PP1 Assessment 1: Visuwords - Online Graphical Dictionary

I would rather make something than write or read something anyday. However, I do like learning. It just so happens that reading and writing is a major part of learning. One thing I did learn way back in school, was that I need to use simple tools to assist understanding, tools like a dictionary and thesaurus. My best friends through Teachers college were Vol 1 and Vol 2 of the World Book Encyclopedia Dictionaries...still have them and still use them, although I have regularly used http://dictionary.reference.com/ and http://www.yourdictionary.com/ when on the computer doing work, as it is more convenient then the two volumes.

Through this course, I discovered a new resource to use, an online dictionary, Visuwords.  It is more useful as it it graphical (suits me just fine) and it has a legend with colourful additions such as nouns, adjectives, alternatives and word associations about whichever word is entered. I am sure that this online dictionary would suit the learning styles of my students as well.

PP1 Assessment 1: Xtranormal | Text-to-Movie

Xtranormal | Text-to-Movie is F A N T A S T I C ! ! !

There are pre-made scenes and characters in a number of settings. The user writes the script, adds sounds effects, soundtracks, camera angles etc to create a movie. What fun!

At first glance I thought that the use of Xtranomal site would be more suited to primary school students. But after playing around with it I think secondary school students would also benefit from using it.

While I was looking into the features that could be placed into the movie I discovered some sound effects that 12-15 year old's would find very amusing and I am sure they would try to use in any context. So, naturally, I used them in a movie that I created "Superpowers in Action!".



I played this to everyone at home and now the whole family is using this site...it is cool to witness!

PP1 Assessment 1: Wiki creation and website/tool evaluation

I have created the shell for a wiki on two sites; wikispaces and Wetpaint. Both are free, however, wetpaint carries advertisements, which I find rather distracting from the wiki contents.

Please post comments on the site that you would prefer to view.

PP1 Module 1.5: Photo sharing

Sharing photos on the internet is not something that I would usually choose to do. However, Flickr does have the option to have a public or private gallery.

My Flickr account is http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcycle_madness/.

The pics show some fun I have had this year learning a new skill.

PP1 Module 1.4: Virtual reality and artificial intelligence

This is fantastic!

Task 4 is to Create an avatar in Second Life.

Too easy! I always wanted an excuse to go check out this game but could never justify spending time on it when there are so many other things to do and not enough hours in the day.

Navigation, including flying, was fairly easy to grasp. Although, I would imagine the game would be a lot smoother with a computer that is dedicated to gaming with great internet speed and firewalls set up to accept all aspects of this game.

This game could dangerously see hours just tick by. But what a great way to have fun!

PP1 Module 1.3: Videoconferencing, podcasts and webcasts

Well, this third Learning Task to complete asks “list how you might use video conferencing, podcasts or webcasts within your organisation”, hmmm ... thought provoking.

To be honest, I have never entertained the thought of video conferencing, podcasts or webcasts in the delivery of my lessons or for any other reason around the school. However, now that it has been drawn to my attention, I suppose I have reasons to think about using these tools. Although, thinking usually generates more ponderings and questions then immediate answers, so I have used the 5W’s+H thinking strategy and an online mind mapping tool to outline some ideas how videoconferencing may be used within a school organisation.

PP1 Module 1.2: Instant Messenger

Whoever thought that the number of times I have spent chatting online through MSN, XChat and facebook would assist with a Masters in Learning Management. This is one task that I do not need to go out of my way to learn.

The IRC's I do prefer to use are MSN and XChat as the chat can be personalised to an extent through the use of colour, emoticons and gestures. One thing that I do not like is how the nuances and body language in face to face chat is missing, making it difficult to follow the intended meaning (not the implied) of some conversations.

The only "chat" or online messaging that I have used with students was for a girls in ICT project a number of years ago. Students from different schools communicated via online messaging to cooperatively plan an ICT game that was constructed on a camp. Once all schools overcame the link up process, this exercise was successful.