PE9-Creaza Mindomo

Creaza Mindomo is a graphic organizer online program. Pictures and words may be added for the visual learner. Students have a great time communicating even if they do not know how to read or write well. They may use Mindomo to outline reports, tell a story or to share their ideas. The fact that it is online and may be save on a member's Creaza webpage makes its utility like a one stop communicator.

PE8-Creaza Cartooist

The Video that I create was on my first Cartoonist Work called Lessons Learned. There are many applications that may be used in teaching things socially and academically. Lessons  Learned has The Riddle of Man used to learn Mathematical Concepts In a Musical Way since teachers may dance doing bounce with it, bounce with it, the 'Laffy-Taffy', Motor Cycle', Inchworm, etc. showing students how you crawl before you walk and even limp ('You walk over but you limp back' which is an inside joke for children walking over to their parent like they are their equal and then they end up limping back half 1/2 not whole).  Cartoonist is wonderful to use with the visual learner to personalize leaned. The added approached to instructing these not so fun subjects of Mathematics, Computer Science, Science, or others by preference helps my 1) Bodily Kinesthetics, 2) Musical and 3) Intra-Personal Learners grasp and retain lessons since it makes learning personal for them and it really doesn't seem like learning because it is naturalistic.  

Creaza Cartoonist is a fun learning experience for those who are children at heart. They have many backgrounds to choose from in the various academic disciplines and also those crazy scenes that tickle a funny bone or two. In exploring Creaza I did not discover how to import graphics my students or I drew so I used a graphic editor to add my image and make a cartoon animation. This image may be used for History, Economics and Mathematics. The drawing portion could be used for an Art Class or Graphic Design Business Technology Education Collaborative Project. Reading and English may also be employed by asking a student to use listening, speaking and viewing to give their opinion, evaluate the Cartoon Commentary.

PE7-Creaza Movie Editor

Creaza Movie Editor is an online tool that has many multimedia elements for learning. I like the effects that I was able to use but I had to use other applications to add voiceovers since I did not purchase a full version. The moving video is a neat feature for me to add to my video.  The Creaza Website I created is located at: www.creaza.com/members/ckeeton


Click on my movies to see what I created in Creaza. My videos are uploaded to my class account from school. There are some webpages that I have that I want to link video to from Creaza such as my Schoolology page I created. All of my students are not readers and writers so I need an instructional page with many videos on it using PIP (pictures-inpictures) that are organized and do not have to take serious editing of the html code for it to display right on all pages no matter the user or computer. The code may be copied and pasted to embed it on the website of choice. For example, my videos and slide shows located at http://fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~collette_l_keeton/FieldTripsEvents will look aligned when I get time to edit it and paste the links or embed codes for them to post correctly on my Creaza page. Then I will link it to my curriculum webpage.

Although I uploaded a lot of files including sound files nothing went to sounds for me to use the Audio Editor at first. The Garage Band File I uploaded from my Comix.com project I still cannot see. Also, I see my sound files but no videos or movies even though I initially had two. As tired and sad as I have been lately  (user errors) I could have accidentally deleted the files trying to use them. Additionally, my computer is not publishing things even though it says it published successfully. It is overwhelming and daunting that I just continue to have too many problems. Perhaps my new site has to wait a few days to synch or it could be incompatability with my sound files in wav, mp3, mp4 or others I created in Garage Band. Nonetheless, uploading Media files on Creaza to use anywhere you have an Internet connection is a creative solution for teachers who have storage issues from routinely using multimedia and video projects for instruction.

PE6_Google_For_Teachers&Wikis

What tools would you like to be more proficient in? The tools I would like to be more proficient in are all the Mac Tools but I have opted to use Google For Educators Websites, Google Educator Forums, Google Docs since I have already been doing so in submitting lesson plans in my district and trying to create an interactive web presence for my students in low to no technology business education and exceptional education classes. So far it is not blocked so it is the one tool that will not fail to launch due to workplace, storage or access barriers.


My Google curriculum web page is inactive. I liked to use it to show screenshots and information gained from wikis where my students generated information and were active in authorship since wiki are blocked in-district. 

Here is the web page of one of the wiki I did not set up fully until I find out what type of teacher I would be wether that is a Reading Title I Specialist, Business Technology Educator, Exceptional Educator or a Dodds Instructional Specialist Leader. Students have their own space so that is why I did not do so. Likewise, after so many students you have to pay for them to have authorship and access rights. I had a wiki for all of my BTEClasses in AP Computer Science, Accounting, Broadcast Television Production, Business Communications, Business Computer Applications, Business Essentials, Legal Environment of Business, Research, Design & Project Management, etc.


