I am quite new to the Apple equipment presented in Tony Vincent’s Project Based Learning Video, but it interested me.  The program used to make the video was interesting to me because all you had to do was swipe the pictures as you were narrating the video! This can be a very useful tool to involve students in their own work.  They feel like they are being accountable because they are using equipment and technology.  It was also nice to see that there is a free version of the program.

This was a nicely set up presentation, but having the Vice President video going on in the background while giving instructions on the side panel was very distracting to me.  A few minutes of the video were okay, but after a few minutes of the Vice President video, I literally lost interest.  I appreciate the instructions that I learned though.  This was a great way to introduce a new manner to make a new kind of presentation.

I really got a lot out of this video because he provided instructions for the structure of the projects.  I’ve created presentations for a while now and they come to me quite easily, but having a different viewpoint on how to introduce these projects with different kinds of technology and equipment will allow me to keep my students’ attentions.

My screencasting assignment on Screenr was a bit frustrating.  It wasn’t frustrating because of the program, but because of the internet connection in my dorm.  I had to redo it a few times to accomodate it.  Otherwise, the Screenr project was quite simple to understand.

Link to My Screencast

My First Screencast:

     A Pecha Kucha presentation is a 20 slide slideshow with a 20 second interval between each slide.  This presentation can be over pretty much anything, but it helps if it is over a subject you are interested in or know something about.  What makes a great Pecha Kucha or makes it stand out from mediocre ones is great images, layout, and a great dialogue.  The person presenting must get the audience’s attention and speak clearly and audibly.

     As a result of this assignment, I learned ways of attaining images from various internet places without the fear of copyright infringement.  I also learned that Pecha Kucha presentations can come in various formats ranging from focusing on the images, to letting the images sit in the background of the speaker.

     I plan to teach on the High School level, so I think Pecha Kucha assignments would be great for my students.  These presentations would increase the student’s self-confidence when speaking in front of a group of people and also confidence gathering information for themselves.  This assignment would also help High School students learn about copyright infringement issues and fair use policy.

     I am quite fond of my final Scratch project! I think it is rather cute.  I worked very hard, and I figured out how to use the broadcast feature.  This really cleared my frustrations with the program.  It let me control my backgrounds and sprites better which made for a better experience in creating this.  I hope you enjoy my Scratch project!  I worked very hard on it.  I am surprised at what I have accomplished and I am proud to say it is mine.

Link to Final Scratch Project

First Scratch Project

Second Scratch Project

     I really think that I have learned more this week on Scratch.  I am actually proud of what I created this week.  It took me longer that I thought it would take me, but I am happy with the results.  The time was well spent.  I learned how to switch backgrounds, but I was not able to keep the backgrounds from becoming mixed up when you restart the presentation.

!Bobby\’s Basketball!