Several of the classes I took for my masters required making ten-minute videos or 5-minute presentations over the ICN. I always thought these were TOO LONG! I could "Name that tune in three notes" as it were. Therefore, I was really surprised as I began creating my Jing at how quickly 5 minutes flew by. My original plan was to demonstrate my entire library website and show all the links and pages. HA! The Jing kept telling me I had run out of time. It limits each presentation to 5 minutes.
I purchased a cheap little microphone to attach to my computer. When I finally got my lesson down to five minutes and went to review it, there was no sound! I was sure I had purchased a bad mike, but after some quality time spent "trying everything" I realized that I had the mute button on in the Jing program. Worked real well after I figured that out!
My presentation became "Using the online catalog" and I could have rambled on much longer than 5 minutes about that, too. I'm getting to be quite the chatterbox!
Jings are very easy and useful for quick directions that a teacher needs to give again and again. They are useful to have in a file, so if a student is absent, they can watch the Jing and have the same experience as the rest of the class. One of the math teachers at my school uses them frequently and students use them to review information and instructions. They are not meant to be polished lectures - instead of editing a user must begin again if a mistake is made. They ar useful for short snippets of information or direction. I think they would come in handy for subs to use, also.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Podcasts
Podcasting went pretty smoothly as the latest technology to be explored. Luckily for me, Sandy had her computer during our study session, since mine is a dinosaur that does not have a camera or a microphone as standard hardware. I had to do my podcast on her computer - we had fun!
The podcast I made was a "self-guided tour" of the library. I think that sort of thing is a great way to use podcasting. It is the narration to something else. I used to go to an annual herbal gathering called "Herbfest" every summer. There would be numerous speakers, with five lectures or workshops going on at one time. One would have to purchase cassette tapes (if you're under 30 and reading this- look it up on Wikipedia) of the lectures one missed. I certainly hope that gatherings like that have begun to use online resources to make the information available to a larger audience. Of course, the cassettes were money-makers, too. Perhaps they stick with the older technology?
Interviews are another great use for podcasting. Step by step directions for putting things together would be another. It isn't always necessary to have a visual, and sometimes it can be a distraction. It's nice sometimes to just close your eyes and listen.
Wouldn't it be fun to do an old-fashioned radio show, like a murder mystery, complete with cheesy sound effects? Or interview an historic figure ( like an author) as a dramatic presentation without having to worry about costumes and make-up? So many possibilities..
The podcast I made was a "self-guided tour" of the library. I think that sort of thing is a great way to use podcasting. It is the narration to something else. I used to go to an annual herbal gathering called "Herbfest" every summer. There would be numerous speakers, with five lectures or workshops going on at one time. One would have to purchase cassette tapes (if you're under 30 and reading this- look it up on Wikipedia) of the lectures one missed. I certainly hope that gatherings like that have begun to use online resources to make the information available to a larger audience. Of course, the cassettes were money-makers, too. Perhaps they stick with the older technology?
Interviews are another great use for podcasting. Step by step directions for putting things together would be another. It isn't always necessary to have a visual, and sometimes it can be a distraction. It's nice sometimes to just close your eyes and listen.
Wouldn't it be fun to do an old-fashioned radio show, like a murder mystery, complete with cheesy sound effects? Or interview an historic figure ( like an author) as a dramatic presentation without having to worry about costumes and make-up? So many possibilities..
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Flickr
I have found myself becoming quite enamored with photographs lately! I've never been much of a photographer - I was always the mom without a camera at the soccer game or band concert or awards ceremony. I love looking at photos, however. I guess I just felt that when I taking pictures or filming an event, I was removing myself from being present in the moment. So my pictures are of plants - and I find that photographing them actually makes me look more closely and notice details I would otherwise miss.
Flickr seems to be a great tool for photography and for uses of pictures for things such as posters and trading cards. These both are items that can be used in education to enhance learning. I will be taking more time to more fully explore this tool; especailly after reading some of the great ideas my classmates have come up with! Personally, it is a great way to share photos with family and friends - no need to invite people over and set up the slide projector screen anymore! People can view at their convenience!
I enjoy seeing other great pictures, also. Of course, I don't see having time to look at strangers' photos very often, but it's nice to know they're out there if I have the time and the whim!
Flickr seems to be a great tool for photography and for uses of pictures for things such as posters and trading cards. These both are items that can be used in education to enhance learning. I will be taking more time to more fully explore this tool; especailly after reading some of the great ideas my classmates have come up with! Personally, it is a great way to share photos with family and friends - no need to invite people over and set up the slide projector screen anymore! People can view at their convenience!
I enjoy seeing other great pictures, also. Of course, I don't see having time to look at strangers' photos very often, but it's nice to know they're out there if I have the time and the whim!
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