During this Digital Graphics assignment I was able to gain new information as well as review prior knowledge. When creating a newsletter, which was a requirement in this course, I was given the opportunity to grasp a better understanding of the importance of a well planned layout. Personal branding and logos are also new pieces of information that I enjoyed learning about. LeaLea’s article titled “The Art of Self Branding” informed me that “essentially, a brand is and idea and perceived value formed by its intended audience based on a company’s culture, product, and service” (Alcantra, 2009). I discovered that the act of creating my own logo was challenging, but incredibly fun. I truly enjoyed seeing how this logo fit into my newsletter.
Another concept that I experienced more in depth was utilizing the element of alignment. Dr. John Yearwood from Lamar University defines alignment as “the attribute of arranging every element in a design to conform to some kind of horizontal and vertical visual relationship with other elements in the design” (Dr. John Yearwood, 2009). This assignment has made me more cognizant of implementing this element into all of my products.
I was able to assess my own learning during this assignment by using the rubric that was provided for this course. As I created by newsletter, I was careful to include the requirements necessary to meet the needs of this assignment.
The main three strategies that I used to complete this assignment were to first choose a topic that I was already familiar with and that I was excited about. Next, “Start by identifying your audience and determining their common needs and interests” as stated in an article titled “Planning Newsletters” (Lamb, 2005). Lastly, include my peers in the review process so that I could have insight from multiple pairs of eyes. I was able to use Skype and email as tools to collaborate with some of my cohorts in order to learn more about software that we use and give suggestions and advice for our work.
The skills that I gained during this assignment will impact my future learning. I was able to reinforce my knowledge of desktop publishing skills so that the presentations, documents, newsletters and training materials that I created will reflect the design elements and principles.
I have also established deeper relationships with some of my colleagues that I will foster in the future. Just knowing other individuals who have experienced similar experiences with graduate school, will allow me to be able to when facing challenges outside of these courses.
In this newsletter, we were asked to link our animations to the assignment. Animation is a media that I would like to learn more about. Although it is fascinating, it requires a great amount of time and precision. I would like to research and learn more about possible software and classroom uses.
References:
Dr. John Yearwood, P. A. (2009). Basic design principles and some observations on how we see. Lamar University, Beaumont.
Lamb, A. (2005). Planning newsletters. Retrieved from http://eduscapes.com/sessions/publishing/planning.htm
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Cowan Studios Newsletter
This is my newsletter for week 4's assignment. It covers many of the elements of a newsletter. I used Publisher to create this product.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Cowan Studios Poster
This is the poster that I created for week one's assignment. I went back and included my logo.
Cowan Studios Animation Ad
This animation ad was created for my week 3 assignment of my Graphics Animation Course. It was created with Serif PhotoPlus and Windows Movie Maker. The music was retrieved on November 23, 2010 from Windows Music Samples. The featured song is "Distance" by the artist Kale Karsh from his album Realize, 2001. The model in the ad is my little sister, Rebekah Matthews. The final product was uploaded to YouTube.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Design in Ancient Manuscripts
After examining “A Portrait of St. John” from the Book of Kells by Edward Sullivan for examples of design principals, I was completely amazed at how this artist was so in tune with the need for color and balance. The details in the designs are stunning. I feel that our society is unaware of the challenges that would be faced in trying to create such detail by hand. What a difficult and laborious process! Although the creation of illustrations have come a long way since then, it is still important to respect the beauty of the ancient work.
When viewing this ancient manuscript, it was very easy to locate the four principals of design. My findings are as follows:
1. Contrast-the vibrant colors of the Celtic from are contrasting with lightly colored background.
2. Repetition-is the predominant design principal in this manuscript. The entire work is a series of patterns. The frame, clothing, chair and background all depict repeating designs.
3. Alignment-since the piece is symmetrical, the entire work is aligned vertically and horizontally. Imaginary lines could be drawn to show complete symmetry.
