Oh, podcasting, how I once hated you.
I remember using Garageband to make a podcast at Fredonia and I just really didn't not enjoy it. Mostly because I couldn't come up with anything good to talk about - I think I read an article from Wikipedia. This one was much better (yay for educational ideas) and I'm really happy I downloaded Adobe Premiere Pro to use.
I've previously used iMovie to make a recital DVD in a previous tech course. The end product was pretty exciting to say that I did it and burn it to DVDs, however I just remember what a pain in the ass it was. Mainly because of how we recorded the audio, we had to match it with the video we took from the camera. That was just awful.
Despite my computer being newer and pretty decent, I don't think it had the RAM necessary to fully use Adobe to what it could be used. My preview video lagged behind so much compared to the audio, but once I exported it, it was fine. Except I didn't save it to the correct iTunes format that would keep it under 1gb. Now I'm waiting for it to export... again. I am not patient enough for this!
I really enjoyed this project, though.
Go Sabres!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
This Past Week
I feel like I've had to catch up on so much - my mind was definitely on Spring Break the week before it since I wasn't able to be at class (and I knew ahead of time) and I was going to NYC that weekend.
But now that I've procrastinated everything between this class and research, I've realized it wasn't too much, thankfully!
I really like using Google Docs. I think I'm going to start to bring some of my Microsoft Office documents into Google Docs because there are plenty of times when I could work on them, but I'm not at my computer. Despite knowing I can make everything have a completely private setting though, I still don't trust some documents to be on the internet instead of just my computer.
Google Sites is not the most user-friendly site to use, in my opinion. Then again, every website making tool tends to have a slight learning curve. I started using Wordpress this summer at the recommendation of somebody and thought it was the hardest thing to learn in the world. I've gotten the hang of it since, but I know I'm not even close to knowing a quarter of what Wordpress can really do. It works perfectly for just my use, which is nice... but I think I need to pick up a Wordpress for Dummies book, or something!
But now that I've procrastinated everything between this class and research, I've realized it wasn't too much, thankfully!
I really like using Google Docs. I think I'm going to start to bring some of my Microsoft Office documents into Google Docs because there are plenty of times when I could work on them, but I'm not at my computer. Despite knowing I can make everything have a completely private setting though, I still don't trust some documents to be on the internet instead of just my computer.
Google Sites is not the most user-friendly site to use, in my opinion. Then again, every website making tool tends to have a slight learning curve. I started using Wordpress this summer at the recommendation of somebody and thought it was the hardest thing to learn in the world. I've gotten the hang of it since, but I know I'm not even close to knowing a quarter of what Wordpress can really do. It works perfectly for just my use, which is nice... but I think I need to pick up a Wordpress for Dummies book, or something!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
I love Excel. And the Internet.
I've always had this weird love for Excel. Every time I learn something new about it, I'm fascinated and then I remember how many things I have no idea how to use. For example, clicking the function button and seeing all the possible functions you can use. Or even just searching one word to see all the formulas that appear and do so many things I don't have a use for but wish I did just so I could say I used that obscure formula.
Excuse my rambling -- Cold meds are my friend today.
I use Excel frequently just because tables are easy to organize my information and I can quickly upload them to my personal website. Most of what I use them for is simple calculations, but it's easier than doing the math every time I want to figure out a hockey stat!
I've spent the past four hour or so working on my soundboard for Intro to Research and I certainly have a new appreciation for the internet. For those of you who aren't in the class, we have to research the "oldest object" we own and create a storyboard complete with artifacts, primary sources, etc. regarding its authenticity, how we got it, so on and so forth. A few months ago, my Grandma gave me a silverware box filled with a couple sets, mismatched pieces, and some very old partial sets. Other than knowing what significance those older parts had to my family, my Grandma knew nothing about the style, manufacturer, etc. I sat here for close to four hours researching the patterns on the silverware until I found out all the information - one even dates back to 1916!
After I gathered the info, I realized that without the internet and people who created detailed records for their hobby (collecting silverware) for all to use, this project would have been really difficult to complete without any paperwork, etc. I probably would have had to find an antiques collector or appraiser and hope they could determine all of that on their own.
Excuse my rambling -- Cold meds are my friend today.
