Video Reflection

After completing my first video project, "Inappropriate Conduct",  I can honestly say that it's not as hard as it looks to use the iMovie software.  In fact, the process is pretty intuitive as long as you are willing to put some time into testing out the special features.  I should add that it's easy to seriously underestimate the length of time it takes to edit raw footage. I found, as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, that I was constantly going back into the film to continue editing down to the second.  It increased my appreciation for anyone involved with film production and editing! 


If this wasn't an assignment, I don't think I would have taken it upon myself to do my own investigation of iMovie. But I am glad I had the opportunity, because in the end it was actually fun!  I enjoyed working collaboratively with my group and presenting the final product of our hard work.  I definitely plan to implement what I've learned about iMovie into my classroom to facilitate filming projects with my own students.  There are a lot of cool animations and other visual displays that can be created about biological phenomena... especially with genetics.  I love the idea of using a claymation for presenting phases in mitosis, in which iMovie can be used as a resource.

Plant Cell Vs. Animal Cell Diagram

Where the hell is Matt? (How to add a video demo)

Future Technologies for Tomorrow's Classrooms

This week in Bob Hale’s technology class, we were to reflect on the Five Best Practices for the Flipped Classroom, the Five Future Technologies That Will Shape Our Classrooms and the Khan Academy video. And wow, there is some pretty scary stuff out there. 

The first thing I think about when hearing about the “latest and greatest technologies” in the school systems, is the gap this will create between socioeconomic classes.  Not everyone has access to these groundbreaking tools.  In my opinion, the flipped classroom philosophy (when implemented correctly) is actually a great idea…. for students that have accessibility to a laptop.  What about everyone else?  Even if only 3/75 students are without one, is it fair to give them the responsibility to learn lectures outside of class?  In order for this to be an effective model, these resources need to be supplied to the students… even down to transportation.  There may be computers available in school or town libraries, but how will they get home if buses only arrive immediately after school?  I think some major planning needs to be put in motion before we get carried away with a seemingly good idea.  Which, I think it is.  In my opinion, the flipped classroom and the Khan Academy method gives teachers much more freedom to be creative during classroom hours.  What high school students need help with is not the understanding of lectured facts, but transfer of skills, meaning making, and problem solving.  With guidance from the teacher and peer support, I think they will get a more out of their resources.  It is clear that there will be more one-on-one interactions, which will foster better student-teacher relationships. 

And as for the multi-touch surfaces and holographic displays, that is just mind-blowing….and frightening at the same time.  At this rate, will we even need teachers at all in the year 2050?  

The Newest Craze: Online Pinboards

Pinterest... a bride-to-be's best friend, and worst enemy.

For All The Kelly Subs Out There

Here's a link on how to use the KASS system for job assignments in the Hartford area.