Projects

Project # 1: Initial Publication of my ePortfolio 
For this project, I learned how to publish a website.  I used Google, studentweb.cortland.edu, NVu, and FileZilla.  It was confusing learning how to use the technology together to get the outcome I was looking for, I will never forget how to use it again! This will be very helpful when I am a teacher and I teach my students how to utilize and create websites using the same technology. 
 
Project #2: Elementary School Website
This project taught me how to design a website to advertise for an Elementary School.  I created the elementary school, Imagination Station.  On my webpage, I created links to a weekly lunch menu, an upcoming sports events page, and a “meet the faculty and staff” page.  I made this website using Google and clipart.  This will help me in my future career as a teacher because it is very important to stay connected with Parents and potential parents at my school.  I can teach my students how to utilize a website like this and even have them design projects to publish on the website.
 
Project #3: Puzzle
This project taught me how to create a puzzle using Discovery Education.  I used the studentweb.cortland.edu site rather than Google for this project.  I also learned how to use NVu and FileZilla to publish a webpage.  I made a screen shot of my puzzle after I pasted it into Microsoft Word and then I pasted it into paint.  I learned how to crop and save a picture in paint, then I put it into NVu and published it.  I also learned how to make an image into a link.  I can definitely use this in the future when I’m teaching.  Students will love to learn how and use puzzlemaker!
 Project #4: MS Word
For this project, I used Microsoft Word to make a wordart acrostic.  I used Word Art to make my words and letters appealing to the eye.  I changed the colors, shapes, shadows, fonts, and overall appearance of my words using Microsoft.  I also used the sample character traits website provided in the syllabus.  I made a screen shot of my finished product and saved it in Paint.  I then used the screen shot as a link in Nvu for my Microsoft Word document.  I published this using FileZilla.  This will be a fun tool to use in the classroom.  I can make a word wall for my students using word art, or I can teach the students how to use this so they can make their own name tags!
Project #5: Webquest
For this project, I worked with Michelle Burdge.  We made a science webquest for second graders about Mammals.  We used an outline provided and made our webquest using google sites.  We created a new site and added pages for each portion of the webquest. We used enchantedlearning.com as a reference for students to research each mammal.  We also used google to search for images to make our webquest visually appealing for the students.  I can use this webquest in the classroom as well as make more depending on grade level and subject.  I believe that my students will love doing something like this because it isn't typical pencil and paper work.
 Project #6: MS Publisher
For this project, I chose to make a brochure about a math game, Matho.  This brochure is designed for teachers to attend a workshop I am putting on.  I used Microsoft Publisher and chose a brochure template.  I used clipart I found online as well as clipart from MS Publisher.  In order to publish my project, I made a screen shot using Paint and linked the project to a screen shot of my brochure.  I then used Nvu to create my site and uploaded it to FileZilla.  This is a great tool because I now know how to make a brochure for future projects in my classroom.  MS Publisher also has calendar and newsletter templates.  These will all be necessities for me when I am a teacher.
Project #7 Digital Story Project.
For this project, I made a digital photo story using Photo Story 3 for Windows.  I learned how to put my photos into the photo story, add text, and add transitions.  I also learned how to add music to my project.  I chose to make my photo story about the birth of my nephew, Alex.  This is a great project because I will be able to use what I learned and make photo stories for different events for years to come.  In the classroom, I can either have students bring in their own pictures and make photostories for their parents/guardians, or I can make a digital photo story of the year or a specific field trip so the children will have a memory they can keep forever.

Project #8: Reflections on the Journey of Learning About Technology

This course has taught me a lot about myself as a future teacher.  I have learned how to do many things using the computer that will help me in years to come.  First and foremost, I learned how to publish and manage a website using studentweb as well we google.  By learning these skills and applying them, I then learned how to make a webquest which will definitely be used and used often in my classroom.  As the students become more and more technologically advanced in the years to come, it is good to stay ahead of the times and be very familiar with today’s technology.  For this project, I wrote about my experience in this course and my future plans for using the technology learned in my classroom.