PowToon Presentation - Technology Plan

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Ancient Manuscripts

Ancient manuscripts are not so ancient. They are the cornerstone of today’s art and graphic design alike. My first impression, as I flipped through the virtual pages, was astonishment. The great use of colors and details were magnificent.

The use of the four principles of design, throughout the book, was evident. Contrast-There is the use of enlarged, colorful titles and graphics to divide the sections. Splashes of colored fonts are used throughout the text. Cool colors are used on a warm colored background. Repetition-As stated previously, the use of enlarged, colorful titles and graphics to divide the sections is used continuously throughout the book. The same text font was used. Alignment-Justify (block) is used as alignment. Proximity-To group or show variants in the text a different color was used. The authors/artists used many techniques to denote importance.

The author used colored, enlarged letters at the beginning of certain words. In addition, graphics were placed within the text.

Group Video Project-Exploring Fractions

Web conferences

Week 1 - June 4 and June 5: The conferences were very informative and comforting. They not only gave information for the week, but an overview of the complete course. We were instructed to continue the same Web 2.0 site previously created. In addition, we were to begin seeking a team for a future project. Dr. Abernathy gave us creative freedom in creating our digital story and ensured that we should not stress because she and the IAs were always available.  

Week 2 - June 12: This conference was geared primarily to having extreme clarity for the week's assignment. We were to produce two podcasts using audacity and a video editing software of our choice. This was very helpful, because each assignment built the other to create a final video project.  

Week 3 - June 16 and June 22: The conference helped the teams to understand each role need to produce the final video product. This was the beginning of a wonderful working relationship between me and four awesome women. We collaborated through Google Hangouts and Google Drives to create our final week's video product.

Reflection on digital story

I was ultimately looking forward to creating my digital story, but many obstacles inhibited the quality of my video. It's rather ironic, because of the scenario presented in the reading. By reading Rick's tale, I was convinced that I would not encounter any of the difficulties he experienced. I was sadly mistaken. This was definitely a learning experience on what not to do. I'm anxiously awaiting future opportunities to redeem myself and knock it out of the park next time.

Digital Story-Multimedia and Video Tech: Week 1

What I learned: Week 4

Like the old saying goes: hindsight is 20/20.  I appreciated the opportunity to foresee the challenges in implementing the action research study.  Creating the obstacles before they exist aids you to be prepared for if or when it happens.  Preparation is key.

Action Planning

Action Planning Template
Goal:  Increase in students’ retention and achievement of science vocabulary.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Evaluate students’ achievement level.	Domanique Andrews	Aug. 26-30, 2013	Microsoft word, test bank	pre-assessment
Evaluate students’ understanding of and access to technology.	Domanique Andrews	Aug. 26-30, 2013	Microsoft word	survey
Implement technology to curriculum.	Domanique Andrews	Sept. 2- Oct. 25, 2013	computer lab, technology software	none
Monitor students’ performance	Domanique Andrews	Sept. 6- Oct. 18, 2013	Microsoft word, test bank	vocabulary quiz
Evaluate students’ achievement level	Domanique Andrews	Oct. 25, 2013	Microsoft word, test bank	post-assessment

Week 2: Lesson learned

I discovered that action research occurs on many levels.  Conducting action research is not a practice for just leaders in training, but also for faculty and staff alike.  It is beneficial for all to focus on a concern or problem and follow the procedures in conducting an action research plan.  The resolution will, indeed, be more thought provoked and reliable.

Blogging for educational leaders

Blogging makes news personal.  An educational leader may utilize blogging as a component for community involvement.  The leader can publish ideas and happenings from the campus and make it accessible for all constituents to view and impart comments that can be beneficial for collaboration and shared decision making.  Additionally, blogging presents the leader as a technological role model.  This can inspire and motivate teachers and other stakeholders of the importance of technology in the effective development of students’ learning.

 

Action research

Action research is a plan that enables the administrator to be an active participate in the development, implementation, analysis, and reconstruction of school systems to ensure success for all constituents involved.  The administrator utilizes an “introspective” approach and is involved throughout the entire process.  Action research not only benefits the one that is implementing it, but all constituents involved.  It provides an opportunity for an administrator to utilize a “learner-centered” approach.  Applying this approach, the administrator has the chance to develop and motivate the teachers by building the teachers’ self-confidence and self-efficacy.

Although action research is an effective method for administrators to actively study their practices and implement procedures that will provide needed self and school improvement it is not easily actualized.  There are several opportunities generated to invoke action research: university coursework, superintendent/district meetings, and leadership teams.  Many colleges and universities have developed leadership programs that incorporate action research to the coursework.  Likewise, superintendents reconstruct the traditional administrative meetings.  This allows the principals the time to devote to the collaboration and development of a working action research that will benefit each individual’s school improvement.  Additionally, principals institute a leadership team comprised of the administrative team and three classroom teachers.  The team works together on problems, responsibilities and decision making.