Week 2 of 540

This week's activities saw us extending our knowledge of statistical information, along with beginning to understand how to collect data.  For example, a majority of our group/individual work revolved around defining terms, and checking out data collecting software.  This was informative, as we learned the meanings of some terms, along with being able to play with some features of the software.  My favorite part of the lesson was the continuation of dealing with statistical terminology.  After listening to the recording of class from last week (had a varsity baseball game that night), I feel I finally have an understanding of standard deviation.  I have heard the term a couple of different times, but I now feel I truly understand its purpose.  Essentially, I view the standard deviation as the average of the distances of each value from the actual mean.  This tests how strong the mean value is, telling whether it is indicative of the numbers as a whole.  I also enjoyed using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet features to complete the guided practice worksheet (what a time saver)!

Week 1 of 540

As ridiculous as it might sound, I'm looking forward to a statistics class.  Given my mathematical background, I love the idea of a class centered around analyzing data.  Despite the fact that it has been awhile since I have dealt with higher order statistics, I'm excited for the experience.  In reference to the work for this week, I thought the videos were very informative, along with stimulating.  Whereas the first video was a little bit older, it very clearly pointed out how statistics are used to make pivotal decisions all around the world.  The video about the correlation between annual income and age of death (over time) was very stimulating and to the point.  It was very effective in making statistics interesting.  I'm glad I didn't live in the early 1800's, as I'd currently have one foot in the grave!

Week 5 of 530

This week's work seems like it is the beginning of the end for this class (I didn't mean to make it sound so morbid).  By developing a multimedia rubric based on everything that we've learned, I think it's clear that we're starting the process of tying together everything we've used.  I believe that this is a great way of using our previous knowledge, applying it to our classroom instruction.  I also thought that the advice on how to properly shop for multimedia was a good way to wrap things up.  As we continue our adventures into digital storytelling, it's important to be able to shop efficiently and with purpose.  Lastly, finishing off the Pecha Kucha is a little bit difficult, but certainly interesting.  Twenty seconds per slide doesn't seem overly difficult on the surface, but it's hard to get the rhythm down on a consistent basis.  Regardless, I think it is a great, concise way to give a presentation.

Week 4 of Digital Storytelling

I thought the content of this particular week took presentations to the next level.  Not only did we finish up our 28 picture project, but we also got to put it to use.  Also, Presentation Zen hit on a couple of principles that although simple, were vastly efficient.  The two that really stood out to me were Naturalness and Appropriate Timing.  It's much more pleasurable for the audience and the presenter when said orator gives off a sense of calm, or naturalness.  Also, less is more.  We've all sat in presentations that have been overloaded with way too much information in desperate need of being condensed.  I think this is why making a presentation shorter than expected benefits all parties involved.  I also found the concept of Prezi to be quite interesting; bucking the norm of working with slide after slide.  The "canvas" idea is a great way to lay out all of the information, without shoving it in a person's face.  The DigiTales Chapter 7 reading was also informative.  I found the Image File Vocabulary list to particularly helpful, as I've often seen these terms, but haven't always known their meaning.  Finally the Pecha Kucha story boarding was good in terms of forcing me to think of how to condense my information, but still have it be meaningful. 

Week 3 of 530

Week #3 of 530 involved more picture taking and learning about proper presentation techniques.  As we are three fourths of the way through our picture taking adventure, I'm finding that I have to be a little more creative with my pictures.  When you're focusing on one subject (my daughter), you quickly realize that the normal routine for a little girl doesn't always lend itself to a ton of different photo opportunities.  Our big assignment for the week, revising our PowerPoint based on concepts used in the class (mainly Presentation Zen concepts) was a bit of a challenge, but certainly made the presentation more concise and effective. Also, as the concept of Zen intrigues me, the more of this book I read, the more interested I become.  I was also a fan of the Animoto short that we had to do.  I certainly agree that this program does seem to make a presentation into more of a movie trailer.  However, my major complaint with this resource is a poor music library.  I only recognized one song, and wasn't able to import any songs from my iTunes Library.  Chapter 7 from DigiTales also was interesting, as it laid out some basic elements for effective storytelling.  Finally, I found the concept of Pecha Kucha to be very intriguing.  In a way that I find comparable to a Haiku poem, Pecha Kucha promotes simplicity without hampering creativity.  Overall, I feel my presentation creating ability is increasing; and I am enjoying the nature of this class thus far!

Week #2 of 530

Along with the continuance of our picture taking expedition (which I've come to enjoy), week 2 was full of worthwhile activities.  For example, the readings from Presentation Zen made some very clear, informative points on how to give a presentation that people will remember.  I particularly liked how credibility and simplicity made their way on to the list of "sticky" concepts.  I also enjoyed looking up the different mathematical/technological lessons.  It's always good to expand your arsenal of lesson plans, learning from others who have tried and succeeded in the past.  However, what I enjoyed working with the most would have to be the Digital Stories from Voicethread.

I was a little skeptical at first, but it really wasn't that difficult to use.  I found it very interesting to work on the preparation aspect (away from the computer mind you), then converting it to the actual presentation, audio and all.  I could certainly see this type of digital storytelling being used in my classroom as a means of making presentations in the event that I cannot attend class.  Also, I can see myself using this site for several different types of group projects.

First Blog Post of 530

I thought the first class of Digital Storytelling was a pleasant change of pace from our normal class protocol.  Don't get me wrong, I've learned a great deal from our previous classes, it's just nice to have a class that has a little bit of a different focus.  I certainly like the idea of having a class that focuses on improving presentation techniques.  I've enjoyed listening to the various stories, and the readings have really hit a chord, helping me realize the things that I do well, and the the things I need to improve upon.  I particularly liked the activity that had us comment on our version of the future.  Not only did it help us focus on our storytelling abilities, but it also allowed us to visualize how to achieve our future goals.  I also was a big favorite of the zen fables, as I found them morally stimulating.

By the time this class is over, I hope to have a much better grasp of what makes a truly good picture.  I'm typically a take and shoot type of photographer, with very little regard to light, setting, or whatever else makes up a good picture.  I'm also looking forward to improving my presentation capabilities.  This is an extremely important area of expertise for any educator, given the prevalence of presenting content material.  Above all else though, I hope that this class helps me get one step closer to becoming a complete instructional educator.