Journal+-+Ben

=Instructions=
 * For your first entry, double-click the text below and replace it with your content
 * Place each new entry at the top (in reverse chronological order)
 * Begin each entry with the day's date

=Entries= 1/30/10

Working with digital storytelling and Alliance has altered my perception of the IT department and world at my district. As teachers it seems so simple to just add a program or feature to a computer so my students can benefit from it. But now I realize the arduous process it takes on both my part and the IT part to make things happen. I have been frustrated my repeated attempts to get certain programs downloaded onto classroom and school computers only to be thwarted by lack of administrative access and unresponsiveness of the IT department. However, I have realized all the IT department is responsible for and how they cannot just drop what they are doing to fix or add whatever I need. The process of doing some of those things, especially for so many computers, is an intricate process. I have had improve my communication skills and tactics with the IT department and my principal to make things happen this year in regards to getting digital technology to occur in my classroom. I feel that I have a much better understanding of the underpinnings of my IT department and how to best get things done in an efficient yet polite manner with them.

9/19/09

One large obstacle I have encountered so far is getting PhotoStory downloaded on computers. It has been a struggle with my IT department. I want to start teaching my students how to use PhotoStory before MovieMaker so I am stuck right now. I am teaching an after school Technology Club that the kids are super pumped about. We started with MovieMaker last week and they are very excited about the class. Unfortunately, all the computers were freezing and shutting down the first two days. The students were frustrated but determined to continue their work. We plan on making some practical videos for the school such as on recycling, bullying and other issues that classes can learn about. I used the camcorder to record my students acting out a skit on how they thought fire was discovered by early humans as it tied into my social studies unit. The kids enjoyed being recorded and acting in front the camera. They keep begging me to see the video and they want to show others. They even want to put it on our school website! My kids seem to work harder when they know they are going to be recorded and that others will see it. I cannot wait to use the technology more because I have seen the positive effects on it already.