Technology
Here you will find the various technology projects I have completed since September 2004. Several different programs have been used to complete projects for educational purposes and personal projects. Some of the projects demonstrate a basic level of use and understanding of the technology program, and others demostrate a more advanced level.
Flash
Fireworks
MovieMaker
Dreamweaver
Outcomes
Digital Photography
In working on my digital photography page I was able to practice self-directed and self-efficient learning practices (G1-4). I was able to learn and practice many useful skills to reach my desired goals of precision and accuracy in the page and its images (HM11). This page developed, grew and became a project that led and motivated me from somewhere deep inside as it developed (PM). More and more photos were added; sections were increased and then organized (HM6). This took persistence. A routine became necessary: take photos each day, download them, crop, size, choose, make folders, and then place them where I felt they were best suited (G1-9, HM1). My mental model changed for this project. I felt in the beginning that the project was not that creative, or one to be especially proud of, but because of the positive feedback I have received, I now feel it is one of my best accomplishments in the program and am quite proud of this work (G2-2, MM).
Flash (Ambulance Coloring Book)
This project required a lot of patience. The ability to take small steps that did not seem related tested my impulsivity, and I realized I needed to be somewhat flexible with the step by step directions I was following (HM3, HM7). They were not exact, which left me to use my own skills. By the end of the project I realized I had created a wonderful activity for students to engage themselves in that used technology-based personal and professional productivity tools, that I was able to handle (G1-9). I did find that I needed to work collaboratively with my peers and mentors to achieve success. I relied on them to guide me through certain tasks until I could once again teach myself and learn the Flash program in a basic form that I could understand (G1-10, G2-1). This led to a feeling of accomplishment for me (G2-2, HM8). I really love the interactive part to this activity.
MovieMaker (Photo Movie)
With this project I remember trying to use as many of the tools available in the MovieMaker program that I could. I was aware of my recorded voice, the visual transitions, the music that was used and so on (HM4). This was one of the projects where I sat and worked for hours to master the skills, but also to get the desired effect (PM, HM6). I was pretty pleased by what I accomplished here and was proud to add it to my portfolio (G2-2, HM8). I realized that this was a simple program to use and that it was not only beneficial for my use, but would be a good tool for my students to use in the future as well G2-5).
Ocean Scene
The ocean scene done in Flash was a milestone in terms of my progress with this program. I was avoiding Flash subconsciously. I was glad I worked through the steps that Donna had offered on the site to push me to complete my first major project in Flash (PM, HM11). I definitely needed assistance along the way, but that is how I realized I did most of my learning in the program when things were difficult for me. I went to my mentors or peers for their expertise in the area (G2-1).