I use Excel frequently just because tables are easy to organize my information and I can quickly upload them to my personal website. Most of what I use them for is simple calculations, but it's easier than doing the math every time I want to figure out a hockey stat!
I've spent the past four hour or so working on my soundboard for Intro to Research and I certainly have a new appreciation for the internet. For those of you who aren't in the class, we have to research the "oldest object" we own and create a storyboard complete with artifacts, primary sources, etc. regarding its authenticity, how we got it, so on and so forth. A few months ago, my Grandma gave me a silverware box filled with a couple sets, mismatched pieces, and some very old partial sets. Other than knowing what significance those older parts had to my family, my Grandma knew nothing about the style, manufacturer, etc. I sat here for close to four hours researching the patterns on the silverware until I found out all the information - one even dates back to 1916!
After I gathered the info, I realized that without the internet and people who created detailed records for their hobby (collecting silverware) for all to use, this project would have been really difficult to complete without any paperwork, etc. I probably would have had to find an antiques collector or appraiser and hope they could determine all of that on their own.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Week 5
I have always been a big fan of Microsoft Office and all the different things you can easily do with it, especially Word. It might be the "nerd" in me, or the procrastination... but I always used to play around with Word and try to figure out new things to do within in.
I still find myself learning new techniques, especially during the projects I've had to do at UB so far. I don't particularly love the paragraph tool, but I do find myself using it at the end of writing a paper just to make sure everything looks nice. Thankfully it does!
By far, the best thing I could have ever learned to do in Word is adjust bullets, paragraphs, etc. I can't tell you how many times I tried formatting a resume in my undergrad until I learned how to really do it the right way. I use it all the time, probably even when I don't have to use it... maybe I'm making up for all that frustration and lost time!
And staying with Word -- I never thought I'd say this, but I absolutely love EndNote. I could not figure out how to properly use it last semester and I ended up citing everything the long way, but I've finally taken the time (and it wasn't even that much time!) to figure it out... it makes everything so clean, neat, and easy! I know there's plenty more I can learn to do with EndNote, which I hope I figure out soon, but just figuring out how to attach citations simply and keep track of my references makes me a happy camper. No more Word docs of links to articles and journals for this girl!
I still find myself learning new techniques, especially during the projects I've had to do at UB so far. I don't particularly love the paragraph tool, but I do find myself using it at the end of writing a paper just to make sure everything looks nice. Thankfully it does!
By far, the best thing I could have ever learned to do in Word is adjust bullets, paragraphs, etc. I can't tell you how many times I tried formatting a resume in my undergrad until I learned how to really do it the right way. I use it all the time, probably even when I don't have to use it... maybe I'm making up for all that frustration and lost time!
And staying with Word -- I never thought I'd say this, but I absolutely love EndNote. I could not figure out how to properly use it last semester and I ended up citing everything the long way, but I've finally taken the time (and it wasn't even that much time!) to figure it out... it makes everything so clean, neat, and easy! I know there's plenty more I can learn to do with EndNote, which I hope I figure out soon, but just figuring out how to attach citations simply and keep track of my references makes me a happy camper. No more Word docs of links to articles and journals for this girl!
Monday, February 13, 2012
SmartMusic and Finale
While I was student teaching, the students regularly used SmartMusic in lessons. Mostly the program was used for the accompaniment and the student's had their own sheet music so they weren't reading off the computer. This is definitely something I wish I had growing up because when it came to All-State solos, I wasn't used to playing with a piano and when I first started it would always through me off! I think it's great for the students to hear how the piano compliments their performance and there's more than just reading the notes off the page.
As far as Finale, I must say I absolutely love scanning pieces in! What a time saver, considering I'm working on a laptop without the numeric keypad. Using the numbers on top of my laptop is helpful, but nothing compares (in my opinion) to having a numeric keypad to work with when inputting. It's kind of amazing how Finale can read and input music from a sheet of paper you scanned. I can only imagine what deceased composers would think if they only knew what advancements would occur in music technology!
As far as Finale, I must say I absolutely love scanning pieces in! What a time saver, considering I'm working on a laptop without the numeric keypad. Using the numbers on top of my laptop is helpful, but nothing compares (in my opinion) to having a numeric keypad to work with when inputting. It's kind of amazing how Finale can read and input music from a sheet of paper you scanned. I can only imagine what deceased composers would think if they only knew what advancements would occur in music technology!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Work Rant
Even though this isn't a class assignment, I feel the need to rant and since it's about teachers - what better place than here?