4. Proximity-the artist did group like objects together. The designs around the “throne” are all equally place around the chair. The Celtic knots on the corners of the frame are also in the same areas throughout the piece.
Edward Sullivan, the creator of the manuscript book, took the time to give the readers insight into the story behind the transcripts. He organizes the information by title page, prefatory note, preface, list of plates and the introduction. He provides an understanding of the location of Kells and the detail on how the Abbey came about.
Reference
Sullivan, E. (2010). The Book of Kells . Retrieved November 14, 2010, from Internet Sacred Text Archive: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/bok/index.htm
Image URL: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/bok/img/pl18.jpg
When viewing this ancient manuscript, it was very easy to locate the four principals of design. My findings are as follows:
1. Contrast-the vibrant colors of the Celtic from are contrasting with lightly colored background.
2. Repetition-is the predominant design principal in this manuscript. The entire work is a series of patterns. The frame, clothing, chair and background all depict repeating designs.
3. Alignment-since the piece is symmetrical, the entire work is aligned vertically and horizontally. Imaginary lines could be drawn to show complete symmetry.
4. Proximity-the artist did group like objects together. The designs around the “throne” are all equally place around the chair. The Celtic knots on the corners of the frame are also in the same areas throughout the piece.
Edward Sullivan, the creator of the manuscript book, took the time to give the readers insight into the story behind the transcripts. He organizes the information by title page, prefatory note, preface, list of plates and the introduction. He provides an understanding of the location of Kells and the detail on how the Abbey came about.
Reference
Sullivan, E. (2010). The Book of Kells . Retrieved November 14, 2010, from Internet Sacred Text Archive: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/bok/index.htm
Image URL: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/bok/img/pl18.jpg
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Blog Web Conference 10/12/10
Apparently, I forgot to blog this web conference that I attended in October! Today, I will document then notes I took from the conference with Dr. Abshire. During this conference, we discussed the upcoming midterm. The test will have 20 T/F questions and some scenarios.
We also discussed FERPA with Dr. A. She explained that we should know the policies and laws and as we move into leadership roles, it will help us to know that laws and enforce them. We should help others to practice them. When rules are being broken or laws are being violated, it is important to ask supervisors to put information in writing to cover yourself, and ask for help to understand. Speak with respect so that you do not appear to be challenging authority.
Shawntee’ Cowan
We also discussed FERPA with Dr. A. She explained that we should know the policies and laws and as we move into leadership roles, it will help us to know that laws and enforce them. We should help others to practice them. When rules are being broken or laws are being violated, it is important to ask supervisors to put information in writing to cover yourself, and ask for help to understand. Speak with respect so that you do not appear to be challenging authority.
Shawntee’ Cowan
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Internet Safety PSA
You may view our groups Internet Safety PSA Video Here:
You Tube Address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qChu87JL-4
Music Open Source:
http://www.freesoundtrackmusic.com
A-M Classical
amclassical.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final PSA is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License
You Tube Address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qChu87JL-4
Music Open Source:
http://www.freesoundtrackmusic.com
A-M Classical
amclassical.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final PSA is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License
Saturday, September 25, 2010
PSA Production Project-Internet Safety
During the course of the last 3 weeks, I have had the privilege of working with a great group of people on our required PSA assignment. We first began by deciding what tasks each member of the group would focus on. Once we decided this information, each person worked diligently to carry out their task. Once we completed or pre-production activities, we began the actual production phase. My role was to create the shot list and to assist in providing footage for the shots. Our production came to a halt when we discovered that we would need to use moving footage. We quickly regrouped and reassigned different tasks. We then worked together to get all of the footage that we needed for the project. Other members began to fill in the music and narration. Finally, we were able to construct a well-produced PSA on Internet Safety.
Although our PSA in my opinion was a work of art, there is always room for improvement! My only suggestion for improvement would have been to add the use of a different software program for the final production. Our group unanimously chose Movie Maker to use because it is software that we are all familiar with. After learning about Video Spin in week 2, it would have be interesting to try this software and use some if its features such as multiple effects, transitions and sound effects with our footage, sound and narration.
