Week 6

Wow only two more classes left.  It seems like EDT 211 has flown by and I can't believe how much new technology and tools we have discovered along the way.  I was impressed by the weebly's I used to complete my three learning module activities.  It was nice to see other students took the time to put together some great sites that the fall students will be able to use during their one credit course.  I also found the Meyer's Briggs test module to be quite interesting.  It was surprising how close the results appeared to describe me.  Since Mike and I created the digital storytelling weebly, I will have to create a portfolio for my final project.  I looked at the portfolio weebly and some examples and they look pretty neat so hopefully mine will come out well.  I also hope everybody who chooses to make a digital story finds our weebly helpful and clear.

Pre Week 6

Fortunately, the digital storytelling learning module turned out quite well.  I am proud of what Mike and I were able to put together after taking the time to research and learn what a digital story is. They can incorporate images, music, sound effects, video clips, and voiceover into a neat video story that usually runs for two to five minutes.  I was impressed by how easy Weebly was to use.  It was very convenient and I never felt confused on how to add or change something.  I am looking forward to seeing how everyone else's learning modules turned out.

Week 5

Week 5 had it's share of surprises.  Mike and I are working on our learning modules for a Phase 3 final resume and a digital story.  Neither of us had ever made a digital story but saw a few on Youtube and during the class presentations and thought they seemed pretty neat to create.  Unfortunately, Hannah and Tiffany informed us that they are much more involved than a simple powerpoint presentation.  Hannah shared with us that she had gone to a 3-day workshop to create her own digital story.  Although it will be very challenging to create the digital story learning module, hopefully Mike and I can learn enough this week to be able to direct a stranger how to create one.  If not, we may have to pick a different idea.

Week 4

Well week 4 went by pretty smooth.  I noticed on the syllabus we were going to be grouped with a partner that we would be working with during the rest of the course so I was curious who I would be working with.  While cooperative learning has a variety of benefits, there is always a chance to be placed with someone who lacks motivation.  Luckily, I am working with Mike Coppa who has been a great partner this week.  We communicated well with each other and worked on our project when it was convenient for both of our schedules.  I look forward to working with Mike during the rest of the course and am thankful to have him as my partner.

Halfway There

Wow already half way through the class.  That flew by pretty quick.  So far, it has not been too bad for my first summer class, although it has been a bit of a juggling act going to class, doing homework, working two jobs, going to the gym, and trying to find some free time to hang out with the girlfriend and some of my buddies. I can't complain too much though because I'm sure anyone with kids has me beat lol.  Having no homework to worry about last week was very convenient and appreciated, especially with my 21st birthday on Memorial Day.  Having a planned schedule each week has really helped me to avoid procrastinating so I have not felt too stressed out.  I may reward myself by skipping summer classes next year though.  Although more credits will help me graduate sooner, I am not in too big of a hurry to begin working the rest of my life.  Anyhow, each EDT 211 class seems slightly unpredictable and I am curious what will be in store next time.

Week 2

I thought our second class went pretty well.  Time flies by when your learning and trying new things instead of listening to a lecture for three hours.  The Google survey creator was neat and easy to use and I will probably take advantage of that free service in the future.  I have never taken a summer class before but it is not so bad.  It is a bit strange having homework during the nice weather but I know knocking a few extra credit hours out of the way now will be worth it in the long run.  I am very thankful to currently have such a supportive group.  Everybody has taken the time to work on our annotated bibliography, survey, and presentation which has been great.

Week 1

I'll admit I was a little concerned about the class format at first but after some explanation and discussion, the active learning strategy that Mike and Tiffany plan to use sounds interesting and effective.  The digital stalking activity was a great ice breaker and real eye opener on how much you can find about a stranger online.  I plan on deleting my facebook once I begin looking for a teaching job because i think it will only make the job searching process easier.
So far, my only concern in the class is receiving a good grade that appears to be based mostly on participation.  It seemed that several students were trying to post any little detail during the formation of the annotated bibliography rubric in order to be recognized that they had contributed and should be credited with participation.  I am going to assume that project completion and group participation will be a larger factor when determining our grade by the end of the course so it should not be a problem.  I felt very relieved when Tiffany mentioned at the end of class that she had no problem handing out an "A" to every student if we all put forth an effort to learn and contribute during work with out group and partners.  I plan on staying enrolled in the course and look forward to becoming more tech-savy so that I can incorporate technology in my own classroom someday.