This course in its entirety has really given me insight into the world of teaching today. This day and age, new technologies are popping up left and right and it is our job as teachers to stay updated with them. I have talked to several veteran teachers who say, "Oh I do not use that program" or, "I don't keep an updated website because I am not tech-savvy." They are good teachers, but it is still necessary to learn what is being used in today's classroom.
Before this class, I was capable of taking photos and editing in iPhoto, fairly good with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, but that was really the extent of it. I now know how to create interactive lesson plans using flip chart. I now know how to create projects and teach lessons using slideshows, digital stories and brainstorming with storyboards and diagrams. I now know the importance of organization of files, photos and folders. I know how to import, export and save files through different means.
These new technologies will benefit my teaching style in any classroom I end up in whether it is general music or an orchestral ensemble. I am sure I will actively use an updated website to keep all my students and their parents informed of class information. We live in the new age, why not take advantage of all the opportunities in communication and learning through technology!
Using iMovie is one part of technology I have definitely not utilized being a Mac owner. I have used iPhoto and have edited many pictures, but the closest thing I have made to a movie is powerpoint.
Working on the Digital Storyboard was a lot simpler than I thought it would be. It is basically a slideshow with added captions and transitions put to music.
I am happy it did not involve any acting! I had a little trouble with making sure my pictures were the precise size for the slide so they did not come out blurry and too zoomed in/out. The transitions were simple and I chose to use them sparingly after only the slides with text only (no picture). The text looked a lot larger on my computer screen at home when making the video than it did appear on YouTube, but I adjusted so it is still clearly readable. I like the most of tools on iMovie as it was simple add/delete and move the slides around.
I should probably spend a little more time being creative with this program. I enjoyed making a "how-to" video, however it wasn't as exciting as I thought it could be. I am not sure I would use this type of program for a lesson plan, but maybe to showcase student's work or showing pictures from our classe's concerts and festivals .
