In response to Mark and Christine - using PowerPoint in a different way.
This is so true guys. And Mark - you mentioned that boys love this type of writing - and so do girls. And better yet, they all love READING this type of writing. Some call it cartoons, some call it graphic stories, others refer to it as comics. Whatever you call it - the kids love it, and it's a great way to get them to read. If you've ever heard of the "Bone" books by Jeff Smith, you'll know how popular this type of writing/reading is! During any given week, at leave five of my students will sign out a Bone book from the library. Excellent!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Assignment 5 - Rationale
Assignment 5 – Presentation Software
PowerPoint Presentation – Julia Borrelli
O’Siem – by Susan Aglukark
Rationale:
Every month at the Catholic school where I teach, we have a “Community Celebration” – a school-wide assembly, honouring students who have volunteered, helped out, or stood out in some way over the month. Each month it is the responsibility of one class to ‘direct’ this assembly – putting together all the thank you announcements and awards of recognition. For the month of March, it is my turn (along with my class) to organize the Community Assembly. Since it will take place during Race Relations week in Sioux Lookout, I thought it would be appropriate to present a slideshow to the entire school that represents anti-racism, togetherness, and cultural diversity.
The following PowerPoint presentation uses a song and lyrics by Susan Aglukark – a Canadian singer/song writer who infuses her music with Aboriginal culture and the Iniktitut language. The phrase “O’Siem” is a shout for joy in Inuktitut, and it’s a song that attempts to break down the barriers felt by many Native people. This presentation is something that I will show to the entire school during our Race Relations week in March; a week where we have different activities that will help break down the walls of racism and bring awareness to students and community members. Some activities that take place during Race Relations week at our school include bannock baking, Pow Wows, Smudge Ceremonies, and bringing Elders in from the community to talk about their experiences with Residential schools and the prejudices they feel.
Information about the Artist and Song:
“(Susan) Aglukark's lyrics have included personal stories and social commentary on issues such as child abuse, alcoholism and suicide that have plagued many First Nations communities. Her album This Child combined contemporary melodies, traditional Inuk chants, modern lyrics and Inuit culture and folklore. The song "O Siem" described some of the racism and prejudice in her community, and "Shamaya" combined folklore and personal observations to describe a traditional Inuit hunt. "Hina Na Ho" drew a striking analogy between the harsh Arctic winter and the challenges experienced by many people in northern Canada.”
(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0003989)
Notes about the PowerPoint Presentation:
¤ At the time of submission, the song “O’Siem” plays through the entire slide show
¤ The slide transitions match with the lyrics (text) on each slide
¤ I am really hoping this works – and that you see what I see!
PowerPoint Presentation – Julia Borrelli
O’Siem – by Susan Aglukark
Rationale:
Every month at the Catholic school where I teach, we have a “Community Celebration” – a school-wide assembly, honouring students who have volunteered, helped out, or stood out in some way over the month. Each month it is the responsibility of one class to ‘direct’ this assembly – putting together all the thank you announcements and awards of recognition. For the month of March, it is my turn (along with my class) to organize the Community Assembly. Since it will take place during Race Relations week in Sioux Lookout, I thought it would be appropriate to present a slideshow to the entire school that represents anti-racism, togetherness, and cultural diversity.
The following PowerPoint presentation uses a song and lyrics by Susan Aglukark – a Canadian singer/song writer who infuses her music with Aboriginal culture and the Iniktitut language. The phrase “O’Siem” is a shout for joy in Inuktitut, and it’s a song that attempts to break down the barriers felt by many Native people. This presentation is something that I will show to the entire school during our Race Relations week in March; a week where we have different activities that will help break down the walls of racism and bring awareness to students and community members. Some activities that take place during Race Relations week at our school include bannock baking, Pow Wows, Smudge Ceremonies, and bringing Elders in from the community to talk about their experiences with Residential schools and the prejudices they feel.
Information about the Artist and Song:
“(Susan) Aglukark's lyrics have included personal stories and social commentary on issues such as child abuse, alcoholism and suicide that have plagued many First Nations communities. Her album This Child combined contemporary melodies, traditional Inuk chants, modern lyrics and Inuit culture and folklore. The song "O Siem" described some of the racism and prejudice in her community, and "Shamaya" combined folklore and personal observations to describe a traditional Inuit hunt. "Hina Na Ho" drew a striking analogy between the harsh Arctic winter and the challenges experienced by many people in northern Canada.”