At my job, our desks are inside cubicles that are about 6' high, so if people are talking you can hear most of their conversation. It's about 3pm, after most kids are home, one woman must have just gotten off the phone with her daughter. She says to the coworkers around her, "Are you kidding me? My daughter just said she has a project - she has to write a report, put together a bibliography, and even have a cover page!" Then a couple women around her began chiming in about their kids projects, remembering their own schooling, how so much homework was useless or pointless, etc. One lady said, "Oh, I remember one... we had to use ten pictures with our paper, too!"
At my job, our desks are inside cubicles that are about 6' high, so if people are talking you can hear most of their conversation. It's about 3pm, after most kids are home, one woman must have just gotten off the phone with her daughter. She says to the coworkers around her, "Are you kidding me? My daughter just said she has a project - she has to write a report, put together a bibliography, and even have a cover page!" Then a couple women around her began chiming in about their kids projects, remembering their own schooling, how so much homework was useless or pointless, etc. One lady said, "Oh, I remember one... we had to use ten pictures with our paper, too!"
Oh, the horror! Ten pictures, a report, a cover page, and a bibliography?
As if it weren't bad enough, one lady said how her boyfriend told her he would never get involved with another teacher because his ex-wife was one and he knew how "they" were.
It was so difficult for me to remain planted in my seat and not open my mouth, particularly after that comment. I'm still livid thinking about it. I might be working in an office and not considering teaching at the moment, but I certainly feel offended. And to think about how this woman probably will react in front of her daughter regarding the assignment is clearly going to influence how she feels about the project, her teacher, and education.
I thought working out would make me feel better, but nope -- still so angry!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship? What does that even mean? I suppose if you go by the definition in Wikipedia, we are all digital citizens in our generation. Karen Mossberger (thanks for the reference, Wikipedia!) classifies digital citizens as people who use the Internet regularly and effectively through any web-ready device. Whereas I remember getting my first internet ready device (after January 1st, 2000 because my Mom was nervous of Y2K, of course), our students likely will not. They will grow up seeing computers, iPhones, Androids, laptops, iPads - I could go on. It's essential that we as teachers teach our students the "rules of the road" so to speak when it comes to the Internet.
I know when I was growing up, I did not adhere to the norms of appropriate and responsible behavior as listed in the Nine Elements article when it came to the Internet, specifically element three.
Another element that stood out to me was number four - digital literacy.
All of these aspects of the Internet and technology should be taught within the schools and I believe it is everyone's responsibility. If teachers are properly and effectively coordinating technology into their lessons, they have ample time to address specif concerns to their classes, as well as skills that can transfer into other classrooms and beyond their formal education. In recently searching for jobs, the technology component is huge when it comes to expectations for candidates. If students aren't learning this properly in their classrooms before they graduate, how can they gain the experience necessary to meet the qualifications?
On copyrights, I remember attending an MENC Conference and learning about everything that you think is okay, but isn't, and what the real way to do it is. I was shocked at everything I had thought was okay and really, really wasn't. So many people don't know the rules of copyright and I see it on a daily basis; in fact I learn something new every time I read about copyright so I'm sure I break the rules (actually, I'm positive I break the rules) every now and again. If it weren't for that conference or my education courses at Fredonia, I"m not sure I'd really know much about copyright beyond "Cite your sources in that essay, or else!" that I learned growing up. It's yet another topic that needs to be covered in schools by the teachers.
I've said too much. That's what happens when I get on a tangent - bad blogger over here.
I know when I was growing up, I did not adhere to the norms of appropriate and responsible behavior as listed in the Nine Elements article when it came to the Internet, specifically element three.
"Unfortunately, many users have not been taught how to make appropriate decisions when faces with so many difficult digital communication options."With ICQ (please, somebody tell me they know what this is -- apparently all the friends I have never heard of it!) and AOL Instant Messenger, it was so easy to talk to whoever I wanted, be whoever I wanted to be, and say whatever I wanted. I think Internet safety is something that needs to be addressed thoroughly and frequently especially with how far things have advanced with social networking. I was fearless growing up, just as most kids are and many don't realize what kind of danger they can put themselves in.
