CEdO540 Getting started with Statistics

This week we began with an intro to statistics. We looked at the different ways to produce an "average" and the types of representations of data in a statistical study. The whole idea of statistics is somewhat intimidating to me. I've never considered myself a mathematical wizard, but I do appreciate the ability to use data to drive instruction and to provide concrete support for progress in an instructional program. I am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of statistics that will hopefully help me speak with more authority about the educational outcomes within the program I support.

CEdO530 Week 5: Digital Storytelling

This week we put the finishing touches on our Pecha Kuchas, created rubrics to evaluate multimedia projects and evaluated multimedia hardware and software in our small groups.

I enjoyed the Pecha Kucha project and developed a new appreciation for storyboarding as part of the preparation process. Of all of the digital stories we submitted in this class, I found this one to be the easiest to put together in the final stages because of the storyboard. The system of putting to paper the images I had in mind and the words I would use to describe my story helped me to stay focused when I actually sat in front of the computer to compile my presentation. It was great and I plan to use the storyboard as a regular part of my preparation when it comes to multimedia presentations.

I like the idea of using a rubric, and while I am not a classroom teacher I think it would be useful in evaluating my own presentations as well as a tool for my staff to evaluate multimedia projects they put together for their own lessons. I am still thinking this through, so I have not put it together as of yet...

This has been a great class with a lot of new tools and techniques that I look forward to using in the work I do.

CEdO530 Week 4

This week's work really focused on pulling it all together.

One of our tasks this week was to create a Prezi of our top six pictures. I enjoyed using Prezi--I think it is a great alternative to using Power Point and the novelty of how the images and words move in and out of view is a useful way to hook the audience. I found Prezi to be pretty user-friendly and I liked how everything is all laid out on one screen, which makes it easier to get the big picture and see how it all connects.

Presentation Zen wrapped up with the "Delivery" phase of presenting, which I found interesting and reassured me that what I am doing now is on the right track; I have a lot of fine-tuning to do though. It is evident to me how important preparation is in the delivery process and it is an area I want to spend more time investing in. I really enjoyed Garr Reynold's book and plan to revisit it often as I re-evaluate training and meeting presentations I've used in the past and plan to recycle in the new school year.

The Pecha Kucha is another project that is currently looming over my head. It is one of those things I know I will enjoy once I get into it, but I'm having a bit of a block with it at the moment. I think one of my issues is the prospect of having to do voice overs, which has been a challenge for me in the previous assignments. I know I will take so much away from the experience that I can apply to what I do both professionally and personally, so I just need to jump in and do it!