October 2011 Archives

Lately, I have not been too keen on using a blog...especially in a future classroom setting. However, since kids are growing up with more technological advances, it only makes sense to teach them by using technological methods in some way or form that are relevant to modern day. So, to understand why I should even consider using a blog in my future classroom, I found a blog/article that addresses that exact question. First, the blog, "Teaching Today", explains that technology is advancing each day, so in order for teachers to relate to students, using technology in the classroom is the way to go. Next, it describes what exactly is a blog- "a Web publishing tool that allows authors to quickly and easily self-publish text, artwork, links to other blogs or Web sites, and a whole array of other content" (Teaching Today). The blog goes on, and highlights different aspects and reasons why blogging is suggested. Blogging is user-friendly and has educational benefits. "teaching Today" also addresses the "four basic functions of a blog" in-depth : Classroom Management; Collaboration; Discussions; and Student Portfolios (Teaching Today). One thing I admired about this source was that it also addressed blog risks to consider, how to prepare your own students for blogging, as well as how to start a blog. I learned quite a bit about blogging from this source. It has also changed my perspective about using a blog as a learning tool for my future students. I would even go as far to say, that I might consider using a blog in the classroom.

Sources:
Teaching Today. October.2006.
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47

Let's make a paper cut out animation! To get started you will need the following supplies:

• Animation stand

Step 1:You'll need a base to set your scene onto. An animation stand is a great tool to use for this project.

Step 2: For this step you'll need your digital camera. The camera will be attached to the animation stand for stability.

Step 3: Center the digital camera on the animation stand pointing downward. Make sure that the camera will take pictures in the smallest memory setting. It's also important to view the frame with no zoom to start out with.

Step 4:
Gather paper materials for your project. As the creator you have creative freedom. Your project may have a theme, it could be random, or you could incorporate 3D aspects.

Step 5: Your animation station will need a platform. You should have (8) 1" blocks. Place two blocks (stacked on top of each other) on each corner of your animation stand. This platform creates a raised surface once the plexi glass is placed on top.

Step 6: Creating a background is completely up to the artist. It is recommended that your background remain underneath the plexi glass. These pieces will stay in the same place.

Step 7: Now your video is ready for action! Place your desired characters onto the plexi glass to create a story.

Step 8: With each frame movement take a picture with your digital camera. Some important tips:

• Be sure to use the digital camera on the manual setting. Flash photography may alter your video quality.

• You're in charge of your characters. This means that you can take a picture with very small movements one character at a time. Otherwise you can have many parts moving at the same time within a frame. Small movements and many pictures create a more interesting video.

Step 9: Upload all of your photos onto a computer. Photoshop is a helpful tool to organize and create your project.

Step 10: After uploading the photos in order, select the appropriate times in between frames. Music can be added in this final step as well.