Assistive Technologies

This week we were to explore different avenues of using Google Translater, along with other sites such as paralink and babelfish. Using the element of being able to translate our lesson plans, newsletters, and documents into other languages; so that we can bridge the gap in our classrooms not only between students and parents, but teachers and parents is awesome. What a better way to be able to come along side and assist parents who are not fluent in English, to still feel like they can participate and be apart of the classroom experience. And ultimately to enable them to be involved in their childs education.

As an educator it is our responsiblility to attempt to meet the needs of our students as best as possible. My uncle has epilepsy. He really has to be careful of flashing lights, and situations quickly going from light to dark. It is even hard for him to ride in a car as a passenger. So for students with epilepsy it is important to be cautious of potential situations that could cause your students to have a seisure. For example keeping the lights on while watching a movie, straying away from long activities on the computer, ect. Being more creative with active learning tools should be used rather than relying so much on technology based learning.

Creately

This weeks project for me was so frustrating! I really did not enjoy this assignment at all. First of all the program was not easy to use. I watched a demo stating how it was handy and the benefits of using Creately. But it was NOT as simple as it stated. I got half way through and realized that I could not save my work, because I had not signed in. Once signing in, I then had to re-do what I had already started. Then it took me a very long time to figure out how to post it on my blog. Then I had to reformat it because it was too big. Then I had to edit and refigure it again. It was so frustrating!!! Previous assignments have been easy to work with and simple to understand, this was not. I'm not sure how I would be able to incorporate this into my teaching style. I could see it possibly being helpful in a business or college situation but for English, I don't believe that I would use it. This was the only site that I used so maybe the other sites would be simpler or easier to follow. But I would not recommend this for others use.

PhotoShow

This week our emerging technology was posting a photo album to my blog. Once again, I was suprised how easy it was to use PhotoShow. I first created an account, then I uploaded my pictures. After uploading all the pictures, 25 or less for free, it then allows you to edit, rotate, or correct each picture. Then it gives you the option to add music. After your photo show is ready, save. Then it had a section where you can post your PhotoShow to facebook, your email, or a blog. Click on that butten, I clicked the post to blogger link, signed in, and it automatcially posted for me. Simple as ABC!

"Failure is human destiny. Failure teaches us that life is but a draft, a long rehearsal for a show that will never play." -Amelie

My Podcasting Adventure

Podcasting is a creative way to post communication orally rather than simply written. Users speak into a microphone, and can then later post their podcast onto facebook, twitter, a blog, and many other creative options. I chose to use the website cinch. This was very easy to use. To begin I simple called the number on the website. When I called it was almost like I was leaving a message. Then I went on the website, put in my number and listened to the podcast I had left nearly moments ago. After finding the podcast online, and setting up an account through facebook, I sent an email to one of the technicians. She speedily replied to me how I could post on blogger. I simply went to the top of the cinch page, and clicked on widgets. It took me step by step through the process. It was very easy to navigate through. Cinch was an easy website to use, since I did not have microphone for my computer. Below is my podcast. The pictures below will help you as I take you through some of the painting of Francisco Franco.