Kiss the Day Goodbye . . . .

and point me to a few weeks off!

So I made it! My overall experience with Integrating Technology into the Curriculum was not nearly as traumatic as I thought it would be! I not only survived, but I also learned some new skills and concepts that I hope to use. Project Based Learning was a huge part of this semester. I had to read and design many lessons under the PBL umbrella. Although I didn’t like doing so many discussion posts, I understand the importance of them. Those posts kept me tuned in to my classmates, which is something that I probably would not have done otherwise. Our PBL group project was frightening at first, but my group worked hard and we did a great job. Although we all taught different subjects and levels, I think our project came together nicely. I am officially halfway through completing my degree in Instructional Technology and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

PBL Experience . . .

Thinking back over my PBL experience, I have to say that it was frustrating, but overall positive. The frustrating part was the fact that I am not really good with working in groups. I was a bit weary when anticipating people clashing with each other. . Everyone has their own ideas on how and when things should be completed which aren’t always aligned with my own. What really had me worried was the fact that this was all to be completed online This was a huge project, so there was no way to complete all of the work on your own in the time frame given. I have to say that I did all of that worrying for nothing because my group rocked! We all worked together to formulate a plan and stuck to it! Everyone made this experience so much easier than I expected. I am also grateful we had the use of Google Docs to help keep things organized.
I did not fully understand the instructions in the beginning. I was very grateful for the face to face class with Dr. B. He really helped explain a lot of the roles of each group remember. We also got a chance to glance at a few examples from previous groups. After completing the project and reviewing others, I feel we did a good job. The other group’s projects were also very well put together. I think after completing this project, we are all prepared to not only work in groups, but to also help teach others about the tools and PBLs we’ve learned this semester.

My Movie Maker Project . . .

I had a few challenges with this project. The first challenge was in coming up with a topic. I told myself that each project I produced in the IT program would be something I could take back and use in my music room. Although I correct behavior on a daily basis, most of that has nothing to do with music itself. I struggled in coming up with concert etiquette.
Another challenge I faced was in using Camstudio/Camtasia Studio. Camstudio was my good friend this summer, until one day it stopped working. It would no longer let me save my projects. So I downloaded the trial version of Camtasia. Well, this program would not allow me to upload my project onto Youtube for some reason. I had to save it and manually upload it (after about two hours of trying to upload it with Camtasia.)
I have a love/hate relationship with Movie Maker. I love it because it enables me to produce really cool projects. I hate it because it takes so much time! When I think I am finished, I find another effect or audio I could add. Or I think I am finished only to realize that I forgot to add something and have to start all over again. Another lesson I learned with this project is to ask for help with your classmates! I am lucky to have someone who is willing to help me whenever possible, even at 10pm!