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Course
#1113
8:30-11:30
“
The Fireworks Alternative and Basics Instruction”
Presenter: Gary Scofield
I pre-registered for this session because I am interested in learning more
about using Fireworks. I have used Fireworks to create buttons on various
websites, but wanted to learn some more ‘tips and tricks’ to
incorporate into my web authoring. The first part of the class was a PowerPoint
presentation giving us an overview of different Macromedia products. I
learned the difference between vector and bitmap images, and several examples
were provided. I found the presentation to be useful in that it helped
me to understand the difference between vector and bitmap, and how other
applications specialize in one or the other (PhotoShop, Freehand, Illustrator,
etc.).
The second part of the session allowed for hands-on time to develop two different
images with Fireworks. I was already familiar with most of the tools that
were introduced. Some new learning involved using paths and grouping items.
The second project was to create an animated GIF, which I found extremely
useful. We created various images, punched out shapes, worked with layers,
and added text that became part of a frame series for animation. This session
was probably the most useful of the ones I attended today.
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Course
#1207
1:00-3:00 “Technology Integration for School Leaders”
Presenter: Terry Martinez
I was debating whether to attend this session, since the description said it
was for administrators. But since I am our school’s technology specialist,
I thought the information presented would be useful in helping to move
forward with our school’s technology plan. I’m glad I attended!
The session was well-organized, and each person received a CD-Rom with
links and documents of all areas covered. The discussion focused on defining
technology integration, reading articles that address the issues of helping
to develop school technology plans, assessment tools for teachers and administrators
to help identify technology needs, and tools to help schools integrate
technology.
The most important thing I gained from this session was the realization that
professional development and support from building principals are the key
components to successfully incorporating technology in schools. I plan
on sharing several articles that were discussed with our building principal
in the hopes that she will continue to support my technology goals. To
quote from one of the articles: “It is not so important that principals
master the latest toys and gadgets – rather that they show an appreciation
for the challenges facing teachers and that they become knowledgeable about
the best ways to use these tools to improve reading, reasoning, writing
and communication.”
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Course
#1308
3:30-5:30 “Forms in Excel and Word”
Presenter: Lynn Wohler
This session was so crowded that I had to sit on the floor! I was interested
in learning more about using Excel, but the majority of the time was spent
using Word to create tables and forms. Most of the information I already
knew how to use, but there were a few new tips that I picked up, like using
forms and mail merge. The presenter did not seem very familiar with using
a laptop, or with Windows XP. There were several instances in which we
had to wait for him to figure out how to do something on the computer,
which affected the pace of the session.
Although
I might use some of the information that was provided in my daily
schoolwork, I don’t think the presenter was well prepared.
By this time I was ready for the day’s sessions to end.
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Course
#2109
8:30-11:30 “Learn Image Blender: The Digital Photo Editor”
Presenter: Jerry Ohrt
This session was not my first choice when I registered for morning classes.
I thought that maybe I would learn some new tips and tricks using ImageBlender.
Unfortunately, most of what they presented were things I already knew how
to do. I’ve found that the best way to learn a new program is to
simply spend time exploring the different options available. I basically
used the class time to explore some areas that I was not familiar with,
like Slide Show and the different effects tools. I enjoyed having some
time to further explore the program, but I could have done this at home
instead of at a workshop.
ImageBlender is an inexpensive way for students to manipulate photos and create
slideshows. As our building’s technology coordinator, I would use
Fireworks or PhotoShop for image editing. Students, however, could use
ImageBlender for projects they do in class. I plan on sharing some of ImageBlender’s
features with teachers at our school, and possibly do some lessons with
ImageBlender using the iBook cart that our school will be implementing
next year.
