So we have been putting in a lot of work in our units and some on our museum. These assignments require us to think outside the box (or comfort zone) to make Social Studies lessons powerful and meaningful. Within in this, I have been trying to get use to new avenues of technology (which is one of my goals on my PDP) so that I can present lesson/ assignments on something other than a PowerPoint. Fortunately, I came across something called Powtoons. Powtoons is a free Internet software where you create animated videos. It allows you to add images, movement, music, voice overs and much more. I was going to try to use it in my wisdom from experience assignment, but I think I was over thinking it and was therefore unable to bring it together.
I definitely think that Powtoons is a great asset to the technology resources that I am endeavoring to learn.So far, I have enjoyed getting to know all that it can do on Powtoons and playing with the voice over tools. I know that if I gave it more time, I could master me a Powtoons video and probably love it. If you guys find yourself in need of a new technology tool, for this class or any other class, give Powtoons a chance.
Next Challenge... a Prezi Presentation..
Connect the Standards
d. Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.
Teachers know when and how to use technology to maximize student learning. Teachers help students use technology to learn content, think critically, solve problems, discern reliability,use information, communicate, innovate, and collaborate.
1.Integrates technology with instruction to maximize students’ learning.
Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI am glad we could have a conversation last week. Remember, you always have the opportunity to submit your work for formative feedback. Also, taking the time to self-assess your work will be very beneficial.
Yes, Powtoon is a great tool. What are your thoughts for integrating this tool into your future classroom?
Crystal, I'm proud of you for pressing in. I believe in this profession the feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed will not go away once we graduate, instead they will intensify. There will be administrators that don't see eye-to-eye with us, parents that seem to be uncooperative and students that we try mightily but cannot seem to reach. I believe we will be frustrated with ourselves as well. The best thing we can do is "forget those things which lie behind and straining toward what is ahead". Philippians 3:13 ESV
ReplyDeleteEven just a few weeks into this semester, I feel like I have learned a great deal about practical technology I can use in my classroom (I'll check out PowToon, thank you for that...and Prezi...trust me, if I can do it, so can you. BTW, how do you submit a link properly again?!)and pursuing excellence in teaching based on the standards (if I don't have a direction, how will I measure my progress?). That's not to say I have mastered these ideals but I can at least formulate a scaffold (or outline) to build on. Keep pounding and stay prayed up. You got this!
Crystal I agree with Melissa there may come hard times but we will have to press on. I myself get overwhelmed very often and question what I am doing, as matter of fact last summer I actually was considering another career path. I also struggle with time management but I buckle down an force myself to do so. I personally believe that teaching is my calling in life
ReplyDeleteOne of my PDP goals is researching technology too but for alternatives to lecturing. I have used prezi before I have never used Powtoons and I'll probably give it a try. You can do this working with new technology isn't hard I actually find it fun and I believe you will too.