Week 5: Reflection 4 Post

Week 5: Reflection 4

The link to Grace Miller’s blog: http://gracemiller95.blogspot.com.au/

The focus this week is on digital tools: PowerPoint, Prezi and Glogster.

Each tool was thoroughly research and a significant amount of time was spent investigating the possibilities...it is endless!

Technical Aspects:

Below is a Three-Way Venn Diagram that portrays technical aspects of each digital tool. It also demonstrates the similarities between two of the tools and additionally the similarities of all three digital tools. It is interesting to acknowledge how each device has very different and separate functionalities and alternatively very similar technical aspects.

Okay, so I had a change of plan. This is all part of the learning curve. I inserted a shape (circle) on a Word document and went into the settings and changed it to transparent so that I writing could be visible (yes I am aware of sending the shape to the back), and also so that all circle outlines could be seen. I then inserted a textbox on top of each circle. That’s when it all went wrong! The format went ‘skew-if’ and I realised that I wouldn’t be able to type much into the text box. So I thought I am not going to let this get the better of me! I have downloaded a three-way Venn diagram off the Internet (yes I will source it) and I am going to hand write my technical aspects in the diagram as I believe this is a great way to present the tools. I will then scan (technical term!) the page onto my blog and hope for the best! PLEASE NOTE, my technical aspects are to be viewed on my Blog. Also, to add to this, I first embedded it into my PowerPoint but it appeared portrait so I then had to learn how to change it to landscape. For this to occur, I needed to view my settings on iPhoto on my Mac then rotate. Learning, learning, learning!!

Teaching Context:

PowerPoint:

Positive	Minus	Interesting
Easy, accessible presentation tool A platform that supports the embedding of text, linking, audio, video and images Suitable for a student portfolio There is opportunity for students to develop their spoken skills when used to create a narrated stand alone presentation May be used as a concept map whilst brainstorming as a class Whole class interactivity tool Very versatile Noted by users as simple and easy to use Suitable for sequential learners Interactive learning object Fine motor skills are utilised (clicking, hovering) Opportunity to make a storyboard Can create a class set of poems Perfect stimulus- here is your image, please write a story OR vice versa	It is a linear digital tool Must install Microsoft or Mac PowerPoint to be able to use Installation is expensive so some children may not have used at home PowerPoint is not provided the necessary credit it deserves	Can save PowerPoint as a ‘jpg’ file to create an image Aim is for learners to discover, explore and to have control in their learning Can add sound from gallery Students can present their reflections on this tool- audio or text (depending on students strengths/learning style) A notes page is available, where users can type key messages they may want to remember when presenting Great for making posters/flyers for parents and the community Activities in the classroom are limitless Can implement roll call- students click on their name and the text/image rises so that LM can see who is present Students can practice their spelling- I spy activity Can hyperlink a slide to a webpage or another document Nice idea to take a photo of each individual student on the first day of school- these will come in handy, use PP to print and edit

SAMR Model

Substitution- The task is the same but the tools are different.	The teacher presents the class with a stimulus. The stimulus image is presented on a PowerPoint slide. The students write a detailed paragraph on the image.
Augmentation- The task is the same but tools are different and there are added functionalities.	Students respond to a stimulus by recording themselves on a microphone that is linked to a device and then inserts the audio clip on a PowerPoint slide underneath the stimulus image.
Modification- Redesign new parts of the task	Learners create a collage through the use of audio, visual and recording tools. They present their ideas on a slide.
Redefinition- Use technology to create imperceptibly new tasks.	Students create brochures of their school fete on PowerPoint and send to a school in the nearby community via email. The classes interact by email and FaceTime. Students receive a thank you letter in response, which was constructed on PowerPoint.

Prezi

Positive	Minus	Interesting
Allows a global perspective on materials whilst allowing minute details Perfect for global learners Free to use A very suitable digital tool when LM expects their students to present, justify, explain, illustrate and provide examples  Students can share their Prezi with others via the website To save, students must download. This will save to computer or device It is possible to insert images, symbols, YouTube clips, music and PowerPoints Background image can be selected by learner Easy to insert a clip A refresh button is available- instant reminder for students on how their work will look when presented ‘One big canvas’- perfect for brainstorming or word vomit Students can show their ideas in context	Prezi must be ‘refreshed’ when editing to ensure new work is added and saved An account must be created for student to access and use Very different to any other digital tool so may take students several lessons to grasp Personal details must be provided for students to sign up- please note, teachers are encouraged to instruct their students to only insert their first name and first initial of last name. The email address will be their school address (safe)	Zooming in is available A Prezi app is available on iPhone, iPod and iPad Thumbnails is the term used for each platform Many Prezis are labeled a library Prezi can be transferred into different folders Folders can be renamed The background can be customised

SAMR Model

Substitution- The task is the same but the tools are different.	Students utilise the digital tool, Prezi when presenting to their class instead of creating a poster of cardboard.
Augmentation- The task is the same but tools are different and there are added functionalities.	Learners engage their audience with videos, audio and images that are presented on their Prezi.
Modification- Redesign new parts of the task	Students can present their thought process by using Prezi instead of verbally explaining to their cohort. Students email this or embed in a Wiki that all members have access to.
Redefinition- Use technology to create imperceptibly new tasks.	Students are partnered with a student that attends a school in Singapore. They both use Prezi as a platform to present information on what their day looks like. The sequencing of Prezi allows to students to complete this task with ease. Students email their link to one another. After viewing their peer’s work, they record themselves to discuss what they have read. This recording is uploaded to a Wiki or a YouTube account (depending on school).

