Before taking the ED609 Technology Applications for Educators, I only used a handful of services and tech tools, mostly those were the ones I needed for filmmaking. But this course gave me numerous opportunities to explore and play with new forms of technology that I would never have heard of before taking this class. In the long run, these tools will help me inside the classroom. A tool is anything that can make a chore or life easier and ED609 definitely gave me the chance to become more proficient with these tech tools. Although I did hear of a few of the tool covered in class, ED609 gave me a venue and the time to take a closer look at these tools. Normally I usually have a lot on my plate and don't get a chance to play with new gadgets. Below are eight tools I used during this semester. I rated them from one through 5, with 5 being the highest.
https://moodle.org/
MOODLE – Before I started attending the University of
Guam, I never heard of the MOODLE, honestly the first time I hear the
instructor mention it during my masters program I actually thought she said
Noodle. I guess I was hungry when my instructor was discussing this platform.
With over 10 years of development
behind this open learning management system, it is found in over 200 countries
with over 100 languages with 70,000 universities, colleges, school and
corporations that use and trust this platform
MOODLE stands for Modular
Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. This is an open learning
management system or LMS. According to MOODLE’s web site, it brags that it’s
the most widely used LMS in the world. It’s a free online LMS that enables
educators to create their own private website filled with dynamic courses that
extends learning anywhere and anytime of the day.
Both teachers can upload their content,
gradable assignments and quizzes, plus it allows students to interact with
collaborative activities to make the class and learning fun. In the past I’ve
used this to answer prompts and then interacted with other students to create a
learning environment. See more about MOODLE. Getting started with Moodle, http://moodle.une.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=80956
I
Ranked Moodle 5 stars out of 5
FIREFOX - I began using this free web browser shortly after it launched nearly 13 years ago (2002), but it used called another name, . Both Google and Firefox were my two favorite browsers before I enrolled in ED609 Technology Applications for Educators, although I still use theses browsers, mostly by habit, I did come across a couple of other browsers that I really liked using, but I will discuss them later.
Firefox quickly became popular largely because of its speed and security.
When Firefox was originally it was called Phoenix |
Firefox quickly became popular largely because of its speed and security.
This browser can be used with Windows, OS X, Linux and a mobile version of Android. Firefox can be quickly downloaded from its site (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
As of December 2014, Firefox claims there are globally a half a billion users.
There is also anti-virus software checks built-in the Firefox to check for viruses that could attack you computer while you are surfing and downloading files. with each downloaded file. For those multitasking students, Firefox also allows you to open a number of tabs so you can view more than one site at a time. To see more about Firefox.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtOGa5M8AuU
I Ranked Firefox 5 stars out of 5
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl
But Google is more than a search engine. Its main intentions when the company was launched in 1998 was to organize all of the information that is on the World Wide Web. No Google offers so much more on so many different levels. While taking ED 609, my horizons really opened up when I discovered all the tools that can be valuable when you are preparing for a lesson plan. There are the applications for personal use, for educational, and other tools that offer assistance to businesses.
Google gives back to the community and offers a number of free applications that can be applied to help educators and educational institutions such as gmail, chats, video conferencing, Blogger, Google DOCs, and Google Forums, etc.
When Google's Thomas Petra visited our class, he mentioned that GDOE gets google apps for educators with unlimited space and offers faculty email.
Although Google does everything for free, there are often times when advertising will pop up. Other features that are included with GDOE is Google drive, Google Docs. Google can also simulate a classroom setting with hang out, circles and a feed back button to have students give their thoughts. Learn more about Google Drive http://googledrive.blogspot.com/
Google Slides is another tool that competes with PowerPoint which will help both students and educator prepare for a lesson or class presentation. The learning curb is fairly easy. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl
Although there are a lot of advertisments, I still think this has a lot to offer. I still give it a 5 stars out of 5.
Prezi https://prezi.com/
Although Prezi is a free presentation tool, once you finish your presentation it is available for the whole world to see and tap into. If you want to protect your creation, then Prezi offers you a couple of plans where you would make monthly payments. But for me, free is always good. When I first started the making presentation in the MAT program I used PowerPoint. Then I wanted my presentations to stay out above my other classmates. For my second presentation I decided to use Prezi and I was the first person in Cohort 11 to use it. Afterwards a couple of people approached me on how to use it. When given the opportunity I will always use Prezi it because it is bold, uses a lot of motion with its smooth pans and zooms, which can help highlight a topic.
As the creator molds the presentation, its a good idea to have a story line, similar to how a filmmaker has his shooting script, that way it makes it easier to map out where you want your images, video and text to go. Images and videos are can easily embedded into the program.
