I must admit I have rarely used a podcast. I remember once I missed a lecture and listened to it as a podcast only to have the audio cut out half way through. That was my one and only experience with podcasting. I like the idea of recording some classes, especially review sections. However, on a day to day basis I don't think I'll use it. Also I think I'm going to try using Audacity for my next podcast, I had trouble with Aviary. If anyone knows which is easier to use let me know. I guess I prefer to use software that is not on the internet because the internet can add problems.
I had trouble following along with Kristen on how to use Google reader. I have a few suggestions for Kristen that would make it easier for me (and hopefully others to follow along).
1) Enlarge the screen, I can't really see where you are clicking, especially sitting toward the back of the classroom (I do need to get my eyes checked). I'm not sure if this is possible with the projector.
2) Go slower! I know we were in a time crunch yesterday, but having never used the website before, if I miss one step I feel lost for the rest of the demonstration, perhaps it would be useful to repeat important steps.
3) Enclose your laptop in a bubble. After two near computer ending accidents in back to back classes, I think for humor's sake the best option would be putting it in a big plastic bubble.
In terms of the discussion on Gee, his ideas were clarified when Jeff explained that he was mainly trying to discover how we learn from videogames and not directly placing them in the classroom.
Anyway I'm going to go. Now all I have left to do this weekend is a psych paper, concept maps, begin working on my wiki project (my group don't read this), deliver a baby giraffe, stop a bank robbery and finger paint a picture as a present for my grandmother's 80th birthday.
Dave,
ReplyDeleteWow, after hearing all you have to do this weekend (bank robbery,baby giraffe and whatnot) I can't complain! hehe :)
Do you have a MAC? If so, Mindy and I used Garage Band, and it was super easy. I can show you what we did, if you want. I agree with you that podcasting has it's pros and cons, though I'm kind of excited to try it in a Spanish classroom.
Happy birthday to your grandma :)
Garage band is super easy, if you have access to it. I had a little bit of trouble following the google reader section, as well, although I can't tell if it was because it was going fast or because I was already in a blind panic about the schoolwork needing to be completed this weekend, the baby animals needing to be delivered, and the crimes to be prevented. If only my brain had known to worry about the torrential downpour that would occur right after class...
ReplyDeleteI'll second the happy birthday to your grandma!
ReplyDeleteI also had some trouble following the Google reader demonstration. I've decided to leave mine blank and keep checking stuff individually - I do that anyway for assignments/syllabi. To be perfectly honest, I only really check the bloggs; the Twitter just seems too random and abbreviated to get much out of it.
As for homework, my stuff for Mon. is done! :) I also have some of my info. sumarised for the wiki in Shari's class; I just need one of my group-mates to show me how to load it on there. Good luck to the rest of you, and may God help all of us survive this last week.