I have included 2 examples of technology presentations I use in my classroom or as an aid in the classes I teach. I made sure all these media are converted into a Flash media for this website works and and my regular website so students and parents can see what I'm doing in my classroom. If you want to see larger examples of these works click on the link underneath the media.
A very simple way technology is integrated in my classroom is through PowerPoints. I've found that even with the animations that the program provides it makes for a more interesting discussion. With PowerPoint, the program lends itself nicely to being visual note cards. I can emphasize keys points and feel assured I've covered all the important information for the topic. The media to the left is an example of a PowerPoint that I use in class. It compares the leadership of Lenin/Stalin in a Venn Diagram, I used Flash Paper to create a Flash file for viewing on the web.
This more advanced PowerPoint is a Jeopardy game I created as a review for the test. I used the more advanced PowerPoint function of invisible buttons and Triggers to make this an game interactive. This is a copy of the game that you see in the Flash media to the left. If you would like to try the game yourself click on the "Click here for larger view" link to see a pps version of this game. The game is played just like Jeopardy in that the answer is given and you supply the question. To see other examples of the same concept being applied to maps click here! This will bring up a .pps file for you to click through and view.
Flash is a great program for creating interactivity and rich media content. The Flash media here is an example of a tutorial on my Prehistory Unit. I use the Prehistory tutorial as part of a review game in my class. Each question choice has a Correct or Wrong answer, so that the student can get immediate feedback. Students have told me they use this for test review at home.
The timeline to the right is from the early events leading up to WWI and ends with Britain's declaration of war on Germany. This is used to review their timeline assignment from the previous evening.
The program tutorials are meant to help students/teachers learn a new program or refresh their knowledge on one of the programs I have students use. I have used these tutorials for Seal school(teacher summer school programs)and independent study. I have shown them to my students when a new technology assignment is given as well. The nice thing about these tutorials is they can be referred to at anytime to learn or refresh learning of the technology. The tutorial to the left is one I created to show students how to use MovieMaker 2.0. There are additional tutorials here.
This tutorial is different from the one above because it was created with RoboDemo. I did these two summers ago for Seal school and for my Independent study class. In Independent study the student creates a website or a Flash website about a topic of interest in history. This is a very comprehensive project and students are given a semester to complete a website project. I have my students first learn the absolute basics of making a website using the Dreamweaver tutorial to the left and then, show them more advanced features of the program as they progress through the semester.
Lately, I started to venture into the world of Web 2.0. The beauty of web 2.0 is all of the applications, at least the ones my students use, are free and most of my students have a computer with high speed Internet access from home. To encourage students to use these great resources I have created on-line group projects were collaboration is necessar. This, gives the students the opportunity to see and experience web 2.0. To see the tutorials click the link under the EyeSpot logo.
This Web 2.0 resource is called Box.net. I recently introduced this resource to my students when I returned from PETE&C this past February. I showed my students this site for two reasons. One the difficulty students have in being able to meet and organize their information for a big project. The other is the obvious prevelance of the Internet in doing research. This site allows students an opportunity to save information on-line for the group if necessary to use and evaluate. This site gives the group an on-line storage area for their work. What is nice about this is one person sets up the account and they can authorize others to view and use the information. The best part is that its free! I haven't created a specific project requiring the use of Box but many students have signed on and used this resource since February for my projects.
I have created a variety of handouts for my students and have startd making them accessible to my students and their parents on-line. Each on-line handout is a PDF with password protection because the are only intended for students taking my specific class. At the beginning of each semester I give the students the password for these documents in the event they are lost or if they are sick and want to keep up with the class. Additionally, a parent can access this material for their son/daughter who can't seem to stay organized. Currently I have finished my WAHG 1 course and started to work on the PDF conversion for my other two courses .
This is another example of a downloadable file that can be accessed from home by students and parents if necessary.
As mentioned in my Keystones essay. I am currently enrolled in a class on Podcasting. In this class, we are discussing all the essentials to creating and delivering a podcast. I have generated a number of ideas and possible uses for podcasts in my classroom. I will be posting podcasts on my site later in the semester.
Web done by:
Jason Heiser
Selinsgrove High School
IU 16