Our group chose to use a Non-Commercial Creative Commons license. This would allow us to borrow works from other people and reuse it for educational use with the intent not to sale.
Our team collaborated with one another multiple times daily through the use of email. We were able to come up with tasks, ideas, updates and much more through this process. One of our group members, Brandy, created a wiki page for posting documents and files. This form of communication also allowed our team to be able to add and edit information that we could all have access to. Most of our footage, narration, images, and documents were stored on this site. Our group also utilized Skype as a means discover how the project was coming along and to correspond with one another in real time.
Overall, this assignment has been beneficial to me. I have learned a lot about myself and others. I have also learned how this type of assignment will work with students when working in a group. It is valuable to know exactly what to anticipate when working with this type of group assignment.
Although our PSA in my opinion was a work of art, there is always room for improvement! My only suggestion for improvement would have been to add the use of a different software program for the final production. Our group unanimously chose Movie Maker to use because it is software that we are all familiar with. After learning about Video Spin in week 2, it would have be interesting to try this software and use some if its features such as multiple effects, transitions and sound effects with our footage, sound and narration.
Our group chose to use a Non-Commercial Creative Commons license. This would allow us to borrow works from other people and reuse it for educational use with the intent not to sale.
Our team collaborated with one another multiple times daily through the use of email. We were able to come up with tasks, ideas, updates and much more through this process. One of our group members, Brandy, created a wiki page for posting documents and files. This form of communication also allowed our team to be able to add and edit information that we could all have access to. Most of our footage, narration, images, and documents were stored on this site. Our group also utilized Skype as a means discover how the project was coming along and to correspond with one another in real time.
Overall, this assignment has been beneficial to me. I have learned a lot about myself and others. I have also learned how this type of assignment will work with students when working in a group. It is valuable to know exactly what to anticipate when working with this type of group assignment.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Web Conference 7/11/10
I never did submit my blog reflection for the web conference that I attended on July 11, 2010, so I decided to create it today. This conference from hosted by Dr. Abernathy. She mainly talked about the internship. Dr. Abernathy also referenced the following book for writing the final paper:
6th Edition to APA Manual-Great Resource must be in a certain format. Second printing October 2009-American printing
We were also given email addresses and phone numbers of the people that are required to know our blog and wiki addresses. She also gave the website, http://internshipforeducationaltechnology.wikispaces.com/ as a reference for ideas of topics for our research study.
This is the information that I obtained from the web conference.
6th Edition to APA Manual-Great Resource must be in a certain format. Second printing October 2009-American printing
We were also given email addresses and phone numbers of the people that are required to know our blog and wiki addresses. She also gave the website, http://internshipforeducationaltechnology.wikispaces.com/ as a reference for ideas of topics for our research study.
This is the information that I obtained from the web conference.
Web Conference 9/6/10
Tonight I attended a web conference with Dr. Abernathy. We discussed this week‘s assignment as well as weeks-3-5. I still did not get a response as to where I should send my second assignment, since I submitted the wrong one. I guess I will end up sending it to her and Creighton the IA via email.
I also learned about a few new resources. One colleague shared Jodix as a great resource for audio. Another offered Divshare as another tool for creating podcasts.
Dr. Abernathy explained that for the upcoming assignment, all group members must each turn in all parts of the assignment. There should also be proof of collaboration placed on a wiki or website (documentation). She also stated that the final product should be copyrighted with a license through Creative Commons.
This was my experience with today’s web conference. I plan to review some of the older ones to see if I missed anything.
I also learned about a few new resources. One colleague shared Jodix as a great resource for audio. Another offered Divshare as another tool for creating podcasts.
Dr. Abernathy explained that for the upcoming assignment, all group members must each turn in all parts of the assignment. There should also be proof of collaboration placed on a wiki or website (documentation). She also stated that the final product should be copyrighted with a license through Creative Commons.
