My Last Post

I cannot believe that time has flown right on by! I am going to post my final powerpoint presentation. It is a presentation that I can use in a jk class to teach the alphabet. Unfortunately, the original presentation is just way too big for me to host anywhere so you will all have to be content with the .pdf version. Enjoy!

I really enjoyed this class and the fact that I had opportunity to dabble in programs/services that I would never have used before (Blogger, Audacity, PowerPoint, etc.)

Alternatives to PowerPint

Don't get me wrong...I like PowerPoint. In the class discussion alot has been said about bad presentations. However, PowerPoint has to take some of the blame for this current scenario with ubiqituous presentations created on the drop of a hat. I started to look for some alternatives to PowerPoint. Hey, they can be misused just like MicroSoft's program but maybe they may make the presenter think a little more before creating the presentation. Here are the links:

Boycott PowerPoint
PowerPoint Alternatives
More PowerPoint Alternatives

PowerPoint Resources

I found some interesting PowerPoint resources. The first resource is for creating games within PowerPoint. For example, one could create a Jeopardy style game to engage the students. Students could also create their own games. With a little practice, I think this would be quite fun.

The second resource deals with inclusion. PowerPoint could be used to reach many special learners but we have to avoid many of the pitfalls of slide show creation. The resources goes into great detail to outline the basic formatting of slides and their effectiveness with special learners.

Plumo on the farm

I thought I would put my rubric to good use and evaluate a software title that I would find on my computer at school. Here is my evaluation of Plumo on the farm.

Software Evaluation Rubric: Completed!

I'm so excited to share my software evaluation rubric with you all. Upon reflecting, the entire process was quite empowering. I had never questioned some of the software titles on the computer in my classroom because I never felt qualified to do so. After designing my rubric I can say that I definately know what to look for and how to go about evaluation the program in question. Truthfully, I do like all of the software that is on the computer in my classroom. When I go back next fall there will likely be some new titles. I will be able to evaluate them more objectively now!

Software Evaluation Rubric

I think I've stumbled upon a nice software eval rubric that I could use in jk! I like the fact that it has many of the categories that I already think about when looking at software for my students:-easy setup-overall content-interactive,-appealing-overall feedback

Sorry Peter, I think Zork would receive a Level R if I had to apply this rubric to your game! ;-)

Source

Learn360.com

Have a look at http://www.learn360.com.

It is a web site that offers:

• Hand-selected video clips provide targeted curriculum support.
• Easily accessible from school or home 24/7.
• The only streaming service to offer slide show capability.
• Cutting-edge digitization brings you the best quality streaming media in the classroom and at home.

Source: learn360.com

I know this doesn't fall under a traditional software program but I was intrigued by the last thread about streamed video. Learn360 has loads of different videos for different age groups too. Plus, there is a 30 free trial! Check it out!