Glogster

Positive	Minus	Interesting
Usual tool for teachers when presenting ideas to class and vice versa It is possible to embed a full range of multimedia into a single linkable location A template is already produced when student starts creating, this includes: title, text boxes, images, background and much more An image bank is available Embedding audio is possible Images can be taken on a digital device and then immediately uploaded onto Glog Images can be swiveled to another angle Very easy to upload a YouTube clip	It is necessary to double click on text boxes, images etc. when editing Students will need to be reminded about safe online behaviour, especially since they will have access to YouTube and images Glogster is a great digital tool but is not overly versatile like PowerPoint Usual for a few situations	Students must sign up before us Learners can search through the engine, Google Students can upload documents off a USB hard drive or computer to insert onto Glog Learners can preview their Glog before publishing Dashboard very easy to follow Bright, interactive colours

SAMR Model

Substitution- The task is the same but the tools are different.	Instead of creating an ‘All about Me’ poster, students make a Glog about themselves- images, videos, favourite quotes etc. (Remind students about safe digital practice).
Augmentation- The task is the same but tools are different and there are added functionalities.	Students insert videos from YouTube of their ‘hobbies/favourite song/heroic moment of all time’. Students justify their choice with a detailed explanation typed on the Glog.
Modification- Redesign new parts of the task	Whilst studying dance, learners take photos of their choreographed routines and insert them on their Glog. They explain what their move is called (pirouette) and further discuss the meaning of the move.
Redefinition- Use technology to create imperceptibly new tasks.	Students create a poster about themselves on Glog. They discuss their favourite subject, best memory of the year, highlight sport activity, musical or dance production etc. This poster is presented to the new class the following year. This is a great introduction for the next year level.

Exploration of functions of technology demonstrated in practice

PowerPoint

At the beginning of this week I believed I upheld a satisfactory knowledge of PowerPoint. Well, I was wrong! After engaging in the activities this week I have learnt so much about PowerPoint. It really can be used for so many functions. Its not just a platform for presentations- it can make brochures, be used for a class roll call, students can practice their spelling and so much more. Above is a basic PowerPoint that was created this term for another course. As you will see it has a very basic use: to provide the audience with key facts. There is a title, dot points and a simple background. This PowerPoint did serve its purpose. Please note, I have changed the format of the PowerPoint (ppt) to a JPEG file (I learnt that from my lecturer!). Each slide was saved individually as an image. I then inserted the images onto my blog. Success! Another trick I learnt was to hold down on the ‘shift’ button and click from the first image/slide to the last one, this highlighted all the slides and I then selected ‘choose’. 

I have attempted at creating a movement that utilises its spectacular technical aspects such as movement, sound, and imagery.

I have uploaded an informative, basic video that was sourced from YouTube on using shapes in PowerPoint. I am pleased to say that I successfully embedded the clip onto my blog.

Prezi

I was welcomed into the world of Prezi this week. I have viewed peer’s Prezis before in presentations, but I (afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone) always stick to PowerPoint, as I know how to use it (well I thought I did!). This week I have attempted a basic Prezi. I have investigated tools, looked at what can be applied, edited, embedded and inserted (a lot!). It is a fantastic tool and definitely is appealing to look at. Please click on the link below to view my Prezi or I will try and embed it into my blog. Please note that I have uploaded a Prezi that is about the SAMR Model (by Lauren Bruges-Cannon)- this was very easy to embed! All I needed was the code, and then I pasted it in the HTML option.

https://prezi.com/czsdisig-g2j/edit/#21_95982358

Glogster

In my future classroom I will embed the use of Glogster regularly. It is a great learning platform for beginner users. It is pleasing to use because there are many options and the tool is very simple to use. Please see my blog to view the Glogster I created this week. It is very basic due to time constraints however I did embed a Taylor Swift song and an image of myself plus I added some text. The rest would fall into place…

References

Internet 4 Classrooms. (2015). Ideas for Using PowerPoint in a Classroom . Retrieved August 14, 2015, from Internet 4 Classrooms: http://internet4classrooms.com/ideas_pp.htm

Maths-Aid.com. (2015). Dynamically Created Maths Work Sheets. Retrieved August 14, 2015, from Maths-Aid.com: http://www.math-aids.com/cgi/pdf_viewer_10.cgi?script_name=venn_3set_graphic.pl&lines=1&language=0&memo=&answer=1&x=115&y=12

Moodle. (2015). Creative Ways to Use PowerPoint. Retrieved August 14, 2015, from Moodle: https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=101709