Just Submitted Last Project

Wahoo!! I'm done.  I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this class.  I have come to realize that there is so much to learn.  There are so many free sites with some really cool tools out there on the web just waiting to be learned.  I sometimes feel that I don't have the time to learn however, for the digital learner I need to make the time for them.  I am so excited that I took the time to go back to school.

My e-Portfolio

I was sitting down here at the beginning of this week trying to see what option I wanted to complete for Module #4.  This is my 1st Graduate class at Clarion so I thought that I did not have much to work with for option #1.  However, after reading Kristen's post about eBooks, I viewed Dr. John's video and it seemed to me that it was more relevant since it is supposed to be a "work in progress".  After I went on the myebook web site I find myself actually having fun creating my e-Portfolio.  This blog thing really works! Who knew! :)

New Equipment

My very old desktop computer had been giving me a lot of problems the last few months.  So this weekend, with all the back to college sales going on, I purchased a new laptop computer.  Now I really know that this class has paid off !! I am not going to purchase Office 2010, as I was encouraged, because I know that I can use Google docs.  I have been talking to so many people about Google docs lately that one might think they are paying me to promote it. 

I went into school this week to meet someone and my principal was there and asked me if I was taking my classes yet (since I am on a sabbatical) and I began to tell him about everything that I have learned.  Then I realized that I could show him my "virtual field-trip".  He loved it and asked that when I come back maybe I could show some of the other motivated teachers what I have done and how I did it.

Now I think that could be a good in-service day!

Digital Story

I just wanted to state that this is such a wonderful idea.  I keep thinking it is such a cool way to make a presentation (storytelling) about all the members of my family that are no longer with us.  I have a huge family (24 first cousins) and every year we have a Christmas party with about 100+ there.  I really want to make something to remember them this year.  I just want to get started soon.  I will have to try to collaborate with other members of the family so I can get some photo's and information.  I Love it!

Microsoft vs. Other Software

I would have to say that at first, I was really impressed with the Google Doc's software that is available to the public at no cost.  However, after using it for a few days I am beginning to see the flaws with it.  I can be, at times, impatient and when the Internet freezes or gives me an error message I tend to go crazy.  While I was trying to complete my presentation assignment last night this is what was happening to me.  Just like anything in life, if you want less hassle sometimes it costs money.  So depending what I am using the software for I guess that would decide if I should use Google Doc's or Microsoft.

On a second note, my husband and I are going to use pirate pad this week.  ha ha

My Field Trip

As I am making this "out side the classroom" field trip, I realize that more and more schools are going to be saying no to field trip requests.  I think that some administrators feel that field trips are a "day off" for the teachers.  I am making a trip about how a bill begins and what happens till it becomes a law.  This will work wonders for my law class.  I am so excited.

Reflection of Google

I have been thinking about all the potential that google doc's can offer me and I think that it is mind blowing.  In my school district I am faced with not all students even have a computer at home let alone Office.  With what little I have learned so far, I really think that the google doc's will become a hug learning tool with my students.

1st day

I feel behind a lot.... this is my 1st class with Clarion University and I did not even know about Desire to Learn link.... I am glad the Katie sat beside me because she has shown me everything tonight.  Thanks Katie ...

I am really excited about learning how to use google docs.  I know that I will be showing this to my students next year.