I felt there was a learning curb, but because I know how to edit film, i feel this is a great tool for both educators and students.
Click her for a demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2_6bfVc9lo
As of December 2014, Firefox claims there are globally a half a billion users.
There is also anti-virus software checks built-in the Firefox to check for viruses that could attack you computer while you are surfing and downloading files. with each downloaded file. For those multitasking students, Firefox also allows you to open a number of tabs so you can view more than one site at a time. To see more about Firefox.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtOGa5M8AuU
I Ranked Firefox 5 stars out of 5
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl
Over the years, the word Google has become synonymous with the word search. When people can't figure out an answer or needs help finding something on the Internet, they will just say "Google it!"
But Google is more than a search engine. Its main intentions when the company was launched in 1998 was to organize all of the information that is on the World Wide Web. No Google offers so much more on so many different levels. While taking ED 609, my horizons really opened up when I discovered all the tools that can be valuable when you are preparing for a lesson plan. There are the applications for personal use, for educational, and other tools that offer assistance to businesses.
Google gives back to the community and offers a number of free applications that can be applied to help educators and educational institutions such as gmail, chats, video conferencing, Blogger, Google DOCs, and Google Forums, etc.
When Google's Thomas Petra visited our class, he mentioned that GDOE gets google apps for educators with unlimited space and offers faculty email.
Although Google does everything for free, there are often times when advertising will pop up. Other features that are included with GDOE is Google drive, Google Docs. Google can also simulate a classroom setting with hang out, circles and a feed back button to have students give their thoughts. Learn more about Google Drive http://googledrive.blogspot.com/
Google Slides is another tool that competes with PowerPoint which will help both students and educator prepare for a lesson or class presentation. The learning curb is fairly easy. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl
Although there are a lot of advertisments, I still think this has a lot to offer. I still give it a 5 stars out of 5.
As
our students to become 21st century thinkers, we as educator need to find better ways to assign
classwork. LveBinders is an excellent tool that enhances the learning
environment, instead of handing out work sheets, teachers can now create and
assign online projects. Students can complete their work and place it in a
digital folder and from their it can be graded and assessed at a faster speed.
In
addition, through this assistive technology, teachers can also address,
customize and personalize learning activities for diverse learners by creating
different learning styles and strategies. LiveBinders is a form of
technology that will benefit students as education goes to hyperdrive. Students
can also use LiveBinders as online tool where they can collect, share, reflect,
and grow from their learning. Here is a link to the site http://www.livebinders.com/welcome/home
ED 609 introduced me to this service. I will use this more once I get my own students.
I Ranked LiveBinder 5 stars out of 5
I Ranked LiveBinder 5 stars out of 5
Prezi https://prezi.com/
Although Prezi is a free presentation tool, once you finish your presentation it is available for the whole world to see and tap into. If you want to protect your creation, then Prezi offers you a couple of plans where you would make monthly payments. But for me, free is always good. When I first started the making presentation in the MAT program I used PowerPoint. Then I wanted my presentations to stay out above my other classmates. For my second presentation I decided to use Prezi and I was the first person in Cohort 11 to use it. Afterwards a couple of people approached me on how to use it. When given the opportunity I will always use Prezi it because it is bold, uses a lot of motion with its smooth pans and zooms, which can help highlight a topic.
As the creator molds the presentation, its a good idea to have a story line, similar to how a filmmaker has his shooting script, that way it makes it easier to map out where you want your images, video and text to go. Images and videos are can easily embedded into the program.
I felt there was a learning curb, but because I know how to edit film, i feel this is a great tool for both educators and students.
Click her for a demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2_6bfVc9lo
I Ranked Prezi 5 stars out of 5
Convert2mp3.net http://convert2mp3.net/en/index.php?p=home
The is a Free online video converter that lets you convert Youtube videos into simple MP4 files that can then easily be embedded into your PowerPoint, Prezi and Google Slides presentation. In the past I used this to convert video footage that was found on Youtube, I used to use the footage as B-Roll whenever I did a time piece that needed old historical footage for the news.
The is a Free online video converter that lets you convert Youtube videos into simple MP4 files that can then easily be embedded into your PowerPoint, Prezi and Google Slides presentation. In the past I used this to convert video footage that was found on Youtube, I used to use the footage as B-Roll whenever I did a time piece that needed old historical footage for the news.
In addition to converting video into MP4, convert2mp3.net can also download your music for free. In addition to Youtube videos, this can also convert videos from Dailymotion, Vero and Clipfish online to MP3, MP4 and more. It´s fast, free and the best part is there is no registration needed.
