Assignment #4 - Part 2

Project (PowerPoint) 
Project Outline for Students

Technology features:

• Digital Camera (Samsung SL420) - To take the photographs
• Kodak Program - To convert the pictures from a SIM card to a disc. I wanted all the pictures to be in one place to make them easy to find
• Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation - To make the story
• Microsoft Word - To make the project outline for the students
• Box.net - To upload the project

The problems I encountered with this project were
1. Figuring out the Kodak Program - I hadn't ever converted pictures from a SIM card to a disc.  A worker at Bartell's was able to help me understand the process. This will be a good resource in the future.
2. I haven't used Microsoft PowerPoint very often and in a long time.  I had to play around with PowerPoint for a while before I started the project.  I couldn't remember how to make the effects work, change the background, etc. I just had to play around with it some more.  It would be nice if in the feature they could add a voice recorder to the program as well (like PhotoStory).

Also, it takes a lot of time! This wasn't a problem, just something I noticed and will need to take into account in the classroom when the students are doing the project. I need to remember not to rush them too much because there are a lot of steps to making the photo story.

I really enjoyed this project because there is so much you can do with it.  It can be easily adapted for any grade level, subject, or unit.  It allows students to create their own project using their own pictures.  It also helps with writing skills, allows students to think on their own, and incorporates technology!  When I teach I'd like to use this project, but I would probably use another program like PhotoStory so the students can tell their story too.

Teacher NETS  

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers: a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. b. engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.

This project promotes student learning and creativity while using technology.  The teacher first has an example of the final project that the students are going to make to ignite their interest. This project allows the students to use technology (the digital camera and Microsoft PowerPoint (or other story making programs)) to make their own stories however they want.   The project fulfills the NET standard by allowing the students to use the technology to create their own story; they are both learning and being creative. 

Student NETS

1. Creativity and Innovation

	Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:
	a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes. b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression. c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues. d. identify trends and forecast possibilities.

The students get to choose the pictures they want to take.  They can choose any style or features they want to use to make their stories.  The most important part is that the students are allowed to be as creative as they want.  The project fulfills the NET standard by allowing the students to be innovative and creative by creating their own digital story.