Technology Plan Progress Report

It's been awhile since my last posting about my Technology Action Research plan.  These last three months the school has been installing new equipment. During my last posting I discussed the board purchasing a variety of technology equipment but it was taking sometime to get everything I had presented to the board.  The school didn't have to purchase the new interactive Smart boards because someone donated the money. Now we have three new Smart boards they are in two of our academically higher functioning classrooms and the other is being used in the conference room. The school also purchased three ELMO document cameras, projectors, and touchscreen laptops.  I am pleased to see the technology within this school because it was so behind compare to other technologically savvy schools. They have finally moved towards the future and the betterment of their students.

Team Google Site

I had the pleasure of working with two new members for this semester group assignment.  I gain a new perspective on working with a group.  It was fun learning new things and relying on prior knowledge on certain techniques I learned from my previous classes.  I learned how to link pages within this site, especially, since  I didn't know how to accomplish the task until I played around with it for a couple of hours.  Phew!  It was worth the effort and I enjoyed working with my new team members.  Here's the link to our google site.


TechEd2Zone5366

C.R.A.P. Interesting Acronym for Design Principles

C. ---- Contrast
R. ---- Repetition
A. ---- Alignment
P. ----- Proximity

When I first read and saw the YouTube video on the four principles of design, the acronym threw me for a loop.  You would think to use the word C.R.A.P. to explain the basic principles of designing a variety of elements i.e. posters, business cards or websites.  Once I got over the initial shock and awe then I understand what my purpose was for this weeks project.  I chose Lewis Carroll's manuscript entitles Alice's Adventures Under Ground but we all know it as Alice in Wonderland.

Alice’s  Adventures Under Ground by Lewis Carroll

I discovered something interesting as I looked at the different manuscripts for this assignment.  I learned that Alice in Wonderland was originally called Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, it was also called Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.  I also learned the Lewis Carroll isn’t the author’s real name, his was Charles Dodgson. Carroll was his pen name. The signficance to this story was for entertaining the daugthers of a colleague, later his friend convinced him to publish the story.

Looking at the leather back cover it was nice to see how books were bonded together compare to how people read story in the 21st century.  Through e-Books, Nooks, iPads, and other electronic devices.  With electronics, we lose the true asthetic of reading literature and understanding the process of story writing.  

On page seven of Lewis Carroll’s book the only contrast within the text was two word “DRINK ME.”  http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/alice/accessible/images/page7full.jpg    The orignial manuscript was hand written, therefore he drew and create each font change and illustration in the book. He only used color ink (red) on the title page and at the beginning of each chapter. This was a continous pattern throughout his book.  The drawing also add a unique touch to his manuscript.  He choose to create line drawings without a hint of color. 

This is an excellent example of  text contrast, alignment usage and format proximity of the font. Throughout Lewis Carroll’s manuscript you  see the varying patterns between the handwritten letter in the story and the illustrations of the characters.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/alice/accessible/images/page28full.jpg  I like the format on this page because it shows contrast between the tradtional writings throughout his manuscript. I enjoyed see the orignal hand written text of Alice in Wonderland. I appreciate the shear history of typography.

Action Plan Update

Just a quick review about my Action Research Plan goal.

My goal was to establish a technology program at Avondale House, a private school for students with Autism.  The school had no form of technology in the classrooms, so for I began a seven month journey of researching computers (pricing),  SMART boards, ELMOS and Mobi viewers. I also setup various product conferences, in order for the teachers to get a better understanding of the different types of technology they could implement within their classes.  It was labor intensiveful but worth the work. Later I had to  create then present my proposal to the CEO of  Avondale and her financial committee, that was a little nerve racker but I got through it.  Starting next week the school will be getting everything e.g. touchscreen computers, ELMO, Smart boards, and much more.  I will post photos once everything is in place.  It is great to finally see my plan come to fruition.

Savvy Techs -- A Journey Through Matter

A Journey Through Matter
A Journey Through Matter by Savvy Techs- Shanna H. Flo W. Sara D. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.