This was my experience with today’s web conference. I plan to review some of the older ones to see if I missed anything.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
My Second Software Review
For this assignment, I was asked to locate and evaluate two different open source video editing software resources. I decided to evaluate Windows Movie Maker and Video Spin by Pinnacle. Since I often use Windows Movie Maker, I did not have to download it. However, I did have to locate research and download Video Spin. I found the task of comparing both software programs very interesting. After trying them both I enjoyed each of them for different reasons.
Windows Movie Maker is such an easy program to use. Desktop-Video-Guide.com suggests that “This is one the best free video editing software programs available” (2009). I agree with their statement. I benefit from using a layout that is self explanatory and uncomplicated. This program comes bundled with the purchase of Windows and is free to the user. It offers HD, full screen video output for Windows Media, DVD and DV AVI files. It also supports various audio files such as WMV, ASF, MPG (MPEG-1), AVI, WMA, WAV and MP3. It offers 37 effects and 60 transitions.
Although WMM offers many great benefits, there are so negative aspects about the program. This software offers both a single storyboard and video track. This means that video footage will not have the ability to be layered. WMM may also only be used on the Windows platform. This limits MAC and Linux users. Even with the down sides of WMM, I definitely feel that the positive aspects out-weigh the negative.
Video Spin by Pinnacle was the next program and chose to review. This program has functions that are very similar to WMM. For example, they both are free, easy to use, allow for a single Windows platform and displays a single video track. Both also allow for audio and slide transitions to be added easily. However, there are some major differences between the two. One major difference between the two is that Video Spin has the ability for the user to add sound effects into the video. VS also exports AVI, Flash, Real, MPEG-1, unlike WMM.
VS is offers many useful features, but there are a few concerns to be aware of. This software has no video effects, which means that dark footage may not be brightened. You many also have to suffer though various ads while you work. If you would like to export your footage to DVD or you iPod, you will have to purchase additional codecs after a 15 day trial.
Overall, I really like both programs. There are a few cons to both, but these concerns are not enough to keep me from using them. I am excited about trying Video Spin in my classroom. We have used Windows Movie Maker in the past, so this new program will be nice change for them. The students will complete enjoy being able to add sound effects to their work.
References:
Desktop-Video-Guide. (n.d.). The various stages of creating a digital video. Retrieved on April 20, 2009, from http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/video-creation.html
PCWorld. (n.d.). Pinnacle review. Retrieved on September 2, 2010, from http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/31257/review/pinnacle_systems_videospin.html
Wikipedia. August 31, 2010. Windows movie maker. Retrieved on September 2, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Movie_Maker
Shawntee' Cowan
Windows Movie Maker is such an easy program to use. Desktop-Video-Guide.com suggests that “This is one the best free video editing software programs available” (2009). I agree with their statement. I benefit from using a layout that is self explanatory and uncomplicated. This program comes bundled with the purchase of Windows and is free to the user. It offers HD, full screen video output for Windows Media, DVD and DV AVI files. It also supports various audio files such as WMV, ASF, MPG (MPEG-1), AVI, WMA, WAV and MP3. It offers 37 effects and 60 transitions.
Although WMM offers many great benefits, there are so negative aspects about the program. This software offers both a single storyboard and video track. This means that video footage will not have the ability to be layered. WMM may also only be used on the Windows platform. This limits MAC and Linux users. Even with the down sides of WMM, I definitely feel that the positive aspects out-weigh the negative.
Video Spin by Pinnacle was the next program and chose to review. This program has functions that are very similar to WMM. For example, they both are free, easy to use, allow for a single Windows platform and displays a single video track. Both also allow for audio and slide transitions to be added easily. However, there are some major differences between the two. One major difference between the two is that Video Spin has the ability for the user to add sound effects into the video. VS also exports AVI, Flash, Real, MPEG-1, unlike WMM.
