Getting to Know You

This class is currently structured as a survey of basic desktop and internet browser-based software applications such as word processing tools, spreadsheets, presentations, and multimedia tools. I would like to explore context specific problems and issues. That will have to come from you.

Currently I know you as a class roster list, which is insufficient for our purposes. Please look at the course goals section of the syllabus and create a blog post concerning some of the terms that are in bold, as they relate to your current (or proposed) professional situation. This activity is a chance for you to begin to articulate context specific issues you may reflect upon during the semester. These items might complement other coursework. What can you tell the class about your personal inquiry interests, problems of personal relevance, issues of personal and/or social importance?

Microsoft Photo Story 3 This assignment is for Windows users only. Mac users please email me for further instructions. How does one create a digital movie for the Internet without a camera? You can now create slide shows using your digital photos. How much is this program? FREE. We will use this program later in the presentation module to teach a lesson, but for now the assignment is to tell your story using pictures and narration using Microsoft Photo Story. "Digital Storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, thereby giving deep dimension and vivid color to characters, situations, experiences, and insights. Tell your story now digitally." - Leslie Rule, Center for Digital Storytelling

This activity you will explore using Photo Story to tell your story. Have fun please.

Download and install Microsoft Photo Story and create a project, based upon still images, that will serve as a self introduction to the class. Add voice narration over your project. You have to have a microphone for this activity. Export your project as a movie. The My Video folder is a good option for storing your work on your computer. This will change your file from a Photo Story project which have a ( .wp3 ) file extension to a Windows Media File (.wmv ) file extension. View your exported project (movie) by double clicking on it. It should open in Windows Media Player. Publish your movie online. Huh? How? Where? Register for a You Tube or Teacher Tube account. Both will allow you to upload video and publish it where we can see it. Here is a YouTube exampleand an another example that is on the student's ftp site.

Knowing the Group Does anyone have any experience in online document sharing? Buckle up. You are about to. The big question of course is "How could I use this technology in my class"?

Things to consider. The document in question is a spreadsheet. The document is published as a web page. The document may be shared with people. This is the same technology as the word processor used in the resume activity. I will invite you to edit the document. You fill in the blanks. Distributed work! Less typing for me! Get it?