I spent quite a lot of time exploring Google docs, and know that I still have much to learn. I know that educators across the state are going to be using these tools more and more in the future, as recently, the DE and the AEA system committed to supporting Google docs by providing professional development on them. While other tools will continue to be used, it looks as though Google docs may become somewhat of a "common platform" across the state. I felt that I wanted to get a head start on this learning, as I know that I may be called upon to assist folks out in schools who are beginning to experiment with these Web 2.0 tools.
The slide presentation I created was really very easy to put together, as it is a very simplified version of PPT. It has lots of limitations regarding the bells and whistles, but it gets the job done. I had intended to do this assignment using Glogster (the interactive poster-maker), but I had difficulty getting links to other web pages embedded. I also decided that the "look" of Glogster was a bit more edgy- or haphazard- than I wanted, and that to change it, I would have to basically wipe the poster clean and begin with a blank slate. It was then that I decided to abandon the Glogster idea, and pursue Google docs, instead. I'm glad that I did.
I created a very simple 7 slide presentation to welcome members of my upcoming class- Meeting the Needs of All Learners: Brain-Based Learning. I will use this as an ice-breaker that participants engage with BEFORE they arrive for the first face to face class session on Sept. 2. I will send them the link to the Google docs presentation in mid-August.
Within the 7 slides, I embedded links to several other websites. One slide poses the question: "What do you already know about the brain?" A link then takes them to the National Geographic website where they can take a 10 question, true-false quiz about the brain.
On another slide, I referred to the fact that exercising the brain is as important as exercising the body. I then embedded links to three "brain games" on the Lumosity website. One exercises Spatial Memory, another exercises Verbal Fluency, and the third exercises Response Inhibition. I looked through the MANY games on the Lumosity site, and selected three that I thought were not only challenging, but fun- and that were representative of the variety of games on the site.
As a way of introducing myself to the class, I embedded a link to the About Me page of my personal website. (Doing this reminded me that while I'm happy with the content of my website, I'm feeling the need to go in and do some rework on the design elements! It's way too blue!!!!)
Finally, on the last slide I embedded a link to the blog that I had set up as an addition to assignment #1 for this class. For their first blog entry, they are to watch a brief video clip, and then respond to two questions that are posed.
I'm excited about using this Google docs presentation prior to the first session of our class. I'm pleased with the number and variety of "elements" that I could put into a very simple presentation. Also, it is nice to be able to send a link to a website for them to access the presentation, rather than trying to send it to them via e-mail.
I know that I will continue to use this and many of the other Google docs tools in all aspects of my work! I'm excited to have this "head start!"
