WEEK 4 REFLECTION

Engagement Task 1: Resizing and uploading digital photos

The tool used in this engagement activity was Mobaphoto http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Graphic/Graphic-Editors/MobaPhoto.shtml

Once you have downloaded this software it’s a great tool to have. You can use it on any computer as long as you carry it on a flash drive with you. This program is so easy to use. The program is used to change the size of a picture file for either downloading or uploading. It makes it a quicker process because the file isn’t so big. One problem with this software is to make sure you keep the original picture as well. The original is a better quality. You don’t have to use this exact software it is free to download. There is many other converting software you may find on Google or you may already have. To convert photos you need a computer, not only a computer but an internet connection so you can download a software to use and to also upload the pictures. This tool for converting pictures to fit on the internet would be useful in many ways not only for the teacher, but also for the student. As a teacher you could use this in your class room when making web sites for the students to participate on or even for making a web site for parents to have a look at what their child has been doing in class. Taking pictures of their progress and projects and uploading it online so parents can have a look. Converting these pictures would not take as long uploading and not take up as much space. There might be a chance if you don’t convert it won’t fit.

Engagement Task 4: Digital Audio recordings

To make an Audio recording you need some sort of recording device or microphone. You are able to purchase headsets with built in microphones also most laptops have built in microphones. Many students own a mp3 or IPod touch or IPhone. These can all be used to make audio recordings. A school doesn’t need lots of these resources just 2 or 3 students can share if there isn’t enough money in the budget you need to look at your resources and use what is available. Making an Audio recording is a very useful tool it can be used in the classroom in so many ways. It’s exciting for kids to hear their own voices and have that shared with the class. You could use audio recordings for presentations using it in slideshows. Students can be confident with assessment because they don’t have to face crowds they can just have it listened to instead. They can edit recordings and be creative. I really enjoyed making a recording and also going on the Voki site and creating a character. I will definitely be using this tool in my class room! Students can have what home work needs to be done or even work activities said to them by different characters. Making learning and interaction so much more fun !

Engagement Task 6: Podcasting

Podcasting is the way of the future. Keeping teachers connected with parents or teachers connected with students. There are so many great ways you can use a podcast. Class lectures, audio tours, orals, School news, personal learning and much more. An idea I  had when I thought what kind of use could I  have using Podcast in My class room I thought about using it as rather than post cards you have podcast. Students can connect with students from multiple countries telling them what they have learnt and what they have been up to in the class room learning about different cultures and also learning to communicate with technology. Students can take ownership in the work they produce they can work in groups or on their own be creative. You don’t need an IPod you can research all different pod casts through Google. Podcast are a great way of learning because you do not need to be glued to the screen you can be exercising or doing anything all you need it to listen.

Engagement Task 7: Digital Video

Students can use digital video for projects. As the slideshow flicks through the children can also put their own digital audio with the movie Explaining facts and information on what is being shown. They can add music and express their knowledge on a subject. I think digital video is a great learning tool. You can download some software for free all you need is a computer and internet connection. Many schools have the opportunity to use computers why not let the students use them to express themselves.  An Idea I had was if you could get funding purchase some Ipods about (3) and let three children each week take one home for the weekend and take pictures or videos of their weekend, and on Monday they can come to school and produce a movie that can be played in front of the class. There are so many different activities you can do with this tool.