I am still in career limbo. Nonetheless, wikis are a wonderful and powerful medium to view discovery, exploration, connections and the like of users who become passionate about learning when they find their voice and realize their opinion not only matter but will set their life path when those of like mind gather, share, collaborate and create the future.

PE5_GarageBand_&_MakeBeliefsComix.com_Keeton_Collette

The link to this site is above but it is not clickable so it is in this link. It has video interviews on it published at TeacherTube. I like it because teachers have a place to share and freely teach. Before I found Full Sail's Media & Design Program it was the absolute best resource for my multi-modal learning and high-need, low to no support teaching environment. I am no longer at this school but I would like to create a podsite for my exceptional students as well.

Here is an example audio of the Respect Element of Character Education

• What tools would you like to implement in your learning or work environment, but have never had the time to learn more about? Again, the tools that I would like to implement in my work environment are all the Mac Tools such as Garage Band, Comic Life, and others suited for my learners. 
• I have district professional development courses in iMovie where we used Garage Band. My problems stem from me no longer having a Mac Lab or AP Computer Science Class so my skills never get used in classes without. Our Macs were stolen and now our Windows laptops too recently so I will have to gain most of my skills at home using freeware when possible since everything is gone when they lifted the computers. I have new technology at home that is not implementing my computer applications properly on my Mac and faulty tech codes so I have technology issues often. This makes personalized learning problematic all over for me. Comic Life comes in Windows versions so I would like to learn more about using it alternately, adding sound effects putting graphics of it in videos, podcasts and so forth and the rendering it to use it on computer systems in the district. Here is a screen-shot of my old podcast and link. GarageBand is excellent to use for podcasting so I will learn how to link and embed it on my blogs that are not in district since I know how to do it in district since I rendered such training to faculty on site and off.
• The online comic that I used is www.MakeBeliefsComix.com so that students could make a  comic strip, audio, video and DVD of stories they would create on such topics as Character Education to hone their social skills. Here are the links to the two comic strips we connected. This is a great alternative to using video that is not allowed unless is for approved media events and for those who are not allowed to have picture or video since they have no signed authorization for release. It is online and easy for my students to use.

Here is my Final EMDT Project using an adaptation of the www.MakeBeliefsComix.com Comix Strip for the R&B, Rap, Blues, Country and multi-modal mix fun song my students penned. We do not have sound editors or a music studio in our class so the sound got static-ridden on the mix down. Audacity is free so it only lets you record one voice at a time without static feedback, it speeds past the track and the mic quality is poor since we have three very cheap microphone and headphone sets we have to share that we got from our department. 

The students thought it goes well with the cartoons since we all got all messed up and sometimes incapacitated when we were/are bullied. We had a lot of fun writing the script, role playing, singing our own character verses of the song along with the hook, "what is a bully?" We will experiment and see if we may get to use some online audio editors like Creaza because it is all online. We also want to do a collaborative project with the students in the Dallas Austin Music Studios in our district. There they will let us sing in the studio, mix audio with their Macs while we Explore The 8th Intelligence and Audio Engineering Careers.

PE4_Google_Docs_&_PhotoPeach

What are the tools you will be using for your Challenge Based Research Project? 
The tools that I will be using in my Challenge Based Research Project include but are not limited to Google Docs, Google For Educators, Flash, Garage Band, iMovie, online presentation software like PhotoPeach to embed or link slideshows in blogs, webpages or upload to Google Docs and other videos converted to DVDs we may use in the class on blocked networks, teacher and student created interactive curriculum and other curriculum based web 2.0 tools. Using wikis in the classroom and for student discovery, exploration and findings on personalized learning are also tools that give short-term, value-added answers immediately on long-term projects geared for building high quality programs, high quality instructors, high quality/transformational leadership and high quality products generated by high quality/personalized learners.