VS is offers many useful features, but there are a few concerns to be aware of. This software has no video effects, which means that dark footage may not be brightened. You many also have to suffer though various ads while you work. If you would like to export your footage to DVD or you iPod, you will have to purchase additional codecs after a 15 day trial.
Overall, I really like both programs. There are a few cons to both, but these concerns are not enough to keep me from using them. I am excited about trying Video Spin in my classroom. We have used Windows Movie Maker in the past, so this new program will be nice change for them. The students will complete enjoy being able to add sound effects to their work.
References:
Desktop-Video-Guide. (n.d.). The various stages of creating a digital video. Retrieved on April 20, 2009, from http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/video-creation.html
PCWorld. (n.d.). Pinnacle review. Retrieved on September 2, 2010, from http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/31257/review/pinnacle_systems_videospin.html
Wikipedia. August 31, 2010. Windows movie maker. Retrieved on September 2, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Movie_Maker
Shawntee' Cowan
My Video Editing Software Expedition
For this assignment, I was asked to locate and evaluate three different open source video editing software resources. I first began be using the search engine “Google” to find some choices. I already knew that I wanted to use Windows Movie Maker, because I am highly familiar with it, but I needed to find two more programs. Within minutes, I was able to locate several types of software. After reading about each one, I narrowed my choices down to two: Video Spin by Pinnacle and DebugMode Wax 2.0e.
Two out of the three resources that I chose are easy to use. Windows Movie Maker and Video Spin are very user-friendly. When making home movies, school projects or slide shows, I often refer to Movie Maker because of my prior knowledge using it. I decided to download Video Spin and try it. It took me about 5 minutes to understand how to use it. It is a great program to give your home or classroom videos a bit more character. I enjoyed the options of incorporating sound effects and different types of effects and fonts on the title pages. I will definitely use this one again.
After downloading DebugMode Wax, I found it very challenging to use. I tried using all of the “obvious” tools first, but quickly found myself wondering what to do next. Although this software will require more time to understand, it still seems very promising. This program has many technical features that most professionals tend to use. I will most likely try using this program again when I have more time.
Since I already use Windows Movie Maker with my classes, I will continue to do so. However, now have new program to try with my students. They will absolutely love Video Spin! It is simple enough for my 3rd and 4th grade students to use. They will enjoy adding in the music and sound effects to their projects. DebugMode Wax software will not be utilized with my elementary students. It is far too complicated. This software will be better suited for me to use for the creation of teaching-related tools.
Overall, I was pleased to find two additional resources to use. These programs will be great resources to share with the teachers on my campus. The actual research and usage of the software gave me insight into the pro and cons as well as some experience using the software. This assignment was highly beneficial to me.
Two out of the three resources that I chose are easy to use. Windows Movie Maker and Video Spin are very user-friendly. When making home movies, school projects or slide shows, I often refer to Movie Maker because of my prior knowledge using it. I decided to download Video Spin and try it. It took me about 5 minutes to understand how to use it. It is a great program to give your home or classroom videos a bit more character. I enjoyed the options of incorporating sound effects and different types of effects and fonts on the title pages. I will definitely use this one again.
After downloading DebugMode Wax, I found it very challenging to use. I tried using all of the “obvious” tools first, but quickly found myself wondering what to do next. Although this software will require more time to understand, it still seems very promising. This program has many technical features that most professionals tend to use. I will most likely try using this program again when I have more time.
Since I already use Windows Movie Maker with my classes, I will continue to do so. However, now have new program to try with my students. They will absolutely love Video Spin! It is simple enough for my 3rd and 4th grade students to use. They will enjoy adding in the music and sound effects to their projects. DebugMode Wax software will not be utilized with my elementary students. It is far too complicated. This software will be better suited for me to use for the creation of teaching-related tools.
Overall, I was pleased to find two additional resources to use. These programs will be great resources to share with the teachers on my campus. The actual research and usage of the software gave me insight into the pro and cons as well as some experience using the software. This assignment was highly beneficial to me.
