Jing

I think this is great for showing someone how to do something even when you're not present. On my computer Jing's sun is positioned in the top right corner, out of my way and a clever, cute shortcut. I think it's funny that we're using Jing because my Korean name is Jingkyung and my family calls me Jing. Click here to see me working on my blog...not me, but my computer screen and what I'm doing and saying. I tried embedding the code from screencast page source, but I couldn't get it to show. The only thing that appeared was the "powered by screencast.com" message.

It's 1:00 A.M. and I still haven't been able to embed this thing!!!! It's driving me crazy because Dr. Luck has SERIOUSLY challenged me. There has to be some kind of programming secret to do it. I'm not going to sleep until I have something.


Okay, almost 3 A.M., I must force myself to stop the madness. I found a solution for FTP setup but I am not fluent in HTML by any means. If I try to identify all the components to plug into the template for SWF's (here's the template created by Brooks Andrus for anyone who hasn't tried and wants to). Maybe I'll try again tomorrow, have any of you guys been able to embed your sliderocket presentation into blogger?

Sliderocket

Sliderocket saves your presentations online, so you don't worry if you have a presentation and forgot your jumpdrive. It has the basic functions as office but don't expect too many options! I originally created this in Office and then imported into Sliderocket, I had reformat almost everything! I thought I was making it easier on myself by creating it in Office first. Get ready to learn more about me, click below to continue.

Online Image Editor

I absolutely love Sumo!!!! It's like Adobe Illustrator, but simplified! The image on top is what I drew first and then used it to create the image on the bottom.

Collaborative Writing

Google Docs is a free online program that allows users to create and manage documents. Whether the document is personal, or needs to be shared with a group of people. Files that have already been made in Word, PowerPoint, or Excel can be uploaded onto Google Docs and can be updated or modified in real time, from different locations and on different computers. Any time a user logs in they can access the file being edited and check back for changes that have been made by other users. As mentioned before, Google Docs can be used for Spreadsheets, Presentations, Communication, staying organized, and Documents, hence the name Google Docs. Google Docs has a similar interface as working with Microsoft Word, so therefore inserting pictures and clip art will be a breeze. When working in a group Google Docs it makes it possible to collaborate without having to have group meetings or miss a meeting. Another neat thing about Google Docs is that is has the main three applications that every student or worker uses the most. Google Docs makes collaboration easy, organized, and effective.

Despite Google Docs collaboration capability and functionality, it has its downfalls. The major issue is that users must be online to use it, that negates the purpose of online collaboration. Google Docs may be similar to Office programs, but it is not a web page authoring tool. For example, Google Docs will not allow edits on pages that show revisions, so if you would like to change someone's revisions, you are forced to go back to the edit screen, find the revision, and then make your revision, whereas Office's 'track changes' function eliminates tedious steps with just one click. Google Docs lacks fundamental elements needed to create a multifaceted document. For instance, Office programs can easily handle creating large documents with multiple chapters that includes a table of contents and an automatically generated index, or creating graphs and charts embedded within a spreadsheet, but that would be seemingly impossible with Google Docs. Google Docs is an web application, that raises concern about privacy and security on your documents or your personal computer. Web applications that are better designed and free are available, explore your options.

You may ask yourself, "I am extremely comfortable and proficient with Office programs, why should I use Google Docs when it's basically the same thing?" Google Docs is one way to help students develop collaboration skills and a willingness to accept others' opinions and suggestions. There is a tremendous amount of students entering your classroom with different expectations, learning styles, and more technical skills than any other generation before. It is the teacher's responsibility to provide innovative learning opportunities that are relevant to today's students Using Google Docs is one way to prepare students for success in an evolving world immersed technology.

Here is a short tutorial on using Google Docs.

How can a leader of instructional technology use a blog?

Well, obviously this blog in particular is one way we can use a blog. I think blogs could be used to collaborate with people from all over the world about new technologies and how they are used by others. An instructional technology thread about the latest tools and apps can be started and shared with other faculty to gain insight on how to incorporate technology in the classroom. Most blogs allow for anyone to post, so a blog that focuses on our area can narrow down the topics specifically centered around instructional technology.

Flowgram Presentation

I think the version with the Flowgram presentation was a little too involved because I had such a basic concept for my lesson. If I were teaching how molecules bond to one another for a chemistry lesson I think Flowgram would be great, especially since we can embed web pages, so virtual tutorials can be included and it is always good to have a visual with such a complex concept. Images are images, without text or direct instruction, students can perceive images in a totally different way, a way that you had not intended them to.

I think Flowgram is an awesome tool to show how to do something or give a presentation on new software to teachers. I'm positive I'll be back to use it whenever I find it will enhance my lesson. Unfortunately, I had MAJOR problems with loading my PPT into Flowgram. I tried with slideshare and empressor and got the same error message, ARGH! I finally got my PPT to load into the Web 2.0 tool called authorSTREAM. It's basically the same as flowgram, but your audio has to be pre-recorded into your presentation. FLowgram is WAY easier to use, but this was a good learning experience:)

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by skimmy2181

I also had trouble embedding my PPT into my blog, it takes up the most of the screen, but the presentation works fine. I wanted you to be able to actually read what I blogged about, so I tried thumbnailing it and it takes you the authorSTREAM page with my presentation but no sound. HMPH, so I guess the one with the sound is better, but how will you be able to read my blog?

I'll embed the thumbnail for now, any suggestions? Okay, now my sound isn't working, but at least now the presentation isn't taking up too much space! Any suggestions?

I finally got my PPT repositioned, but there's still no sound. I contacted them and hopefully they'll be able be able to remedy my problem.

Is this the end or just the beginning?

I had the most fun getting familiar with Flickr and Animoto, creating my avatar wasn't too bad either, I have a bunch of backgrounds and outfits saved in m favorites.  Completing the 23 things has introduced me to SO many tools and options that I probably wouldn't have found or completed if I didn't have to do this exercise.  I am totally addicted to Web 2.0 tools, I find myself thinking that I can use them for almost anything and suggesting some tools to other class mates in my other courses.  I think the social bookmarking will be the most helpful tool as a teacher because I will have an online library of endless sites that I may need in the future.  

I think the 23 things has been appropriately modified from the 43 things due to the time constraints of this semester.  I truly enjoyed this whole "Thing", yes the pun was intended :)