(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0003989)
Notes about the PowerPoint Presentation:
¤ At the time of submission, the song “O’Siem” plays through the entire slide show
¤ The slide transitions match with the lyrics (text) on each slide
¤ I am really hoping this works – and that you see what I see!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
More on Spec. Ed.
In response to David...Isn't it difficult/frustrating to know where your students are at and to try to help them when they are often being withdrawn and 'dealt with' in the spec. ed. department only? I can only imagine how you feel about your students trying to make it in highschool. I'm sure you're doing a great job at preparing them for what's coming - huge changes ahead!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Plethora of PowerPoint
Wow, Shane - this definitely is a HUGE amount of slideshows to view. This site gave me some great ideas for the presentation assignment coming up. It's definitely a website that gives great examples of the many things PowerPoint can do! Thanks for sharing this, I added it to my favourites so I can show my class powerpoint presentations when they relate to what we are doing in class. Thank yoU!
Ebooks...
David, this website looks like a great place where people can learn about the benefits to using Ebooks. Going through the site and your summative posting, it is easy to see that every teacher can use ebooks within their classrooms and expect great results. I'm not sure how things are in your school, but in my school, the special education programming takes place pretty well completely within the spec. ed. department. Meaning that the students are often removed from the classroom in order to have their special ed. programming take place. So I think it's easy for teachers to forget how easy it can be to provide accommodated or moderated programming for students who are struggling - especially if the onus has been taken off them in the past. But this site makes things very clear as to what we can do with ebooks, and why they are important for students who learn differently. Thanks for the share!
Benetton - Flipbook
In response to Keethai's discovery of Benetoon's "Flipbook" website.
Keethai - I have never heard of this website, and I think this has very much to do with our current topic. It seems like a great place for students to be able to express themselves through creative images and in a sense, presentations. From what I can see, children are able to create their own drawings and pictures and then use those to establish their own flipbook - which is most definitely a visual presentation. The only thing that would make it even better is if students could import sound bites. From what I could tell, this is something that hasn't been established on the site yet - but I could be wrong. I just think adding sound would make things even more creative. And you're right, Keethai, this does match completely with the curriculum expectations and even goes along with much of the literacy curriculum as well.
Keethai - I have never heard of this website, and I think this has very much to do with our current topic. It seems like a great place for students to be able to express themselves through creative images and in a sense, presentations. From what I can see, children are able to create their own drawings and pictures and then use those to establish their own flipbook - which is most definitely a visual presentation. The only thing that would make it even better is if students could import sound bites. From what I could tell, this is something that hasn't been established on the site yet - but I could be wrong. I just think adding sound would make things even more creative. And you're right, Keethai, this does match completely with the curriculum expectations and even goes along with much of the literacy curriculum as well.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Inspiration
This is a posting I created in response to Patricia's find about Inspiration presentation software.
Patricia - thanks for letting us know about another presentation software. To be quite honest, I know no other presentation software programs other than Microsoft PowerPoint or MovieMaker, so to have another one brought to my attention is a great thing. I especially enjoy how the link discusses the different types of presentations you could create using Inspiration. It actually takes you through step-by-step, the different types of presentations, and the reasons and different contexts for which to use each one. I think this link is very helpful for people who want to broaden their horizons and move beyond the PowerPoint mind frame. Great find - thanks!
Patricia - thanks for letting us know about another presentation software. To be quite honest, I know no other presentation software programs other than Microsoft PowerPoint or MovieMaker, so to have another one brought to my attention is a great thing. I especially enjoy how the link discusses the different types of presentations you could create using Inspiration. It actually takes you through step-by-step, the different types of presentations, and the reasons and different contexts for which to use each one. I think this link is very helpful for people who want to broaden their horizons and move beyond the PowerPoint mind frame. Great find - thanks!
List of Slideshows
This is in response to Vanessa's great find: http://www.graves.k12.ky.us/powerpoints/elementary/ - Using PowerPoint Presentations in the Pr/Jr Classroom.
