This weeks graphics lesson

This week I used the graphics lesson in my science curriculum. I used it in the computer lab and connected it to a graphic organizer they were doing in the vertebrates and invertebrates unit. 

Presentation Activity

I investigated all of the presentation products mentioned on the WIKI site. I found that each was valuable and seemed to flow somewhat differently than the others. I suppose, like any piece of technology, the individual may choose a particular product based on any number of personal preferences or intentional or subconscious biases. That said, there was one that seemed to me to be the most user friendly and conducive to making an effective presentation. Google documents.

There are several reasons this seems to be the most effective. One is the fact that it could be worked on and constructed by numerous people simultaneously. Second it could be viewed online during the presentation. Finally the save feature of continual chances to retrieve changes seems extremely user friendly.

The value in fourth grade could most easily be seen in the presentation from my end as a teacher. However, towards the end of the school year and after building their basic computer skills, it would definitely be appropriate to introduce my students to these presentation tools for their own presentations in any subject.

Graphics Assignment

I investigated all of the graphics activities and found most , on a personal level, to be very amusing. I did an activity on the Mr. Picasso Head web site. That one and most of the others had applications within the classroom for my students.

The value of several of the websites are potentially great. Several of the sites could be used as graphic organizers in the content areas. Given the correct prompt, the students could use them as journal entries. The Mr. Picasso Head could be used in a lesson or possibly as a performance assessment on symmetrical vs. asymmetrical objects in math. Through the proper manipulation of eyebrows, noses eyes, etc. a student could generate desired asymmetrical vs symmetrical faces.

My first thought of their application and value was not directly related to content but is something that I do in my class. I could use both the Mr. Picasso head and the Jackson Pollock in my classroom since I do an "Artist of the Month." My class investigates the art of one featured artist per month. We do a variety of activities connected with him or her. These two would lend themselves well to activities during that time.

I'm excited to be in this MEIT program. The first class: CEDU 523 - Introduction to using the internet was an excellent one. I believe that the most general thing that I picked up from the class was that the internet is an outstanding resource in teaching. More specifically, the application of the google calendar and WIKI sites in my classroom are numerous and beneficial.