Friday, August 27, 2010
My Photo Story Experience
Today, I finally completed my photo story using Photo Story 3 for Windows. This project was very therapeutic for me. A few days ago, after reading my required text, I found myself wondering if I even had a story to tell. Instantly, I thought of my baby girl. She is such a blessing from God. I could not wait to depict her story in visual format.
I honestly did not want to use Photo Story 3. I am an avid fan of Windows Movie Maker. Once I started to make a "test “story, I was surprised that it had so many features. It was also very user-friendly. After creating my storyboard and finishing up collecting, shooting and editing my pictures, I was able to put my story together in a little over an hour. This was impressive.
All in all, I enjoyed this project. I am considering making another one for my son. What a great way to express your life's stories.
Shawntee'
I honestly did not want to use Photo Story 3. I am an avid fan of Windows Movie Maker. Once I started to make a "test “story, I was surprised that it had so many features. It was also very user-friendly. After creating my storyboard and finishing up collecting, shooting and editing my pictures, I was able to put my story together in a little over an hour. This was impressive.
All in all, I enjoyed this project. I am considering making another one for my son. What a great way to express your life's stories.
Shawntee'
Sunday, June 6, 2010
STaR Chart Presentation
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
Star presentation2
View more presentations from Shawntee Cowan.
Blog Posting #3
National Educational Technology Plan of 2010 Summary
What does the US Department of Education have to say about the future of our technology and education on our country? After reading Transforming American Education: Learning Powered By Technology, which is a Draft of the National Educational Technology Plan of 2010, I was given a vast amount of information regarding educational goals.
This draft includes goals for 5 different areas which include: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity. In also includes "grand challenge problems that should be addressed at a national level.
The draft concentrates a heavily on the goal of learning. These goals expect all learners to be motivated and given the opportunity to learn both inside and outside of school. Their schools must train them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical contributors to society.
The draft also discusses the area of teaching. The goal is for educators to be assisted individually and in groups by technology that includes data, resources, experts and experiences that produces efficient instruction for all learners.
Professional development is another very important goal that the draft addresses. Without the proper training, teachers can not be successful in instruction. The major goal is provide the tools needed before and after they enter the teaching profession. They must acquire the learning experiences that allow technology use by methods that promote learning, assessment and instruction.
The draft challenges the teachers to provide individualized, personalized and differentiated instruction. I feel this is important; however I fail to see exactly how to implement this method of teaching into my classroom. I know that many students learn better this way, but knowing and executing are very different scenarios. I would like to see more specific ideas of how this goal can be accomplished.
Overall, the draft is a great way to assist educators and students in preparation for our technology-rich future. I am eager to see what our nation's educational system looks like 20 years from now. Will our goals be reached?
Reference:
Education, U.S. (2010, March 5). Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology. Retrieved June 5, 2010, from National Education Technology Plan of 2010: at http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf
Shawntee' Cowan
What does the US Department of Education have to say about the future of our technology and education on our country? After reading Transforming American Education: Learning Powered By Technology, which is a Draft of the National Educational Technology Plan of 2010, I was given a vast amount of information regarding educational goals.
This draft includes goals for 5 different areas which include: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity. In also includes "grand challenge problems that should be addressed at a national level.
The draft concentrates a heavily on the goal of learning. These goals expect all learners to be motivated and given the opportunity to learn both inside and outside of school. Their schools must train them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical contributors to society.
The draft also discusses the area of teaching. The goal is for educators to be assisted individually and in groups by technology that includes data, resources, experts and experiences that produces efficient instruction for all learners.
Professional development is another very important goal that the draft addresses. Without the proper training, teachers can not be successful in instruction. The major goal is provide the tools needed before and after they enter the teaching profession. They must acquire the learning experiences that allow technology use by methods that promote learning, assessment and instruction.