Technology Proposal -- Success

Hooray!!!! Hooray for me and the students at Avondale House.  I met with my principal today about my proposal I presented to the committee last month.  I want to see how everything was progressing.  I received the best news because of my proposal packet was a hit  with the CEO therefore  Avondale will be purchase new SMART boards, MOBI viewers, and ELMO document cameras for the school.  Every meeting or presentation I arranged was excellent along with the detailed proposal packet it was the finally push they needed to make the decision to purchase new equipment for the students and teachers.  I am overjoyed because my action research plan is becoming a reality.  After two years and a little assistance for me, my principal's dream for Avondale is coming true.  Once the equipment is in place I will post photographs of the classes and get the teachers reaction to their new tools.   Can  I get a WHOO for Technology.

WHOO !!!!

   

Savvy Techs

Savvy Techs is the name of my group. This experience has been a good one because my team and I have great continuity and we respect each others point of view. The two ladies within my good are awesome, even thought we may work at different levels of teaching we are still able to obtain a common goal, creating an informative final project. This week will be interesting because we will discuss the final shots to our video. The types of matter is the main focus of our project and the students will be the center of the video they will be conducting the experiment. This will allow the students to instruct their fellow classmates on how matter changes. My group feels this would be used has an anticipatory set or a teaching tool for other 3rd grade classes. I can't wait to see the final product. This semester has be a time for learning and experimenting with new Web 2.0 tools for me and I've had my ups and downs with these tools.

iMovie Tutorial

Podcast Powered By Podbean

iMovie Tutorial by Flojean O. Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.

Web conference Reflection # 1

Sunday, November 18, 2012 was the first web conference for Multimedia and Video Technology class.  It was good to see Dr. Abernathy would be teaching this course.  Having the same instructor alleviates the anxiety about the professor's expectation for you in his or her class.  It's great to have a rapport with a previous professor, it helps the class to move smoother.  This initial conference was an introduction to the class especially for the students, who didn't have Dr. A last class.  I like the fact she expressed to us, not to get stressed or overwhelmed with the course load.  We were able to ask questions that pertained to our course load.  No questions was considered silly.  Overall the web conference was a success.

My Digital Story

Through the Eyes of an Artist by Flojean O.Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.

Multimedia Class

The term Multimedia is a very pregnant word which gives birth to several different means and interpretations.  Week one assignment as proven to be challenge task not of the reasons you may think. It's challenge in way of  self - discovering into who you are?  What motivates you in life?  How does one describe one's life in a few minutes or on a page?  This was the challenge for me.  Who is Flojean? and What is her passion for life?  I discovered that I have two passions art and teaching.  But now I have developed a new love that enhances the artist in me, technology.  Technology is an awesome tool that I will continue increase my knowledge and techniques.

Proposal for Technology

Today was a successful day, I had to present my proposal  for implementing a technology program to the CEO and principal of the private school where I'm interning.  They was impressed with all of the data I collected, how I compiled the information, and business quotes I received from three companies.  Phew!!  That's  a lot of work.  I had Kinkos bind the information so it would be professional.  The only concern was not the price but the accessibility of the companies.  Two of the tech companies were not local therefore if a problem was to arise, the school wouldn't be capable of having someone readily available.  As for the rest of the information it Rocked if I say so myself.  Now that I have presented my findings it's up to the committee to decide which path they will take.

Action Plan Update

The Plan Rolls On 

My action plan is moving along.  I am currently working on a proposal to present to the CEO, Development Director, Financial Manager and my Principal.  The proposal will entail information on price quotes for the MOBI viewer, Smart boards, ELMO projectors and AV carts for the school.  I've done a great deal of research on the pricing for each of these pieces of equipment.  Now I have present this information, in order to get the approval of these committee members then the information will be used in conjunction with a Grant proposal.  

No Pressure!  AGGGH!!  

I must be on top of my game when I present this information.  My proposal must be informative, but concise about the importance technology can play for the students and teachers.  I must also be capable of saving the school some money in order to get technology in this school.  I'm still compiling information for my proposal therefore all my bases will be covered and all questions will be answered.  I will keep you posted on how the proposal went.  

