Summary+CT+302+June+8

=Summary CT 302 June 8 2007=

Concepts Covered:
Inspiration Site map Wiki prep Motivations Expectations podcast

Summary:
Inspiration is a program that can be used by teachers as a "basic diagram-making tool." You can layout your wiki as a site map through this program. One option is to click on "outline," and begin typing out a basic outline of your wiki layout. If you don't want to begin with the "outline," you can also start with "diagram" or pre-made "templates." If you go to "outline" first, click "topic" every time you have a new topic, and if you want a subtopic beneath that, click "subtopic." You may then click on "diagram" and the outline will automatically appear in diagram format. By clicking "arrange," you can alter the appearance of the outline by making a tree or web format. Clink on "link" to generate an arrow between topics on your diagram. A major benefit of this program is the mobility of objects within your diagram. To move an object, just click and drag it to a new location.

There are many different shapes, sizes and colors that help identify sections or opposing topics. These should always be used to improve clarity for students. You may also click on "Libraries" to see pictures and other icons that can be added to a diagram. Links help users navigate, so too many links can be overwhelming with too much information. Three links is ideal. As a rule of thumb, do not use more than ten links to a page, because your information will become too crowded. Everything should be broken up into sections, such as Home, People, Summary, Help, Talk, Projects, and Syllabus. Each of these may then have subtopics.

Assignment: Create a word doc of a syllabus/policy for wiki use, then create a site map in Inspiration. Wiki Stylesheet is like a master template that allows you to change the layout of your wiki, but for now we will be working on creating the basic outline of the content. Go to Wiki Policy to see good and bad intentions of a wiki. This will help you determine what content should be within your wiki to benefit students the most. Information should be clear and organized. When organizing your information, go to Standards in Unit 4 to be sure you are preparing material to teach that will fit the state standards for your class. Motivation for creating a wiki can include not enough resources such as texts or generating a way to make class more entertaining for students. Students can provide excellent ideas for projects by contributing to the wiki. Behavioral expectations of a wiki can include expectations for students and parents to check for summaries and assignments. The wiki is a teaching tool, learning tool and an evaluation tool.

Podcasts: There is no user error because the user doesn’t actually do anything…the information is automatically downloaded to the ipod. Three main steps to using podcasts: 1. Get materials needed to record and decide what you want to record 2. Export as an mp3 3. Find a place to host

Audacity is a program that allows users to record audio and visual information to their computer. You can record a phone call or CD, or create new material. If you make an error when recording, you do not have to re-record the entire message like you do on an answering machine. You must have a microphone in order to use Audacity. “Effects” can do noise removal, repeat or reverse sounds, fade in/out, etc. To export to an mp3: Search for “lame audacity” in Google in order to download. Go to File and Export file to mp3 and save.

[|www.podomatic.com] will host your mp3 for you and create an RSS for free. They do everything for you. Individual podcasts are called episodes. Click to Post New Episode. Enter a title and tag such as “podcasts.” There are less editing capabilities than there are in Audacity. Import and upload.