Good evening and welcome to late night postings with Bekah Wadkins. Wouldn’t you know I was able to get this done early two weeks in a row! Now let’s not get to excited folks, I go on vacation next week so it might be a last minute posting then. But let’s enjoy this right now!
When I decide to incorporate Multimedia technology within my classroom there are several items to consider.
These include, but are not limited to:
Are the students mature enough to handle using the technology?
Will it help or hinder the learning process
Do I know enough about the technology to be able to help the students with their projects?
Is there enough time to complete the project?
If a set of students cannot handle using computers to create projects, we need to start conditioning them so that they can use this technology. We need to use it so often that it is no longer a toy but a useful tool for learning.
Jamshed N. Lam said, “Technology should enhance learning. There is no value in just having access to it but more important how it is used.” (http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/techinclass/) A computer that is sitting in the back of the room for AR tests and that is it is not as beneficial as a computer that is integrated into almost every aspect of the day. A computer can’t be the sole means of learning the material either. It has to help improve the learning. If a child has more difficulty with making the program work than they do with actually showing what they have learned it is not worth it. We need to teach our students how to effectively use technology to help make the work easier, not more difficult and time consuming.
The most disappointing thing to both students and teachers are projects that are started and cannot be finished because of breaks or other circumstances. It is always important to make sure and allot enough time to start and finish a project.
The great thing about many computers is that they come already equipped to create multimedia presentations. If a computer does not have a preloaded program, there are several online that are free to download. If one wants to add voice recordings they would need a microphone. These are as little as $10 at local stores such as Wal-Mart.
The major hurtle to jump when incorporating multimedia presentations in the classroom is the teacher learning how to use the program so that they can adequately show students how to use the program and help them create the projects that they want.
I’m including my video of Saturn that I made for this assignment. I would like to use something similar with my students for them to present the knowledge they learned to their classmates. They could then take their presentations and email them to grandparents, friends, and even e-pals across the globe. This video is just a short sample I would show my students so they had an idea of what I was looking for in their projects. I'm totally ok with having a little humor in with a presentation as long as it sticks mostly to facts, and clarifies anything that is to be considered a joke.
Bekah,
ReplyDeleteWhat you mentioned about student knowledge and comfort level in using multimedia software is so important! I like just how you put it - that the tools are in use so often that students are completely comfortable with using them.
Also, I agree it is important that the teacher know and be comfortable with the programs as well. Showing an example of what is expected sets students at ease and gives them some ideas on where to get started with their projects. Thanks for sharing your Saturn video as well!
Ashley
Bekah,
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that when I introduce projects that involve creating using technology they take forever. It is really easy to just give up but so upsetting to the students especially those that did not get to complete their projects. Even though I am so sick of a project I do my absolute best to finish. I do know of teachers that don't finish and I have heard their kids complain about never finishing so why should they bother in the next project because they won't get to complete it. I also love how you show a completed example. I know this helps my young students who are such visual learners. The hard part about this is what if this is the first time you are doing this lesson. The kids will benefit next year I guess. Thanks for including the video.
Jane
I love the way you start your blog and how personal and creative. I know that that is something I will definitely think about in the future when I look at developing a Blog. Thank you for that inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI also have to say that this must be very fun for your students. You must keep their attention in the classroom.
I definitely agree that if we start a project, we need to manage our time so that we can have a a finished project. This is so important to the student, otherwise, they are not going to want to use that specified media again. What is the point? The student might say. Then we have lost them.
Great job and very inspiring.
Janice