1. How do you define UDL? UDL is defined as a framework for designing curricula that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. To me it means a way to set up my instruction so that all types of learners can be successful by increasing motivation.
2. How could you modify what you do to make it UDL-compliant? I can install software on my computers to help visually impaired students. I could use graphic organizers like Inspiration to help students use their strengths individually and a group.
3. What role does technology play in UDL? Technology plays a huge role in UDL. You can differentiate how the students get their information and how they show you what they have learned. I'm not saying that students have to be on the computer all the time, but it can be a useful tool and it lets students "get out of the classroom" without leaving the building. Also, there are many programs for the computer that can help students with needs which allows these students to do anything they want to do.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Week 8 Audio reflections
1. Funbrain uses many of the common sonifications. Its pretty easy to understand what their audio is trying to communicate. I played the game with the bee and the wind. I had to control the bee (which made a buzzing sound when I moved it), move the bee towards the cloud (which made a wind blowing noise that blew the dandelions), and drop a number into a flower (which made a "dwoop" sound).
2. The .wav file was much bigger than the .mp3 and it didn't sound much better. Maybe its just me. I would want to use stereo when I am recording two different sounds at once and have the listeners hear two different sounds like singing and playing an instrument.
3. I took a wave file and converted it to mp3 twice, once at 128kbs and once at 320 kbs. I could tell a little difference in the quality, but the 128kbs took up only 2.81 mb of space and the 320 took up 7.02 mb.
4.
5. I'm not sure that audio is going to help with my grant unless I show a video and want to save space by lowering my video/audio quality.
2. The .wav file was much bigger than the .mp3 and it didn't sound much better. Maybe its just me. I would want to use stereo when I am recording two different sounds at once and have the listeners hear two different sounds like singing and playing an instrument.
3. I took a wave file and converted it to mp3 twice, once at 128kbs and once at 320 kbs. I could tell a little difference in the quality, but the 128kbs took up only 2.81 mb of space and the 320 took up 7.02 mb.
4.
5. I'm not sure that audio is going to help with my grant unless I show a video and want to save space by lowering my video/audio quality.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Video Preview
Here are my pre and post activities and my preview.
Pre-http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/print-and-go/traitsinventory.pdf . In this activity students are surveying other students to find the percentage of students that have particular physical traits.
Post-http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/search/assetDetail.cfm?guidAssetID=b6faeaf7-8ed1-4c04-8d03-3124d5860d22 . A 7 question quiz that follows the video.
Pre-http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/print-and-go/traitsinventory.pdf . In this activity students are surveying other students to find the percentage of students that have particular physical traits.
Post-http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/search/assetDetail.cfm?guidAssetID=b6faeaf7-8ed1-4c04-8d03-3124d5860d22 . A 7 question quiz that follows the video.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Week 8 - Audio
1. What are the 2 major types of audio files for computers and name at least one example of each type (this is sort of like the difference between bitmaps (.gif, .jpg) and vector (.wmf, .swf) graphics.) mp3 and wav
2. What is sampling, resolution and bit depth and why do we care?
Sampling is taking bits of music to use in another song. There is much controversey on whether or not is is copy right infringement.
Resolution and bit depth- the higher the resolution and bit depth, the better sounding the music, but the more room it takes up.
3. How do you record something onto your computer?
I use a microphone (built in or external) and the pre-installed recording application that comes with my computer.
4. What are 3 main ways that audio is used in multimedia?
1) To relay information
2) To set the mood in instructional applications or for emotions in music
3) Sonification
2. What is sampling, resolution and bit depth and why do we care?
Sampling is taking bits of music to use in another song. There is much controversey on whether or not is is copy right infringement.
Resolution and bit depth- the higher the resolution and bit depth, the better sounding the music, but the more room it takes up.
3. How do you record something onto your computer?
I use a microphone (built in or external) and the pre-installed recording application that comes with my computer.
4. What are 3 main ways that audio is used in multimedia?
1) To relay information
2) To set the mood in instructional applications or for emotions in music
3) Sonification
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Week 7- Video and photography
1. How many times in a 30 second period of time did either the camera angle change or did the type of shot (establishing, medium, close-up, etc.) change?
For the "mom song" I counted 7 changes in 30 seconds. Most of them were close-ups with a few wide angle corner views.
2. Did the video primarily use the rule of thirds? In the "Ask Ninja" they used the rule of thirds most of the time with the top horizontal line going through his eyes, but he moved around so much that it was hard to focus on finding the lines.