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Course
#2209
1:00-3:00
“ Life Made Easier Through Technology”
Presenter: Kristen Donley
I chose this session because the description mentioned ways to integrate technology
and software into the classroom to increase student achievement. The first
half of the session highlighted CPS technology. These are mini remotes
given to each student in the class. They are used in conjunction with a
cordless base station that records answers immediately. A projector shows
multiple choice questions, and students click an answer on their remotes.
These results are instantly recorded on the screen. You can then share
how many people answered correctly, which answers were recorded, and the
results can be shown on a graph. I really liked this technology! I can
see using it to review units of study as well as preparing for the CSAP.
It was easy to see how students can get excited about ‘the clickers’.
It made me want to write a grant to use CPS in our school.
The rest of the session talked about online grading programs and
website building tools. Our school already has a program in
place for both of these areas, so
I was not really interested in these topics.
The theme in most of the sessions I’ve attended seems to be that
part of the information is very useful while others are not. There
has been
something I can take and use in my school from each class.
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Course
#2309
3:30-5:30
“ Using Math Keys Software to Assess Standards in K-2”
Presenter: Kathy Claybaugh-Norgaard
This session looked interesting because I thought I could gain some ideas to
share with primary teachers on using Math Keys to align with state standards.
The handout she provided was well-organized by grade level, standards assessed,
and the corresponding Math Keys lessons to use for each area.
I
was hoping that specific Math Keys activities would be provided to
show exactly how
they address state standards. However, the session seemed to be aimed
at people who have never used Math Keys before. She simply showed
us how to
use each Math Keys activity, with little correspondence to the handout
on state standards.
Since
I was already familiar with using Math Keys, I did
not find these activities to be very useful. Some of the participants
offered ideas on how they use Math Keys in their classrooms, but
the presenter did
not really get into specific lessons. It was more of a way to get familiar
with Math Keys.
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Course
#3106
8:30-11:30 “Macromedia Web Design”
Presenter: Margaret Morrow
I was looking forward to this session because I am very interested in website
design and Macromedia products. It was also intriguing because the session
was not being conducted by a Macromedia representative, but by a classroom
teacher. She shared some lessons that she’s done with her students.
Although the pace was fast, I was able to keep up with the activities presented.
I learned how to create animations with Fireworks, which was somewhat different
from the method that was taught in Tuesday’s Fireworks session.
My
favorite part of the session was the introduction to Flash MX. I have
always wanted to learn how to create Flash animations, but thought
that it required
a LOT of steps. However, I realized just how easy it is to create some
very impressive animations! I learned how to create keyframes, use
tweaning options, and create guided animations. Very cool stuff!
The presenter
showed ways to use these activities with students, but I was more
interested in
learning techniques for my own projects.
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Course
#3202
1:00-3:00
“ Exploring the Power of Visual Learning and Thinking”
Presenter: Ellen Lynn
Judging by the description, I was hoping to learn some activities that I could
share with the primary grade teachers in our building. The session turned
out to be an introduction and exploration of Inspiration and Kidspiration.
They did not share any specific lessons other than the templates included
with the application. This was another example of how the course description
was misleading. A better description would have been, “This course
will introduce users to Inspiration and Kidspiration.” I already
know how to use Inspiration, so I did not really benefit much from this
session, and wound up leaving early.
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Course
#3306
3:30-5:30 “I’ve Got Now, Now What Do I Do?”
Presenter: Bonni Hamilton
I was interested in this session because it addressed the issue of what to
do when there are only 1-2 computers in a classroom. That is the very thing
that exists in our school. When I walked into the meeting room, there were
only 4 people there. It was obvious that they were expecting a lot more
people to attend this session, but it became an excellent opportunity to
simply dialogue about the frustrations and possible solutions to using
limited computers in a classroom.
It
was very informal, and I had a lot of opportunities to discuss my
experiences as building technology specialist.
We identified the problems and talked about ways to use technology more
effectively. This was the perfect way to end my TIE 2003 experience!
By the end of the session we all felt very fortunate to have a dialogue
and
share
ideas on using technology more effectively.
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