The draft challenges the teachers to provide individualized, personalized and differentiated instruction. I feel this is important; however I fail to see exactly how to implement this method of teaching into my classroom. I know that many students learn better this way, but knowing and executing are very different scenarios. I would like to see more specific ideas of how this goal can be accomplished.
Overall, the draft is a great way to assist educators and students in preparation for our technology-rich future. I am eager to see what our nation's educational system looks like 20 years from now. Will our goals be reached?
Reference:
Education, U.S. (2010, March 5). Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology. Retrieved June 5, 2010, from National Education Technology Plan of 2010: at http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf
Shawntee' Cowan
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Blog Posting #2
My Thoughts about The Progress Report of the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020
After reading the progress report, I have to admit that I am embarrassed to have taught Technology Applications for two years and not have known some of this information. I am very impressed with how the state of Texas has taken such a major step in preparing students, teachers, parents, communities and administrators for a technology-rich future.
The Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) was both new and interesting to me. This pilot provided each student and teacher with a wireless mobile laptop, software and online resources. Certain schools in the state of Texas were chosen to observe and report gained data over a period of time. Their findings were remarkable. A few of their successes included increased parental involvement, collaboration among staff, students and parents, increased engagement and enthusiasm and fewer discipline problems.
Another section that stood out to me in the report was the Report for Virtual School. I was pleased to find out that TxVSN provides a statewide course catalog for Texas public school districts and charter schools. Students today can learn in an environment that fits their schedule, budget and overall needs. Five professional development providers also train educators to deliver online instruction through TxVSN. This resource is vital for the success of the online community of educational learning in Texas.
This report offers so many different vital components to the world of "Technology in Education". I feel that by reading this report, I now have a better grasp on what technology in education should resemble in our state, campuses and classrooms.
Resource:
Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. (2008, December). Retreived June 4, 2010, from Texas Education Agency: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/comm/leg_reports/2008/08pr_to_lrpt.pdf
Shawntee' Cowan
After reading the progress report, I have to admit that I am embarrassed to have taught Technology Applications for two years and not have known some of this information. I am very impressed with how the state of Texas has taken such a major step in preparing students, teachers, parents, communities and administrators for a technology-rich future.
The Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) was both new and interesting to me. This pilot provided each student and teacher with a wireless mobile laptop, software and online resources. Certain schools in the state of Texas were chosen to observe and report gained data over a period of time. Their findings were remarkable. A few of their successes included increased parental involvement, collaboration among staff, students and parents, increased engagement and enthusiasm and fewer discipline problems.
Another section that stood out to me in the report was the Report for Virtual School. I was pleased to find out that TxVSN provides a statewide course catalog for Texas public school districts and charter schools. Students today can learn in an environment that fits their schedule, budget and overall needs. Five professional development providers also train educators to deliver online instruction through TxVSN. This resource is vital for the success of the online community of educational learning in Texas.
This report offers so many different vital components to the world of "Technology in Education". I feel that by reading this report, I now have a better grasp on what technology in education should resemble in our state, campuses and classrooms.
Resource:
Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. (2008, December). Retreived June 4, 2010, from Texas Education Agency: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/comm/leg_reports/2008/08pr_to_lrpt.pdf
Shawntee' Cowan
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Blog Posting #1
The Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, is a plan to supply a 21st Century education to students and to provide employees and administrators with the tools, resources and professional development need to be successful. This plan creates a vision that can be shared through teaching and learning and produces better student achievement. The plan has 4 different components. These components are: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology.
I would like to focus on the area of “Educator Preparation and Development”. This area is highly important to me because it is an area that is overlooked in education as a whole. According to the Texas STaR chart statistics, not much progress has been made on a state level. After analyzing data from a survey taken across the state of Texas over past three years, 71% or more, of the teachers who took the test, were placed in the category of “Developing Tech”. This means that there is room for improvement. After analyzing data from a survey taken from the school I work for (Elizabeth Smith Elementary), I discovered that for the past three years, two of the three years, our teachers were placed in the category of Advanced Tech. Progress has been made on a local level.
