Blog Entry 10: Movie Maker

My digital story was created as a timeline of computer technology. The digital story was intended to show my middle school students that throughout history we have had computers based on the definition of the word computer. I have attempted to show them instances of computers throughout history. I have also attempted to show how the computer has evolved from a machine based on computing of figures and has moved on to an instrument of collaboration and socialization. Many of my students are dealing with the concept of timelines and they often complain they are boring and they do not see the relationships with everyday knowledge. It is my hope that through the use of Movie Maker I have shown them a fun and exciting way to create timelines which are vital in their civic courses. This lesson can be tailored to any class or course the instructor is presenting, it is an excellent way to present historical data.
I encountered some challenges with the importing of credits and titles to slides. The dragging feature included presented some problems that I was able to solve with a great deal of practice. I must admit I proceeded into this project with a laissez-faire attitude based on the fact I had used Movie Maker before, but I soon realized this was a major project that would require my concentration and discipline to complete. I would complete slides and feel good about what I had done then read the directions again and be required to make further revisions. The copyright issues with the music and videos were also something I had taken for granted. My teammates have alerted me to some very useful websites with copyright free material I can use for future projects.
I did not realize the potential of Movie Maker in the classroom and in my own personal life. I have just begun to use it in my classroom and the students get upset when it is time to leave, these are definitely the rewarding days for a teacher. I realize I am definitely a visual learner and I comprehend much better with graphic organizers. I was struggling on this project until I revised my storyboard, once I had the storyboard together the Movie Maker project was simplified as it pertained to the content, the technical side was about a lot of trial and error. The storyboard was a great guide to me and I have emphasized that to my students. I have my students creating storyboards, they do not understand why I have stressed the creation of thorough storyboards, but I continue to elaborate on the fact their projects will be much easier if they plan accordingly.

My project can be viewed by clicking on the link.

Blog Entry 9: Supporting Student Production

I was interested in Egbert's take on student benefits of production (185). Egbert shows how student production has a plethora of benefits. Students with different learning styles can have leeway and choose the modality that suits them. Learners on different learning levels are allowed to add to the project on their level. Social skills are fostered in the collaborative effort to complete the project. It allows students who do not speak English a way to communicate their thoughts and ideas. I have begun to use collaborative projects and all my students contributing has been an issue for me and I have seen the pattern of the "slackers" cruising along, but the beauty of Google Docs is I can share their work with their peers and those same "slackers" begin to take ownership of their work. Students taking ownership of their work is the ultimate goal of any teacher.

Egbert, Joy. (2009). Supporting learning with technology: Essentials of Classroom Practice. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Blog Entry 7: WebSense

My school district has begun to use a new web filtering software by the name of WebSense, it was adopted by the county about a month ago to major fanfare (sarcasm). The software not only monitors the county network, it also submits e-mail alerts with information about potential problems and users, this information is then forwarded to principals and tech specialist at the locations. I always complain about the filters the county uses, but I am pleased with the e-mail alerts and the information they contain. I also was suprised at the amount of streaming media coming from my building and the bandwidth it uses. As usual, I am frustrated with all the valuable sites that are blocked, but I am impressed with the effectiveness of the filter and ease of integration.

Blog Entry 8 : Digital Storytelling

There are are many uses and values of digital storytelling in the classroom. The article I referenced was How to Use Digital Storytelling in Your Classroom, the author, Jennifer New, addressed the availabilty and affordability of software such as iMovie provide tools to create vivid and engaging stories. She explains the technology can be challenging to the TEACHERS moreso than the students. This is a frightening thought to many teachers. New talks about not teaching the technology to the students, it should instead be used as a tool to present information. You should not be spending a majority of the time teaching students about the technology as opposed to the product it can help to create. The teacher should view themselves as directors of a movie, allowing their students to lead but ultimately calling the shots in the end. Finally, share and celebrate the work of your students. Make sure you show their work to other audiences which will foster ownership and not encourage students to slack if they know others will be viewing their work.

Blog Entry 6 : Supporting Student Critical Thinking

The teacher's role in a classroom that promotes critical thinking is one of a facilitator. The teacher must encourage students to think for themselves. I become frustrated when students ask me for answers or refuse to look deeper in the text for answers, they want answers expressly stated and don't like the idea of "reading between the lines." Critical thinking is a skill that has to be fostered through successful exercises and modeling by the teacher. Teachers have to be willing to admit and correct their own mistakes, this vulnerability will go a long way to show students it is ok to be wrong or change your position on a subject once you have all the information. One of the biggest obstacles comes in the form of teachers giving up their dictatorial control and allowing students to participate in the democratic process of the classroom. The teacher's role in the critical thinking process is paramount and helps to foster an environment conducive to learning and critical thinking.


Egbert, Joy. (2009). Supporting learning with technology: Essentials of Classroom Practice. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Google Docs Forms

One of my colleagues showed me the great feature in Google Docs where you can create surveys and questionnaires. I was blown away with this feature. All you have to do is use Forms to create a survey and e-mail to your recipient, they complete the survey and submit it back to you. The information is then presented in spreadsheet format or in a graph form. I don't know who was more excited, the students or me!! This makes students more conscientious of quizzes and assessments if they know their results could possibly be viewed by all (I have been avoiding that option). It gives more feedback and helps to better access if your students are grasping the concepts presented.