Module+1+Reflection

Week 1 Reflection


 * Describe:** This past week I used technology in a variety of different ways. I recently purchased a new software program for my MacBook called SketchBook Pro, which is basically Microsoft Paint on performance enhancing drugs. With this program I was able to create locker designs for my 8th grade boys basketball players. I was able to take some generic clipart and turn it into a logo that should turn heads. On a weekly basis I use a variety of presentation formats such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, and even the Mimio software that has been provided by my school district. This week in particular I used Microsoft Word (boring I realize, but much nicer than my handwriting) to display my vocabulary words of the day and my topic of the day discussions. Due to the fact that I am introducing new material this week was primarily used to present that information through PowerPoint and MimioTools, which allows me to hand write within Microsoft Word and draw pictures, etc. I do consider my class note intensive, but the majority of my students are able to keep interested with my presentation style especially when I add random pictures within my PowerPoints.


 * Impact:** If I am able to find an appropriate amusing or odd picture I like to include those images to give my students a break in the action, and it does make note taking a little more exciting. What I have found with my subject area is many students enter 8th grade having a distaste for history, and if I can make the information exciting and different using technology, like PowerPoint or Mimio that allows me to get my students involved I find more students engaged in history than they may have ever been.


 * Intent:** My intentions with the locker design is to create unity among the basketball players because they are all being recognized equally hopefully creating a team atmosphere. As far as the Presentation formats, I am constantly changing and adding new ideas and technologies in an effort to create constant thinking and engagement among my students. I am moving away from the old style of lecture notes of simply showing the notes reading the information and testing the students on the information. My hope is when students leave for the high school they will have a new sense of appreciation for history and technology.