The trends that I see are that on a state level, the teachers are continuing to remain nearly the same. The status of “Developing” Tech seems to be the norm. As for my campus, I am proud to say that we are at least higher than the state as a whole. We have increased from “Developing” Tech to “Advanced”. We are heading a step in the right direction.
Although we may be offered the help of an instructional technologist on our campuses and a few training here and there. It simply is not enough. Most educators have busy schedules with work, family and extra-curricular activities. If the national, state and local areas together could come together to provide educators with staff development opportunities that were helpful, affordable, flexible and less time consuming, the benefits would be endless. A few of my ideas include: giving teachers incentives for their time, providing equipment, providing cost-free training, offering substitutes or teachers who attend trainings and establishing follow-up training.
I would like to focus on the area of “Educator Preparation and Development”. This area is highly important to me because it is an area that is overlooked in education as a whole. According to the Texas STaR chart statistics, not much progress has been made on a state level. After analyzing data from a survey taken across the state of Texas over past three years, 71% or more, of the teachers who took the test, were placed in the category of “Developing Tech”. This means that there is room for improvement. After analyzing data from a survey taken from the school I work for (Elizabeth Smith Elementary), I discovered that for the past three years, two of the three years, our teachers were placed in the category of Advanced Tech. Progress has been made on a local level.
The trends that I see are that on a state level, the teachers are continuing to remain nearly the same. The status of “Developing” Tech seems to be the norm. As for my campus, I am proud to say that we are at least higher than the state as a whole. We have increased from “Developing” Tech to “Advanced”. We are heading a step in the right direction.
Although we may be offered the help of an instructional technologist on our campuses and a few training here and there. It simply is not enough. Most educators have busy schedules with work, family and extra-curricular activities. If the national, state and local areas together could come together to provide educators with staff development opportunities that were helpful, affordable, flexible and less time consuming, the benefits would be endless. A few of my ideas include: giving teachers incentives for their time, providing equipment, providing cost-free training, offering substitutes or teachers who attend trainings and establishing follow-up training.
Web Conference (June 1, 2010)
The synchronized web conference that I attended was an interesting experience. I feel that it had great potential to be valuable; however technical difficulties made the event a challenge. When Dr. Borel attempted to give us information about the "Internship Requirements", the sound consistently was unstable. Although the sound presented this challenge, I was able to read the conversations that were taking place through instant messaging. Both Dr. Borel and different colleagues answered questions that I had previously thought about. This was helpful.
Being able to see and meet with classmates who are in various locations at the same time is an amazing opportunity. It was exciting to actually put faces to the names of my course peers. I would like to participate in another conference. Hopefully the technical issues will evade us next time!
Shawntee'
Being able to see and meet with classmates who are in various locations at the same time is an amazing opportunity. It was exciting to actually put faces to the names of my course peers. I would like to participate in another conference. Hopefully the technical issues will evade us next time!
Shawntee'
Monday, May 31, 2010
My First Post
Well, here I am creating my first blog for this site. I am excited about sharing and learning new ideas from my friends and colleagues. Since most of my thoughts and ideas are usually shared on Facebook, I will have to make a very strong effort to keep up with my blogs here. I do enjoy the concept of being able to share thoughts on specific topics rather than what I had for dinner last night.
I have always enjoyed learning about the latest new invention or the coolest new gadgets. However, over the last few years, I have become complete intrigued with technology. I guess what amazing me is how quickly things can change and become better. Just think about the evolution of the iPhone and now the iPad. What? I never could have conceived that this would be a possibility when I was in high school. I can't wait to see where we end up in another 10 years!
I have always enjoyed learning about the latest new invention or the coolest new gadgets. However, over the last few years, I have become complete intrigued with technology. I guess what amazing me is how quickly things can change and become better. Just think about the evolution of the iPhone and now the iPad. What? I never could have conceived that this would be a possibility when I was in high school. I can't wait to see where we end up in another 10 years!
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