Survived the First Week!

Today is Friday and I survived the first week of school.  It has been exciting getting to meet all of my new students.  I used a web 2.0 application called Xtranormal to introduce myself to the students on the first day.  Now, they are creating a one minute introduction so that we may all get to know each other.  This application can be used for students to demonstrate their understanding of a topic, tell a story, teach a concept, etc.  I am so excited about the new school year and hope that you will be too.

Check out my intro! Then go and create you an animated movie clip.  Have fun!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6993443/

First Day of In-Service

Our first day of in-service was held at Central Baptist Church.  It was really nice to see some familiar faces and hear about their summer.  The breakfast was especially nice and relaxing to start the year off right, especially since it was pretty difficult to get up so early this morning.  I think that's why schools have in-service - to get us back on schedule so we won't be yawning as much as the students next week.  Just kidding! 

The administration & staff reviewed us over some of the school policies and procedures, as well as expectations for the upcoming year!  We even shared some laughs along the way.  Can't wait until tomorrow!  BHS here we come!

Last Day of Technology Workshop

Where did the week go??? Today, we are posting a few of the new software & Web 2.0 applications on our workshop wiki to review and critique.  The teachers in this workshop with me are truly amazing and has put forth a lot of effort in grasping these new applications.  Although these are just rough drafts, they are still pretty awesome!  Some of them will be used at the beginning of school!  Watch out now!

New Features in iMovie '09

I was familiar with iMovie '08 and the new laptops that my students were working on had the '09 version.  We didn't have time to explore or look for any new features in '09 but I have learned about a couple of neat ones to share with my students this year.  One is called "greenshot" and the other one is "a picture in a picture."  These can be very exciting features for my students to use!  I am ready for school to start so that we can begin; well ALMOST ready! Now I have got to go try these new features out in my own creations.  Off and running!

Glenda's Birthday Jingle!

This original soundtrack was created for my little sister Glenda on her birthday, August 4, 2010!!  I know this is not World Geography but ...... please forgive me.

Global Issues Project Video 2010

I created my first video podcast, which is basically an iMovie, over the Global Issues project that my students completed last year.  This is definitely a diamond in the rough and probably shouldn't be published.  But, oh well, here goes nothing!!!

The Creation of A Star

I just became a musician! I created my first piece of music in GarageBand....You can purchase my new hot sound from iTunes!  Probably not ready for that yet but definitely a masterpiece in the making.

Review of Workshop

Although I have used iMovie quite a bit, I had never used GarageBand.  Well yesterday, I made my first podcast.  It was a basic one and there is definitely room for improvement!! Who knows, I may let you hear it someday when you need a good laugh!!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!! Yea!!!!

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!

Learning New Technologies

Today, I am sitting in the library at Bryan High School learning about a variety of new technologies that can be used in my classroom.  It is my hope to incorporate as much technology into the curriculum that will aid my students in learning the required content, as well as provide avenues for students to excel beyond the walls of BHS and become life long learners.  With technology, the world becomes their classroom and there is no limit to what they can learn!