Wish me Luck.

Tour of T. H. Rogers (SMARTboards)

My action research plan is coming along.  I planned a SMART board observation tour at T. H. Rogers for the teachers on October 3, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.   Ms. Russell was showed us four classes that use assistive technology along with the SMART board.  The teachers were impressed with all of the technology, T.H. Rogers had for their teacher unlike their school.  Avondale House doesn't have any technology therefore I'm working hard to get them ready for the 21st century.  While on the tour we visited a PPCD class and a hearing-impaired class, so the teachers could observed how they implemented the technology within their lessons.  Some of the teachers took photos of how the boards were displayed in the class in order to show my site supervisor.  After the tour, I spoke with my site supervisor, she was pleased with what was discussed and with the pictures. Therefore she decided another tour was in order but this time she and the budget manager wanted to observe.  This observation will take place Friday, October 12, 2012.  I will keep you post on how it went.

Group Google Site

Now that our course has come to an end, I thought I would share my groups creation.  It was a tedious process but we were able to complete our task.   Hooray here's the final product, excellent work ladies.

EDLD 5364 Group Project Site

Voki Video Reflection

Throughout this year course, Teaching w/ Technology has been a true self learning experience because of the new Web 2. 0 tools I experimented with in order to accomplish  certain goals within my group.  I have much respect and praise for my team members.  Even though we had different perspectives, we were able to accomplish our common goal for this course.  

SMARTboard Meeting

Yesterday,  I had a webinar with the SMART tech representatives, along with  my site supervisor.  It was a very productive meeting.  My principal was able to ask all of the necessary questions about the technology.  The teachers main concern about the SMARTboards would the be conducive and durable if one of the students hit the boards.  The other concern was the expense of the interactive board.  The reps also discussed portable boards because she thought it would be better if she purchased portable board so they could be shared amongst the teachers.   But some of the teachers truly preferred  the MOBI boards compared to the SMARTboards.   Once the webinar concluded, I had a private meeting with my principal and the financial officer about which product would be feasible for the teachers and students.  They are also considering the Apple TV system, therefore it's up in the air about which path they will go.  Lastly, we will be attended a  MOBI workshop on Wednesday, September 26 th, because my principal wants to see how the program works in a classroom setting.   I am pleased my project is moving forward.  Stay tune for more updates.

MOBI Technology Rocks !!

On Monday, September 17,  2012 the eInstruction representative came to my site school with a presentation on the MOBI interactive whiteboard.  It was fascinating to learn about the different aspects of this interactive whiteboard.  The board itself is the size of a tablet and you do all of work from the board.  In my opinion its better for classroom management because the teacher is not attached to the SMART board.  With the MOBI  the teacher is able to walk around the classroom and observe which students are on or off task.  It had some excellent features and it's compatible with all types of software.

The teacher seem to be pleased with the MOBI presentation and the school technology specialist thought is would be perfect fit.  As for my principal she wanted to see how the MOBI worked in a classroom setting before she makes her finally decision.  Today my principal contacted other school that just recently purchased the program, in order for us to see how they implement it within their school.  For the most part the teacher truly enjoyed the presentation and they were eager to learn about new technology for their school.  Even though the presentation was on Monday, they are still talking about the MOBI and when can they get it.  The final decision is up to the CEO and principal of the school but  I know they are leaning towards getting the system.

MOBI VIEW ROCKS !!!!

Context Clues

Context Clues by Flo willia2 on GoAnimate

Animated Presentations - Powered by GoAnimate.

I enjoy using the GoAnimate website to create new videos. This is an excellent tool for teachers to implement in their class, especially if you want to foster the creative side of your students. It's kid friendly, if they can work a PSP or Wii they can surely work on GoAnimate website. This website will help them to express their love for technology along with create mini videos with a variety of characters.

eBook creation

Here's a pic of my character C.C.



Here a copy of my eBook creation.  The illustrations were created by yours truly, the ebook was created on the UDL Book Builder website.

http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=share&book=ee40e622968e05173eaeda3270a62359&sid=9556