The link for the slide show with music and running text is http://photopeach.com/album/8xqg1u

BP12-Video of MakeBeliefsComix.com Web 2.0 Tool

MakeBeliefsComix.com is a creative Web 2.0 Tool that students may create to discuss current events and grade-related topics. Students will enjoy learning with this tool. Teachers may create examples and non-examples that may be shared through e-mail. Students could produce their own projects concisely from research they conduct online. I like this tool very much for my age-group of teenagers but it is appropriate for students in elementary, middle school or college. Students could use them to make commentary cartoons too. They could use it in character education or intentional interventions training. They could draw their own cartoons and try to use free animation tools as well. The aspect of sharing the comics appeals to teachers and students who are social or need to learn social skills. Mac Tools used in this video include Garage Band Podcasting to create the initial audio track, voiceovers, iMovie Sound Effects and iLife Sound Effects and music from both tools. Text animation, clip volume control and music or track ducking.

BP9-Web 2.0 Tool MakeBeliefsComix.com

MakeBeliefsComix.com is an excellent site for students and teachers to create class comic strips online. I like the tool since the comic strips may be e-mailed and as many scenes in the strip as needed may be created. The software does not have to be loaded because it is accessible from the Internet.

MakeBeliefsComix.com is a user friendly tool that allows students to drag characters to the filmstrip, choose an emotion, add dialogue, print the comic strips and because it uses cartoons it is more non-biased so that communication on hard topics may flow free.

It can be animated too with voiceovers as I will show in my video that will follow this post. My students love to use online web tools they may be customized for their various uses, projects or entertainment since they do have a Leisure course in their curriculum.

BP11-My Comment To Tina

Here is my comment on Tina's Blog located at this link. I love Discovery.com too.

BP10-My Comment to Lauren

Here is my comment to Lauren on Flickr Spell located at this link. She knows I am one of her biggest fans :)

PE3_iMovie

The third feature discussed in using iMovie to improve video quality is ducking which allows multiple sound tracks to be adjusted. For instance the music sound tracks and the video clip sound track may compete if they are both joined at the same level of sound. That could make the video confusing and lower its quality.

The music track has to be selected and double clicked to make the menu appear to adjust the levels. The whole video level may be adjusted once the others are set above.  Click done and then publish the video.

PE2_iMovie

Another feature that is great to use over video is voice-overs. Voice overs are necessary when most of the integrity of the video footage and script are in tact but there may be one or more verbal errors that may distract from the video's meaning. They are best used to add words or to change words in the verbal script of the video. Areas of the video may need silencing to properly add the voice-over.

To use the voice-over feature the microphone icon should be clicked. The internal microphone on the Mac may be used or one that is attached of higher quality may be used. When the recorder is ready it will activate with green lights that travel across the sound bars. It is sensitive to sound waves and picks up everything if the internal mic is used.

PE1_iMovie

There are a lot of neat features that may be used in iMovie. One that I like to use is adding Audio or music to the video clip.

Many of our classmates complained about the volume so I stated that I would try to use a microphone to make sure that the volume was improved in my next videos. As the video said in Lynda.com the quality of the mic comes with a price. I am a teacher with a low budget so I chose to use a microphone that is attached to a headset. It may have some popping and static noise but it is an improvement from only using the in-built mic on the camera we got from Full Sail University.

Music may be added by first associating it (files in .wav, mp3 or other audio formats) with iTunes and then the music icon should be clicked to add the music into the video. The audio may be adjusted and sounds better when it is faded-in and out.

BP8_My Google Video Web 2.0 MINUTE VIDEO

Google Video is a great Web 2.0 Research Tool that may be used for audiences of learners who are smart differently. They may use their multiple intelligences to access learning on their own terms. They may use references that helps them understand and thoroughly research classroom projects, current events and assignments. Google video is user-friendly and age appropriate for all.

BP7_My Comment On Lauren's Animoto Video & Google Site

Please see my comments on Lauren's wonderful video located at this link.
Also view my comment on her Google Website Web 2.0 Tool at this link.

BP6_My Comment To Siri

Please follow this link to my comment to Siri on her Blog.

BP5_Google Video

In viewing web 2.0 tools that I may use in my classroom that most likely will not be blocked by my school site or in the district I found Google Video at http://video.google.com/. Using Google Video fits in perfectly with our GPS Standard of using technology as a tool for reading, writing and conducting research. It also helps us to see videos since we are not allowed to make them unless it is for our district's TV Channel or when our students will receive an award and we know in advance that the event will have media coverage. Parents must sign authorization and I always mention that when publishing any of my students in-class videos as a disclaimer.

