Multimedia Tools in Education Reflection

This class really challenged me to try out some technology tools I had never used before or even thought about using in the classroom.  Podcasts and screencasts always seemed very intimidating to me and something I always thought only others did.  Learning how to create them so that I can use them to enhance my students' learning was mind opening.  Now I am thinking about a million different ways I can utilize screencasts to support student learning and even assist the parents of my students.  I also think having students create them would be a great way for them to teach each other - once again showing what they know.

I also found great power in learning about audio recordings in the classroom.  Understanding the research behind students listening to books and the great vocabulary, complex story plots, and fluent reading they're exposed to when putting on the headphones, made me feel better about letting and even encouraging my students to listen to books.  In fact, it reminded me to encourage my reluctant readers to give it a try.  One student was so proud of the fact that he finished a book that he came in with a big smile on his face and couldn't wait to check out another Play-away from our MRC.

Finally, I enjoyed the chance to explore graphic design tools.  I had never used Google Draw before and trying it out gave me another tool that I can now use to make classroom posters, flyers, and art for websites and student handouts.  Plus, I can see the value of teaching my students to use it as well.  Students love to use technology and seeing the wonderful pictures they can make using it, only encourages them and helps keep them engaged.  For those who find drawing with paper and pencil to be difficult, using graphic design tools opens up a whole new window of opportunity to be creative and proud of their work.  My goal is to continue to create more of my own original artwork for classroom posters and learn how to print them on our poster printer.  That way, I can tailor them to my students and what our classroom community needs.