Here's how it works, you locate the video on Youtube, so copy the URL and insert it into the converter. The person then needs to select the format they would like their footage to be converted into and then select convert. Depending on how big the files are, the convert time is usually very fast.
I ranked Convert2mp3.net 5 stars out of 5
https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
A lot of times you are looking to add music into your independent film or presentation. Well GarageBand is the perfect software that will allows you to create music. It works with OS x and iOS.
GarageBand's music and podcast creation system allows users to EASILY create multiple tracks with pre-made MIDI keyboards, music loops and voice recording can be made.
GarageBand has a complete sound library that includes software instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and virtual session drummers. An intuitive interface makes it easy to learn, play, record, create, and share your hits worldwide. This software really makes it easy to make music like a professional composer. I tinkered with the older version of GarageBand a few times for various productions. I was nice to revisit this program. I feel I will use this to add music tracks to my Prezi or Google Slides.
I ranked GarageBan 5 stars out of 5
http://www.oovoo.com/http://www.oovoo.com/
OOVOO - In the past I used Google Chat and Skype, but in ED609 I was introduced to Oovoo which is a free instant messaging, voice, and video chat. ooVoo allows high quality video and audio calls and up to twelve people from different locations can join in the chat. It can be used with the Personal Computer (PC) or Mac and it can handle phones calls to landlines and cell phones. The calls to the landline and cell phones will require a fee.
Although I used this in class, I recently tried this out with my wife who is currently in Australia (June 30- July 8, 2015) representing Guam . She was selected by Guam Track and Field to run the 10k.
http://www.guampdn.com/story/sports/2015/07/04/macaluso-runs-best/29697889/
We decided to try out OOVOO. There were moments where the video on her end was very pixelated. But for the most part the video was alright. I think my wife was a little frustrated with OOVOO because she felt the quality wasn't as good as Skype.
Although it was frustrated at time talking with my wife, I was still able to hear her and the most important part is its free.
I ranked oovoo 4 stars out of 5 -
References:
https://moodle.org/
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl
http://www.livebinders.com/welcome/home
https://prezi.com/
http://convert2mp3.net/en/index.php?p=home
https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
http://www.oovoo.com/http://www.oovoo.com/
Guam PDN sports -
http://www.guampdn.com/story/sports/2015/07/04/macaluso-runs-best/29697889/
Here's how it works, you locate the video on Youtube, so copy the URL and insert it into the converter. The person then needs to select the format they would like their footage to be converted into and then select convert. Depending on how big the files are, the convert time is usually very fast.
I ranked Convert2mp3.net 5 stars out of 5
https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
A lot of times you are looking to add music into your independent film or presentation. Well GarageBand is the perfect software that will allows you to create music. It works with OS x and iOS.
GarageBand's music and podcast creation system allows users to EASILY create multiple tracks with pre-made MIDI keyboards, music loops and voice recording can be made.
GarageBand has a complete sound library that includes software instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and virtual session drummers. An intuitive interface makes it easy to learn, play, record, create, and share your hits worldwide. This software really makes it easy to make music like a professional composer. I tinkered with the older version of GarageBand a few times for various productions. I was nice to revisit this program. I feel I will use this to add music tracks to my Prezi or Google Slides.
I ranked GarageBan 5 stars out of 5
http://www.oovoo.com/http://www.oovoo.com/
OOVOO - In the past I used Google Chat and Skype, but in ED609 I was introduced to Oovoo which is a free instant messaging, voice, and video chat. ooVoo allows high quality video and audio calls and up to twelve people from different locations can join in the chat. It can be used with the Personal Computer (PC) or Mac and it can handle phones calls to landlines and cell phones. The calls to the landline and cell phones will require a fee.
Although I used this in class, I recently tried this out with my wife who is currently in Australia (June 30- July 8, 2015) representing Guam . She was selected by Guam Track and Field to run the 10k.
http://www.guampdn.com/story/sports/2015/07/04/macaluso-runs-best/29697889/
We decided to try out OOVOO. There were moments where the video on her end was very pixelated. But for the most part the video was alright. I think my wife was a little frustrated with OOVOO because she felt the quality wasn't as good as Skype.
Although it was frustrated at time talking with my wife, I was still able to hear her and the most important part is its free.
Picture of me and my son talking to mommy. |
I ranked oovoo 4 stars out of 5 -
References:
https://moodle.org/
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl
http://www.livebinders.com/welcome/home
https://prezi.com/
http://convert2mp3.net/en/index.php?p=home
https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
http://www.oovoo.com/http://www.oovoo.com/
Guam PDN sports -
http://www.guampdn.com/story/sports/2015/07/04/macaluso-runs-best/29697889/