Opinions about the link Courses

1.) Have the linked courses been beneficial to you and if so how? If not, why not?
- Both classes have served their purposes adn were worth the time adn energy. The projects were linked properly to the pop culture class. However, I believe that the topics that were chosen were difficult for some of us, it was hard to personalize.

2.) Have the digital photo/storytelling assignments been worthwhile in helping you learn the technology skills presented?
- I am very pleased with what I have learned in using technology. I have never been technology savvy, but was excited about what I have accomplished.

3. ) Have the digital photo/storytelling assignments been worthwhile in helping you learn the popular culture content?
- Having to do the technology piece attached to popular culture content helped me acquire knowledge about a subject I probably would of never been interested in.

4.) Do you think that the linked courses pairing helped you connect technical skills to content area knowledge? If so, how and if not, what do you think did not work?
- Yes, I feel like without the technical skills I would of not been able to find the knowledge I did on the topic received.

5.) Would you be interested in taking other linked courses if they were offered and would you recommend this pair of linked courses to other students?
- I would be interested in taking other link courses. Actually I am taking a link course with Dr. White and Dr. McNeil in the spring. Furthermore, I would definitely recommend this class to other students.

6.) Is there anything else you can suggest that you feel would improve the digital photography/ storytelling half of the linked course pair?
- I believe that this class could use a better setting in terms of the lab, so that backs aren't turned to the presentation.

7.) One option under consideration is to have a linked pair of courses where the content area course would be offered as a traditional 3 housr per week face to face course adn the digital photosory/ storytelling course would be offered online, or mostly online. Please discuss your reaction to this idea and provide any questions or comments you have on this topic.
- I actually think this could be beneficial to some people but for me it would not. I need that face to face interaction.As well as, I am not technology savvy and need all the help I can get.

8.) Do you have any other comments that you would like to add?
- Dr. Robin, I appreciate the knowledge you have presented to us. I think I am truly excited about it because I found use to something that will be beneficial to my students.

Draft Article

I truly feel that the article was a good description of what the courses offer. As an educator and as a student, I believe that the article shows the way to enhance the performance of all parties involved. Technology is forever changing at a rapid pace and in order to be able to involve our students, to be able to motivate, and encourage them we must be willing and able to bring to them things that interest them and I believe that technology does that. It helps with intriguing them along with adding the use of alternative texts. Alternative texts can only enhance students education and as educators we must be willing to do all that is possible to do this. The article encompasses how technology and alternative texts together can and should be used in the classroom to help educate, to provide vital information and to help motivate the younger generation.

Process of Making A CD/DVD

I had to first come away from the mentality that I am not going to understand how to do this. Once I got over that, I was able to figure out what CD I needed and what I needed to do to get it to burn correctly. I really had to read about what kind of CD I needed and how to acquire one. After, I got that I was in the clear. It seemed to me that I was defeated before I even got started. I always had people burn me CD's, I never actually had done one on my own. So now after having to do this for the class, I am glad that I learned what to do and how to do it.

Software

I am using the basics for my digital story because I am still not too comfortable with what I am doing. I am using mostly Windows Movie Maker for the final story. I plan to use more video than anything.
My storyboard was used in Microsoft Word. It was easy to use the template that was already placed on the website.
I am also using picasa and photoshop elements for editing pics.
I have used mediaconverter to convert videos from youtube to become files that I can use on WMP.

Mixing Audio with Narration

http://www.soundupload.com/audio/3cye9xy5b0at7lpa

Above is the link to my mix of narration with audio. The two are really random ,but it sort of works. It was a little difficult trying to get it together. The more I played with the program the more I changed things and not for the better. So I hope it sounds okay.

Midterm Project: Harriet Beecher Stowe

This project was by far the most intense for me. I had so much trouble with my computer and then on top everything, I did not know if I was doing it correctly. I dont know if I timed it very well, but I did try. I chose Harriet Beecher Stowe because I talk about her and her accomplishments in my classroom and I thought it would be a great tool for me to use. Overall, I am satisfied with the story; however, it could be better.

Story Circle Feedback

When we met with our circle, I enjoyed the constructive criticism that was said by all members of the circle towards everyone. It was a great way to get everyone involved, and since everyone had to go it wasn't stressful or anything. I think that as an educator, I will definitely use this in my classroom... it helps students process thoughts and editing one another was fun and easy.