"Prezi"-ntation Tools

We all know how to create a basic PowerPoint presentation. Don't you find it a bit tiring and common nowadays? I did learn how to create an interactive presentation using PowerPoint and appreciated it, however more programs definitely need to be utilized.

Throughout the semester, my Foundations of Education course has required the students to present over our chapters of reading in each class. Of course the easiest solution for the presentation was a simple PowerPoint presentation. I admit, I was among my friends creating the easiest, most basic slide-show. I honestly didn't know what else to use.

Then one day, a group showed a presentation that caught my eye. Through the transitions, pictures, and ease of the slide-show, I had to know what it was. Keynote? PowerPoint? No. A simple, free online program called Prezi. A note to all of you students and teachers out there: you can use an advanced version of Prezi for free that is usually $59/year.

Prezi allows you to create a presentation from your already-created PowerPoint and Keynote presentations. You are also able to create handouts easily with your Print option on Prezi. Also, you are able to access your Prezi through the Internet, so no worries about emailing your work to yourself and opening it through email or carrying around a USB drive.

Wanting to find other presentation tools? Try looking at a few options here.

The Lottery

I woke up yesterday to the best e-mail I have received in a long time: the movie I requested was finally available at my local library! It’s the little things...

I requested The Lottery, a movie that is supposed to be extremely similar to Waiting for Superman, except it actually came out first! My classmate had explained how her cousin helped in the making of The Lottery and how it was a great movie to view instead of Waiting for Superman. My roommate and I each requested one of the movies and mine happened to become available first!

The Lottery is an interesting film based in New York that discusses charter schools in the area and how communities have reacted to it. Throughout, there are interviews from educational professionals as well as parents of a few children who are hoping to win the lottery and get into Harlem Success, one of the best charter schools in the country. The documentary presents both sides of a community debate as well. Should a public school in Harlem that is performing poorly close and allow Harlem Success to use its building to allow expansion of another branch of their charter school? Madeleine Sackler does an exemplary job of  presenting both sides of this debate in a reasonable manner.

The film ends at the lottery. There, the viewer is able to see who is lucky enough to have their name drawn to enter Harlem Success. It is hard to not wish the best for each of the four children.

As I was watching this movie, and tearing up at particular moments, I realized that teaching is what I am meant to do. I want all children to grow up having a spectacular education -- they all deserve it.

I was fortunate enough to be selected for a KU Alternative Breaks trip over my spring break this year. My roommate, a fellow pre-service teacher, and I traveled to Chicago, IL with a group of 10 other students and volunteered in various schools in the city. I learned so much throughout the week, including how to really use public transportation! I worked with a kindergarten classroom and enjoyed meeting the children, teaching them subjects, and literally getting my hands dirty with paint! (The teacher I had been placed with had been gone for two weeks with a broken arm. The kids and I made a poster for him welcoming him back.) By the end of the short week, I was sad to say goodbye. I have to be honest with myself -- when am I ever going to see these kids again? I care so much for each and every one of them and wish them the best as they grow older.

I found many similarities with the area of Chicago in which I was placed with Harlem in the film. I feel as if I am a more understanding teacher having experienced this first-hand. I believe it is so important for educators to go to different areas and learn about different cultures and ways of life. It makes for a well-rounded human being.

So, little to say, I recommend The Lottery for all of you, teachers or not. It is a documentary on real life and is emotional, as well as educational. I have not seen Waiting for Superman yet, and intend on seeing it in the near future, once my roommate's request for the library comes in!

On another note, make sure you utilize your public library! I have said again and again that the Lawrence Public Library is the place I will miss most once I graduate and leave my homey college-town. The library gives you so much, and all for free! Movies, music, and of course an unlimited number of books. Why wouldn't you want to use it?

All in the Family

I'd like to think that my interests coincide with both of my parent's. 

My parents and I dancing at my brother's wedding.

My mom has always loved learning new things and still sends me future teaching tools through email. She was a preschool teacher for a few years when I was younger as well as a Sunday school teacher. As I grew older, she spent time planning the most interesting speakers and field trips for the gifted school in my school district. She was constantly researching newspaper articles and used personal connections to find the most worthwhile speakers for these elementary-aged students. Even though she had to stop working in the past years, she continues her learning through the use of technology. The Internet has allowed my mom to continue her life of education. Ask her any question and my mom will be able to quickly and efficiently find pages upon pages of the topic you wanted. I also have to say that she is an avid Facebook-fanatic as well.

My dad is a graphic designer buff. He uses technology throughout his everyday life at his job, creating brochures, logos for companies, and even my brother's wedding invitations last year. He recently took classes to become certified to create websites. Even Dad understands the demand of the changing technological world. Although he refuses to create a Facebook account, he is an experienced Linked-In user and has had plenty of success finding freelance work through this, along with other social networking sites.

My brother and I

Even my older brother has created his own blog with his biggest interest in mind: vehicles. Jason, who is becoming a successful automobile salesman, has continuously researched information about cars and decided to transmit his thoughts on a web page. This is ultimately what caused me to start my blog. Why not go out and share my interests as well?

As I have grown older, I have learned to embrace the similarities I have with members of my family. To me, it means there is this special connection in us which allows for great conversations and a flow of new ideas. While at work yesterday, my dad had actually emailed me about a great opportunity for us to collaborate together on a project. The rabbi of our congregation is retiring this year. As a way to give back, Dad was asked to create a “celebration video” honoring what a great man he is. Immediately, he sent a reply stating that he and I would team up for this opportunity. What a great way to bond! I have never worked on a professional level with my dad and am excited to create something from scratch with him. Better yet -- it involves iMovie... my favorite!

Welcome!

Ah, my first post. I guess I should introduce myself and explain what I plan on doing for this blog...

I feel as if the majority of my generation has a blog nowadays, in addition to our Facebook, Twitter, and FourSquare accounts. It is amazing to me how technology has changed lives so drastically from a mere 10-15 years ago. Each generation has become magnificently different from the one before by the advancements of technology. My grandparents do not even own a computer and I wonder how they survive! How is this future generation going to grow up? How will technology be utilized even more in everyday life?

I took a required course this past summer for my elementary education degree. It was about using technology in the classroom and through some interesting and creative assignments, it immediately became one of my favorite classes I have taken at the University of Kansas. We created movies, learned about virtual schools, and found programs that can enhance our future lessons. I was immersed in the world of technology and did not mind spending hours upon hours creating a simple iMovie about the rainforest to show to my class. Soon after this course, I found a university that offered a master's program for educational technology. I knew it was for me.

That is where I am today. I graduate with my bachelor's degree in elementary education this upcoming May and intend on starting graduate courses back home in St. Louis in the educational technology program this summer. Since KU has a five-year education program currently, I will return to Kansas City in the fall semester to student teach in a kindergarten classroom. There is no doubt in my mind that I will utilize the information from my classes in the general education classroom, especially technology.

Through this blog, I hope to relay some interesting resources I find over time, what I have used in lessons, or some thoughts that may inspire others. I am extremely excited to get started and share with you all!