Vanessa - this is quite the list. It's too bad that the creators of the site didn't sort through the presentations and categorize them into grades or divisions at least. I am looking through some of them now, thinking of how great it would have been to have access to these during some of my past units (Ecosystems, Food Chains, anything having to do with Kindergarten, etc.). And although this seems to be American (or at least there are some US-related slideshows), there are still some very relevant topics that I'm sure relate to our Ontario curriculum. I can't wait to sit down and take the time to go through these to see what will apply to me. In fact, a smart thing to do would be to put this on my "Favourites" list so I can refer back to it in the future. Great find, thanks for sharing!
Vanessa - this is quite the list. It's too bad that the creators of the site didn't sort through the presentations and categorize them into grades or divisions at least. I am looking through some of them now, thinking of how great it would have been to have access to these during some of my past units (Ecosystems, Food Chains, anything having to do with Kindergarten, etc.). And although this seems to be American (or at least there are some US-related slideshows), there are still some very relevant topics that I'm sure relate to our Ontario curriculum. I can't wait to sit down and take the time to go through these to see what will apply to me. In fact, a smart thing to do would be to put this on my "Favourites" list so I can refer back to it in the future. Great find, thanks for sharing!
What Not To Do...
Lately, all the research I have been coming across in terms of Powerpoint presentations have said the same thing; if you're going to use this software, refrain from using bulleted points in your slides. Peter has even said the same thing.
The thing that I find to be very funny is that I sat through four years of university, and in each year and almost every subject (except Peter's class, of course!) there were PowerPoint slideshows that featured bulleted points slide after slide. The prof would (I guess?) try to make things seem more interesting by using fancy transitions with their words popping on the screen (i.e. the bullets would appear letter by letter with a very annoying typing sound), but they weren't fooling anyone.
It's intersting to think that everyone is telling us what NOT to do with a powerpoint slideshow, and all throughout university, the profs (but not Peter!) were doing just that. Tisk Tisk...
The thing that I find to be very funny is that I sat through four years of university, and in each year and almost every subject (except Peter's class, of course!) there were PowerPoint slideshows that featured bulleted points slide after slide. The prof would (I guess?) try to make things seem more interesting by using fancy transitions with their words popping on the screen (i.e. the bullets would appear letter by letter with a very annoying typing sound), but they weren't fooling anyone.
It's intersting to think that everyone is telling us what NOT to do with a powerpoint slideshow, and all throughout university, the profs (but not Peter!) were doing just that. Tisk Tisk...
Another Negative Opinion
http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0002PP&topic_id=1
This is a link entitled "Lowsy PowerPoint presentations: the Fault of PP users?". Another interesting article to read - presenting lots of different perspectives. It's kind of interesting to see the different points of view on the subject - and lately, I have been finding more and more negative opinions. Take a look.
This is a link entitled "Lowsy PowerPoint presentations: the Fault of PP users?". Another interesting article to read - presenting lots of different perspectives. It's kind of interesting to see the different points of view on the subject - and lately, I have been finding more and more negative opinions. Take a look.
Powerpoint and Rocket Science
http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0001yB&topic_id=1
This is the link about using powerpoint and rocket science. It's a good read...definitely check it out!
This is the link about using powerpoint and rocket science. It's a good read...definitely check it out!
Powerpoint - One Author's Idea
http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/books_pp
Apparently there are quite a few resources that outline the dos and don'ts of powerpoint and slideware presentations in general. If you follow the link above, you'll see one author's opinion as stated in his essay entitled "PowerPoint Does Rocket Science--and Better Techniques for Technical Reports".
Basically the site explains how we have been using visual presentations for many years, and now with the invention of different slideshow software, they are nearly everywhere. This author claims that "slideware often reduces the analytical quality of presentations. In particular, the popular PowerPoint templates (ready-made designs) usually weaken verbal and spatial reasoning, and almost always corrupt statistical analysis". Hmm...makes you wonder about teachers using this in their classrooms on a regular basis, doesn't it?