To integrate multimedia features my students love into videos or to construct Character Education lessons for them, I also wanted to explore Animoto and Go!Animate to use video and picture features for integration with multimedia and sound in iMovie videos that could be housed on other servers since we do not have large storage space on our teacher accounts or on classroom computers. We have a cleaning feature on class computers that could compromise the videos since it could get deleted. We also do not have any Macs in our schools and cannot upload videos from school so it is best to upload it where cross-platform plug-ins may be used and our videos are already rendered where we do not have access problems. 

However, the response time was too long for my account to activate on Animoto and GoAnimate is not free. So, that cripples me as a Title I classroom teacher with a $200 budget that has $60 remaining. I also like creating authentic products so I will look further and will revisit them as well as Photo Peach since they have my slide account blocked at school. Students in other AUT/MID/MoID/SID Multiple Disabilities Classes with photo permission only may use Photo Peach and we will make sure that the appropriate tags and referencing is placed on our video so it can be searched for and found on Google Video or uploaded to a Google Apps page such as this video on bullying located at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7955413805830376768#. We could also upload our own videos to my Viddler account and link it to Storify in our class paper and then test to see if we can find it on Google Video.

I like Google Video since my students only need to type in a topic to find videos and links they may immediately access that will be on their functional and grade placement levels. There are many types of videos from news sites and others on sites not blocked such as video.jug. This site has a test at the bottom of the video and a script so that my students may use their preferred multiple intelligence or all of them at once. They could also take a Bullying Quiz pre and post test online http://www.education.com/quiz/bullying-myths/?cid=55000.0067682003&s_kwcid=TC|8363|bullying||S|b|6321986335&gclid=CMbU9YXmj6UCFUPu7QodynDfMA , join campaigns against it and view information in many forms from experts such as Dr. Phil http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/04/earlyshow/living/parenting/main7021894.shtml.

BP2_IGoogleScreenShots_Collette_Keeton

Here are my screenshots in the link below:

http://www.slide.com/r/jpDKPlC94D-U-d4YolEIxdGyzNZXsuFP?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

BP4-Storify Web 2.0 Tools

In searching through the Web 2.0 Tools that could be used for my class I selected Storify http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=Storify . I like the tool for its drag and drop features, for its connection with the author and connection to like articles and media.

We use a district approved http://www.news-2-you.com/ newspaper to keep our intellectually disability students current with news events and news in the world. On October 5, 2010 we studied mentorship using the Pop Star, Justin Beiber whose mentors are Usher and Taylor Swift.  Please see the following link: http://www.viddler.com/explore/ckeeton/videos/7/ I do have parent video permissions for student's receiving awards like the one we received from the Governor April 1, 2010 but we were barred from going. That's truly another story but we may follow events, even recently through Storify.

I really wanted to allow my students to create their own local, hometown stories in their own newspapers using links they may find online that they could drag and drop with pictures to show how they used research and technology in reading and writing. I also wanted to find a way around our district's block of Facebook and Twitter. I suppose I will have to save suggested links in still captures, pdf files or use www.diigo.com using proper references.

Unfortunately, in using these practices, the live element and heavily supervised experience with social networking is lost using an interactive Web 2.0 technology like it is a Web 1.0 Technology since many school systems have a fear of technology and do not want the liability if students use accounts they set up at school at home. I have gone to my school tech person and asked him to please unblock the freezes on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or other social networking links and sites even when they are presented on such mediums as my http://www.blogger.com/ site, wikis, http://www.photobucket.com/ or my http://www.slide.com/ account. It seems all of the Web 2.0 technology tools I ask him to unblock end up getting blocked.

I know we may use Comic Life but I keep vowing to open up a TeacherTube account to prevent all the blocks. I am going to try to produce a http://www.storify.com/ project using links to http://www.aol.com/ on figures in the news that my students are following such as Rap Artist T.I. and his wife Tiny using articles from http://www.aol.com/ and others found for good decision-making examples and non-examples. We have a Students Against Destructive Decisions-SADD Organization at school that supports such activities as No Place For Hate (Anti-Bullying, Anti-Bad Decision-Making, etc.) and The Governor's Red Ribbon Campaign Anti-Drugs and Healthy Lifestyle promotions. Perhaps the best I may do is to put their photos on participation in these events in http://www.photostory.com/ and allow them to publish personal classroom videos. We cannot video our students according to district policy but this is not an actual video it is photo stills used and audio, transitions and music may be added to yield the personal video presentations my students love to watch and share.

Welcome To My Blog!

Greetings and welcome to my personalized learning, leadership and love of life blog :)

http://www.gotoquiz.com/results/leadership_style#

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