostly use surveys with my students and poll them to see what the students like or dislike depending on what I am surveying them on. The surveys could range from which activities, assignments, or projects the students would want to do rather than me dictating what type of projects I would want them to do. I would use Data Collection Tools to give more power to my students and let them be more involved in the class.

     The topic I found most interesting when reviewing my classmates' blogs was without a doubt, the Independent Learning Projects. Seeing all different types of projects that ranged from Lynda course tutorials to creating their own Edmodo, each ILP was unique to the student and gave me a feel of where their interests are.

     For me, the next technology related skill I want to learn is how to create and edit videos. Earlier in my life I wanted to be apart of television production in some way. I've always had an interest in videos and even had an interest in creating videos, even at one point had a dream of becoming a YouTube personality. While I don't have that dream anymore, (though I wouldn't count it out!) I really do want to master how to create and edit videos on both Mac and Windows.

     A simple way for me to achieve this skill would be just to practice and dive right into making videos. I have a small background in making videos as I was in a TV production class in high school, so I know of some basics. But after learning about Lynda, I could even go through a Lynda course to learn even more about creating and editing videos. Being hands on with creating videos is most likely the best way for me to learn because my best work comes from hands on experience, but going through a Lynda tutorial on videos would most certainly benefit me as well.

#9

    "The Flipped Classroom" is a model where lectures are prerecorded and students view them before class and class time is used for exercise and assignments pertaining to the lecture. This method gives off a complete opposite dynamic of what a class would usually be like. Personally, I'm neutral to this type of classroom dynamic only in the means of making sure my students actually watch the lectures and were prepared for class. I think it only presents an issue either if students don't do the lectures before class, or if the lecture itself is difficult and easier explained with a teacher in person to help the students

     A great and interesting web-based resource I would use for professional development would definitely be Lynda. After completing a Lynda tutorial for my ILP, I realized how effective Lynda can be for developing certain skills or learning new skills for a professional environment. I would highly recommend anyone to use Lynda if they wanted to pick up a skill or perfect skills they already have for a professional work environment. www.Lynda.com

     I have never made an interactive PowerPoint before so all these skills are new to me, especially making the buttons. I definitely enjoyed this project because of learning how to hyperlink to slides, and use buttons to navigate the user throughout the game/presentation. I think this project is an essential project for my future career. PowerPoint games are something that is fun for students and the class as a whole so learning how to make these is important for my future.

Post 8

     I am definitely on the side of being able to access technology rather than being on the side that is not able to access technology. I think digital divide can definitely have a substantial impact in my future classroom between my students. If I have two students on opposite ends of the digital divide, without a doubt the student that has access is going to be out in a better position to succeed. What I would try to do to address the situation is get a grant for technology is my classroom, specifically a grant that lets me lend out iPads for each of my students to have for the year/semester/term. I have this in my EDF2085 class right now and it helps put all the students on equal playing field.

     I never know that I can record my voice and how to record slide shows and in general, make it play automatically from opening the file. I found the assignment at first a tad difficult having to record my voice and recording the show in general. I wasn't sure at first what or even why I had to record the whole show but after learning about it I can see why I needed to do it. I think I can improve on the aesthetic design of my PowerPoint mostly, I still find it a tad hard to get a really good design for my PowerPoint presentations.

Independent Learning Project - Lynda

       For my independent learning project, I decided to complete a course on Lynda on personal branding on social media. This specific course really interested me because of how much social media is becoming a vital factor in the professional world. The course hits on who benefits from a positive personal brand on social media, the benefits of social media, and how to develop a positive personal brand for yourself over social media. Being the first time using Lynda, I had a great learning experience going through this course. Lynda provides a plethora of courses to choose from and even outlines each subtopic under the course and gives presentations for each subtopic with the addition of attachments like worksheets or exercises.

Slide Share!

What I liked about the presentation...

5 tools for an awesome presentation-By Samid Razzak from Samid Razzak

was specifically slide #6, saying "you have only 5 seconds to gain attention!" This statement hit the nail on its head, I have found myself multiple times losing focus while I'm watching a PowerPoint presentation because there are loads of text. You really have to capture the audiences attention in the very beginning of each slide or else they'll lose interest fast.