Apparently there are quite a few resources that outline the dos and don'ts of powerpoint and slideware presentations in general. If you follow the link above, you'll see one author's opinion as stated in his essay entitled "PowerPoint Does Rocket Science--and Better Techniques for Technical Reports".
Basically the site explains how we have been using visual presentations for many years, and now with the invention of different slideshow software, they are nearly everywhere. This author claims that "slideware often reduces the analytical quality of presentations. In particular, the popular PowerPoint templates (ready-made designs) usually weaken verbal and spatial reasoning, and almost always corrupt statistical analysis". Hmm...makes you wonder about teachers using this in their classrooms on a regular basis, doesn't it?
A Couple Professors' Opinions
http://lsi.typepad.com/lsi/2007/01/rethinking_powe.html
This is a link I came across when researching the use of Powerpoint in the classroom. It begins with a Law School professor stating all the negative aspects of Powerpoint, saying MindManager (made by Mindjet) is better. Although I find some of his opinions valid, I also don't necessarily think he knows everything there is to know about Powerpoint, because then he wouldn't be saying things like 'it flattens my presentations', etc. When we all know that there are certain things we can do to make sure our presentations on PowerPoint are not 'flat'.
It is interesting to read the rest of the comments (it is posted in a forum format). Many of the people who respond to him are either fellow Law Professors or students of law, giving their opinions. Check it out - it is very interesting!
This is a link I came across when researching the use of Powerpoint in the classroom. It begins with a Law School professor stating all the negative aspects of Powerpoint, saying MindManager (made by Mindjet) is better. Although I find some of his opinions valid, I also don't necessarily think he knows everything there is to know about Powerpoint, because then he wouldn't be saying things like 'it flattens my presentations', etc. When we all know that there are certain things we can do to make sure our presentations on PowerPoint are not 'flat'.
It is interesting to read the rest of the comments (it is posted in a forum format). Many of the people who respond to him are either fellow Law Professors or students of law, giving their opinions. Check it out - it is very interesting!
Help, Peter!
Peter, I am sort of concerned with the last few posts you've given us about hints for our powerpoint presentation project. You keep using terms like 'bells and whistles' and 'fancy'...and I don't feel very confident! Do you literally just want us to put together a presentation showcasing all that the software can do (or at least what I think it can do?)...and leave the content behind?
Powerpoint and Shared Reading
In response to Patricia, who posted on using powerpoint presentations as big books in the classroom...
Patricia, I am not really sure what you are referring to when you say a 'digital imager'. Maybe I have not gone through all the posts yet, and will find it soon:). But I do like what you're saying about using powerpoint to create a big book for the classroom. I also don't necessarily think you need the audio aspect of it. Instead, you could use it as a shared reading lesson instead. This seems like a good idea to me, and I will research more!
Patricia, I am not really sure what you are referring to when you say a 'digital imager'. Maybe I have not gone through all the posts yet, and will find it soon:). But I do like what you're saying about using powerpoint to create a big book for the classroom. I also don't necessarily think you need the audio aspect of it. Instead, you could use it as a shared reading lesson instead. This seems like a good idea to me, and I will research more!
Powerpoint in the Classroom
In response to Christine's two posted links for powerpoint and ESL students...
Christine, unfortunately your first link didn't work for me, but the second one you gave regarding ESL Lessons using Powerpoint seems really great. I especially like the idea that they have so many different grammatical lessons, as well as punctuation. To me, this could be used for a lot of different students - not just ESL students. In particular, I am thinking of two or three different students in my class who are IEPed for language. One in particular is working at an early grade one level (and he's in grade four) so these types of presentations would be especially helpful to him. I also like these because the teacher or EA can use them one-on-one with the student, or the teacher can do whole class instruction using the LCD projector. Great!
Christine, unfortunately your first link didn't work for me, but the second one you gave regarding ESL Lessons using Powerpoint seems really great. I especially like the idea that they have so many different grammatical lessons, as well as punctuation. To me, this could be used for a lot of different students - not just ESL students. In particular, I am thinking of two or three different students in my class who are IEPed for language. One in particular is working at an early grade one level (and he's in grade four) so these types of presentations would be especially helpful to him. I also like these because the teacher or EA can use them one-on-one with the student, or the teacher can do whole class instruction using the LCD projector. Great!
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