Another element that stood out to me was number four - digital literacy.
"A renewed focus must be made on what technologies must be taught as well as how it should be used. New technologies are finding their way into the work place that are not being used in schools (e.g., videoconferencing, online sharing spaces such as wikis). In addition, workers in many different occupations need immediate information (just-in-time information). This process requires sophisticated searching and processing skills (i.e., information literacy). Learners must be taught how to learn in a digital society. In other words, learners must be taught to learn anything, anytime, anywhere."Learning how to use technology is so advanced it's rather self explanatory, but the problems lies in that when you teach yourself, you develop bad habits, cut corners, and don't fully learn all the uses of the product at your fingertips. By the time students reach school-age, most will probably have learned how to turn on a computer, access the internet, and probably play various computer games; I know my sister did. One clear example I can think of is the Microsoft Office Suite. Nearly everyone can open a new file, type sentences, spell check, add pretty clip art, save it, print it, and call it a day... but how many students know the advanced uses? That doesn't even cover other important aspects of the Internet like searching for content and knowing what's valuable, or valid? Or how to properly find the information to cite in papers and not plagiarize?
All of these aspects of the Internet and technology should be taught within the schools and I believe it is everyone's responsibility. If teachers are properly and effectively coordinating technology into their lessons, they have ample time to address specif concerns to their classes, as well as skills that can transfer into other classrooms and beyond their formal education. In recently searching for jobs, the technology component is huge when it comes to expectations for candidates. If students aren't learning this properly in their classrooms before they graduate, how can they gain the experience necessary to meet the qualifications?
On copyrights, I remember attending an MENC Conference and learning about everything that you think is okay, but isn't, and what the real way to do it is. I was shocked at everything I had thought was okay and really, really wasn't. So many people don't know the rules of copyright and I see it on a daily basis; in fact I learn something new every time I read about copyright so I'm sure I break the rules (actually, I'm positive I break the rules) every now and again. If it weren't for that conference or my education courses at Fredonia, I"m not sure I'd really know much about copyright beyond "Cite your sources in that essay, or else!" that I learned growing up. It's yet another topic that needs to be covered in schools by the teachers.
I've said too much. That's what happens when I get on a tangent - bad blogger over here.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
New to Blogging? Watch This Video!
If you are not sure what a blog is or how it works, this video, called “ Blogs in Plain English,” will help. Created by the folks at CommonCraft, this video explains why blogs are such a “ big deal.” To view the video, just click on the large arrow in the middle of the video window below.
Whole-House Surge Protection
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Week Two
I'm always fascinated with learning new things about technology and fun things you can do with it. I've been using Google and Gmail for years now, but never ventured much into the extras beyond using the different searches. In signing up for the blog, I actually forgot I had used Blogger previously (until I discovered my love for WordPress, but I digress) but that's about the extent of my Google-ing beyond the basics. I'm excited to get more into it with learning different tips and tricks. I am also really excited about Wunderlist -- you have no idea. It's already on my iPhone, my computer, and soon will be on my boyfriend's iPhone. No more forgetting the parmaesan cheese at the store, which has happened twice in the past week! It's also nice to be refreshing my Finale chops since leaving Fredonia. I already have a year of Finale/Tech in Music experience from undergrad, but not doing it with a laptop or on Windows, so there will be some new things to pick up.
I think we all pretty much covered how we can use that "new thingamabob" in a music classroom today in terms of Google (here's my edit & fancy link, Web 2.0!) and Finale is pretty self explanatory.
But here's a video of a cat playing the piano because who doesn't love cute animals doing cute things?
And last but not least, if you haven't already seen the Pachelbel Rant, I suggest you do below. I've watched it a handful of times in the past, but it still makes me laugh.
I think we all pretty much covered how we can use that "new thingamabob" in a music classroom today in terms of Google (here's my edit & fancy link, Web 2.0!) and Finale is pretty self explanatory.
But here's a video of a cat playing the piano because who doesn't love cute animals doing cute things?
And last but not least, if you haven't already seen the Pachelbel Rant, I suggest you do below. I've watched it a handful of times in the past, but it still makes me laugh.
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