Screencast for Glogster Training

Below is a screencast that I created in Jing to use for my Glogster teacher training. I wanted to be able to show my actual glog that I use to train my student's how to create their own Glogster posters. My log shows the different features available to use to create a glog such as uploading photo's, video's, audio, and the different options available on the toolbar.


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Animoto and Screencasting

Today I was scheduled to have my "formal observation" during second period computer class with half of the fifth grade class. Of course I chose the best, most well-behaved students for this observation. I also chose this class because of the new Animoto project I had just introduced last week. I began last weeks class with this short video about Animoto.

We discussed web 2.0 and how it differs from web 1.0. I then showed them several Animoto videos I have created to show them the different background choices, the different music available, the use of photographs and clip art, and text that can be inserted. Together, we navigated our way around the website so that they would be a little familiar with where tools were located and how to create the video.

Today, we reviewed the differences between web 1.0 and web 2.0. I then I quickly transitioned into their first Animoto project which was to create their own video using photographs that were taken at Fairview Outdoor School just last week. The director sent them home with sixteen PowerPoint presentations that I saved onto 16 CD's. I modeled how to upload the photo's on the PowerPoint presentations to the student's desktop. The class then reviewed the process by verbally retelling me each step to complete the process. I distributed the CD's to eleven students. It was time to get to work!
Then, in walked to additional student's who were no supposed to be there due to making up testing that our school had last week. GRRRRRR! This would have been the perfect time to have had a screencast on the whole uploading photo's process. These two student's could have sat t their computers and watched the screen cast and I could have continued to help the other eleven students with their Animoto project.

They student's finished out the rest of the class choosing which photo's they wanted to use and uploaded those to their desktop. Meanwhile, I was demonstrating the procedure for the second time to the two late arrivals.

Oh, and by the way. My principal never showed up for my observation! She was mistaken and thought it was for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 27th. Good for me that I have the other half of the fifth grade class tomorrow who will also be doing the same Animoto project.

Glogster Introduction

Glogster is a tool that allows users to create posters to express information. They are multi-media posters that can include text, images, and video. For use in the classroom- the possibilities are endless! Teachers can create glogs for their students to use and students can make glogs for projects.

Instead of using powerpoint to present your lecture- try using glogster! You can include text and images that relate to the material. You can link to additional web resources. It’s an easy, clean way to present information to students. When you finish lecturing, the glogs can be posted online for the students to refer back to later to study for the test.

Glogs can also be used as part of a webquest activity. Teachers can link to websites that contain valuable information. Videos and graphics can be embedded right into the glog so the information is neatly in one place. These webquests are easy to create and the students will have fun exploring the glog.

Students will also love to create their own glogs! Instead of printing our pictures and messing with scissors and glue, images and video can be added right to their glogs. They can express an event in history, a science concept, characters in a story, or math concepts. The value they will get out of the project will depend on the assignment they are given. Assignment should be structured so that they are providing valuable information, but can also use they creativity and express themselves!

Cloud to Replace Personal Computers by 2013

Gartner, the world's leading IT research firm has predicted that personal cloud services will replace the traditional PC as the main form of business computing by 2014. Gartner goes on to explain that analysts have identified five "megatrends" that they predict will come together and start the turn around to using the cloud. He describes them as: the consumerist ion of tech, virtualization, and the dramatic increase in user mobility.

Gartner explains that trends in computing have shifted away from personal computers to a broader perspective that includes smartphones, tablets, and other consumer devices. The new cloud service will be the glue that connects the web of devices that users choose to access at different times throughout their day.

Jeff Saginor from Digital Trends States that the cloud is no doubt part of the future. It is cost effective and you can customize it in a way that a traditional PC cannot be customized. The cloud becomes a your own collection of programs, settings, and files that follow you around each day, on any device you've got.

The ever-looming question of security is also something to consider according to Saginor. He reminds us of the huge Dropbox mistake that resulted in allowing anyone to access anyone's else's account.

Saginor ends with the statement that a lot can happen in two years. However, Gartner feels the benefits of the cloud will far outweigh the risks.

What do you think? Do you use cloud storage now? Do you see yourself using it in the near future? Do you think it is safe and secure?

Found in Digital Trends by Jeff Saginor March12, 2012
http://news.yahoo.com/pc-deathwatch-cloud-replace-personal-computers-2014-says-000409560.html