Presentation tools

Okay, so I am trying to come up with topics for my blog, and doing an entry on the wiki I created might be a stretch. However, I did spend hours and hours and hours creating it and researching for it, so I don't feel bad. In addition to learning more about each technology, I learned a few other valuable lessons.

First and foremost, no matter how easy these tools claim to be, it is absolutely imperative that a teacher makes a presentation of her own using it before attempting to have students use the technology. There are so many little things I learned about each site that I would not know otherwise. For example, register on these sites first. Can you use them without registering? Yes, in many cases. However, when you do that, it really is just for testing it out purposes. You can not normally save, publish, or embed without registering. And then, if you've created something you like, you run the risk of losing it.

Uploading takes time! I would suggest, if possible, saving the images you will need in one file before uploading, maybe on the desktop or on a flash drive. Having everything in one place, and having only the images you will be using, will be a time-saver. And also, having this file in place will also ensure adequate pre-planning. The last thing you want students doing is searching and searching for images (which they will do all day long if you let them) at the same time they are trying to put together a presentation.

By creating presentations myself, I realize just how long it will probably take students. Now I know that kids these days are technologically savvy, yet some of these presentations took me hours, simple as they are. Now I could do one much more quickly, but our students will be in the same learning situation. Certainly, I will be in the position to create wonderful step-by-step directions, and I will be able to give them hints and tips about using the technology, but when it comes right down to it, they will have to learn for themselves the best way they can. It will take more time than I expect.

All of that said, I do believe that it will absolutely worth it to have students using some of these technologies. Look below for others who feel the same way:

• "Google Docs is on its way to becoming a "ubiquitous" application in many high schools and colleges, one that is in such wide use that it is assumed that most know how to use it. Is it ubiquitous in your school?" (Resenfelde, 2008).
• About animoto: "little visual masterpieces for your website or blog. In a word, they look nothing short of terrific." (Graham, 2007)
  "As a video producer in a former life, I was honestly blown away at the quality of the video produced...For being automated, the video produced is quite sophisticated and individual. The edits and effects are appropriate to the music's pacing and personality. " (Maltais, 2008)
• About wordle: " Imagine providing students with a whole new perspective on information, revealing key concepts and patterns previously unseen, all using this simple tool." (Foote, 2009).
• About jog the web: "Now by using the Jog the Web designed tracks within my WebQuests, I have a much more precise way to differentiate the multiple pathways students can take in doing their research." (Carpenter, 2009).
• About glogster: From a recent Reuters article: "'Bottom line is that students learn better while having fun,' said James Dachos, Education Manager for Glogster EDU. 'Glogster EDU produces a creative, dynamic and innovative digital outlet that captures a learner's excitement for online creations, while keeping them engaged in course content. That makes teaching and learning fun for everyone.'" (2009).

(2009). About animoto. Retrieved from http://animoto.com/company/

Carpenter, D. (2009, January 7). Jog the web 2.0 tool. U tech tips Retrieved from http://www.utechtips.com/jog-the-web20-tool/

Connelly, A. (2009, Sept. 30). Glogster EDU launches EDU.Glogster.com to take its education technology to the next level. Reuters. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS130538+30-Sep-2009+BW20090930

Foote, C. (2009). It's a Mad, Mad Wordle. School Library Journal, 55(7), 32-34. http://search.ebscohost.com

Maltais, M. (2008, Dec. 23). Appiphilia: Animoto lets iPhone users create videos in minutes. Los Angeles times: Technology. Retrieved from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/12/animoto-iphone.html

Rosenfeld, E. (2008). Useful Web 2.0 tools for teachers and students. Teacher Librarian, 35(4), 72. http://search.ebscohost.com

Graham, J. (2007, Oct. 1). Here's a cool twist on slideshows. USA today: Technology live. Retrieved from http://blogs.usatoday.com/technologylive/2007/10/heres-a-cool-tw.html