3. How did the shot selection make the video more interesting to watch? Or, did you find the shot selection distracting? How do you think it will seem to kids? The "mom song" video did very well at keeping my attention by differentiating the camera angles at just the right time. The ninja one was quite distracting to watch. Nobody wants to sit and watch one camera angle for very long, especially kids. A good videographer/producer knows to change angle every so often (usually within 4-7 seconds) to keep the viewers interested. Any changes that are too frequent can be very distracting (unless you like that sort of thing).
4. What digital format(s) were available to view this video? What special software would you need? The Ninja site required Flash or Quicktime. I don't consider these "special" because they are free. However, it seems that you have to keep them updated often or they won't play the newest clips. You do have to run active X to get the quicktime to play.
5. On the Ninja site, you get to choose. Watch the video in at least 2 formats and comment on any differences you may see between the two formats. The Flash ran a lot smoother on my computer especially when I tried to scroll down. The Quicktime was choppy when trying to scroll down.
For the "mom song" I counted 7 changes in 30 seconds. Most of them were close-ups with a few wide angle corner views.
2. Did the video primarily use the rule of thirds? In the "Ask Ninja" they used the rule of thirds most of the time with the top horizontal line going through his eyes, but he moved around so much that it was hard to focus on finding the lines.
3. How did the shot selection make the video more interesting to watch? Or, did you find the shot selection distracting? How do you think it will seem to kids? The "mom song" video did very well at keeping my attention by differentiating the camera angles at just the right time. The ninja one was quite distracting to watch. Nobody wants to sit and watch one camera angle for very long, especially kids. A good videographer/producer knows to change angle every so often (usually within 4-7 seconds) to keep the viewers interested. Any changes that are too frequent can be very distracting (unless you like that sort of thing).
4. What digital format(s) were available to view this video? What special software would you need? The Ninja site required Flash or Quicktime. I don't consider these "special" because they are free. However, it seems that you have to keep them updated often or they won't play the newest clips. You do have to run active X to get the quicktime to play.
5. On the Ninja site, you get to choose. Watch the video in at least 2 formats and comment on any differences you may see between the two formats. The Flash ran a lot smoother on my computer especially when I tried to scroll down. The Quicktime was choppy when trying to scroll down.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Metaphors
1. What is the primary software metaphor (big idea)?
Type writer on steriods.
2. When you run the software, what can you immediately do without using any tools or menus?
Type words, sentences, paragraphs, etc.
3. What patterns in this software help you?
Using TAB to create a new paragraph. Automatic spell check with auto capitalization and self fix on common mispelled words.
4. What are some things that you can do in this software that are similar to things that you can do in other software? For example, what user interface features are similar, etc.)
Save, print, shortcut keys, copy and paste
5. What do you find easy about this program? Difficult?
Easy-If I want to go simple, it can go simple: Type, save, print.
Difficult- Remembering where ALL the functions are, and remembering to save in the earlier version's format so other people can view my work.
6. Based on the expert/novice information, what are some strategies that we could use to teach children and novice adults how to use the basic features of this program?
One strategy is to go exploring and try the functions. Just make sure you show them how to undo them.
Another strategy is to think of the menus as drawers of a dresser. Each drawer is labelled and everything in it goes with that label
7. Find the image (picture) and drawing tools in this software. Use each tool and make sure you understand what they do. Got it.
Type writer on steriods.
2. When you run the software, what can you immediately do without using any tools or menus?
Type words, sentences, paragraphs, etc.
3. What patterns in this software help you?
Using TAB to create a new paragraph. Automatic spell check with auto capitalization and self fix on common mispelled words.
4. What are some things that you can do in this software that are similar to things that you can do in other software? For example, what user interface features are similar, etc.)
Save, print, shortcut keys, copy and paste
5. What do you find easy about this program? Difficult?
Easy-If I want to go simple, it can go simple: Type, save, print.
Difficult- Remembering where ALL the functions are, and remembering to save in the earlier version's format so other people can view my work.
6. Based on the expert/novice information, what are some strategies that we could use to teach children and novice adults how to use the basic features of this program?
One strategy is to go exploring and try the functions. Just make sure you show them how to undo them.
Another strategy is to think of the menus as drawers of a dresser. Each drawer is labelled and everything in it goes with that label
7. Find the image (picture) and drawing tools in this software. Use each tool and make sure you understand what they do. Got it.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ebsco Articles
I'm looking forward to seeing some new articles about the Vernier LabQuest. It just came out this past fall so not many articles have been written about its success.
I like the idea of adding articles to my website. Its sort of like adding webites for a webquest, but the students are actually reading articles. Somehow, it seems more meaningful that way.
I like the idea of adding articles to my website. Its sort of like adding webites for a webquest, but the students are actually reading articles. Somehow, it seems more meaningful that way.
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